Suboxone is a combination of two drugs: Buprenorphine and Naloxone. It is considered a partial opioid and will sometimes produce mild euphoria in the patients who use it to more comfortably withdrawal from stronger opiates. This medication has done an enormous amount of good. Especially for those who felt they were at the end of the line and had no hope. If you believe Suboxone might help you, one of the first questions you might want to ask if how long you can be prescribed Suboxone for your withdrawal issues.
Suboxone is prescribed, usually, for between 6 months and one year. However, there are some opiate addicts who will need to take it for a longer length of time. The normal length of therapy will Suboxone generally lasts for that year, but it’s a flexible drug and some doctors realize that treating addiction is a long-term goal, and keeping a patient off heroin or stronger opiates sometimes necessitate a longer stint of Suboxone therapy.
How Suboxone Works
Buprenorphine is the opioid in Suboxone, while Naloxone blocks the majority of the opiate’s effect. Suboxone works because while your body believes it is receiving an opiate. You’re not getting the addictive euphoria you would get with a drug like heroin or Fentanyl. The result is that you don’t experience opiate withdrawal as strongly as you would if you came off a drug like heroin or Fentanyl without Suboxone. And since the euphoria is mild or non-existent altogether, you’re able to stop craving the “high” of opiates while still foregoing the uncomfortable withdrawal.
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For someone who has a heavy addiction to fentanyl or heroin, things don’t automatically go back to normal once you start Suboxone therapy. Many opiate addicts have legal problems, family problems, and even occupational problems, so it’s not a miracle drug. What it does do, is give you one of your best chances to safely and comfortably cease using drugs like heroin and Fentanyl so that you can begin your journey to recovery. Physical withdrawal is only one component to your recovery, and Suboxone can make physical withdrawal much more bearable. Suboxone works because of it:
- Decreases the severity of physical withdrawal
- Works on opiate receptors to help you think more clearly during withdrawal
- Is relatively safe compared to strong opiates
Forms of Suboxone
Suboxone comes in many forms. One is a sublingual film. Another form is the dissolvable tablet form that many addicts choose to take. Which kind works best for you can be discussed with your treatment center or doctor. It is also in patch form and can be stuck on an arm and used over a couple of days. Suboxone has a long half-life – 24 to 72 hours – so it’s a convenient medication in that you don’t have to remember to take a pill all the time.
For addicts who’ve discovered Suboxone works for them, it’s a truly relieving feeling to know that there is something out there that will allow you to think clearly and skip agonizing withdrawal while still working on other parts of recovery. Physical withdrawal is one of the most powerful reasons that addicts don’t get help sooner. Sadly, if an addict waits too long to get help, it can be too late. Thanks to formulas like Suboxone, more addicts than ever before have the confidence to get the help they need.
Seeking Help
Addicts have a serious problem. Believe it or not, most addicts realize that the problem exists. They’re just too scared of going through the physical and emotional pain that sometimes comes with opiate withdrawal. Drugs like Suboxone enable more addicts to confidently and fearlessly face their addiction without the intense withdrawal effects that sometimes come with opiate addiction. It’s definitely a drug that has a place in some people’s line of defense against relapse.
Most people will take Suboxone for 6 months to a year, but if it’s prescribed for longer, don’t be surprised. Depending on the severity of addiction, it can be a couple of years before you’re ready to go without Suboxone. And that’s okay. The important thing is that you follow what your doctors and counselors suggest in order to stay well. Suboxone can be an important part of your treatment plan for as long as they believe it’s necessary. During Suboxone treatment, counseling services and group meetings will also help to increase the quality of recovery and life you have after drug and alcohol addiction.
When you’re ready to take the first step and get help, our counselors are available 24 hours a day. Call 844-903-2111.
