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Suboxone Maintenance Treatment

Suboxone is a drug therapy that helps control cravings and withdrawals from opiate and opioid addiction. The main chemical in Suboxone is buprenorphine, a semi-synthetic partial opioid agonist. Naloxone is the secondary chemical, which is used in hospital settings as an opioid antagonist. The two chemicals work together to help addicts overcome their addiction.

  1. Pain Receptors

    • Suboxone works on pain receptors in the brain. These same receptors are the site of attachment for opiates like heroin and opioids like hydromorphine. These drugs attach to receptors and relieve pain and cause euphoria and a sense of well-being. The longer the drug is taken, the more saturated the receptors become, and casual drug use for pain becomes a physical and mental addiction.

    Buprenorphine

    • Buprenorphine is the main ingredient in Suboxone. It is also the main ingredient for Subutex, a similar drug without the naloxone component. Buprenorphine is a partial opiate agonist, which means it has a partial effect on opiate receptors. However, buprenorphine has a higher affinity for the receptor than opiates. Because of this, buprenorphine attaches to receptors and limits opiate interaction. Buprenorphine also creates a lesser effect, but it helps limit withdrawal symptoms.

    Naloxone

    • Naloxone is an opiate receptor antagonist. Antagonists attach to the cell, but they do not elicit a response. Naloxone has a strong affinity for opiate receptors, so it completely blocks any opiate activity. Naloxone is added to Suboxone to prevent drug addicts from injecting the drug. Naloxone is used in hospital settings to quickly reverse opiate receptor activity in overdose situations. The consequence of injecting Suboxone is high doses of naloxone, which put the drug addict in immediate withdrawal, deterring a relapse scenario.

    Treatment

    • Although Suboxone is usually administered in a clinical setting, some doctors prescribe the drug for patients to use at home. Clinic treatment is beneficial for patients who struggle with cravings and relapse often. Clinics distribute the drug daily to the patient in the proper dose to help maintain a stable recovery.

    Finding Treatment

    • Suboxone treatment is backed by the National Institute of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The drug is considered one of the most effective forms of treatment for opiate addicts. To find a professional or clinic for treatment, use the government's website at buprenorphine.samhsa.gov.

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