Is Suboxone an Opiate

Suboxone is a blended medication consisting of naloxone and buprenorphine. It is used to treat individuals suffering from opioid dependency and substance abuse to overcome their addiction and alcoholism. It is mainly used to treat narcotic drugs like morphine and heroin among substance users that have decided to deal with their addiction. Suboxone properly functions by linking firmly to the brain receptors, just like the other opiates such as morphine, heroin, and oxycodone. It reduces intoxication from other opiates, inhibits cravings, and enables individuals to recover from drug addiction and alcohol use.

Suboxone is usually utilized in various stages of treatment and provides a better option in dealing with opioid addiction. It is also integrated into a comprehensive recovery plan to effectively eliminate the cravings associated with drugs. The medication causes:

  • Calmness and general well-being
  • Relaxation
  • Reduced levels of stress and anxiety
  • Pain relief

Suboxone exists as a film usually put inside the cheeks or under the tongue to dissolve within 5 to 10 minutes. It is generally administered by a doctor who has expertise in the treatment of opioid addiction. The doctor slowly reduces the dose until the client’s body finally stops the dependency on narcotics to relieve itself. Naloxone strikes the opioids from the brain receptors that lead to overdose, therefore, preventing the risk of overdose. Despite the effect being temporary, the duration is usually sufficient to seek emergency medical attention. Suboxone is typically made tamper-proof by blending the two drugs.

Suboxone Overdose

When an individual follows the doctor’s prescription, the medication discharges buprenorphine gradually within the body, relieving the withdrawal symptoms and the cravings. When an individual overdoses on suboxone, they experience a partial block from the narcotics entering the brain by all means as naloxone alternatively links to the opioid receptors. It causes an individual to experience withdrawal which is not physically damaging. However, it can be unbearable. Specific individuals still experience elation from taking suboxone, while certain medications alter the functioning of some drugs.

Suboxone is usually miscued by drug addicts, just like any other opiates and other medications. Even so, it results in less elation compared to other narcotic drugs since it’s only a temporary agonist of the significant opiate receptor. Mostly, individuals misuse suboxone to relieve themselves from the withdrawal symptoms or prevent the use of fentanyl or heroin. It is almost impossible to specifically overdose on suboxone compared to the other narcotic drugs as it contains an integrated “ceiling effect.” It indicates that there is a restriction on the number of opioid receptors that the suboxone can stimulate. Its risks, such as difficulty in breathing, are not as threatening as the other opiates. Therefore, individuals who overdose on suboxone typically combine it with other sedatives like benzodiazepines and other medications that cause breathing difficulties.

Some of the symptoms of suboxone overdose are;

  • Abdominal pain
  • Seizures
  • Anxiety, irritability, and mood swings
  • Sleepiness
  • Coma
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Slowed heartbeat
  • Lack of physical coordination
  • Difficulty in paying attention and forgetfulness
  • Death

Low Opioid Tolerance

Drugs such as methadone and buprenorphine are meant to help individuals who have been addicted to narcotics and prescribed opioids. Therefore, individuals who are given the drugs are believed to have developed tolerance to the drugs leading to addiction. Tolerance occurs when the body gets used to certain drugs within the system and stops responding to the same amount of substance. The same way opioid receptors become tolerant to synthetic painkillers and stop being effective, prescription opioids also cause tolerance. Individuals who use excessive narcotics no longer experience joy from using similar amounts due to drug tolerance. It results in excessive use for them to become intoxicated, causing drug overdose.

In case of a suboxone overdose, an individual should receive emergency medical attention and be given naloxone. It will partially prevent the overdose. However, due to its reduced half-life than buprenorphine, its effects will not last for long. Therefore, just like other opiates, it is possible to abuse buprenorphine found in suboxone. The good thing is that you can get help through detox by a medical practitioner and obtain social support from your family and friends. Seeking help from rehabilitation centers that integrates therapy and other interventions is the most effective way of dealing with addiction and leading a quality life. The rehabilitation program will enable you to deal with both the physical and psychological effects of drug addiction. Our counselors are available 24 hours a day, therefore do not hesitate to call us today at 833-497-3812.