Suboxone is one of the most common types of medication that is used to treat addiction to certain drugs, but there are some people that it may not be ideal for.
As an effective treatment for opioid addiction, Suboxone will not be helpful for people who are struggling with addiction to methamphetamines. This is due to the fact that Suboxone is intended to target and treat the brain’s natural opioid receptors, whereas the effects of methamphetamine are seen in separate areas of the brain.
Suboxone works to block the ability that opioids have on the body, which is to activate or overflood the natural opioid receptors that are found in the brain. While meth addiction requires a different form of treatment, there are several options that are still available that can help you break your dependence on meth.
While some people report success with using Suboxone to treat their meth addiction or cravings during withdrawal, many other people report negative side effects or simply do not experience any relief from the symptoms of their withdrawal at all.
This article aims to explain why Suboxone is an option for opioid addiction treatment, but may not be an effective treatment option for other drug addictions.
What is Suboxone?
Suboxone is used to treat individuals who are experiencing opioid addiction. The most common drugs that Suboxone has been shown to help individuals deter form are heroin, morphine, codeine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, dihydrocodeine, and fentanyl.
Suboxone is the brand name for a drug that contains both buprenorphine (an opioid) and naloxone (a general narcotic antagonist). Naloxone is not an opioid so it will not cause dependence when taken as directed by the physician.
This medication can be administered orally or sublingually depending on the needs of the patient. The FDA states that this medication is not indicated for use with benzodiazepines and may require more frequent dosing if they are being used concurrently. Suboxone comes in either film or pill form which patients can take as they would a typical pill or they can dissolve it under their tongue.
Suboxone should never be crushed or snorted because this can lead to overdose, coma, or death. In some cases where individuals have a high tolerance level to opioids, higher doses may be needed in order to be weaned off of them.
However, this usually only applies to those who have been addicted to a high-dose of opioids for an extended period of time and is commonly seen with the drugs Oxycontin (oxycodone), Dilaudid (hydromorphone), Vicoprofen (hydrocodone), Opana ER (oxymorphone), Fentanyl, etc., rather than with someone who took them recreationally on an occasional basis.
Why Suboxone Is Not Ideal For Meth Addiction
Many people who are addicted to meth find that the only way for them to stop is by going through detox and then visiting a treatment center, like Maryland Addiction Recovery Center.
However, it can be difficult to go through withdrawal when your body is accustomed to a high level of methamphetamine. The good news is that there are other options that could help you feel better while going through withdrawal and help you to manage your symptoms.
According to recent research, methamphetamines are considered to be a more potent derivative of amphetamines, which tend to last longer and have an increased ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, meaning that effects are felt more rapidly.
The main reason why Suboxone is not the most ideal treatment option for meth addiction is due to the different neurotransmitters in the brain that each act on. Suboxone specifically is meant to target the brain’s natural opioid receptors, whereas since methamphetamine is not classified as an opioid, the effects that Suboxone has on it are very minimal.
Is There a Treatment That Will Work for Meth Addiction?
Meth is an addictive drug that causes the brain to release high levels of dopamine, which produces feelings of euphoria. It also suppresses appetite, increases mental alertness, and can induce feelings of sexual stimulation. This stimulant affects the entire body in many different ways, which is one of the reasons why it is so addicting.
Currently, there are no drugs on the market that work for methamphetamine addiction, the same way that Suboxone works for opioid addiction. Therefore the only treatment modalities that have shown some potential for treating meth addiction are certain types of therapy, as well as, certain medications. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Contingency Management Therapy have been shown to have some effect on individuals experiencing methamphetamine addiction. There are certain medications that shown some effectiveness as well, which include, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, central nervous system stimulants, and GABA agonists.
At Maryland Addiction Recovery Center, We Will Help You Find The Perfect Treatment Option For You
When you are struggling with addiction or know someone who is, it can feel overwhelming and isolating at times. But finding a treatment center that you can trust, like Maryland Addiction Recovery Center, can help you overcome any anxieties or fears you may have about getting help.
Our addiction recovery professionals provide you with the care and compassion you need, in a supportive environment. You are not alone- we are here to help.
If you or someone you know needs help for addiction or co-occurring disorder issues, please give us a call. Maryland Addiction Recovery Center offers the most comprehensive dual diagnosis addiction treatment in the Mid-Atlantic area. If we aren’t the best fit for you or your loved one, we will take the necessary time to work with you to find a treatment center or provider that better fits your needs. Please give us a call at (866) 929-2159 or email our team at info@marylandaddictionrecovery.com. For more information on all of our drug addiction, alcohol addiction and co-occurring disorder services and recovery resources, please visit our website at www.marylandaddictionrecovery.com.
