How dangerous are opiates?
Opiates are some of the most addictive drugs in human history. Consequently, opiate addicts stop at almost nothing to obtain more and more opiates, even if that means damaging relationships, losing a job, sharing a needle or going to jail. In fact, many of them end up going to jail. To make matters worse, the number of overdoses is soaring. This reality leaves many opiate addicts feeling trapped with limited options.
Opiate withdrawal
Opiate withdrawal is a group of symptoms that develop shortly after cessation. Symptoms include restlessness, muscle pain, insomnia, diarrhea, vomiting, cold flashes, goose bumps and restless legs.
The difference between dependency and addiction
Opiates dependency means that an opiate user is susceptible to opiate withdrawal whenever he or she stops taking opiates. On the other hand, opiates addiction is defined by behavior – tenaciously seeking and compulsively using opiates with an inability to control intake. From a clinical standpoint, opiate withdrawal is the most powerful factor driving both dependency and addictive behaviors.
Using Suboxone for withdrawal
Suboxone makes opiate detoxification safer, quicker and more comfortable. It is a powerful pharmacotherapy that suppresses opiate withdrawal. It acts on the same brain structures and processes as addictive opioids, but with protective or normalizing effects. This enables Suboxone to reverse the effects of withdrawal without intoxicating the patient. One of the main benefits of using Suboxone is that it has a small potential for addiction. Even when administered to a high-risk population, 100% of whom have histories of opiate addiction, very few develop the uncontrollable compulsion seek and use Suboxone.
Suboxone is actually two medications combined into one: buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine reduces unpleasant effects of opiate withdrawal. Naloxone reverses the effects of opiate drugs. Giving these two medicines together makes it easier to use them properly. Suboxone detox is a short-term opiate addiction treatment program that manages opiate withdrawal and ends opiate dependence.
Induction:
Suboxone patients begin detox treatment under the supervision of a qualified doctor. For the first dose, a patient must be in a moderate state of opiate withdrawal. Patients must work with their doctor to reach a dose of Suboxone that works for them.
Medical taper:
It is important that patients work with their doctor to determine when the time is right to lower the dose, taking care to minimize discomfort. Patients should discuss any concerns they have with their doctor.
Opiates drug rehab
Many opiate addicts make several attempts to quit before seeking professional help. Most attempts are unsuccessful. Usually because they’re unable to follow the strict guidelines necessary to detoxify themselves. Finding an opiate drug-rehab that uses Suboxone may help in combatting opiate dependence.
Suboxone warnings:
Suboxone comes in two forms: a tablet or film.
Some drug users will abuse most any medication, but even Suboxone abusers typically switch back to their “drug of choice” because Suboxone intoxication is much less than with regular opioids and because Suboxone blocks other opiates.
- Suboxone Film is not recommended in patients with severe hepatic impairment and may not be appropriate for patients with moderate hepatic impairment. However, Suboxone Film may be used with caution for maintenance treatment in patients with moderate hepatic impairment who have initiated treatment on a buprenorphine product without naloxone.Keep Suboxone Film out of the sight and reach of children. Accidental or deliberate ingestion of Suboxone Film by a child can cause severe breathing problems and death.
- Keep Suboxone Film out of the sight and reach of children. Accidental or deliberate ingestion of Suboxone Film by a child can cause severe breathing problems and death.
To report negative side effects associated with taking Suboxone, please call 1-877-782-6966. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Can you get Suboxone in jail?
Neither the Controlled Substances Act nor DEA implementing regulations impose any limitations on a doctor or other authorized hospital staff to maintain or detoxify a person with an opioid treatment drug like Suboxone for addiction treatment in any practice setting, including in correctional facilities.
Currently, State laws and policies vary considerably regarding opioid-assisted (methadone) treatment within correctional facilities. It is assumed that this same variation will occur with the use of buprenorphine products in this setting.
