Suboxone is a brand name of a buprenorphine/naloxone medication. Other brand names include Sublocade, Brixadi, and Subutex. This effective, FDA-approved medication is safe for long-term use and can help those recovering from opioid addiction in several ways. However, you might have questions about whether suboxone can be misused.
At BrightView, we use suboxone in our medication for addiction treatment (MAT) program because it is safe and effective. Learn more about our MAT treatment program and reach out to our team today if you’re looking for an opioid addiction treatment program near you.
What Is Suboxone?
Suboxone is intended to treat narcotic addiction. It does so by decreasing the symptoms of addiction as well as reducing cravings for drugs such as heroin, codeine, fentanyl, and oxycodone. Suboxone also helps with opioid withdrawal. It is made up of two different medications:
- Buprenorphine
- Naloxone
Buprenorphine is considered a partial agonist. When taken properly, it prevents other opioids from binding to receptors in the nervous system. In other words, it “blocks” the ability for someone who is taking it to feel that same high that they feel when they take heroin or other opioids. It also allows for the body to be able to wean off of heroin/opioids and also avoid withdrawal. Buprenorphine is not likely to cause the strong sedation and euphoria which most opioids cause. However, for someone who has an opioid addiction, buprenorphine will appease their basic opioid cravings and suppress withdrawal symptoms.
The second ingredient in suboxone, naloxone, is an opioid antagonist. This means that it blocks and reverses the effects of opioids on a person’s nervous system. It is used in suboxone to prevent people from overdosing on buprenorphine. Another equally important usage for naloxone in suboxone is to minimize the risk of relapse. Ultimately, suboxone prevents the euphoric and addictive sensation that opioids would normally produce.
Can Buprenorphine Get You High?
Our senior medical director at BrightView, Dr. Parag Patel, explains that when it comes to buprenorphine, an opioid itself, individuals who are opioid naïve or have had limited exposure to opioids may experience a euphoric or “high” feeling. However, it is important to note that our medical professionals at all of our BrightView centers take extensive precautions when prescribing buprenorphine to our patients to ensure their safety and well-being.
On the other hand, if you have been actively addicted to opioids as your primary drug of choice, suboxone, which contains buprenorphine, will not produce a “high” feeling. This is because buprenorphine has a ceiling effect, meaning it reaches its limit in providing a euphoric or pleasurable sensation. This is one of the reasons why our medical professionals receive extensive education and training on the maintenance medications prescribed for patients at BrightView.
We prioritize the safety and comprehensive care of our patients. This ensures that they receive the appropriate medications tailored to their specific needs.
Is It Possible to Misuse Buprenorphine?
Given buprenorphine’s slow onset, mild effects, and relatively long duration cycle, the effect on the brain’s reward system is minimal, which in turn reduces its potential for addiction. This makes buprenorphine a promising option for medication assisted treatment in addiction recovery. At BrightView, we prioritize the comprehensive training of every medical professional in the prescription and administration of maintenance medications and buprenorphine.
Our doctors and nurses receive extensive education on the disease of addiction, ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge and skills to provide the best care possible. We also emphasize the importance of transparency with our patients, fostering open communication and trust in the doctor-patient relationship. This approach ensures that the exchange of information from doctor to patient is effortless, and straightforward, and promotes a successful treatment journey.
Reach Out to BrightView Today
At BrightView, we understand the complexities of opioid addiction. Therefore, we strive to provide a safe and effective treatment approach for each individual. Our comprehensive care includes not only medication assisted treatment but also therapy and support services to address the underlying factors contributing to addiction.
We believe that no one should have to suffer alone in their journey toward recovery. That’s why our team at BrightView always strives to provide compassionate and evidence-based care to all of our patients. If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid addiction, please reach out to us for help today. Recovery is possible, and we are here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can overcome addiction and create a brighter future.
If you need help, reach out to us today at 888.501.9865 to discuss treatment options. BrightView offers drug treatment centers that take Medicaid and Medicare throughout the state of Ohio. Therefore, if payment is a concern, please know that there are options available that can help.
