Opioid addiction has become a major public health emergency, with deaths mostly involved with synthetic opioids, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
This epidemic, caused by the misuse of both prescription and illegal opioids, needs good treatment plans to lessen its harmful effects on people and communities. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), medication-assisted treatments (MAT) like Suboxone and Sublocade increase patient retention in treatment programs and decrease opioid use, proving their significance in combating this addiction crisis.
If you or someone close is facing opioid use disorder, support is close at hand. Dr. James K. Cardi offers Suboxone and Sublocade treatments aimed at aiding your journey to recovery. Reach out to us to discover how our medication-assisted treatments can positively impact your life or that of a loved one. The path to recovery starts with a single call.
What Is Suboxone/Sublocade?
Suboxone, a prominent medication for treating adults with opioid dependence, combines buprenorphine and naloxone to manage moderate to severe opioid withdrawal symptoms. Buprenorphine acts as a partial opioid agonist, mildly activating the brain's opioid receptors—much less intensely than full agonists such as heroin—thereby reducing cravings and easing withdrawal symptoms. Naloxone, on the other hand, prevents misuse by blocking opioid effects in the brain.
Sublocade, developed by the maker of Suboxone, introduces a breakthrough in treating opioid addiction with an extended-release injection of buprenorphine. This innovative approach delivers a steady level of medication over a month, unlike the daily dosing of Suboxone, ensuring a consistent medication level to help individuals maintain stability during recovery and reduce the risk of relapse.
Both Suboxone and Sublocade play vital roles in addressing opioid dependence by alleviating moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms and curbing cravings. Sublocade offers a long-term solution for individuals struggling with daily adherence, providing a steady flow of medication and supporting a smoother path to recovery from addiction.
Myths About Suboxone & Sublocade
Myths can make people unsure about therapies like Suboxone and Sublocade, even though they are proven to help. We want to clear up these myths, giving accurate info to help those in or considering treatment see the real benefits and feel confident in their journey to recovery.
Myth #1: Being on Suboxone doesn't count as true recovery.
Recovery from addiction is evolving. It's no longer solely about ceasing alcohol or drug use. Our understanding now extends to recognizing the importance of medications like Suboxone in stabilizing brain chemistry, much like insulin helps those with diabetes. This perspective treats addiction as a health issue rather than a poor choice.
Arguing that individuals on Suboxone Sublingual Film aren't truly recovering is unfair and disregards the proven benefits of such treatments. Suboxone is pivotal in addiction recovery, helping individuals maintain normalcy and achieve sustained recovery. This approach reduces stigma around addiction, treating it like any other chronic condition, and offers hope and real support to those affected.
Myth #2: Most people who use Suboxone misuse it.
Suboxone is a medication used to treat opioid addiction, but like all drugs, it has a risk of misuse. However, its risk is lower because it doesn't produce as much euphoria as drugs like heroin and oxycodone, making it less attractive for misuse.
Some people might use Suboxone to help manage withdrawal symptoms or to reduce their dependence on stronger opioids, often due to a lack of access to proper medical care and treatment programs. By making Suboxone more accessible, we can reduce the chances of misuse and self-treatment.
It's important not to blame individuals seeking help for misuse issues but rather focus on increasing access to and awareness of treatments that can support overcoming opioid addiction.
Myth #3: Overdosing on Suboxone is as Easy as Other Substances
The common misconception that overdosing on Suboxone is as easy as with other opioids is false. Suboxone's main ingredient, buprenorphine, introduces a 'ceiling effect' that limits its impact, reducing the risk of opioid abuse and overdose. Unlike other drugs such as heroin or methadone, increasing the dose of Suboxone beyond a certain point doesn't enhance its effects, making it significantly safer.
Additionally, Suboxone contains naloxone, which counteracts opioids and deters misuse by injection. While mixing Suboxone with other substances, particularly depressants like alcohol or benzodiazepines, can still pose overdose risks, its proper use in opioid addiction treatment markedly lowers those risks compared to other opioids, positioning Suboxone as a safer alternative for combating opioid abuse.
Myth #4: Suboxone doesn't count as addiction treatment without accompanying therapy.
Suboxone itself is effective in addiction recovery, offering significant benefits even without concurrent therapy. Though therapy combined with medication is often ideal, it's misleading to say Suboxone alone isn't a valid treatment.
Suboxone, a partial opiate receptor agonist, has a 'ceiling effect' that limits overdose risk by preventing overactivation of opioid receptors, thus reducing the risk of respiratory depression common in overdoses from stronger opiates like heroin or oxycodone. Overdoses with Suboxone are rare, usually involving misuse of sedatives like benzodiazepines.
