Why Opioid Addiction Recovery Programs That Use Suboxone® Are More Successful

Opioid addiction afflicts many Americans each year; it has increasingly become a public health crisis with devastating effects. The notion of “drug dependence” and the stigmas attached to it might make it difficult for some people to want to seek treatment. Dependence on opioids like prescription painkillers or heroin is a complex issue with several factors contributing to someone’s reliance. Some of these factors may include psychological state, chronic physical pain, social issues, or biological components. 

Dependence on opioids is a chronic illness that affects the brain. Regular drug use results in the brain adapting to, subsequently craving, the opioids with higher frequency over time. This disease can affect anyone from a close family member to co-worker. Treatment options are available and may include the use of medication, counseling, behavioral therapy, or a combination of all three. 

If you or someone you know is affected by opioid dependence, help is available and can potentially mitigate the effects of this long-term illness. At New Tampa Interventional Pain and Sports Medicine in Wesley Chapel, Florida, Jose De La Torre, MD, and his highly qualified team can assist you in meeting your intended treatment goals. 

What is Suboxone?

People often believe that they can stop using drugs on their own, free from the intervention of a family member of licensed physicians. What studies have shown is that most people do not succeed in long-term abstinence, returning to drug use almost immediately to avoid intense withdrawal symptoms. For this reason, treatment for opioid dependence should be conducted under the supervision of a trained medical professional. Dr. De La Torre has administered Suboxone to patients seeking pain relief or those looking to curb their addiction. 

Suboxone is a prescription medicine used to treat opioid dependence. This medication contains ingredients that attach themselves to the same receptors in the brain that other opioids might. Although Suboxone medication belongs within the opioid family, it is considered safer due in part to its intricate chemical structure. Unlike other opioids, Suboxone does not put you at risk for the same intense withdrawal symptoms or feelings of dependency as other opioids. 

The medicine is administered orally and placed either under the tongue or inside the cheek. There are four dosage strengths, 2-mg/0.5 mg, 4-mg/1 mg, 8-mg/2 mg, and 12-mg/3 mg unit-dose packaging. Dr. De La Torre will be able to prescribe you the necessary dosage for your condition. 

Is Suboxone right for me?

Before determining if Suboxone is right for you, Dr. De La Torre will conduct a health evaluation.  During the evaluation, you should feel comfortable disclosing all of the medications you take, including over-the-counter supplements. You should also disclose any medical conditions from which you may currently be suffering.

Suboxone may not be appropriate for the following candidates

Potential side effects may include

Long-term use of Suboxone may lead to infertility in both men and women. It has also been known to become addictive if abused.

How is Suboxone used to treat addiction?

Suboxone is prescribed alongside a complete treatment program that includes therapy. Dr. De La Torre uses Suboxone to reduce withdrawal symptoms in his patients. An opioid addiction therapy program can be conducted under the supervision of your health care provider who will monitor drug use. Dr. De La Torre’s pain management strategy involves interventional techniques like injections, special nerve blocks, or spinal cord stimulators used in combination with Suboxone. 

What to expect?

When you begin treatment, you must already be in a slight state of withdrawal. Dr. De La Torre will heavily monitor your first dose, checking for harmful side effects. He will also explain when you will need to stop taking opioids before transitioning to the maintenance phase of treatment. 

During the maintenance phase, he will ensure that you are no longer experiencing withdrawal symptoms and are taking your medicine as prescribed. The dosage you will be taking in this phase is generally in the range of 4 mg to 24 mg per day, dependent upon your response to treatment. Throughout treatment, you should feel comfortable discussing any concerns you any have concerning relapse with a therapist as well as with your doctor. 

If you or someone you know is suffering from opioid addiction and is seeking a solution, call our office, or book an appointment online. 

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