Over 70,000 Tennesseans are living with an opioid addiction right now, and evidence-based treatment methods have never been more in demand. One of the reasons people have such a hard time letting go of opioids is the withdrawal symptoms that can come with quitting. Buprenorphine (Suboxone®) was developed to combat these symptoms and propel people into recovery. At ReVIDA Recovery®, we’ve seen this medication work wonders when it comes to the fight against opioid use disorder (OUD).
One of the stigmas surrounding buprenorphine (Suboxone®) is that it’s swapping out one opioid for another. Will people stop taking opioids like heroin or fentanyl only to form a dependence on buprenorphine (Suboxone®)? Will they be stuck taking this medication forever? Let’s talk about that.
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How Does Buprenorphine (Suboxone®) Work?
Withdrawal symptoms can become intense for people living with OUD. The brain has gotten used to receiving a flood of dopamine every time an opioid is ingested. After a while, the body and mind become used to a higher level of dopamine than normal. When someone decides to quit taking opioids or reduce their dosage, the mind and body experience a dopamine deficiency while they work to find a new “normal.” The result can be uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.
Buprenorphine (Suboxone®) is a partial opioid agonist, which means it does two things: It helps to diminish cravings/withdrawals while blocking the effects of other opioids. This medication works by binding to the brain’s opioid receptors and activating the same areas that other opioids activate. When an individual is taking buprenorphine (Suboxone®), they can focus less on their addiction and more on their recovery.
Buprenorphine (Suboxone®) works to achieve the following:
- It works to prevent relapse. Withdrawal symptoms are a large reason why individuals will return to their opioid of choice. Buprenorphine (Suboxone®) works to diminish those withdrawals (and cravings) so that people can focus on other aspects of their recovery.
- It works to prevent overdose. When someone has been taking opioids for a long time, it becomes difficult to get the same feeling from the same dosage. In order to achieve the same effects, they need to gradually increase their dosage. This is called building up tolerance. It’s partly why opioid dependence is so common. But once someone stops taking opioids, that tolerance goes away. If and when they relapse, taking the same dosage they used to take becomes dangerous because it can lead to an overdose. By discouraging relapse, buprenorphine (Suboxone®) lowers the risk of that kind of overdose.
- It’s also fairly uncommon to overdose on buprenorphine (Suboxone®) itself. This medication has a “ceiling” effect, which means after a certain dose, its effects level off. An individual can’t expect to get “more high” by taking more of this medication.
- It works to give patients the strength they need to “quit” completely. Buprenorphine (Suboxone®) isn’t as habit-forming as opioids like fentanyl, heroin, or oxycodone. When patients take this medication according to their doctor’s schedule and recommendations, it’s likely they’ll be able to stop taking it eventually without major complications.
Is It Dangerous to Use Buprenorphine (Suboxone®) Long-Term?
While the goal usually revolves around the discontinuation of buprenorphine (Suboxone®), there are some cases in which a patient will have a long-term prescription through their doctor. Buprenorphine (Suboxone®) can be used in a maintenance treatment plan, especially when combined with therapy or other treatment modalities.
There are pros and cons to using buprenorphine (Suboxone®) for the long-term. Ultimately, the choice of how long to use this medication will depend on what you decide with your physician.
What Are the Upsides of Using Buprenorphine (Suboxone®) Long-term?
Like any other medication, using Buprenorphine (Suboxone®) long-term has its upsides:
- The patient is no longer dependent on dangerous opioids like heroin, fentanyl, or oxycodone
- Continuation of this medication makes it less likely that the patient will return to harsher opioids
- This medication is accessible through any doctor or clinician – a treatment plan is not needed to obtain it
If you’re taking buprenorphine (Suboxone®) instead of stronger opioids like fentanyl, you’re reducing the harm to your mind and body. If you and your doctor decide to stay on a buprenorphine (Suboxone®) schedule for a while, you’re still doing less damage to your body than when you were taking stronger opioids. In some cases, your doctor may even increase your dose of buprenorphine (Suboxone®).
What Are the Downsides of Using Buprenorphine (Suboxone®) Long-Term?
