Suboxone is a brand name prescription medication that is used to treat individuals who are addicted to opioids, whether prescription based or illegal drugs. Using a combination of naloxone and buprenorphine, Suboxone works to prevent and manage the symptoms of withdrawal that are associated with an opioid addiction. Buprenorphine works by blocking the opiate receptors and reduces the individual’s urges for the opioid. Naloxone is used to help reverse the effects that opioids cause on the body. Suboxone is often used for addictions to short-acting opioids such as heroin and prescription painkillers. It may not be the right treatment plan however for long-acting opioids. It is best to work with your doctor on a treatment plan for opioid addiction. Doctors are able to prescribe Suboxone to their patients, however it should be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes counseling to get to the root of the addiction. A doctor may refer their patient to an addiction’s specialist, based on the nature and advancement of their opioid addiction, to benefit from someone who has specialized training and experience on a wide assortment of addictions diagnoses and treatments.

Suboxone has been shown to provide some pain relief, however it is not to be used for chronic pain management as it is not a painkiller. Opioid addictions can often start as the result of finding relief from chronic pain through the use of prescription painkillers or illegal drugs. Suboxone works to help patients get through the withdrawal symptoms of an opioid addiction and reset the pain receptors in the body that have been increased as a result of continued opioid use. By decreasing the pain receptors in the body back to normal levels and overcoming the withdrawal symptoms of opioid addiction, patients will be able to find pain relief when needed through non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that don’t lead to addiction and abuse. Suboxone does partially block pain receptors but should not be used as a long-term chronic pain management treatment. It can be used as part of the complete treatment plan for chronic pain management, with a primary focus on the use of Suboxone being to help the patient overcome an opioid addiction on the way to finding pain relief through alternative, non-opioid based treatment.

Suboxone has several benefits in the treatment of opioid addictions and has shown great success as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for patients with opioid addictions. Suboxone is used to block the withdrawal symptoms experienced by patients coming down from an opioid high, as well as blocking cravings for the opioid relief. Suboxone can be prescribed by a doctor and must be used under the care and supervision of a medical professional. It is recommended that Suboxone be used as part of a comprehensive opioid addiction treatment plan to ensure the root cause of the addiction is addressed. Suboxone can be safely used for longer term use, not just at the start of the treatment plan for overcoming an opioid addiction, but also through the continuing treatment and recovery. Ensure you discuss your options with your doctor for treatment of an opioid addiction to determine if Suboxone is the right treatment option for you and to come up with a personalized treatment plan for your unique needs and situation.

Suboxone is not intended to be used to manage or treat pain, however as part of its composition it does block pain receptors, which will result in some pain relief for the patient. This is an additional benefit of using the medication as part of a comprehensive opioid addiction treatment plan but if chronic pain is an issue, then an additional pain management treatment plan will need to be built. Individuals who have an opioid addiction will potentially be prescribed with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug option for pain management to avoid the reoccurrence of an addiction to opioid based painkillers. Any treatment plan for chronic pain management in opioid addiction patients will need to consider all factors of the pain, including the source of pain, non-medication based treatment options, non-addictive medication treatment options and the risk or likelihood of the patient developing an addiction to pain medication.

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