Opioids have been a topic of discussion for decades, with more and more lives being stolen by their influence. Around Tennessee and Virginia, opioid overdoses are all too common, including:
- 2023: 519 drug-related deaths in Knox County, TN, most commonly from synthetic opioids
- 2022: 222 fatal overdose deaths in Hamilton County, TN, 73% attributed to fentanyl
- 2022: 87 reported overdoses in Cocke County, TN, primarily due to heroin, fentanyl, and meth
- 2022: Over 3,000 opioid overdoses resulted in fatalities in Tennessee
- 2023: 2,463 drug overdose deaths occurred in Virginia, 79% involving fentanyl, fentanyl analogs, or tramadol
These numbers are not just a tally of a statistic, they reflect human beings – lifetimes of memories, experiences, and love – gone far too soon. At ReVIDA® Recovery, we understand how opioids take over every aspect of life. Our program focuses on medication-assisted treatment utilizing Suboxone, as we have seen so many find success in recovery through this medication.
What We Treat: All Forms of Opioid Use Disorders
Opioids are a class of substance that affects the brain and blocks feelings of pain. You may be familiar with FDA-approved opioids such as morphine and hydrocodone, but also illicit versions such as heroin. One of the most common opioids fueling fear in today’s society is fentanyl – one of the most potent opioids available. No matter the type of opioid being taken, an opioid use disorder (OUD) can develop in anyone.
When opioids enter the system, they bind to opioid receptors within the brain. This causes feelings of euphoria and relaxation, followed by drowsiness. As the person continues taking opioids, the brain develops a tolerance, requiring more frequent or higher doses to feel the same effects. As tolerance increases, dependence develops. The brain begins to rely on having opioids in the system, and when they are not present, withdrawal symptoms begin. These symptoms are uncomfortable and even painful, driving the cycle of continued use.
At ReVIDA® Recovery, we understand how the cycle of opioid use takes over every aspect of life. The seriousness behind opioid overdoses is extensive, creating the loss of loved ones far too soon. Our program specifically addresses opioid use disorders on an individual level, providing hope and freedom from addiction.
How We Treat: The Revolution of Suboxone Treatment at ReVIDA® Recovery
One of the largest components of opioid use disorder treatment is the medication known as Suboxone. The main drivers behind OUD are withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Even after the detox process is complete and withdrawal symptoms dissipate, cravings can still happen months to even years later. This is especially dangerous, as returning to use after detoxing increases the risk of experiencing an opioid overdose tenfold.
Suboxone works by curbing cravings and reducing the urge to return to opioid use. It is a partial opioid agonist, meaning it provides similar effects at a much lower rate than full opioid agonists such as heroin or fentanyl. Suboxone does bind to opioid receptors without producing nearly as intense symptoms.
At ReVIDA® Recovery, we have seen first-hand the benefits Suboxone provides in treating opioid use disorder. Our dedicated and compassionate team will work with you to find the proper dose that fits your needs and set you up for our outpatient therapy program.
Why MAT Is Effective in Treating Opioid Addiction
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is effective due to helping with cravings so the focus stays on recovery. While enrolled in ReVIDA® Recovery’s MAT program, you will meet with a Suboxone doctor to review your medical history. From there, your care team will create a treatment protocol, including prescribing Suboxone and integrating outpatient therapy. Combining these strategies is the most effective option for OUD treatment.
How Suboxone Treatment Works in the Brain
Suboxone is made up of two medications: buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine is the partial opioid agonist portion and creates feelings of euphoria. As we mentioned above, it is not as strong as a full opioid agonist. However, many worry that Suboxone can lead to further addiction. This is where the second medication, naloxone, comes into play. Naloxone is the generic version of Narcan®, which is used to reverse opioid overdoses. It blocks the effects of opioids by unbinding the substance from opioid receptors.
Because both medications are present, Suboxone has a ceiling effect. The buprenorphine creates effects, while the naloxone prevents them from becoming too much. For example, if someone took multiple doses of Suboxone, they would not feel increased effects as naloxone would prevent that from happening. This is why Suboxone is such an effective medication in treating opioid use disorders.
Signs Opioid Use Disorder Treatment Is Right for You
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to whether treatment is right for you. However, there are questions you can pose when considering the possibility of treatment:
- Have you tried to stop taking opioids but not been able to?
- Have opioids negatively affected your relationships?
- Have you had conflicts at work due to opioid use?
- Do hobbies you once enjoyed now take a back seat to opioids?
- Do you experience withdrawal symptoms when opioids have not been taken?
- Have you ever experienced an overdose or other negative consequence from taking opioids?
If you find yourself answering “yes” to these questions, opioid use disorder treatment is a great opportunity to get compassionate care to leave opioids behind. The team at ReVIDA® Recovery will ensure your transition into treatment is safe and smooth.
Benefits of Suboxone as Part of Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder
The benefits of Suboxone are vast and give you a chance to recover from opioid use disorder. Many find it extremely difficult to stop taking opioids, especially if it has been a coping skill for many years. Even going through a treatment program or joining 12-step groups are not always enough to prevent a return to use. Suboxone allows the person freedom and a way to get their life back on track.
Though stigma has surrounded Suboxone for years, ReVIDA® Recovery has been working to educate communities on how the medication is life-saving. Cravings and withdrawal symptoms drive further opioid use, increasing the risk of experiencing an overdose, which can be fatal. Suboxone’s ceiling effect helps mitigate cravings while also preventing misuse. Even if the person took more than their prescribed dose of Suboxone, there is no way for them to feel “more high.” By being on a Suboxone regime, the risk of overdose is significantly reduced, and it helps save numerous lives.
Get Suboxone Treatment Today at ReVIDA® Recovery
Whether you are looking for help for the first time or have tried to stop taking opioids with no success, Suboxone treatment at ReVIDA® Recovery can make a world of difference. Our expert team of doctors will guide you through your Suboxone regimen every step of the way. Case managers can also connect you with jobs, transportation, housing, food, and more. While Suboxone is an integral part of our program, you will also attend outpatient therapy, where you will learn the root causes behind your opioid use disorder. It’s okay if you have tried other options and returned to use – ReVIDA® Recovery will always welcome you into our care.
If you or someone you love is looking for quality opioid use disorder treatment with Suboxone, look no further than ReVIDA® Recovery. With locations throughout Eastern Tennessee and Western Virginia, we connect Appalachian residents to compassionate care and life-saving Suboxone. Contact us today at 423-631-0432 to learn more or get started.
Reclaim your life.
