Opioid misuse is a major public health issue that impacts people globally. It can be overwhelming to seek help towards recovering from opioid use.
However, there are many different types of treatment available that can have a significant impact on your journey towards recovery. One of the most effective forms of treatment is suboxone strips.
Suboxone are one element in the Medication Assisted Therapy (MAT) treatment modality that enables patients to gradually taper off opioids by providing safe relief for their withdrawal symptoms and cravings as they work through the treatment process.
To ensure that patients are receiving appropriate therapies for their individual circumstances and situation while in recovery, patients are assessed at CT Addiction Medicine prior to beginning MAT to determine if suboxone are an appropriate treatment for them.
What Are Suboxone Strips?
Suboxone Strips are thin, dissolvable strips put into your mouth (under tongue) that combine two active medications:
- Buprenorphine (Partial Opioid Agonist)
- Naloxone (Opioid Antagonist)
Buprenorphine and naloxone work as a team so that they will help you with cravings and help you avoid abusing any medications you have been taking.
What are suboxone strips used for?
The main use of these medications is to help stabilize people who depend on opioids without experiencing extreme withdrawal symptoms. They do not produce a “high” like a full opioid does, making them safer for extended medical use.
How Do Suboxone Strips Work?
Buprenorphine binds to the same brain receptors of opioids, however it only partially stimulates these receptors. This allows for the following support:
- To reduce withdrawal symptoms
- To reduce cravings
- To block other opioids from binding
Naloxone is added to the product to deter misuse. If someone attempts to inject buprenorphine into the body, naloxone will prevent the opioid effects in the body and induce withdrawal if not already experiencing it.
How to Take Suboxone Strips?.
It’s straightforward if done right:
- Clean hands
- Position the strip under the tongue
- Allow for full absorption (don’t bite or swallow)
- Wait to eat/drink until a total absorption occurs
Following these steps for the correct administration of suboxone will result in the medication being effective and continuing to provide benefits as expected.
Suboxone Strips Dosage Guide
To properly help individuals who require treatment with suboxone , an accurate dosage give is critical.
Each person will be uniquely affected by addiction severity and their individual medical histories, as well as how they respond to the medication.
Therefore, treatment will begin with a higher dose during the induction period, with gradual dosing changes made afterwards.
Using a personalized suboxone dosage guide will minimize withdrawal symptoms experienced by those receiving treatment, while at the same time providing for less side effects.
To ensure safe and effective treatment, do not change your dose without first consulting your physician.
Suboxone Strips Vs Tablets
The active ingredients in both forms of Suboxone (tablets and strips) are the same; however, they differ in terms of use (e.g., quick absorption for strips vs slower for tablets).
STRIPS:
- Absorption occurs quicker than tablets
- A person can easily place a strip on their tongue
- A better opportunity exists for patients to misuse the drug when taking them as strips, compared to tablets.
TABLETS:
- Takes longer for tablets to dissolve
- Less convenient than strips for consumption
Many providers prefer to use and prescribe Suboxone strips than tablets, as they provide a more consistent dose and improve patient compliance.
Can suboxone strips treat Opioid Addiction?
Yes, their use as part of a comprehensive treatment plan provides assistance to those who suffer from Opioid dependence. The reasons why can be categorized into three categories:
- When used properly, they reduce cravings for Opioids.
- When used properly, they lessen the effects of withdrawal.
- When used properly, they lower the incidence of relapse.
Why Suboxone is used for Opioid Addiction?
Because of the following features, Suboxone is the drug of choice for treating opioid dependence:
- Lower risk of overdose
- Effectively reduce craving
- Enable normal living for patients
Recognizing why Suboxone is used to treat opioid dependence gives insight into its role as a safer alternative to traditional opioids.
Benefits of Suboxone
The advantages of Suboxone include some of the following:
- Withdrawal management is easier
- Cravings are lessened
- Relapse rates are lower and quality of life is improved.
An individual who has been prescribed Suboxone Strip’s has been able to report more stability during their recovery experience.
Possible Side Effects
Suboxone, like all medications, can produce adverse reactions. Some common examples of Suboxone side effects include the following:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Sleep disturbances
A majority of these side effects are mild and usually resolve with time. Your doctor is responsible for monitoring the use of Suboxone and will help resolve any issues quickly if you need assistance.
Long-Term Recovery with Suboxone Strips
Long-term recovery is aided by the use of suboxone strips as they help to:
- Stabilizing brain function
- Allowing focus on therapy
- Supporting daily routines
With the proper amount of time and consistency, you will have an opportunity to decrease dependency on the strips until you have full control over your addiction again.
Conclusion
It is possible for individuals addicted to opioids to recover with the proper treatment and support systems in place.
Suboxone strips used by patients who want to quit opiates can assist with the management of opioid withdrawal symptoms, cravings, and rebuilding your life following an ordeal like this.
From identifying what you are suffering from through the initial diagnosis until aftercare, the staff at CT Addiction Medicine will help ensure that you have all of the necessary tools to succeed.
FAQs
What are suboxone strips used for?
Suboxone strips can be utilized for the treatment of opioid addiction. They reduce cravings for opioids and relieve symptoms of opioid withdrawal.
How do suboxone strips work?
Suboxone strips work by partially stimulating an opioid receptor which reduces the desire to use opioids but will also block the effect of any additional opioids consumed by the user.
How to take suboxone strips correctly?
To take suboxone strips correctly, the user should place the medication (strip) underneath their tongue and allow it to dissolve fully.