Suboxone

What are opioids?

Opioids, or opiates, are a class of drugs that are often used to manage pain. Common prescription opioids include medications such as morphine, hydrocodone, and codeine. Heroin is an illegal drug that’s also an opioid.

These types of medications can be a beneficial treatment because of how they interact with your nervous system to relieve pain. But they also come with risks because of their addictive nature.

What are the risks of opioids?

Both illegal and prescription opioids create physical and emotional responses that can lead to dependence.

Over time, your body can develop a tolerance and require more medication in order to obtain the same pain relief. At the same time, your brain becomes affected; in the beginning, it experiences feelings of euphoria from opioids, but then it begins responding less to the opioids. Eventually, your brain produces fewer endorphins and its natural ability to feel happy decreases.

When you take more opioids because of your body and brain’s tolerance, your risk increases for addiction, overdose, and death.

What is Suboxone?

Suboxone is a type of opioid medication that’s considered safer than traditional opioids. Because of its chemical structure, it produces less physical dependence and feelings of euphoria, as well as fewer withdrawal symptoms.

This medication is often used to help with opioid dependence.

How is Suboxone used for addiction treatment?

Dr. Madkaiker uses Suboxone as part of his drug treatment and addiction therapy. When used under his care, Suboxone can help with opioid dependence by blocking the effects of other opioids and decreasing opioid withdrawal symptoms and cravings.

In addition to Suboxone, Dr. Madkaiker includes other modalities in your individualized treatment plan. To address all aspects of your care, Dr. Madkaiker might include a combination of therapies, including:

• Medications
• Counseling or talk therapy
• Continuously monitored drug use
• Education and testing on infectious diseases

Dr. Madkaiker also understands that addiction can co-occur with other mental health disorders, including anxiety, bipolar disorder, and depression, so he evaluates your overall mental health as he works with you to address your opioid addiction or dependence.

Call Satyen Madkaiker, MD, FAPA, or schedule an appointment online to see how Suboxone can help you overcome your opioid dependence.