Suboxone is a medication that is commonly used in the treatment of opioid use disorder, also known as opioid addiction or dependence, in the United States. It contains two active ingredients - buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist that reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms when a patient is trying to stop abusing opioids like prescription painkillers or heroin. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that is added to discourage injection, as it can cause uncomfortable withdrawal effects if the medication is injected.
How United States Of America Suboxone Works
Buprenorphine works by binding to the same receptors in the brain as opioids, the mu-opioid receptors. However, its effect is partial rather than complete. This means it reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with stopping opioid use without producing the euphoric effects that stronger opioids can cause when misused. Patients are still able to function normally while taking Suboxone as prescribed.
The naloxone in Suboxone is not active if the medication is taken as directed, which is absorbed under the tongue or inside the cheek. However, if someone tries to crush and inject the medication, the naloxone will precipitate withdrawal symptoms since it kicks the buprenorphine off of the opioid receptors. This deters potential misuse and helps reduce the risk of overdose.
Approval And Availability
Suboxone was first approved by the FDA in 2002 as a treatment for opioid dependence. It is currently one of the most commonly used medications for medication-assisted treatment (MAT) of opioid use disorder in the U.S. Patients can receive a Suboxone prescription from a certified physician but must follow certain guidelines for treatment. This generally involves counseling or therapy along with routine drug screening to safely support long-term recovery.
Benefits and Effectiveness
Studies have shown that combining buprenorphine treatment with counseling is highly effective for supporting recovery from opioid addiction. Some of the key benefits of Suboxone include:
- Reduced cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making it easier to discontinue illicit opioid use. This lowers relapse risk.
- Blocks the effects of short-acting opioids like heroin if they are used again by patients in early recovery. This promotes safety.
- Can be prescribed and monitored long-term to support long-lasting recovery. Most treatment specialists recommend staying on Suboxone for at least one year.
- Low risk of overdose even if additional opioids are taken since buprenorphine has a ceiling effect and will displace other opioids from receptors.
- Improved outcomes compared to traditional detox methods alone, which have high relapse rates. Medication-assisted treatment using Suboxone reduces relapse risk by over 50%.
Risks and Considerations
While very effective for many, Suboxone is not a magic cure and does still carry some risks if not used as directed:
- Potential for misuse by crushing and injecting tablets. This is why films and implants are preferred formulations.
- May continue dependency on opioids long-term if patients do not receive additional psychosocial support services. Counseling is important.
- Overdose risk if benzodiazepines like Xanax are mixed with high doses of Suboxone, which can cause respiratory depression.
- Withdrawal ifSuboxone treatment is stopped too abruptly. A medically supervised taper plan usually spans weeks or months.
- Diversion risk if patients sell their medication illegally rather than take it as prescribed. Frequent drug screens help address this issue.
Access And Expanding Treatment
While MAT with Suboxone has facilitated recovery for millions of Americans, barriers to treatment still exist for some. High costs, stigma, and a shortage of certified opioid treatment programs and physicians have limited access in certain areas. However, changes are slowly being made:
- Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act helped increase coverage for treatment.
- Certification rules have loosened to allow nurse practitioners and physician assistants to prescribe.
- Telehealth services have emerged, improving access in rural regions.
- Long-term federal funding and policy support for expanded MAT programs are helping treat more people.
- Insurers are challenged to ensure adequate networks of treatment providers and coverage for FDA-approved therapies like Suboxone.
The ongoing research also aims to develop new formulations beyond films and tablets, like 6-month implants, to improve outcomes and convenience. Overall, as access to evidence-based treatment with Suboxone increases nationwide, more lives can be saved from this treatable medical condition.
Get more insights on this topic: https://www.dailyprbulletin.com/united-states-of-america-suboxone-understanding-the-opioid-epidemic-and-role-of-suboxone-in-the-united-states/
Author Bio
Vaagisha brings over three years of expertise as a content editor in the market research domain. Originally a creative writer, she discovered her passion for editing, combining her flair for writing with a meticulous eye for detail. Her ability to craft and refine compelling content makes her an invaluable asset in delivering polished and engaging write-ups. (LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vaagisha-singh-8080b91)