Suboxone is one of the medications used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT). It helps people to get clean from other drugs and to stay focused on their recovery. Suboxone is a partial opioid agonist which means it will partially work on the body like an opioid, but the effects aren’t as strong, so it is less likely to be abused. It also helps to reduce withdrawal symptoms that someone may have when coming off from other drugs.

If you or someone you know need suboxone treatment, reach out to us today, here at Desert Rose Recovery Center.

Who Needs Suboxone Treatment

People who are addicted to any type of drug may benefit from suboxone treatment. If you aren’t sure whether you or someone you know has a drug addiction, look for these signs today:

• Continuing to use drugs despite negative consequences such as relationship breakdowns and health issues
• Needing to take more drugs to get desired effects
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when they stop using the drug
• Spending a lot of time looking for and using opioids or other drugs
• Quitting enjoyable activities (ones they used to do often) to use drugs

If you or someone you know find that you do, in fact, have a drug addiction, hopefully, suboxone treatment can work well for you.

What Should I Tell the Rehab Center Staff Before Taking Suboxone?

There are some things that you should discuss with the rehab center staff before you start taking this medication such as:

• Health conditions you may have and any symptoms those cause
• Medication allergies
• Suicidal thoughts or tendencies
• Medications you are on now or have been on before that caused adverse side effects
• Any mental health conditions or issues you may have
• All non-medication treatments you receive such as therapy, meditation, etc.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding
• If you are using any illegal drugs or any narcotics

You and the rehab center staff can discuss if any of these issues pertain to your situation. If so, there may be other medications that you can take or you may just need to be closely watched while taking suboxone.

What if You Miss a Suboxone Dose?

It is very important that you are taking your suboxone as prescribed. There are many people who attend outpatient rehab who are on suboxone that miss doses. If you miss the dose, take it when you remember that you missed it unless it is already nearing the time for your next dose. You should never double up on your doses or take a higher or lower dose than what you have been prescribed.

In addition, if you have missed a dose, you should let your prescriber know, so they can keep track of what you miss. It may affect further treatment methods such as the way medications are given or taken.

Things to Avoid While Taking Suboxone

If you are receiving suboxone treatment, there are some things that you should avoid such as:

• Drinking alcohol
• Using any sedatives
• Taking any other opioid pain medicines such as morphine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, or codeine
• Using any illegal drugs

As long as you avoid doing all these things while you are taking suboxone, your treatments should go much more successfully.

Suboxone Overdose

Unfortunately, no matter what our rehab center staff does, we can’t keep an eye on everyone who is in outpatient treatment. There is a chance that someone might overdose or get more drugs from somewhere else. With this being said, we want to make sure that everyone’s life can be saved if possible. If you or someone you know overdose on suboxone, be sure to dial 9-1-1 right away. Urgent medical care may be needed. You can also reach out to poison control or get the person naloxone right away. This could very well save their life.