Suboxone's unique properties make it a vital option for opioid dependency treatment, providing a safer choice for those starting recovery or moving from intensive treatment.
Myth #5: Suboxone is Meant to be a Short-Term Treatment.
The idea that Suboxone therapy should be short-term lacks evidence. Experts have varying views on how long Suboxone treatment should last, but there's no proof it should be brief. Like managing diabetes with long-term insulin, Suboxone can be used long-term for opioid addiction treatment, tailored to individual needs.
Overcoming addiction treatment stigma is key to accessing lifesaving therapies. Society must shift from seeing addiction as a moral failing to a complex disease deserving of compassion and modern care. Dispelling myths and embracing evidence-based treatments is crucial for improving addiction treatment methods.
Facts About Suboxone & Sublocade
Moving beyond common misconceptions, we aim to shed light on the scientific evidence supporting these treatments. Our goal is to provide a foundation of knowledge that clarifies the role of these medications in recovery, supports informed decision-making for individuals and healthcare providers, and further demystifies the path to overcoming opioid dependency.
Fact #1: Sublocade consists of buprenorphine, while Suboxone blends buprenorphine and naloxone to prevent opioid overdose.
Sublocade, a form of buprenorphine, is given as a subdermal injection that slowly releases medication to treat opioid addiction, maintaining a stable drug level in the patient's body. This method ensures consistent effects and reduces the risk of misuse and cravings.
Suboxone, an oral medication, combines buprenorphine with naloxone. Naloxone acts as a safeguard against overdose by inducing withdrawal symptoms if injected, discouraging misuse. Suboxone's mixture helps ease withdrawal symptoms and cravings while lowering overdose risks, playing a key role in treating opioid addiction.
Fact #2: Sublocade is administered once a month, while Suboxone is a daily sublingual film.
The distinctions between Sublocade and Suboxone highlight the tailored approach needed in opioid addiction treatment. Sublocade, administered monthly, offers a continuous, long-term medication delivery, which can be particularly beneficial for patients seeking stability without the daily reminder of their condition. This method can simplify treatment regimens, potentially enhancing compliance and reducing the risk of relapse.
On the other hand, Suboxone's daily administration allows for more flexibility and immediate adjustment of doses as needed, which can be crucial in the early stages of recovery. Both medications play a pivotal role in the recovery process, offering options that can be customized to fit the individual needs of patients.
The choice between Sublocade and Suboxone should be made in close consultation with healthcare providers, considering factors such as lifestyle, the severity of addiction, and personal preferences to optimize the path to recovery.
Fact #3: A doctor must inject Sublocade under the skin, but Suboxone can be taken at home.
The administration methods for Sublocade and Suboxone underline the importance of healthcare professional involvement in the treatment of opioid addiction. Sublocade requires a healthcare provider to administer the injection, ensuring that the dose is delivered safely and effectively. This method also facilitates regular contact between patients and their healthcare team, which can be crucial for monitoring progress and adjusting treatment plans.
On the other hand, Suboxone's flexibility for at-home administration empowers patients with a sense of autonomy and control over their recovery process. It can also make treatment more accessible, as it reduces the need for frequent medical appointments. Both methods have their own set of advantages that cater to different stages and needs in recovery, highlighting the personalized nature of addiction treatment.
Fact #4: Sublocade was approved for use in 2017, and Suboxone has been available since 2002.
The approval and introduction of Sublocade in 2017 marked a significant advancement in the treatment options available for opioid addiction. Its relatively recent approval by regulatory bodies demonstrated a commitment to expanding the arsenal of medications that can support individuals in their recovery journeys.
Sublocade's once-a-month injection format offers a new level of convenience and compliance, especially for patients who struggle with the daily regimen required by other medications like Suboxone.
The development of Sublocade reflects ongoing research and innovation in addiction medicine, aiming to provide more effective, patient-friendly treatments. By offering a long-acting option, Sublocade caters to a broader range of needs and personal circumstances, potentially improving outcomes for many individuals battling opioid dependency.
Get The Life-Changing Medications For Opioid Abuse Today!
Don't wait to take the first step towards recovery. Dr. James K Cardi specializes in personalized opioid addiction treatment plans, including Suboxone and Sublocade, tailored to fit your unique path to recovery. Schedule your appointment now and start your journey towards a healthier, substance-free life with the support of an expert in addiction medicine.
