Opiate addiction is a serious illness and one that needs to be treated very carefully. Many people who attempt to withdraw and recover on their own end up relapsing. Enrollment in a program that is overseen by medical professionals and therapists seems to be a major key to success for most opiate addicts. However, there is another common element in these treatment programs: the use of Suboxone.
Some people may scoff at the use of this drug and claim that it is just another opiate that patients use to substitute one addiction for another. In reality, Suboxone helps make recovery more approachable and realistic for many addicts. Here are some of the major upsides to including Suboxone in a recovery plan.
It suppresses withdrawal symptoms.
People who have not withdrawn from opiates don't truly realize how serious the withdrawal symptoms can be. It can be worse than the flu. Pain, nausea, headaches, and crippling dizziness can make it hard to do anything but lie still. Worse yet is the knowledge that if the person just uses opiates again, all of this pain will go away and they'll feel great again. Fighting through withdrawal is incredibly difficult, and Suboxone makes it so much easier. It blocks withdrawal symptoms, which enables patients to feel okay as they stop using opiates. Since they feel okay, they can better focus on therapy that gets to the root of the problems that triggered their addiction, and together, this makes for a more lasting, complete recovery.
It blocks the effects of other opiates.
Sometimes patients do give in to temptation and use opiates while they are meant to be recovering. If they do so while taking Suboxone, they won't feel a thing. This helps break the cycle. If a patient takes their opiate of choice a few times but does not get the desired effects, then the drug becomes less appealing.
It works for 24 hours at a time.
One dose of Suboxone can last 24 hours, which is a good thing for a few reasons. First, it means patients only need to take the pill once a day. A friend or family member can even administer it to ensure it does not get skipped. Second, it means patients can take their dose at a time that's convenient for them, which helps increase adherence to the treatment plan.
Suboxone treatment may not be the right choice for everyone struggling with addiction, but it is the right choice for many people who are struggling. If your doctor or therapist is recommending Suboxone for you, then you can walk down that path with confidence. Contact a Suboxone treatment service for more information.
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