Suboxone is a medicine that is comprised of two drugs buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine helps to minimize the symptoms of opioid withdrawal, while naloxone helps to block the effect of opioids.
Suboxone is designed to be used in the short to medium term, to support people on their opioid addiction recovery journey, allowing them to learn their triggers and equip themselves with coping skills. However, in some cases, Suboxone may be used over the long term, particularly by those who are at risk of using stronger Opioids such as Morphine or oxycodone.
Unfortunately, as Suboxone is itself an opioid, with long-term use comes a risk of dependence, as well as a raft of unpleasant and often dangerous side effects.
The Long-Term Side Effects of Using Suboxone
There are many harmful side effects that using Suboxone long-term can cause. The first of these is an increased sensitivity to pain known as hyperalgesia. Many long-term users also find that Suboxone like other opioids slows down their body’s digestive system causing extreme constipation.
Hormonal imbalances resulting in issues such as diabetes, fatigue, osteoporosis, and sexual dysfunction are common in both males and females using Suboxone over the long term. As is treatment-resistant depression caused by the chemical changes in the brain from Suboxone use.
In addition to the nasty side effects anyone using Suboxone over the long term is much more likely to become dependent both physically and psychologically on the drug. They are also at much greater risk of overdose as they may try to increase their consumption to achieve the same feelings as their tolerance builds.
Treatment for Suboxone Dependence
For those with Suboxone dependence, there is various form of therapy that can be effective.
One option is intensive outpatient therapy, which offers a comprehensive drug treatment program without having to stay onsite. Indeed, Intensive Outpatient Therapy can work particularly well for those who have a strong support system at home and would rather not leave the comforts of their own residence behind.
Then there is the Telemedicine Option. This provides all the support of the outpatient program without having to attend any medication or therapy meetings in person. Instead, you can complete your sessions remotely from anywhere, so there is no need to worry about long commutes or disruption to your other life responsibilities like career or family.
Last, of all, there is a Multiple Pathways Treatment approach. This combines the detox, and evidence-based therapies of the other approaches including CBT, with some more traditional methods for success. These methods include wilderness therapy, animal-assisted therapy, and family therapy.
Louisville Addiction Treatment Center For All Your Addiction Treatment Needs
Here at Louisville Addiction Treatment Center, our Impact Outpatient Program is a one-of-a-kind outpatient drug rehab & alcohol treatment program that offers every patient a path to lasting, sustainable recovery and a rich and fulfilling sober life.
Visit our website for more details on how our therapies can help you or your loved one kick Suboxone dependency.