By Anne Watkins

Suboxone is a prescription medication used for the treatment of opiate addiction. It combines two drugs -- buprenorphine, which replicates the effects of an opioid drug without the impairment or euphoric effects and reduces withdrawal symptoms, and naloxone, which reverses the addictive effects of opiates.

Suboxone must be prescribed by a doctor, and its use is monitored on a regular basis. Many addicts choose to continue taking Suboxone for years, while others collaborate with their doctors to gradually taper Suboxone dosage with minimal withdrawal until the addiction is gone.

The main advantage of Suboxone is that it makes it possible for addicts to recover at home. While most doctors recommend some form of inpatient treatment for severe addictions, more moderate cases can be treated with Suboxone while the patient goes on with his or her life. There may still be minimal complications, but the recovering addict has regular meetings with a doctor to address these issues and to achieve the perfect dosage.

Challenge of Opiate Addiction

Opiate dependence is one of the most serious forms of addiction, in part because there's simply no easy way to quit. Treatment professionals advise against quitting "cold turkey," as it throws the body into a state of imbalance that can cause all sorts of complications. It's also more likely to lead to failure or relapse. And even when it comes to medically assisted methods of kicking an opiate habit, recovery is often a long-term commitment that the addict will be dealing with for years.

One of the things that makes opiates so addictive is that they alter the reward circuits of the brain. With habitual use, they can wear down certain neural pathways while creating new ones that are entirely dependent upon the presence of opioids. That is why opiate addicts often lose the capacity to feel pleasure that is not related to the drug.

Because tolerance to opiates develops very quickly as compared to other drugs, the brain becomes more and more conditioned to rely upon the effects of the opiate. As a result, when the patient quits, it's like falling off a cliff. The body is thrown into a state of acute imbalance that is so uncomfortable, both mentally and physically, that it is almost unbearable without medical assistance.

Many treatment professionals view opiate addiction as a chronic disease. The changes it causes to the brain often don't entirely go away for months. And even when balance is restored, symptoms of lingering psychological dependence can remain permanently, which is why many recovered addicts never entirely get over the illness. There's always that temptation in the back of the mind, and one must be careful to avoid situations and feelings that could potentially bring on a relapse. Most former addicts work with therapists to try to get to the bottom of their problem, but since the addiction is chronic, no treatment is guaranteed to be infallible.

Changing Face of Addiction

The growing prevalence of prescription opiate medication for the treatment of pain is leading to a tremendous surge in the number of opiate addicts nationwide. While heroin addiction remains a problem, treatment professionals are increasingly dealing with cases of addiction to drugs like OxyContin and Vicodin.

Because these drugs may be prescribed to anyone, the old stereotypes about what constitutes a drug addict no longer apply, although the stigma remains. That's why many addicts are reluctant to seek treatment. They often have jobs that they can't leave, families to care for and appearances to maintain.

Fortunately, the medical community is beginning to get the word out about the prevalence of the problem and the treatment options that are available, which has helped to reduce the stigma. Addicts no longer have to view "rehab" as a bad word. Instead, it's an opportunity to start fresh and to get back on the path of a healthy life. Drugs like Suboxone, which ease withdrawal symptoms, make it easier for people to beat their addictions with minimal disruption to their lives and reputations.

How Does Suboxone Treatment Work?

Suboxone treatment programs vary from person to person, depending on the needs of the individual and the severity of the addiction. For people with serious addictions, treatment usually occurs over several stages:

• Intake: First, the patient meets with a doctor to address any medical concerns relating to the addiction. Then, they decide on a treatment plan and go over what to expect. Blood is usually drawn so that the doctor can evaluate the patient's specific needs.
• Induction and detox: During the initial week of Suboxone treatment, the patient can expect to meet with a doctor daily. This is so the doctor can adjust the dosage to deal with any symptoms or cravings that arise.
• Stabilization: For a few weeks after detox, the doctor and patient continue to work together to find the perfect dosage. This is also when they fine-tune long-term treatment plans.
• Maintenance: During maintenance, patients continue to take Suboxone for as long as is needed. During the early stages, they may still meet with their doctor every week, but if the treatment goes well, these appointments will be reduced. Maintenance can last anywhere from a few weeks to a few years, depending on what the patient wants. Throughout maintenance therapy, it's highly recommended that patients seek help from a therapist and support groups.
• Withdrawal: Finally, when patients determine they are ready to be off of all opioids permanently, their doctors will assist them in gradually reducing Suboxone dosage. During this time, patients can expect to feel moderate symptoms or cravings, which is why it's so important to choose the right time to go through withdrawal. It's best to have a family support network that can help the patient pull through.