Suboxone Treatment
What is an opioid?
Opioids are drugs derived from
opiates (drugs created directly from opium, the poppy plant,
or similarly created synthetic narcotics). Examples include
prescription painkillers such as oxycodone, hydrocodone,
methadone, and heroin.
What is opioid dependence?
An individual is generally
considered opioid dependent when they repeatedly use opioids
in order to feel good or avoid feeling bad and continued
opioid use in spite of its negative effects (such as hurting
their health, job, finances, or family).
Some common characteristics of
opioid dependence include:
-
Tolerance (the need to take more
drugs to get the same effect).
-
Withdrawal symptoms when opioids are not used.
-
Taking larger amounts of opioids for longer periods of time
than anticipated.
-
Persistent desire or unsuccessful attempts to quit.
-
Spending a lot of time and effort to obtain, use, and
recover from opioid use.
-
Giving up or reducing social, recreational activities, or
employment.
-
Continued opioid use regardless of negative consequences.
Since the year 2003 physicians
have able to treat opioid dependence in an office setting
instead of a methadone clinic. Suboxone is the first opioid
medication approved for such treatments. Suboxone works on the
same mu receptors in the brain as other opioids. It is called
a partial opioid agonist because it does not produce the full
narcotic effect of other opioids. Once it attaches to those mu
receptors, it blocks other opioids from working in the brain.
Suboxone is a combination of
buprenorphine and naloxone. Naloxone is a medication that is
used to reverse overdoses of opioids. When Suboxone is placed
under the tongue as prescribed very little of the naloxone is
absorbed into the bloodstream. The naloxone in Suboxone is
there to deterred people from dissolving Suboxone and
injecting it or snorting it. When Suboxone is used incorrectly
its naloxone component can cause withdrawal symptoms to occur
rapidly.
How does Suboxone benefit you?
Suboxone can decrease cravings and
relieve withdrawal symptoms. This can help you remain in
treatment and gain control of your dependence without the fear
of cravings or withdrawal symptoms. Suboxone offers a way to
treat narcotic dependence in a doctor's office with privacy,
confidentiality and safety. When you no longer need Suboxone
your dose can be tapered slowly until the medication is no
longer required.
Call or Visit Indian
Shores Medical Clinic Today Phone: (727) 517-1500
Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
20001 Gulf Blvd., Suite 7, Indian Shores, FL 33785 |
