Suboxone is a dangerous combination of buprenorphine and naloxone and is widely used in opioid addiction treatment. However, as a potent opioid itself, the buprenorphine from the drug directly affects the central nervous system (CNS), causing dependence. Once dependence develops, you will more than likely feel a physical need to use it in order to function regularly on a daily basis.
Suboxone works by latching onto opiate receptors that are usually bound by the brain’s natural neurotransmitters; this interferes with the signal transmission from the nervous system to the brain. With continued use over time, your body slows down the production of neurotransmitters, which makes your body dependent on an outside source (Suboxone) in order to work normally.
There are two major indicators of physical dependence on Suboxone: tolerance and withdrawal.
- Tolerance – a physiological adaptation mechanism; when tolerance increases, initial doses don’t have any effect on you any longer. You may then require higher doses and use it more often to achieve the desired effects.
- Withdrawal – occur several hours after the last missed dose (reaching their peak within 2-5 days post usage); the entire process typically lasts about 7-10 days, but in some cases takes several weeks to fix.
What does withdrawing from Suboxone look like? These are the most common symptoms of Suboxone withdrawal:
Headaches
Anxiety
Body aches
Mood changes
Cold sweats
Poor appetite
Nausea
Restlessness
Runny nose
Trouble sleeping
Vomiting
Watery eyes
Despite this, Suboxone dependence is not the same as Suboxone addiction. Physical dependence is the state of your body after a period of drug use; as your body creates a new state of homeostasis with Suboxone, lowering or stopping doses disturbs this newly established equilibrium. Trying to maintain its new balance, your body exhibits withdrawal symptoms. Yet after the symptoms subside, Suboxone will no longer be needed.
Suboxone addiction is a state of mind. It is identified by obsessive drug-seeking, compulsive use (regardless of the awareness of the risks), cravings, loss of control overdosage, and frequent usage. Cravings and drug-seeking behavior are often still present, even after Suboxone leaves the body.
Drug dependence is uncomfortable and very hard to deal with. At Asana Recovery, we understand the hurdle of recovering from addiction through our daily work assisting those struggling most from the disease. While some may believe they can make it alone, rehabilitation programs are essential in the fight to break the dependency. Counseling and aftercare processes can greatly assist you in addressing cognitive facets that lead you to addiction, and help establish structures to cope with life without succumbing to drug use.
Monitored detoxification and in house treatment at Asana Recovery are offered in a relaxing, supportive environment. We’re always committed to making sure of a long term recovery while guiding you toward a healthier future. There’s no better time than now; we’re readily available to speak with you! Give us a call at (949) 438-4504 to learn more information about this comprehensive alcohol and drug addiction treatment program today!
