What to Expect From Suboxone Treatment in Lantana, Florida

Beating opioid addiction isn’t easy to do. In the past, people who suffered from opioid addiction had to rely solely on therapy and peer support to stay sober. However, between the painful symptoms of withdrawal, lingering cravings, and the worsening opioid epidemic in the United States, addiction experts found themselves eager to find more effective treatment methods.

Today, one of the most popular approaches to treating opioid addiction is known as medication-assisted treatment (MAT). MAT is a comprehensive, whole-person approach that combines behavioral therapy, counseling, and peer support with medications like methadone, buprenorphine, and naloxone.

While there are many MAT medications available for treating opioid addiction, the most widely used is Suboxone. If you or a loved one are struggling with opioid addiction, a Suboxone treatment program in Lantana, Florida can help you achieve lasting recovery.

What is Suboxone? Understanding Suboxone Uses and Side Effects

Suboxone is a medication primarily used in the treatment of opioid addiction. It contains two active ingredients: buprenorphine and naloxone.

1. Buprenorphine – This component is a partial opioid agonist, meaning it activates opioid receptors in the brain but to a lesser extent than full opioid agonists like heroin or oxycodone. It helps in reducing cravings and opioid withdrawal symptoms without causing the same level of euphoria as other opioids do.
2. Naloxone – This ingredient is added to deter misuse of the medication. If Suboxone is taken as directed (sublingually and dissolved under the tongue), the naloxone has no effect. However, if someone tries to misuse Suboxone by injecting it, the naloxone can precipitate withdrawal symptoms in individuals dependent on opioids, causing sudden and severe withdrawal.

Suboxone is commonly prescribed as part of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid addiction. It helps individuals reduce their dependence on opioids, manage withdrawal symptoms, and decrease cravings, allowing them to focus on their recovery.

While Suboxone can be effective, it’s essential to be aware of potential side effects, which may include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Headache
• Constipation
• Insomnia or sleep disturbances
• Sweating
• Anxiety or nervousness
• Irritability
• Physical dependence with prolonged use
• Numbness, redness, pain, or tingling in the mouth

How Does Suboxone Treatment Work in Lantana, Florida?

Suboxone is most effective when it is combined with a complete treatment program involving behavioral therapy and extensive counseling. Treatment typically begins with detox.

Suboxone is prescribed during opioid detox to help alleviate symptoms of withdrawal, however, individuals have to wait at least 12-24 hours (or until they are in moderate withdrawal) to start Suboxone. Taking Suboxone too early can result in precipitated withdrawal, characterized by sudden and severe symptoms.

When clients take Suboxone during detox, the medication reduces the severity of withdrawal and alleviates cravings. It can also reduce the need for inpatient medical detox services, allowing clients to start rehab as soon as possible. Rehab may take the form of inpatient or outpatient treatment.

During rehab, clients attend group and individual therapy sessions to learn how to cope with the effects of their addiction. Therapies used in a Suboxone treatment program may include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
• Motivational Interviewing (MI)
• Contingency Management (CM)
• Holistic therapies
• 12-Step facilitation
• Individual therapy
• Group therapy
• Family therapy
• Trauma therapy

Meanwhile, clients may continue taking Suboxone on a daily basis while attending treatment. By alleviating cravings and withdrawal, clients are better able to focus on their treatment sessions and healing journey.

Throughout Suboxone treatment at a Lantana rehab facility, medical professionals will monitor the client’s progress. Clients will have regular check-ins with their physician to discuss their medication, dosage, concerns, and any side effects they are experiencing. This form of medication management can help increase medication adherence as well as treatment outcomes.

Can You Get Addicted to Suboxone?

Suboxone is thought to have a lower potential for abuse compared to methadone, a full opioid agonist that may be used to treat opioid addiction. Additionally, buprenorphine has a ceiling effect, meaning that it stops producing effects in higher doses, preventing people from being able to get high on it.

With that said, buprenorphine does have opioid properties, and it can be physically habit-forming. People who take Suboxone for extended periods of time, even as prescribed, may become physically dependent. People who are physically dependent may experience withdrawal symptoms if they stop taking Suboxone suddenly. However, it is never advised to stop taking Suboxone unless directed to do so. Usually, doctors will gradually reduce the dose of Suboxone to allow the body to adjust to exceedingly lower doses. Tapering can help prevent Suboxone withdrawal upon cessation.

What are the Benefits of Suboxone Treatment?

Suboxone offers numerous benefits to those in recovery from opioid addiction, including:

• Reduced withdrawal symptoms – Suboxone helps alleviate the intense withdrawal symptoms, making it easier for individuals to stop using opioids without experiencing severe discomfort.
• Reduced cravings – It decreases cravings for opioids, reducing the intense desire to seek and use these substances. This enables individuals to focus on their recovery without the constant urge to use drugs.
• Harm reduction – By promoting recovery from opioid dependence, Suboxone decreases the risk of opioid overdose, infections (like HIV or hepatitis), and other health complications associated with drug use.
• Stabilizing brain function – Suboxone helps to restore normal brain function without producing the euphoric highs associated with opioids.
• Improved quality of life – Suboxone treatment can help individuals regain stability in their lives, allowing them to focus on personal, social, and professional aspects without the constant interference of opioid addiction.
• Lower risk of overdose – Suboxone’s ceiling effect on respiratory depression reduces the risk of fatal overdose compared to higher doses of full opioid agonists.

Find out if Suboxone Treatment in Lantana is Right For You

If you or a loved one are struggling with opioid addiction and are ready to discuss your treatment options, please contact The Best Treatment today. Located just a mile from the beach in Lantana, Florida, our premier drug and alcohol rehab integrates a calming atmosphere into our evidence-based therapies. With an intimate setting and a 3:1 client-to-staff ratio, you can rest assured that you or your loved one is receiving the highest quality of care. Call now to get started.