For those addicted to opioid narcotics or other more dangerous street drugs, treatment is vital for health and well-being. Many of these drugs are life-threatening due to their depressant side effects. Opioid narcotics usually consist of prescribed pain medications that can depress body functions. This means the system slows down, and this includes breathing. As the abuser develops the need to use more and more of the drug to gain a euphoric feeling, this makes the potential for overdose particularly high and when this happens, breathing may cease altogether. There are a number of ways to treat drug addiction, and one such way is with the use of the approved drug Suboxone.
Many will attempt to quit using opioid narcotics by ceasing to take the medication suddenly and completely. This will cause severe withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms include severe cravings for the drug, nausea and vomiting, tremors, possible seizures and hallucinations. These symptoms typically last for days before the drugs are out of the system. Side effects such as twitching, brain fog, nausea and depression can range from weeks to months. This makes the possibility for relapse extremely high. If taking a few pills will erase the feeling of depression or tremors, then most drug dependent users will opt to take the feeling of euphoria over the more unpleasant side effects.
Since going “cold turkey” gives a high probability for relapse, many will seek the help of a physician to overcome drug dependency. Doctors will prescribe Suboxone in an attempt to help patients gain relief from the symptoms of withdrawal, thus increasing their chances for remaining drug free. There are many alternatives to detoxification of the system, but doctors find that the use of Suboxone is helpful in alleviating a multitude of the symptoms associated with withdrawal, making it easier for the individual to cease taking the opioid narcotics while still functioning in their everyday lives.
Suboxone is a combination of two drugs. The first one is buprenorphine. This medication actually works much like a narcotic or the street drug heroin in the fact that gives a milder sensation of euphoria. It rushes the system and attaches to receptors in the body, giving the mild feeling of euphoria. It stays attached for several hours, and this means that if the abuser takes opioid narcotics, then they will have no effect because buprenorphine is already attached. This drug if used alone can cause addiction, so doctors couple it with the medication Naloxone. Since buprenorphine can be addicting and many will abuse the drug by injecting it into the body, Naloxone was added to make this possibility less tolerable. Naloxone works by causing immediate withdrawal symptoms because it blocks opioid receptors. Those suffering from dependency will feel extremely sick if opioid narcotics are ingested after taking Suboxone.
The benefits of Suboxone are plentiful. Since it decreases withdrawal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, tremors and hallucinations, it is possible for those addicted to drugs to maintain a normal life while taking this medication. The medication comes in tablet or sublingual form, so it can be taken privately. No one need know about a dependency problem or the ongoing treatment of addiction. Those on this medication are free to work and function in society as they normally have. This is a relief for many, since withdrawal symptoms can be severe and last for days, sudden withdrawal often means disappearing from society while the detoxification process is underway.
Of course, as with any medication, Suboxone has some side effects. Side effects like headache, back ache, or abdominal pain, are all possibilities. Also, it may cause insomnia, depression, or respiratory depression if not taken as prescribed. If these symptoms are severe your doctor can prescribe anti-depressants or other medications to treat the various symptoms. Doctors know the risk for potential side effects, and most patients will not experience any extreme side effects that will make them want to cease taking the medication, so physicians will prescribe it because the benefits are great and the chance for risk is small. For anyone who has the desire to gain back control of their lives and overcome opioid narcotic addiction, Suboxone may be the answer. It is best to discuss all benefits and risk with a physician so recovery can be monitored.
Sudden withdrawal of opioid narcotics is extremely difficult and potentially dangerous given the extreme side effects that one must go through. Many will not succeed when attempting withdrawal alone. It is best to seek the help of a physician who can prescribe medications that make gradual withdrawal a possibility. Without the extreme side effects of detoxification, the chances for remaining drug free are much higher. Suboxone can help to decrease the side effects of withdrawal and make quitting opioid narcotics easier. Suboxone treatment means maintaining a normal lifestyle while becoming drug free and many appreciate the privacy it affords them.
