Opioid addiction is a devastating and progressive condition that requires professional treatment. While there are many approaches to treating opioid addiction, one that provides a successful outcome for many is medication-assisted treatment (MAT). MAT combines behavioral therapies and counseling with FDA-approved medications for substance use disorders. One of the most widely used MAT medications for opioid addiction is Suboxone.
If you or a loved one suffers from opioid addiction, a Suboxone treatment program in Texas may be the right solution for you. Suboxone reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms so you can avoid relapse and build a solid foundation for your sobriety.
How Does Suboxone Help Treat Opioid Addiction?
Suboxone is a brand-name prescription medication that contains buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist, and naloxone, an opioid antagonist. It comes in the form of a sublingual film or tablet that is taken on a daily basis.
When absorbed by the bloodstream, buprenorphine binds to opioid receptors throughout the body in a similar fashion as full opioid agonists, such as heroin or oxycodone. However, it doesn’t produce the same euphoric effects. Instead, it satisfies these receptors so that people stop experiencing withdrawal symptoms and drug cravings without feeling the same high they would feel if they abused an opioid drug.
Naloxone, on the other hand, is added to the medication to prevent misuse. When taken as directed, naloxone doesn’t have any effects. However, it is activated if someone injects Suboxone or takes another opioid.
If Suboxone is injected, naloxone will suddenly displace opioid receptors, causing severe opioid withdrawal symptoms. If someone takes opioids while on Suboxone, a similar thing can happen. The naloxone can potentially trigger sudden and intense opioid withdrawal symptoms, known as precipitated withdrawal. This mechanism is thought to reduce the abuse potential of Suboxone and minimize the risk of relapse.
Two key ways Suboxone treatment in Texas helps individuals overcome opioid addiction include:
Fewer Withdrawal Symptoms
The buprenorphine in Suboxone satisfies opioid receptors, thereby significantly reducing symptoms of withdrawal. Opioid withdrawal includes symptoms like severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle aches, anxiety, and extreme discomfort. While opioid withdrawal is generally not life-threatening, it can be difficult to get through without medical guidance.
By reducing the severity of withdrawal symptoms, Suboxone can increase the chances of a complete, successful detox. It can make individuals comfortable enough that they aren’t as tempted to relapse.
Less Intense Drug Cravings
In addition to reducing withdrawal symptoms, Suboxone also reduces the intensity of drug cravings. This allows individuals to focus more on their therapy sessions and support groups rather than on the temptation to relapse. By minimizing cravings, Suboxone can improve treatment outcomes and reduce the risk of relapse.
Benefits of a Suboxone Treatment Program in Texas
In Texas, Suboxone is used in a comprehensive approach called medication-assisted treatment (MAT), combining medication management with counseling and behavioral therapy. Medication-assisted treatment offers many clinically proven benefits, such as:
- Enhance patient survival rates
- Boost engagement and continuity in treatment programs
- Reduce illegal opiate use and associated criminal behavior in individuals with substance use disorders
- Increase patients’ capacity to secure and sustain employment
- Improve the birth outcomes of newborns from mothers with substance use disorders during pregnancy
Suboxone During Detox
People who seek help for opioid addiction are often prescribed Suboxone during the detox phase of treatment. Suboxone treatment can begin 12-24 hours after the last dose of opioids. During detox, the medication is typically administered under medical supervision. Healthcare professionals monitor the patient’s response to the medication and adjust dosages as necessary.
Suboxone During IOP and Beyond
After detox, intensive outpatient programs (IOP) and long-term treatment centers in Texas often integrate Suboxone as part of a comprehensive approach to opioid addiction. In an IOP or ongoing treatment setting, Suboxone may be prescribed as a maintenance medication. It helps individuals maintain stability, reduce cravings, and prevent relapse by providing a controlled dose of buprenorphine each day.
It’s important to note that Suboxone is most effective when used in conjunction with therapy, counseling, and behavioral interventions to help address the psychological and behavioral aspects of addiction. These services help individuals learn coping skills, manage triggers, and make healthy lifestyle changes.
Eventually, clients will be tapered off Suboxone. They will work closely with their healthcare provider to gradually taper off the medication to avoid further withdrawal symptoms. The tapering process is typically conducted in coordination with ongoing therapy sessions and support group meetings.
Find Suboxone Treatment in Texas Today
As a leading drug and alcohol detox provider in Texas, Flourishing Foundations Recovery is your trusted partner in Suboxone treatment. What makes us unique is that we can provide a medical detox from drugs and alcohol in a safe, comfortable, and effective manner on an outpatient basis. In addition to receiving tailored therapy and counseling services, our clients may be prescribed medications to alleviate their withdrawal symptoms and keep cravings at bay, helping reduce the risk of relapse.
Our multidisciplinary team of talented addiction specialists in Texas is dedicated to helping get the treatment you deserve. Contact us today to learn more about Suboxone treatment in the San Antonio area or to get started with a confidential, risk-free assessment.