Why Suboxone is Effective for Opioid Use Disorder Recovery 

Woman consulting her doctor about suboxone and learning why suboxone is effective for Opioid Use Disorder recovery

This highly effective medication is helping fight the ongoing opioid epidemic in America. 

Through the span of three and a half decades, opioid addiction has become a top public health concern in the U.S.  Opioid overdose rates remain high since the emergence of COVID-19, and the widespread use of fentanyl continues to claim lives.  With this highly addictive and dangerous drug finding its way into virtually every street drug, many are in imminent danger.  

Despite overdose cases and the severity of the opioid epidemic continuing to grab headlines, there is hope for many.  There are many opioid addiction treatment options for those who are struggling.  Keep reading to learn why Suboxone is effective for opioid use disorder recovery and how to access Suboxone treatment. 

What is Opioid Use Disorder?  

Opioid use disorder can arise from both prescribed medication and illegal opioids.  Many people who end up using illicit opioids first start with a prescription from a doctor.  Although physicians no longer prescribe opioids as often as before, the threat of fentanyl still looms.  People who may be struggling in areas of their lives begin using drugs to cope.  Many of those people often have untreated mental illnesses such as anxiety, depression or PTSD.  

These substances latch onto opioid receptors in the brain, inhibiting pain and inducing a euphoric sensation in non-medicinal doses.  This euphoria, with frequent misuse, starts to reshape the reward pathway in the prefrontal cortex.  Over time, this leads to intense cravings and painful withdrawal sensations until they consume more opioids. 

As opioid misuse becomes habitual, individuals begin to build tolerance, needing increasing quantities to achieve the desired high.  Before long, the brain prioritizes opioid use, often sidelining even essential functions like eating and sleeping.  This can rapidly transition into an uncontrollable addiction, also known as opioid use disorder. 

Understanding Why Suboxone is Effective for Opioid Use Disorder Recovery 

Medical provider discussing Suboxone treatment option with his patient for his opioid use disorder.

Overcoming opioid addiction is particularly difficult for people to attempt without medical intervention.  Most people addicted to opioids will try to stop using many times, only to give up due to incredibly uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.  However, even those who make it through withdrawal have difficulty with relapse later due to the way opioids alter the brain.   

This is where the role of medication-assisted treatment comes into play.  Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) stands as an effective outpatient method for opioid addiction, using FDA-approved medication alongside opioid addiction counseling.  One such notable medication is Suboxone, also known as buprenorphine and naloxone. 

The key to understanding why Suboxone is effective for opioid use disorder recovery is learning how it works.  Suboxone is a partial opioid agonist, which means it interacts with the brain’s opioid receptors.  Full opioids interact with those same receptors but in a different way.  Suboxone has a much weaker effect but still manages to relieve withdrawal symptoms and cravings without creating a euphoric high.  

Additionally, Suboxone contains the drug naloxone, which is an opioid antagonist.  This component can outright block euphoric effects if the medication is misused or other opioids are present.  All of these elements of Suboxone work together to help stabilize brain function in someone with opioid use disorder.  

Top 5 Benefits of Suboxone in Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) 

Doctor listing reasons why Suboxone is effective

Suboxone is a central part of office-based opioid  treatment (OBOT).  Among the many different substance use disorder treatment options, Suboxone is one of the most popular.  There are many reasons why people prefer this method over others; here are just a few: 

  • Medical providers create personalized addiction recovery plans for each patient, including their specific healthcare concerns.  Each patient meets with a medical provider capable of attending to their mental and physical health.  That means treating any addiction-related condition, such as infection or mental illness.
  • Suboxone is a take-home medication that patients self-dispense on their own, which means no daily trips to a clinic.
  • Patients work with substance use counselors who help them figure out relapse prevention strategies and more.  They also have access to individual and group sessions to discuss their progress and concerns.  Many people find group meetings pivotal to their recovery success because the recovery community is so welcoming.
  • Monthly check-in appointments are flexible and easy to schedule.  There is no waiting in line for hours at these offices.  This setup makes it easier for people with jobs and family commitments or those living in rural areas.
  • Offices look just like any other doctor’s office, with minimal wait times.  Some people hesitate to get help for their addiction because they are ashamed or feel afraid.  These professional medical offices treat every patient equally and with respect and dignity.  

There are numerous other benefits of Suboxone for addiction recovery.  One of the biggest, however, seems to be the value of time.  Outpatient treatment with take-home medication allows patients to work on rebuilding their lives.  They can work, travel and attend to their obligations without committing to inpatient care, which can be costly and overwhelming.  

Learn Why Suboxone is Effective for Opioid Use Disorder Recovery with Middlesex Recovery 

Treatment for opioid use disorder with Suboxone has proven to be one of the most effective MAT methods.  At Middlesex Recovery, we emphasize this approach, guided by specialized and compassionate medical providers. 

Recognizing addiction as a chronic illness, we believe in comprehensive treatments like Suboxone coupled with other recovery resources.  This has allowed countless individuals to redefine their lives, breaking free from the chains of addiction. 

If you or someone you love is living with opioid use disorder or alcohol use disorder, contact our team at Middlesex Recovery to learn more about effective treatment options.  Our care coordinators are available to discuss how we can help.  Don’t wait – begin your recovery journey today

Contact Middlesex Recovery Today

If opioid addiction is impacting your life or the life of someone you care about, reach out to our treatment center. We are here to provide the support and care you need to take the first step toward recovery.

Call 781.303.9936