Deciding on what treatment is proper for you is one of the most challenging decisions you will make on your road to recovery from opiate addiction. At Rise Malibu, we know that sobriety is different for every individual, and each person will benefit from other tools and programs along the way. We also know that Suboxone has been a trending topic in addiction recovery, so we want to take this opportunity to go over the details and research around the long-term use of Suboxone for opiate addiction. We will be citing statistics and expert opinions to provide you with factual information that we believe will be useful in your recovery process, and we also want to take this time to introduce you to our substance abuse program in Malibu, CA, and explain how we approach opiate addiction treatment.
A Brief Overview of Suboxone
The drug combination known as Suboxone is comprised of two medications. The first is buprenorphine, which is a partial opioid agonist. This medication alleviates many of the symptoms of opiate withdrawal and helps with cravings. Naloxone, which is an opioid antagonist, blocks the effects of opioids. The primary benefit is that it helps prevent misuse. The FDA has approved Suboxone for the treatment of opioid addiction and has become a crucial part of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT).
The Case for Using Suboxone for Opiate Addiction Long Term
When considering whether Suboxone should be used long-term for opiate addiction, it’s crucial to weigh its benefits and potential concerns.
Does Suboxone for opiate addiction on a long-term program help with recovery? It depends on many factors. In addition to the individual characteristics of a patient’s disease and recovery, long-term Suboxone treatment will often be more successful the sooner it begins, because it will help stabilize brain chemistry, suppress withdrawal symptoms, and intense cravings.
Pros of Using Long-Term Suboxone Treatment
This is particularly important during the early months and years of recovery from addiction to opioids. As such, Suboxone is a way for many people to create the framework for the recovery lifestyle that they will want to maintain throughout their lives. Weigh the following benefits of long-term Suboxone use.
Decreased Risk of Relapse
Treatment that is taken for long enough often allows real, positive change in life to start occurring. It makes it easier to stay on track with recovery and avoid returning to opioid use.
Improved Quality of Life
Daily living, focusing on priorities, work, relationships, and emotional balance, can become more consistent and less overwhelming. Patients often have more energy and the ability to show up in all areas of their lives.
Decreased Risk of Overdose
Cravings can be managed, and the effects of other opioids are blocked while on Suboxone for opiate addiction. This helps reduce the risk of overdose as recovery is maintained, which is particularly important for high-risk populations. For this reason, suboxone for opiate addiction used long-term may be beneficial.
Concerns
On the other hand, taking Suboxone as part of treatment for opiate addiction for an extended period can come with challenges and side effects, which can, in some instances, outweigh the advantages.
Some of the most important disadvantages of long-term Suboxone use include the following:
Drawbacks
Dependence and Tapering
Suboxone is a drug and long-term use can lead to physical dependence. Tapering down the medication in the long-term use of Suboxone should be under a doctor’s supervision and should be gradual to minimize withdrawal and discomfort.
Stigma and Misunderstanding
Despite the wealth of research and decades of treatment success, medication-assisted treatment can be associated with stigma and misunderstanding both within the addiction treatment field and among patients. In the recovery field, a recurring issue can be the failure to see the advantages of combining medication with psychotherapy. In patients, this includes the fear of being judged, the belief that they should be able to “just stop using,” or that they are just replacing one addiction with another.
How Rise Malibu Incorporates Suboxone in Treatment
At Rise Malibu, we integrate Suboxone into our comprehensive addiction treatment plans, designed specifically to meet the unique needs of each individual. Our approach includes:
Personalized Care Plans
Every person’s journey through addiction and recovery is unique. We conduct thorough assessments to tailor treatment plans, ensuring they include the most effective therapies and medications, such as Suboxone, when appropriate.
Holistic Support
Medication alone isn’t enough. Our program pairs MAT with behavioral therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), as well as holistic practices like mindfulness, yoga, and nutrition counseling. This multifaceted support system addresses the emotional, mental, and physical aspects of recovery.
Expert Medical Supervision
Our medical team monitors individuals on Suboxone, making necessary dosage adjustments and ensuring a safe, supportive experience. Regular evaluations help to balance the benefits of long-term Suboxone use with any potential concerns, such as dependency.
Luxury Environment
Recovery at Rise Malibu includes the comfort and tranquility of our luxurious facilities. We believe that healing thrives in an environment that feels like a retreat—where privacy, comfort, and high-quality care are paramount.
Conclusion: Should Suboxone Be Used Long-Term?
The decision to use Suboxone long-term should be made collaboratively between the individual, their healthcare provider, and their support network. The evidence strongly supports the benefits of long-term Suboxone use for those recovering from opiate addiction. However, like all treatments, it must be personalized and closely monitored to ensure the best possible outcomes.
At Rise Malibu, we are committed to providing the highest level of care by integrating Medication-Assisted Treatment with a holistic and personalized approach. Recovery is not just possible; it is attainable, and we are here to guide you every step of the way.
Contact Rise Malibu for Support
If you or a loved one is struggling with opiate addiction, know that you are not alone. Reach out to Rise Malibu to learn more about our comprehensive treatment programs and how we can support your recovery journey. Contact us today, and take the first step towards a healthier, more fulfilling life.
Recovery is within reach. Let Rise Malibu help you achieve it.
