If you or someone you love is looking for an effective long-term treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD), you may have heard of Suboxone treatment. This treatment option is highly effective in the long-term prevention of relapse and can help improve your overall quality of life. Here, we will discuss the benefits of Suboxone as a long-term treatment for OUD.
What is Suboxene?
Suboxone is the brand name for a medication containing the active ingredients Buprenorphine and Naloxone. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, meaning it binds to the same receptors in the brain as opioids but with less frequent and intense opioid effects. Naloxone helps to reverse the effects of opioids if they are taken in high doses or abused.
When taken as directed, Suboxone can help curb cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Additionally, the Naloxone present in the medication serves to reduce or eliminate any euphoric effects that may be associated with taking opioids.
What are the Benefits of Suboxone?
Suboxone provides a number of benefits to those suffering from opioid use disorder (OUD).
1. Effective for Long-Term Treatment
Suboxone is an effective long-term treatment option, with studies showing that individuals with OUD who receive suboxone therapy have increased chances of successful abstinence.
2. Reduces Risk of Relapse
Buprenorphine, present in Suboxone, reduces the risk of relapse to opioid use and promotes a better overall quality of life.
3. Reduces Risk of Overdose
Naloxone, present in Suboxone, helps to reduce the risk of overdose, as it prevents people from taking high amounts of opioids and allows them to slowly come off the drug without experiencing intense withdrawal symptoms.
4. Available online
Finally, Suboxone is available as an online treatment option, which makes it easier and more convenient for individuals to access this type of help without having to leave their homes or seek out traditional in-person treatment centers.
Suboxone vs. Methadone
While Methadone has a long history as a Medication for Addiction Treatment (MAT), studies show that Suboxone works just as well for OUD relapse prevention. Suboxone can offer an alternative to Methadone in terms of long-term maintenance treatment and is often preferred due to the flexibility it provides with its ability to be prescribed by a doctor and picked up at a local pharmacy. In contrast, Methadone must be taken at a certified opioid treatment program.
Beginning Long-Term Suboxone Treatment
Suboxone long-term treatment plans are designed to help individuals sustain their sobriety and reduce the risk of relapse. This type of plan may include regular visits with a doctor or addiction specialist, medication management, counseling, and other recovery supports such as twelve-step programs or peer support groups.
Studies have shown that Suboxone is a viable long-term maintenance treatment for those suffering from opioid use disorder (OUD) and can lead to sustained sobriety. Research has also found that long-term Suboxone treatment is linked to reductions in criminal activity, the transmission of infectious diseases, and lower chances of relapse.
If you’re interested in beginning an online Suboxone treatment plan, visit our start treatment page today.