Buprenorphine (Suboxone®) does have a list of side effects, and taking this medication long-term can increase the risk of experiencing them. Some of these side effects include:
- Anxiety or panic attacks
- Gastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, constipation)
- Headaches or migraines
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
If you’re experiencing any of these side effects, communicate with your doctor or treatment provider. If you’re experiencing depression, social isolation, feelings of hopelessness, or suicidal thoughts – this is also something that needs to be communicated. Your doctor will be able to help you navigate any side effects you’re having by adjusting your dose or suggesting other medications.
Are There Other Treatment Options for Opioid Use Disorder?
Buprenorphine (Suboxone®) isn’t the only option for treatment when it comes to OUD. If you’re not comfortable taking this medication, you can start with another form of treatment. You may also decide to enter a program in which you only take buprenorphine (Suboxone®) while you’re experiencing withdrawals. The right treatment for you is out there, and it may take some time to discover what that is.
At ReVIDA Recovery®, our staff is dedicated to helping you get your life back on track. Recovery is a process, and it doesn’t look the same for everyone. Our treatment programs are designed to cater to your individual needs.
Opioid Use Disorder Treatment at ReVIDA Recovery®
If you or someone you love has fallen victim to the nationwide opioid epidemic, you’re not alone. Finding yourself caught in the manipulative cycle of a substance use disorder doesn’t mean your life is over. Far from it. People recover and go on to lead happy, healthy lives after addiction treatment. We can help you reclaim your life with a combination of the following treatment options:
Structured Outpatient Treatment
The ReVIDA outpatient program is a flexible and structured treatment. Our evidence-based scientific treatment includes individual and group therapy, education classes, and 12-step meetings. Also, we help connect you to resources and community partners who have joined together to assist your extended support team during treatment.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Discontinuing opioid use is one of the most difficult challenges you will experience. Choosing a MAT program means choosing support. We’ll work to decrease any withdrawal symptoms and make your recovery as comfortable as possible. Our MAT program is supervised by physicians, licensed therapists, certified counselors, care coordinators, and peer recovery specialists to oversee your progress and health – every step of the way.
Buprenorphine (Suboxone®) Treatment
Our medically supervised Suboxone ® program helps quiet the mind and prepare your body for the treatment and support for long-term opiate addiction. Buprenorphine (Suboxone®) is one of the most effective and proven therapies to reduce the cravings for opioids. Unlike Methadone, Suboxone® can be prescribed in a doctor’s office and permits our staff to prepare you for the more important work of one-on-one therapy and strategies for daily recovery.
Counseling and Group Therapy
Study after study shows that providing individual and group therapy are a critical component of assisting patients as they navigate the road to long-term recovery. The longer a person stays engaged in treatment of any type, the better their chances are for long-term recovery. From the moment you begin treatment, you will discover that we offer a safe and supportive place to talk and learn the necessary skills that will support long-term recovery and a healthy lifestyle. Our behavioral healthcare team is composed of licensed therapists, certified counselors, care coordinators, and peer recovery specialists who are ready to guide and support you all along the way.
To learn more about treatment for substance use disorders at ReVIDA Recovery®, call us today at 423-631-0432 so we can help you reclaim your life!
FAQs About How Long Should I Take Suboxone
What is buprenorphine (Suboxone®)?
Buprenorphine (Suboxone®) is a partial opioid agonist, which means it does two things: It helps to diminish cravings/withdrawals while blocking the effects of other opioids. This medication works by binding to the brain’s opioid receptors and activating the same areas that other opioids activate. When an individual is taking buprenorphine (Suboxone®), they can focus less on their addiction and more on their recovery.
What happens if I miss a dose of buprenorphine (Suboxone®)?
If you miss a dose of buprenorphine (Suboxone®), take it as soon as you remember or wait until your next dose. It’s important that you don’t take a double dose of this medication. If you are unsure, call your doctor.
How long should I take buprenorphine (Suboxone®)?
This depends on your individual needs and what you’ve decided with your doctor. While the goal usually revolves around the discontinuation of buprenorphine (Suboxone®), there are some cases in which a patient will have a long-term prescription. Buprenorphine (Suboxone®) can be used in a maintenance treatment plan, especially when combined with therapy or other treatment modalities.