Opiate addiction is a significant health issue worldwide. It continues to impact millions of people to date. The opioid endemic in the United States is a sobering reminder.
In the US, the National Center for Health Statistics reports over 107,540 deaths related to drug overdose in 2023. In 2022, the number was around 111,000. Similarly, the Office for National Statistics reported over 4,907 drug poisoning-related deaths in 2022. Among these deaths, 3,127 were listed as drug abuse. These tragic statistics highlight the urgency of finding effective solutions.
So, as we search for promising outcomes, it’s crucial to understand the available treatment options. Effective treatments are essential for recovery. Suboxone, a mix of buprenorphine and naloxone, is a popular drug used to combat opiate abuse. However, this medication often sparks debate in the medical and lawmaking community.
In this blog post, we will address five common misconceptions about Suboxone in opiate addiction treatment.
Myth 1: Suboxone Is Just as Addictive as the Drugs It Replaces
One of the most repeated myths is that Suboxone is as addictive as the opiates it is used to treat. This belief stems from the fact that Suboxone uses buprenorphine, a mild opioid agonist.
However, addiction shouldn’t be confused with dependence. Dependence means your body adjusts to a substance and suffers withdrawal effects when you stop consuming it. Addiction, on the other hand, involves compulsive drug use despite negative consequences. While you may develop a dependence on Suboxone, the withdrawal symptoms are milder than those of full opioid agonists.
In addition, Suboxone’s pharmacology is different from that of full opioids. It helps manage withdrawal effects and cravings without causing significant cravings. This makes it a better alternative for prolonged treatment compared to full agonist opioids. The European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA) recognizes buprenorphine as an essential medicine for treating opioid dependence.
As a result, it’s a key component of addiction treatment programs across the European Union (EU). It is the second most administered medication (35 %), preceded by methadone (56 %). In 2023, about 20 countries used high-dose buprenorphine treatment, while 18 preferred buprenorphine/naloxone combination.
Myth 2: Suboxone Treatment Is a Short-Term Solution
Some people think Suboxone alone can cure opioid addiction. This isn’t the case. Effective treatment involves more than just medication.
Suboxone is part of a comprehensive approach called Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT). This combines medication with psychological and cognitive therapies. This treatment may continue for a few months or several years. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime endorses this approach, stating it can improve patient outcomes and increase retention in treatment.
The flexibility of Suboxone treatment plans allows for both short-term detox and long-term maintenance. This adaptability helps meet the diverse needs of those struggling with addiction. Suboxone provides a stable foundation for these other treatments to work effectively. Counseling helps understand the root causes of addiction and develop coping skills. Behavioral therapies teach you how to manage stress and avoid triggers.
Myth 3: Suboxone Is More Dangerous Than Other Opioid Treatments
You might worry that Suboxone is riskier than other treatments. It has a favorable safety profile compared to full opioid agonists like methadone.
Suboxone exhibits the “ceiling effect,” which means its euphoric effects cease at a certain level. So, it’s rare to overdose on Suboxone. This, according to Bicycle Health, lowers the risk of overdose. It also contains naloxone, which counters the uplifting properties of Suboxone. This helps in preventing misuse.
When properly prescribed and monitored, Suboxone remains a valuable tool in addiction treatment globally. A study published in the JAMA Network found that buprenorphine treatment reduced mortality and morbidity rates in opioid-dependent adults. Additionally, Swedish research also concluded patients who stopped receiving buprenorphine treatment had a low mortality rate compared to those in treatment.
While this medication has proven effective for many, it’s not without controversy. The ongoing Suboxone lawsuit in the United States has raised questions about marketing practices and potential side effects. The lawsuits allege the product causes tooth erosion and other oral injuries.
According to TorHoerman Law, over 670 cases have been consolidated under multidistrict litigation (MDL) in a federal court.
Myth 4: Suboxone Is Only for Severe Addictions
There is a misconception that Suboxone is only suitable for those with severe opiate addictions. In reality, Suboxone can be used for various levels of dependency. It is effective for individuals at different addiction stages, including those who don’t have a severe dependency but still struggle with opiate use.
Healthcare providers assess each patient’s situation to determine the appropriateness of this. This flexible process ensures that individuals receive the most optimal treatment for their needs.
Myth 5: Suboxone Is Not Covered by Insurance and Is Too Expensive
Many believe that Suboxone treatment is not affordable due to a lack of insurance coverage. However, most insurance plans cover Suboxone treatment. In the UK, Suboxone was discontinued on July 31, 2023. As a result, it is no longer available in the UK market.
Since Suboxone is no longer available in the UK, insurance coverage for this medication is not applicable. However, patients in the UK can use alternative medicines for opioid addiction treatment, like buprenorphine, which is available in other forms. Additionally, there are financial assistance programs and generic versions of Suboxone that make it more accessible.
Commonly Asked Questions
Q1. How Long Before I Start Feeling the Effects of Suboxone?
Suboxone typically starts working within 30–60 minutes of your first dose. You’ll likely feel relief from withdrawal symptoms and reduced cravings. However, it may take a few days to a week to determine the ideal dose. Everyone’s experience is different, so be patient with the process.
Q2. Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking Suboxone?
It’s strongly advised to avoid alcohol while on Suboxone. Mixing the two can be risky, increasing the likelihood of overdose and other fatal side effects. Alcohol can also interfere with your recovery process. If you’re struggling with alcohol use, talk to your doctor about some additional counseling.
Q3. What Happens if You Stop Taking Suboxone Suddenly?
Stopping this abruptly can lead to withdrawal symptoms like nausea, muscle aches, and anxiety. It’s crucial to work with your doctor to taper off gradually. This process can take weeks or months, depending on your situation. Remember, there’s no shame in needing time to adjust.
Understanding the facts about Suboxone is crucial as we tackle the global opioid crisis. While it’s not a perfect solution, research shows it can be an effective part of comprehensive addiction treatment.
By debunking these myths, we hope to provide a clearer understanding of Suboxone’s role in addiction treatment. Remember, everyone’s path to recovery is different. If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid addiction, talk to a healthcare provider. They can help you understand your options and find the best personalized treatment plan.