Finding Substance Abuse Treatment In Orange County
If you have received treatment for an opioid addiction, then you may be familiar with the medication Subutex. As a common intervention used for managing opioid abuse, this medication has proven versatile in many areas.
However, this opioid drug has also begun to cause concern amongst those taking Subutex for extended periods of time. Recently, more cases of drug abuse involving this medication have begun to create doubt over whether or not it should continue to be used for treating opioid addiction in the long term.
If you or a loved one is taking Subutex, it is important to know exactly how this drug can affect you. Keep reading to learn more about the potential risks that come with Subutex detox, and how South Shores Detox and Recovery can help you start recovering from opioid abuse today.
What is Subutex?
Subutex is a brand name for buprenorphine, a medication used to treat opioid addiction. It is a partial opioid agonist, which means that it binds to opioid receptors in the brain but does not produce the same intense euphoric effects as a full opioid agonist like heroin or oxycodone.
This makes it less likely to be abused and more effective in treating withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Of course, this does not mean that people do not abuse Subutex; it is just less common than with other more potent opioids.
Subutex is taken as a sublingual tablet, which means that it is dissolved under the tongue. It is usually started at a low dose and gradually increased over time. The average dose is 8 milligrams per day, but this may vary depending on the individual.
What Is the Difference Between an Opioid and a Partial Opioid Agonist?
The main difference between an opioid and a partial opioid agonist is the way they interact with opioid receptors in the brain. Opioids are full agonists, which means they bind to the receptors and produce a maximal response. This can lead to strong pain relief, but it also increases the risk of addiction and overdose.
Partial opioid agonists, on the other hand, bind to the receptors but only produce a partial response. This means they do not provide as much pain relief as full agonists, but they also have a lower risk of addiction and overdose.
These are different from opioid antagonist medications, which work by blocking the effects of opioid drugs. Opioid antagonists are commonly used to treat opioid use disorder by dissuading those in recovery from abusing opioids, as they will not be able to get high.
Some examples of opioids include morphine, heroin, and oxycodone. Some examples of partial opioid agonists include buprenorphine, butorphanol, naltrexone, and, of course, Subutex.
What is Subutex Used For?
As discussed, Subutex affects the central nervous system by binding to opioid receptors in the brain but does not produce the same level of euphoria as full opioid agonists like heroin or morphine. This makes it effective for treating opioid addiction, including dependence on heroin, morphine, oxycodone, and codeine.
Subutex is typically used as part of a comprehensive treatment program that includes counseling and behavioral therapy. It is not a cure for opioid addiction, but it can help people to manage their withdrawal symptoms and cravings, and to stay sober.
Can Subutex Be Addictive?
While the risk of addiction to Subutex is considered to be lower than the risk of addiction to other opioids, there is still a risk of abuse with this medication. The likelihood of forming an opioid dependence on this medication increases when it is being misused, such as taking more than prescribed or using it without a prescription.
People who are more likely to become addicted to Subutex include those who have a history of addiction to other opioids, whether personal or familial, and those who have a mental health condition such as depression or anxiety.
Can Subutex Cause Overdose?
While less common than with full opioid drugs, Subutex can still cause overdose when misused. While Subutex overdose symptoms tend to be less severe than with drugs like heroin or fentanyl, it can still be dangerous if taken in high doses or in combination with other drugs.
The symptoms of a Subutex overdose can include:
- Slowed breathing
- Respiratory depression
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Seizures
- Coma
- Death
If you think someone is overdosing on Subutex, call 911 immediately. While there is no specific antidote for this form of opioid overdose, emergency medical treatment can help to save the person’s life, especially if it is administered as soon as possible.
What are the Signs of Subutex Abuse and Addiction?
While patients treated with Subutex often have an easier time managing their opioid withdrawal symptoms, it is important to know how to recognize when their medication use is becoming problematic.
The signs of Subutex abuse and addiction can vary from person to person, but some of the most common signs include:
- Taking more Subutex than prescribed.
- Using Subutex in ways other than prescribed, such as snorting or injecting it.
- Selling or trading Subutex.
- Developing a tolerance to Subutex, or needing to take more of the drug to achieve the same effects.
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking Subutex.
- Neglecting your responsibilities at work, school, or home.
- Isolating yourself from friends and family.
