Suboxone Treatment FAQs

Many family members wonder why Suboxone is used to treat opioid addiction since it belongs to the same family as heroin. Suboxone is not "just a substitute". It blocks opioid sites in the body, preventing any reaction to opioid taken while reducing opioid cravings. Studies have shown that Suboxone reduces the risk of relapse. The "damage" associated with suboxone indicated a reduced risk of incarceration, improved social and family functioning, and decreased infection (HIV/hepatitis C)

Like all opioids, Suboxone can be addictive if abused or taken in high doses, however, if taken as prescribed and under the supervision of a healthcare provider, the risk of dependence is low. It is important to follow your doctor's instructions and take your medicines as directed.

The correct dose is one that prevents any opioid response. The dose is not changed in response to pain.

Suboxone maintenance can be very effective if patients keep their appointments and consultations on schedule. A chronic disease is one that is present every day and can be difficult to treat. It requires time and attention away from other responsibilities, and the family may resent the effort, time, and money spent on Suboxone treatment and counseling. Families should keep in mind that other chronic conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, require time and resources, such as doctor visits for follow-up blood pressure checks and the preparation of diabetes-specific meals at home. Most families accept these minor inconveniences in order to focus on their loved one doing their best. Same goes with addiction treatment recovery. Family support have shown to be very effective in helping a family member maintain long-term opioid abstinence.

Yes, opioids change the brain, making a person more impulsive and prone to relapses. It may take years of abstinence from heroin for the brain to return to normal. Therefore, opioid use disorder is a chronic condition, just like diabetes or high blood pressure. If the patient's diabetes or blood pressure is under control, is the medication stopped? No, if they succeed, they will continue. Studies have shown that the longer patients take Suboxone and stay away from illicit drugs, the less likely they are to relapse.

Suboxone is usually made into a thin film which is placed under the tongue and allowed to dissolve. It can also be taken as a tablet, placed under the tongue and allowed to dissolve. The medication should not be swallowed or chewed.

If lost or misplaced, patients may skip doses or withdraw. It is important to find a good place away from children or pets and in the same place to be able to find it. It's best not to place it near vitamins, aspirin, or other over-the-counter medications because family members might accidentally ingest them. If anyone else is taking this medicine, they should be evaluated by a doctor.

Church attendance (regardless of type) has been shown to reduce the risk of relapse. Reading a religious book (like the Bible) and meditating daily has also been shown to reduce relapses. Meditation teaches you to control your brain instead of letting your impulsively dependent reprogrammed brain control you Exercise also releases feel-good endorphins that help clear the mind We recommend waking up each morning with a plan to help you conquer each day. A sample plan would be to wake up, read the Bible for 3 minutes, meditate and clear your mind for 3 minutes using the headspace app, and do a short workout in your bedroom or bathroom for 5 minutes, such as push-ups, crunches, an exercise bike, or a treadmill for a few minutes, then jot down your plans for the day on the whiteboard. Then take a shower and knock him out.