Imagine being held captive by a relentless enemy that gradually takes control of your life, body, and mind. This enemy is not a person or a situation but a substance — opioids. For many individuals battling opioid addiction, the road to recovery can seem insurmountable. However, breakthroughs in medical science have offered a lifeline in the form of Suboxone, a revolutionary medication aimed at aiding those in their fight against opioid addiction.
The substance abuse experts at West Grove Clinic, a leading treatment center in the Milwaukee area, have shared some crucial insights about Suboxone and how it assists in Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT).
If you or a loved one is battling addiction, don't hesitate to reach out. Contact us today.
The Science Behind Suboxone
Suboxone is an innovative product that’s a combination of two potent drugs: buprenorphine and naloxone. Together, they synergistically mitigate withdrawal symptoms and reduce the patient's reliance on opioids over time.
Suboxone belongs to a group of drugs known as "opioid agonists- antagonists." These are unique compared to "opioid agonists" such as heroin, morphine, and oxycodone. Opioid agonists work by triggering specific pain receptors in the brain, altering pain perception, and releasing endorphins that simulate pleasure — a phenomenon termed the "opioid effect."
Conversely, an opioid agonist-antagonist like Suboxone obstructs the impact of any opioid by inhibiting euphoria and helping manage cravings and alleviate withdrawal symptoms.
Suboxone vs. Methadone: A Safer Alternative
Suboxone has been the preferred choice for addiction treatment specialists since the early 2000s, replacing its predecessor, methadone. The reason? Suboxone was specifically engineered to combat opioid addiction and is prescribed in an outpatient office environment. Furthermore, the side effects of Suboxone are generally less severe. However, for certain patients, Methadone might be the better option – this needs to be determined by your healthcare provider.
Suboxone: A Single Component of a Comprehensive Recovery Plan
While a powerful tool in combating addiction, medication-assisted treatment should not be the sole focus of a recovery plan. An effective MAT program integrates a closely monitored medication schedule with substance abuse counseling and regular primary care to ensure both mental and physical health. For some patients, Suboxone may not be the appropriate choice, while others may not require medication assistance at all. Every recovery journey is unique, and your addiction treatment specialist is there to guide you in making informed decisions throughout the process.
At West Grove Clinic, we not only provide Suboxone treatment but offer a comprehensive team approach to recovery. We offer psychiatric care, counseling, and addiction services. We also offer the Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) which is group based and offers structure to patients in early recovery. We are sought after by many colleges and universities to teach their students the latest addiction treatments through our staff due to their expertise.