- Lying about your Subutex use.
- Engaging in risky or dangerous behaviors while using Subutex.
If you are concerned that you or someone you know may be abusing buprenorphine, it is important to seek help. There are many resources available to help people who are struggling with opioid addiction, including South Shores Detox and Recovery.
Why Detox is Necessary for Treating Subutex Addiction
When you stop taking opioids like Subutex after forming a dependence on this medication, quitting cold turkey can cause your body to go through withdrawal, which can be uncomfortable and even dangerous.
This is especially true if you were using other drugs or alcohol with your medication. The symptoms of opioid withdrawal can vary depending on the type of opioid you were taking, how much you were taking, and how long you were taking it.
What are Common Subutex Withdrawal Symptoms?
If you have formed a dependence on Subutex and suddenly stop or reduce your intake, you can experience withdrawal symptoms. The symptoms associated with this withdrawal syndrome are similar to those of other opioids and can be both physical and mental.
The Subutex withdrawal timeline can also be unpredictable, changing based on the person and their specific habits of buprenorphine misuse. With that being said, the physical symptoms of Subutex withdrawal typically start within 24 hours of the last dose and peak within 72 hours.
Some of the most common physical withdrawal symptoms you may experience during the withdrawal process include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach cramps and diarrhea
- Muscle pain
- Body aches
- Sweaty
- Chills
- Fever
- Insomnia
- Yawning
- Runny nose
- Watery eyes
- Headache
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Irritability
Typical Psychological Symptoms of Withdrawal from Subutex
The psychological symptoms of Subutex withdrawal can last for weeks or even months and can include depression, anxiety, irritability, insomnia, intense cravings, difficulty concentrating, and mood swings.
The severity of both your physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms can vary depending on how long and how much the drug has been used. In general, the longer and more heavily the drug has been used, the more uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms you will experience.
Subutex also poses the risk of causing neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome, a condition that occurs in newborn babies who were exposed to opioids like this one in the womb. This makes it especially important for expecting mothers to receive professional help during the detox process.
If you are experiencing Subutex withdrawal symptoms, it is important to seek professional help in our medical detox setting. Our team of doctors and addiction specialists can help you safely detox from the drug and develop a plan for long-term recovery.
What to Expect from Subutex Detox and Treatment
When you are recovering from buprenorphine withdrawal syndrome, you will likely participate in several different addiction treatment services to ensure you are able to achieve long-lasting sobriety. For many people, the first step in their treatment process will be medical detox.
Subutex detox is the process of gradually reducing the amount of Subutex in your body until you are no longer dependent on it. This can be done with a tapering schedule in an inpatient or outpatient treatment setting, and the length of time it takes will vary depending on the severity of your opiate withdrawal syndrome.
Once detox has been completed, you will need to receive further treatment to ensure you are able to maintain long-term recovery. Subutex treatment is the process of helping you to maintain your sobriety after you have completed detox. This may involve individual or group therapy, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and other support services.
MAT is a type of treatment that combines medication with counseling and other therapies when treating drug and alcohol addiction. While Subutex is often used as a medication in MAT itself, many buprenorphine abusers will need to receive MAT on a tapering schedule to successfully recover from dependence on this medication.
The South Shores Detox and Recovery Approach
If you are ready to detox from Subutex, South Shores and Recovery is here to help you navigate this process safely. Our treatment center offers comprehensive and effective treatment for a wide variety of substance use disorders, including opioid addiction.
When receiving treatment at our rehabilitation center, you will have access to a wide variety of services including (but not limited to):
- Medical detox services
- Residential treatment
- Intensive outpatient programs
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Holistic treatments
Our treatment program stands apart in the fact that we do not just treat withdrawal symptoms, but the whole addiction. You will work with a medical professional and dedicated care team from the moment you step into our facility until the time you leave to make sure you are receiving the support you need to safely recover from your substance abuse.
Get Clean from Subutex at South Shores Today
If you or a loved one is struggling with Subutex addiction, it is important to seek help right away. Addiction is a serious disease that requires extensive physical and emotional support to successfully recover from.
At South Shores Detox and Recovery, we provide the treatment and supportive environment you need to achieve and maintain sobriety. If you are ready to start your recovery or want to learn more about our treatment program, reach out to us today!