Is Suboxone Abuse a Reality?
Suboxone is one of the few FDA approved drugs for treating people who are addicted to opioids. It works by negating the effects of opioids on the brain and slowly helping a person wean themselves off their chosen drug. While it does produce some of the same effects as using opioids, these effects are greatly reduced.
Regardless, Suboxone abuse is still prevalent among some people. While doctors recommend staying on the medication for only 20 to 25 days, some continue using it for far longer, creating an addiction.
If you are on Suboxone and find yourself unable to curb the habit, don’t hesitate to give us a call at 888-646-0865 (Who Answers?) . Our experts can talk with you about finding a way to end your Suboxone use without going back to your opioid addiction.
What Are the Effects of Suboxone?
Despite heavy regulations, suboxone has become a street drug in many areas of the U.S.
Because it produces many of the same effects as opioid use, a person might be inclined to try and abuse their Suboxone prescription. While some side effects are unpleasant, such as body aches or flu-like symptoms, others are more positive, such as a reduction of pain and a high feeling.
Suboxone is also known to block a person’s feelings, meaning it could potentially be used by people with mood or anxiety disorders to help combat their negative feelings.
Reports of Suboxone Abuse
Despite not being physically addictive or having the same power as its opioid counterpart, many people are still selling this drug on the street. The problem is widespread throughout the United States but does seem to be more prevalent in the northeast region.
For example, in Chittenden County in Vermont, an eight milligram pill of Suboxone can go for up to $25. In Washington County, Maine, tablets can reach up to $50. The Pennsylvania Department of Health has also reported on Suboxone street sales across the state. Many of these users are grinding the tablets and snorting them or injecting them intravenously in order to get the most extreme results possible.
Precautions Against Suboxone Abuse
Because a high dose of the drug can actually mimic opioid withdrawal symptoms, it is actually very hard for a person to abuse the drug without feeling uncomfortable.
One of the main ingredients in the drug, naloxone, actually reverses most of the opioid effects produced by Suboxone, preventing a person from ever reaching the high they might like. Because, taking more of the drug in an effort to get a greater high won’t work.
The United States also has strict regulations about who can prescribe Suboxone. In order to provide the drug to their patients, a doctor must be certified by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Only 1700 physicians are currently certified in the country.
Additionally, they can only write a prescription for 30 patients at a time and must keep records of each patient they provide it to. Each patient must also be referred to drug counseling in an effort to educate them about the dangers of abuse.
While Suboxone abuse may currently exist in the United States, this danger of addiction should not stop you from using it as a treatment for your opioid addiction. It is one of the best choices available for helping a person detox and prevent opioid relapse.
If you’re ready to take the next step and get help for your opioid addiction, please give our hotline a call at 888-646-0865 (Who Answers?) . Our knowledgeable experts would be glad to share with you more advice and information about how Suboxone works and if it is the right choice for you.
