15 Things My Doctor Didn’t Tell Me About Suboxone Treatment

As I headed into Suboxone treatment for the first time, I was a complete addiction recovery newby. Now, I know better, and I wanted to share my knowledge with you. Here are 15 things my doctor didn’t tell me about Suboxone treatment.

You Need Counseling Too

Taking medication is just one step in the recovery process – without being paired with counseling, it’s not very effective. Getting help from support groups and family members is also essential.

You Can’t Abuse Suboxone

Suboxone contains naloxone, which prevents you from injecting the medication to get high. I learned this the hard way when I had a relapse and tried it myself, and I immediately starting going through withdrawal.

Suboxone Is Much More Convenient Than Methadone

With methadone, you have to take a dose every day. Suboxone, on the other hand, can be taken every other day. Even better, you don’t have to drive to a separate clinic to get it.

75 Percent of Patients Stay in Treatment After a Year

Attending support groups increases the effectiveness of Suboxone treatment.

With retention rates like these, it makes Suboxone a great choice if you don’t want to relapse.

Suboxone Was Approved by the FDA in 2002

I had no idea Suboxone was a cutting-edge technology!

You Might Still Get Cravings

Just because your physical dependence on opioids is being satisfied, doesn’t mean your psychological dependence is being satisfied. You’ll quickly learn to ignore these mental cravings.

Suboxone Treatment Can Be Long Term

I originally thought I’d just be on Suboxone for a few weeks until I stabilized. However, there’s no set time limit for how long to stay on Suboxone. You can even stay on it for the rest of your life if you feel comfortable doing so.

Suboxone Does Have Some Side Effects

However, these side effects are quite mild. They might include things like body aches, constipation, dizziness, trouble sleeping, or mood swings.

There’s No One “Right” Treatment

While Suboxone works great for most people, for some people, it might not be the right choice. That’s ok, because there’s not a perfect treatment for drug addiction. Everyone is different.

Need help finding the treatment that’s best for you? Why not call 888-646-0865 (Who Answers?) right now to have a chat about your treatment options?

Suboxone-Assisted Detox Is Only the First Step of Treatment

To be honest, I thought that I would go on Suboxone to detox and then be finished with my treatment. How wrong I was! After that, I stayed on maintenance levels of Suboxone, went to therapy, had counseling, and so much more.

Suboxone Is Less Addictive Than Methadone

Originally, I was thinking about going on methadone. However, I later found out that methadone is a Schedule II drug, meaning that it is more addictive than Suboxone, a schedule III drug. Glad I made that decision.

What I Learned from Long Term Suboxone Use

Suboxone Is 20 to 30 Times More Potent Than Morphine

I’m actually glad my doctor never told me this beforehand, as it would have scared me! However, there’s really nothing to worry about, as my treatment has gone just fine with no overdoses or setbacks.

It’s Possible to Become Dependent on Suboxone

In fact, there’s really no way around it. Suboxone satisfies your body’s cravings for opioids, which began back when you started using other drugs. You will build up a dependency to prevent your body from going through withdrawal.

Suboxone Is Taken Under Your Tongue

Call me crazy, but I originally thought Suboxone was some kind of injectable or pill you swallow. In fact, it is a film that you place under your tongue so that your body can absorb it faster.

Suboxone Can Also Be Called “Bupe”

Buprenorphine is one of the main ingredients in Suboxone, so that’s where this nickname comes from. I was confused at first when I heard my doctor talking about “bupe,” but she quickly explained the meaning.

Have I inspired you to start on your own recovery? I hope so!

Just call 888-646-0865 (Who Answers?) when you want to learn more about treatment.