The medication buprenorphine naloxone, or Suboxone, was approved in 2002 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, for treating opioid addiction. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the medication is an opioid partial agonist, which means that it mimics opioid drugs and will cause similar reactions, such as euphoria and pain reduction. Suboxone is only administered by a doctor qualified in prescribing this treatment method. Users of this medication must be monitored by medical staff to manage possible side effects as well as decrease potential abuse or overdose with use. Several important factors for consideration before treatment should be explored with your physician in beginning treatment with Suboxone.
Step 1
Attend a pretreatment screening to determine individual recovery needs. The Suboxone website says that screening before beginning treatment focuses on exploring drug use patterns, medical history and explaining the course of care for outpatient medication administration. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration notes that compliance with treatment recommendations and adhering to safety precautions is significant in starting treatment with Suboxone and is thoroughly discussed during the initial interview for treatment.
Step 2
Stop use of opioids for at least one day before beginning Suboxone. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration says that the induction phase of this treatment requires the addict to be in early withdrawal from opioids because the Suboxone will cause acute withdrawal if the other opioids are still in the bloodstream.
Step 3
Prepare to visit your doctor daily to receive the medication. The National Center for Biotechnology Information explains that Suboxone is taken daily in low dose and is initially administered from your doctor's office. The doctor may increase dosage after several days from induction. However, your physician will explore individual needs for the most therapeutic dosage required to aid in your recovery process.
Step 4
Learn the dangers and side effects of using this drug. Since Suboxone mimics opioids, the potential for adverse side effects is high. As you begin treatment, ask your doctor about side effects and what precautions are needed for optimal results. Keep an open line of communication with your doctor about side effects you experience.
Step 5
Take home prescribed medication as directed. Your doctor may prescribe additional doses for home use. Only take the medication as prescribed to avoid accidental harm or overdose of Suboxone. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration notes that when Suboxone is taken as prescribed, it is effective compared to no pharmacological treatment at all.
Tips and Warnings
- To achieve long-term success from addiction, incorporate a behavioral therapy program into your recovery. Abstinence from the original drug is suggested while taking Suboxone. However, use of Suboxone during the induction phase can help decrease desire and cravings for the original drug ultimately leading to abstinence.
- Suboxone may cause withdrawal when treatment ends and should be medically supervised.
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