How Addictive Is Suboxone? Suboxone is a schedule III medication, which means it has low addiction potential. The chances of developing addiction to Suboxone if taken as prescribed are very low. However, a person may still develop a dependence on Suboxone, and abrupt discontinuation will cause withdrawal symptoms. So, it is essential to understand the difference between addiction and dependence. This blog will address the addictive potential of Suboxone, debunking common myths, exploring its benefits, and guide tapering off Suboxone and considering alternatives.
Suboxone can help you end opioid addiction! Call 844.445.2565 to get your same-day Suboxone prescription by connecting with online Suboxone doctors in New Jersey.
Highlights
- Suboxone is an FDA-approved medication for opioid addiction treatment.
- It is a schedule III medication, which means it has low addiction potential if used for recreational purposes.
- Suboxone addiction and dependence are two different things. If you are experiencing withdrawal symptoms while discontinuing Suboxone then you are likely having Suboxone dependence.
- If you are following your doctor’s plan, you are unlikely to develop an addiction to Suboxone.
- Suboxone is safe for long-term use and substantially reduces opioid withdrawal symptoms, risk of overdose, and chances of a relapse.
- ChoicePoint doctors are certified to dispense an online Suboxone prescription. Call 844.445.2565 to schedule an appointment.
- Find in less than 5 minutes if you are suffering from addiction through a confidential addiction self-assessment test.
Table of Contents
Is It Possible to Become Addicted to Suboxone?
Suboxone is a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone. It is widely used in treating opioid addiction by blocking the effects of addictive opioids. Technically, Suboxone is a controlled substance and can be addictive if taken in greater dosage or used for recreational purposes because it contains buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist. However, the risk of addiction is significantly lower compared to full opioid agonists like heroin or fentanyl.
Also, Suboxone has a ceiling effect, increasing the dose beyond a certain point does not enhance its effects. This means that Suboxone does not cause a high or euphoria so it lowers the risk of misuse.
How Addictive is Suboxone? Suboxone Addiction vs. Dependence
Suboxone addiction and dependence are two different things. If you are following your doctor’s plan, you are unlikely to develop an addiction to Suboxone. However, the recreational use of Suboxone is now being reported. People self-medicate with suboxone after opioid abuse to combat withdrawal symptoms themselves and then abruptly stop using it till the next episode. In this case, Suboxone overdose is possible and can be highly dangerous for you.
Symptoms of Suboxone Addiction
Suboxone addiction is diagnosed according to the DSM-V criteria. Signs of Suboxone addiction include:
- Using illegal means to acquire suboxone
- Neglecting responsibilities due to drug abuse
- Experiencing intense urges to use the substance
- Continuing the medicine despite it worsening your condition
- Using substances in risky settings that put a person in danger
Suboxone Dependence
Suboxone dependence is when a person experiences withdrawal symptoms once they stop using this medication. Suboxone dependence is normal and not dangerous. Your doctors already consider it when they create a custom plan for you. Dependence is easily treated with a tapering-off approach under medical supervision. However, if you are showing signs of suboxone addiction, then you should not delay your treatment and schedule an appointment with a certified doctor to help you detox from suboxone.
Executive Clinical Director at ChoicePoint.
Suboxone is safe for long-term use. Many clients often raise concerns that taking suboxone for a long time might be dangerous. I tell them it's just like any other medication. Like, insulin, blood pressure medication is prescribed for an indefinite time. The same is the case with Suboxone. You may develop dependence on it which is natural given its long-term use. But, its medical use does not lead to addiction.
Getting Suboxone Prescribed? Let’s Look at the Bigger Picture
Suboxone round orange pill is an FDA-approved medication. It has been around for 2 decades so there is substantial data available now to weigh its pros and cons.
Opioid overdose is a worldwide crisis and medications such as Buprenorphine such as Suboxone and Subutex have saved many lives and somewhat averted the opioid pandemic. Several researches show that the benefits of suboxone outweigh its side effects. Some benefits of suboxone include:
- Reduction in Cravings and Withdrawal Symptoms: Suboxone reduces the physical and psychological struggles of opioid withdrawal.
- Stability for Recovery: By curbing cravings, Suboxone allows individuals to focus on rebuilding their lives.
- Reduced Risk of Overdose: The ceiling effect minimizes the potential for overdose compared to full opioid agonists.
Success Stories
“Suboxone saved my life,” shares Emily, a ChoicePoint client. “After years of struggling with addiction, I finally feel in control and hopeful for the future.” Another client adds, “It gave me the stability I needed to repair relationships and find purpose again.
I had a long history of opioid addiction. I was suffering from a condition called Fibromyalgia, a condition characterized by uncontrolled pain. Opioids were the only medication that provided me relief but soon I realized I was getting addicted to them. My family suffered due to my addiction, my children moved away from me and that’s when I needed to get help. Suboxone saved my life literally. It helped to control my urges and offered some pain relief. – A client at ChoicePoint
How to Get Maximum Benefits Out of Suboxone Treatment?
If you are starting Suboxone and worried about its addictive potential. Here is how to get the most out of your treatment.
Comprehensive care
Suboxone alone is not sufficient for ending opioid addiction. Take it with counseling and therapy to fully understand and treat the causes of addiction.
Take only as prescribed
Do not in any circumstances go towards self-medication, if you think your Suboxone dose is too low, talk to your doctor who can adjust it.
Wean off quickly
Evaluate your progress and once you think you are stable enough to control your cravings without suboxone then you can stop taking it.