How Suboxone Works to Help You Beat Addiction

Three million Americans have experienced or are experiencing opioid addiction. This complex and formidable adversary takes a toll on relationships, physical health, and overall well-being. 

If you or a loved one is struggling with substance use disorder, reach out to us at Potomac Shores Mental Health and Wellness. We offer Suboxone®, a powerful treatment that successfully helps people conquer addiction and reclaim control over their lives. 

Let’s look at how Suboxone assists people in conquering addiction and reclaiming control over their lives.

Understanding opioid addiction

Learning about the nature of opioid addiction helps you understand why Suboxone is so powerful and helpful in helping you overcome addiction. Opioids are a class of drugs that include prescription painkillers like oxycodone and illicit substances like heroin. 

When taken, opioids bind to specific receptors in the brain, triggering a release of dopamine — the "feel-good" neurotransmitter. This process creates a sense of euphoria, relaxation, and pain relief, making opioids highly addictive.

Over time, you can develop tolerance, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effects. This can lead to physical and psychological dependence, making quitting opioids incredibly difficult. 

Withdrawal symptoms, cravings, and the fear of experiencing these symptoms can make recovery seem nearly impossible.

About Suboxone

Suboxone is a prescription medication that has emerged as a vital tool in the treatment of opioid addiction. It contains two active ingredients: buprenorphine and naloxone. Each component plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of Suboxone.

Buprenorphine

Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, which means it binds to the same receptors in the brain as full opioids but with less intensity. This binding reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms while preventing the intense “high” associated with opioids. It helps you transition from opioid dependence to sobriety without the extreme discomfort of quitting "cold turkey."

Naloxone

Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that counteracts the effects of opioids. When taken as directed, Suboxone is safe. However, if someone attempts to misuse Suboxone by injecting it, the naloxone component can induce immediate withdrawal symptoms. This deters you from abusing Suboxone. 

How Suboxone works in addiction treatment

The components of Suboxone work together to help you overcome opioid addiction. Buprenorphine, as a partial opioid agonist, helps reduce cravings for opioids. This enables you to focus on recovery and break the cycle of addiction.

Suboxone alleviates the painful and uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms that often deter people from seeking help or continuing treatment. This allows you to stabilize your life without the constant fear of relapse.

Prolonged opioid use can disrupt normal brain function. Suboxone helps restore balance in the brain by providing a controlled dose of opioids, preventing the drastic highs and lows associated with opioid abuse.

Addiction recovery isn't just about physical dependence; it's also about addressing the underlying psychological and emotional aspects of addiction. Suboxone provides you with the stability needed to engage effectively in counseling, therapy, and support groups.

Suboxone has a ceiling effect, meaning that after a certain dose, its effects plateau, making it less likely for you to overdose on the medication itself.

Here at Potomac Shores Mental Health and Wellness, we offer Suboxone as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid addiction, seeking professional help from our office can change your life. With the right support and treatment, recovery is possible. Call today or use this website to schedule your visit.