Author: James Anderson

Can Suboxone Be Used to Treat Alcohol Addiction?

Long-term use of Suboxone can lead to physical and psychological dependence and drug-craving and drug-seeking behavior. Buprenorphine is a partial agonist at the mu-opioid receptor and is an antagonist at the kappa-opioid receptor. Stimulation of the mu receptor causes analgesia, respiratory depression, euphoria, and dependence. However, it’s only approved for preventing relapse in people who have completely stopped misusing opioids.

The Bottom Line: Suboxone and Alcohol Addiction

MISUSE OF THIS MEDICINE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH, especially in a child or other person using the medicine without a prescription. People who suffer from AUD might relapse, which can make recovery from AUD more challenging. AUD can affect every aspect of a person’s life and cause significant, negative impacts.

Buprenorphine and Suboxone

These medications don’t work directly on electrical systems within the brain, and they can’t be used as a seizure preventive. Suboxone isn’t used in alcohol withdrawal management for that reason. No, Suboxone is not used or prescribed to treat alcohol use disorder (AUD). It is a medication used to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). Long-term use of Suboxone can lead to physical and psychological dependence.

Medications for Substance Use Disorders

This date is typically one year from the date the medication was dispensed. After Suboxone film dissolves completely, swish some water around your teeth and gums and swallow it. This can help lower your risk of dental problems such as cavities, which can be a side effect of Suboxone treatment. Suboxone comes as a film that’s placed under your tongue or between your gums and your cheek, where it will dissolve. You should take Suboxone according to your doctor’s instructions.

Misusing Suboxone can cause overdose and dangerous side effects, including death. This is especially true if Suboxone is used along with other opioids, alcohol, benzodiazepines (such as Ativan, Valium, or Xanax), or other drugs. Suboxone has opioid effects, and long-term use can lead to physical and psychological dependence. Suboxone dependence can cause drug-craving and drug-seeking behavior, which may lead to misuse (also called abuse).

Serious side effects

Make sure your family members know how to provide this information in case they need to speak for you during an emergency. These medications are administered in combination with addiction counseling. The combination can help people deal with the psychological aspects of AUD and provide emotional support while they are beginning and continuing the recovery process. Patients who are considering buprenorphine for treatment should be sure they fully understand the medication and its side effects before they take the medication. Their health care practitioner or pharmacist can provide this information. Patients should tell their health care practitioner about any side effects that are bothersome or do not go away.

Dosage for opioid dependence

  1. This means your body gets used to the drug and you need higher and higher doses to get the same effect.
  2. Taking Suboxone with medications that increase serotonin levels in your body might increase your risk of developing serotonin syndrome, a drug reaction that can be dangerous.
  3. If Suboxone does prove to be effective for alcohol addiction, implementing it into treatment plans will require careful consideration.
  4. When people ingest alcohol, their brains release dopamine.

Once this component of the drug is activated, individuals will immediately go through an opioid withdrawal syndrome. Suboxone is FDA-approved to treat opioid dependence (also referred to as opioid use disorder). According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine, Suboxone is a recommended treatment for opioid dependence.

Taking Suboxone with Ambien (zolpidem) can increase the risk of severe side effects. Certain medications that block an enzyme called cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) can decrease how fast the body breaks down Suboxone. Taking these drugs with Suboxone can increase the risk of side effects. Some of these tests, including the tests often used in those who take Suboxone for opioid dependence, can detect the presence of Suboxone and other opioid drugs.

Understanding Suboxone: The Opioid Addiction Superhero

Before taking Suboxone, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions. Below is a list of medications that can interact with Suboxone.

The journey to overcome addiction is rarely easy, but with ongoing research, innovative treatments, and a commitment to personalized care, we’re making strides in the right direction. Suboxone might just be the unexpected ally we need in the fight against alcohol addiction. As always, the key is to stay informed, seek professional help, and never give up hope.