Suboxone is a fairly new mild opioid, FDA-approved drug created to help treat people suffering from narcotics addiction. It has attracted much praise from many in the medical community. It still draws some controversy, but really not any more than any other new or old drug.
In this article, we will bypass the controversy, and stick with the facts. What people, especially people who genuinely wish to fight their addictions, simply want to know one thing: How does Suboxone work?
Suboxone is a synthetic drug, made up of two basic ingredients: buprenorphine and naloxone. Each one will be broken down individually.
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What does Buprenorphine Do?
Buprenorphine attaches to a person’s receptors in their brain, those which have been affected by opioids. At the same time, they block those same receptors, lingering there to cut off the usual euphoria that results from taking narcotics. It basically “tricks” the person’s brain by making it think that it has the full effect of an opioid without the usual effects.
What this does is reduce opioid cravings, because the brain thinks the body has the opioids it needs, so those cravings are not triggered. They are blocked.
Another thing buprenorphine does is help decrease the pain that normally comes from opioid use, especially in extreme circumstances, like an overdose.
What is Naloxone?
One danger that exists is when people take these extremely addictive drugs with alcohol. They can start breathing heavily and could go unconscious, which could lead to a coma or even death.
If naloxone is given to someone in this situation and the sooner the better, it knocks the opioids off of the receptors. An immediate result from taking it is that it helps restore normal breathing, which is one of the first things to malfunction after a person takes an opioid. If they go unconscious, then naloxone will make it easier to help them come to.
In this scenario, quick action could save a life. If a person stays in this situation too long, brain damage can result. The quicker a victim is given this drug, the better window they have to be saved from certain death. Of course, always call 911, and administer CPR or first aid if necessary.
So on the surface, it is easy to see why suboxone is getting the attention it does. All the same, before deciding on this or any other treatment for your addiction, talk to your doctor so you can get the facts and make an informed choice.
If you or a loved one is struggling with opioid abuse please call us: (866) 731-4728