Suboxone is the first FDA approved treatment for opioid and heroin addiction. The Drug Addiction Treatment Act of 2000 made it legal to prescribe an opioid for treatment of addiction. For those dependent on opioid and heroin, suboxone provides a good alternative to ending their dependence. The law requires that only physicians who have training in opioid addiction treatment, who are registered with the Secretary of Health and Human Services and certified by the Drug Enforcement Administration can prescribe suboxone.

What makes Suboxone a safe and effective treatment?

Suboxone is simply a combination of two different medications (Buprenorphine and naloxone). Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist while Naloxone is a pure opioid antagonist. Suboxone is an opioid, and it works by activating the same opioid receptors that other opioids do. It does so without producing a high when taken as prescribed. People use heroin because it activates their brain receptors causing excitement that make them seek heroin continually. Buprenorphine provides lower or partial effect and feeling like heroin. So, transitioning from heroin to Buprenorphine is safe, effective and government approved.

The second component of Suboxone is Naloxone a pure opioid antagonist. Naloxone excites opioid receptors in the brain, shutting them down. This means agonists (opioids) like heroin no longer reach brain receptors. Naloxone even reverses the effect of the heroin in the system that had already taken place. This means continuous use of opioid while on Suboxone will not provide the satisfaction originally derived.   Suboxone requires a partial detoxification process (usually 12 hours to 2 days) before starting the treatment, while naltrexone (a promising new drug for opioid addiction) requires extensive detoxification to use (usually 3 to 10 days of no opioid use). Naltrexone also may require one shot a month, while suboxone is typically taken daily as a pill.

All of these factors and more will need to be considered by health care providers and patients as they decide what treatment to use.  

Before Taking Suboxone , it is important to inform your doctor of any of the following conditions:

• A breathing problem or lung disease;

• Enlarged prostate, urination problems;

• Liver or kidney disease;

• Abnormal curvature of the spine;

• Adrenal gland issues, gallbladder, or thyroid;

• Brain tumor, head injury, or seizures;

• Alcoholism and drug addiction

Suboxone treatment in Phoenix:

At Psych ZenHealth, you will be required to be in moderate active opioid withdrawal before your initial Suboxone treatment. We require between 24 -36 hours of abstinence from opioid use. We encourage patient not to drive until you see how suboxone affects you. You are required to follow up in 7 days after the initial dose.   If you’re interested in learning more about Suboxone treatment or you’re ready to take the first step to recovering from your drug addiction or opioid dependence, contact us today.