Opioids are some of the most addictive drugs on the market. To make matters worse, people can get them through legal and illegal means. Thankfully, they can stop using opioids and manage addiction easier with Suboxone. However, how does Suboxone work?
Understanding Opioids
First, learning more about opioids makes it easier to understand how Suboxone works. Tiny neurotransmitters in the brain carry and send information between neurons. In order to aid the delivery process, certain neurotransmitters only attach to certain neuron receptors. One type of neuron receptor is an opioid receptor.
When molecules attach to this receptor, they block the release of a neurotransmitter called noradrenaline. This specific neurotransmitter stimulates alertness and releases another chemical called dopamine.
When people take opioids, the chemicals attach to these receptors. They not only block pain signals, but they also cause a euphoric effect with the increased release of dopamine.
At first, people have a pleasurable experience when they use opioids. Eventually, the chemical balance in the brain changes, so they need opioids to function normally. At this point, only a Suboxone treatment center can help people stop using these drugs.
How Does Suboxone Work?
Suboxone is a name brand of naloxone and buprenorphine. It has a very strong binding ability and blocks other opioids from binding to receptors in the brain. As a result, it renders other opioids ineffective.
Suboxone is also a partial agonist rather than a full one. This means that it causes some pleasure but just enough to stop opioid withdrawal. In fact, it’s the reason most people report that they feel “normal” instead of high while taking Suboxone. It’s also the reason many rehab centers offer this medication for people who struggle with opioid withdrawal.
Suboxone isn’t a medication that people take for the rest of their lives. Doctors typically use a step-down method for them. With this method, they start taking smaller doses as their addiction treatment programs progress. Eventually, they can completely stop taking the drug and live normal lives.
Suboxone Alone Isn’t Enough
Suboxone is great at helping people detox from opioids. However, it’s important to remember that it alone isn’t enough to help them overcome addiction. Once detox is over, they still need to seek rehab. Such a program will teach them how to manage addiction and avoid relapse.
We Can Provide You With Help
Learning how Suboxone works is just the start. After detox, you need rehab services that you can count on. That’s what we offer at Crestview Recovery. Some of our services include:
- Individual therapy program
- Group therapy program
- Family counseling
- Intensive outpatient program
- Aftercare programs
- Dual diagnosis treatment program
How does Suboxone work? Find out if this drug is right for your recovery. Reach out to us today at 866.262.0531 to learn more.
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.
