Suboxone is a medication that is used to help those in recovery from an opiate or opioid addiction, both illegal and prescription. It consists of the two ingredients naloxone and buprenorphine. The ingredient buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, meaning it blocks the opioid receptors in the brain and help to reduce any cravings. The second ingredient naloxone, is used to revers the effects of opioids.
What Is andHow Does Suboxone Work?
If you are even somewhat familiar with addiction treatment, it is likely you know what, or have at least heard of Suboxone before. Perhaps you know someone fighting an addiction battle and are on Suboxone. Maybe you have been on Suboxone yourself. When combined, this drug is used to prevent withdrawal symptoms associated with opioid abuse and addiction and reduced relapse. Many people will begin using Suboxone while in detox and continue taking it during their treatment and recovery.
Mixing Suboxone with Other Drugs
While Suboxone is a very useful drug in the world of recovery, it can also pose danger when mixed with other drugs. Combining it with other drugs can cause serious risks to your health. Some of the substances you should avoid while taking Suboxone include: Alcohol – Both Suboxone and alcohol are central nervous system depressants. When you take these two substances together, the risk of central nervous system depression is that much greater. The effects of this depression can include low blood pressure, respiratory depression, deep sedation, coma, and even death. Cocaine – While Suboxone is a depressant, cocaine is a stimulant drug so the effects of cocaine alone tend to be the opposite including high blood pressure, restlessness, increased energy, and erratic behavior. When taking Suboxone and cocaine together, the effects of the cocaine will be reduced. This makes the person feel like they can take more and more, but this is very dangerous and can lead to an overdose. Benzodiazepines – Similar to alcohol, benzos are also central nervous system depressants. Combining both benzos and Suboxone can cause a lack of coordination, impaired judgment, respiratory failure, and even death. Other opioids – Suboxone’s purpose is to manage cases of opioid dependence and addiction. When Suboxone is mixed with another opioid, the depressant qualities of both will exacerbate each other. It also should not be taken together because of the ingredient naloxone, in Suboxone. Its purpose is to counteract opioid drugs. If you were to take Suboxone with heroin, for example, it will send the person into immediate withdrawal.
Can You Become Addicted to Suboxone?
Suboxone itself can actually be abused as well. It has been known to create a high. While it is safer than other opioids, it still can be abused. Addiction has occurred when the person continues to use Suboxone in order to maintain a high and causing a negative impact on their life. Even Suboxone addiction can be debilitating and deadly if you remain untreated.
On-Call Treatment – Recovery When You Need It
Suboxone is a very useful tool in the fight against opioid addiction, but it is very important to use it as prescribed in order for it to work. It is especially important to not mix it with other drugs or it could turn fatal. If Suboxone abuse or addiction is developed, you detox in a medical facility where a detox professional can monitor you for your safety. Once detox is complete, it is recommended to get into a treatment program for a more in-depth look at why your abuse or addiction manifested in the first place and learn how to avoid it in the future. Now is the time to change your life and get on the path to living a happier and healthier lifestyle, free from addiction. Our addiction specialists, that are available around the clock, can help you achieve sobriety.
