Opiate Addiction and Suboxone

Much has been written and debated about Suboxone treatment, but most medical professionals who deal with addiction treatment agree that Suboxone is an innovative treatment for opiate withdrawal. Suboxone allows opiate addicts the comfort to receive treatment for their addiction. I remember when I worked in an inpatient facility in the 80s, how opiate addicts would usually leave treatment between the third and fifth days because they couldn’t get past the withdrawals.

For a better understanding of Suboxone and Subutex, similar to Suboxone minus the Naloxone, and how they work, read this. Our Medical Director here in Savannah, Ga has treated many opiate addicts, and NewDay’s goal is to get clients drug free as soon as possible. Many clients are coming to us already taking Suboxone but wanting advice on which way to go at this point. We assess these clients and give clinical/medical guidance. Not all Suboxone users are receiving appropriate counseling and treatment. Treating opiate addiction entails more than prescribing medication.

The best treatment, in our opinion, for all addictions addresses the mind, body and spirit. Drug addiction and alcoholism affect the whole person, so the treatment has to be comprehensive as well. From what I’ve gathered according to physicians with an understanding of addiction who prescribe Suboxone, the key is to use the medication responsibly as intended. Of course many useful drugs can be abused, but with safeguards and responsible treatment, most abuse can be avoided. Suboxone is also made in such a way, it’s difficult to abuse. Suboxone, according to the literature, will not be misused like someone would misuse Morphine — it just doesn’t affect the user like Morphine.

This article explains how Suboxone is a partial agonist, and, thus, doesn’t produce the euphoria like regular opiates.