Suboxone Treatment Research

Suboxone is used to treat patients with an opioid addiction and contains a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine helps prevent opioid withdrawal symptoms while naloxone counters the effects of opioid use. Suboxone is effective treatment for addiction to the following substances:

• Morphine
• Codeine
• Oxycodone
• Hydrocodone
• Pethidine

Suboxone Addiction and Overdose

Although Suboxone is prescribed to treat addiction, the drug itself can be addictive. Patients may develop a secondary or replacement addiction to Suboxone rather than become free from addiction. Statistics suggest that individuals who rely on Suboxone to withdraw from opioids will relapse within a year. Suboxone overdose is also a risk associated with this form of drug treatment. Most overdoses are accidental, as users must increase their dose periodically to continue receiving the same effects and may not realize they are approaching a toxic amount of Suboxone. The following are symptoms of Suboxone overdose:

• Difficulty breathing
• Sedation
• Confusion
• Fainting
• Unconsciousness
• Coma
• Seizures

These symptoms are potentially fatal and emergency medical help should be contacted immediately if overdose is suspected. The following information can be helpful to medical responders:

• The patient’s age, weight, and height
• Was the drug prescribed to the patient
• How much was taken
• When was the last time the drug was taken

Suboxone Addiction Treatment

Rapid detox can be an effective method of Suboxone treatment. This process involves placing patients under light anesthesia during treatment and monitoring symptoms for the next few days. Detox can also take place at home, with proper medical supervision. This form of detox involves gradually reducing usage over a period of time. Another detox option is medically supervised detox, where patients undergo detox at a treatment center. Medical professionals are on hand to ensure the safety of patients and relieve the worst withdrawal symptoms.

Regardless of the detox option chosen, this process should be followed by extensive drug counseling. Counseling helps uncover the psychological source of addiction and provides patients with tools and strategies to reenter everyday life and avoid relapse.

Need More Information about Suboxone Treatment Research?

If you or someone you know is addicted to Suboxone, we are here to help. Call our toll-free number to get the information you need about Suboxone addiction and treatment options. We are available 24 hours a day, so please don’t hesitate to call now.