Many people who struggle with the entanglement of addiction turn to suboxone to help. This medication has an opioid narcotic base, which is a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone. It’s known to help ease withdrawal symptoms once someone ceases a drug that’s opiate base. Though it’s technically not known as an addictive substance, some people have addictive tendencies that can abuse it.
When a person uses suboxone, it can cause withdrawal symptoms. The therapeutic level shouldn’t make a person feel euphoria. However, the problem lies with giving a substance to someone with an addictive nature, as the need for more is present. Withdrawing from any substance can be brutal, and suboxone is no different. It’s imperative to take this drug under the supervision of a medical practitioner; thus, they can ensure you’re getting the correct dose for your situation. These doctors specialize in helping people get through opioid addiction, and when appropriately used, suboxone is an excellent option to help you get clean. Like most medications, there is a risk of becoming dependent on them.
Understanding How Suboxone Works to Help Addiction
Suboxone has buprenorphine in it, and this drug acts as an opiate partial agonist, which means it helps to stop unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. One of the hardest and most dangerous parts of detoxing from opiate drugs is withdrawal. Many people want help, but they feel powerless against the withdrawal process. When coming off drugs like heroin, it’s not safe to go “cold-turkey,” so this medication can help ease the body from controlling the drug. Thankfully, the buprenorphine side of this medication has a small risk of you becoming addicted.
The affects you feel from this drug will increase to a certain point, then they will level off. Taking more doesn’t mean that you will have any additional benefits. The other half of the medication is naloxone. Ironically, this drug will only work if you have an opioid in your system. It won’t give you any benefits if you take it alone. Putting naloxone with buprenorphine reduces the chances of any abusive tendencies. When you use opioid substitution therapy, the risk of abusing these drugs is slim. Suboxone has a mild effect on the body. The risk of an addiction issue to this medication is low, and any dependency the body forms can be resolved by tapering the dose once you progress through treatment.
Sadly, some people will try to use this as their drug of choice, and you can buy it on the street. Though first studies believed this medication was susceptible to abuse, they found that it can cause euphoria when misused. Learning how to manage your Suboxone intake is key in this treatment process, which is why you need the help of a trusted medical team behind you.
Signs of Too Much Suboxone
How do you know if you’re addicted to suboxone or if what you’re experiencing is at a therapeutic level? There are side effects that come along with an addiction to this medication. If you see any of these signs, it indicates that you’re taking too much and need to taper the medication. Signs to look for include the following:
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness
- Breathing difficulties
- Drowsiness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Slurred speech
- Slow reaction times
- Coordination issues
- Stomach pangs
- Racing heartbeat
- Loss of appetite
- Hives and itching
- Sinus-type issues (watery eyes and nose)
- Hot/cold sensations
- Cravings for more of the drug
- Shaking and shivering uncontrollably
If you notice any of these signs with the dose the doctor gave, you need to contact them immediately. However, if you’re buying suboxone on the street, these signs indicate that you’re taking too much and could be in danger.
Suboxone Treatment Can Help You Maintain Sobriety
You shouldn’t fear using suboxone treatment if you do it under the direction of a knowledgeable medical team. They can help you monitor your amount and the affects you feel from the medication. Most people feel nothing but a decrease in the withdrawal symptoms from years of opiate addiction. If a physical dependence does occur through the body’s natural ability to become adjusted to a medication, tapering is the key to controlling it. Don’t let fears stop you from getting the help you need. Taking suboxone has helped millions of people get free from the chains of addiction. If you want to know more about this medication and what it can do for you, our counselors are waiting to help. Call us today at 833-846-5669.