Subutex Addiction and Abuse

Subutex may be used to help individuals manage the opioid withdrawal symptoms, but the medication can have side effects itself. When not taken properly, the misuse of Subutex, also known as buprenorphine, can reinforce other drug misuse habits. If an addiction forms, The Recovery Village offers various programs and facilities to help assist individuals through the recovery process.

What is Subutex?

Subutex is prescribed by medical professionals to treat individuals overcoming opioid addictions. Even though Subutex is approved by the FDA, if misused the medication can still have very powerful side effects. However, Subutex does help to alleviate the withdrawal symptoms an individual experiences during a drug detox. So, Subutex allows for a more comfortable recovery process from an opioid addiction, if handled properly.

Is Subutex Addictive?

Subutex doesn’t give an individual any kind of euphoric high, like other drugs do. The main component of Subutex, buprenorphine, is a partial opioid agonist that occupies receptors in the brain that negate withdrawal symptoms.. While Subutex side effects can be uncomfortable, the drug isn’t seen as addictive.

Cause of Subutex Addiction

Considering the fact that Subutex is used to treat opiate addiction, many individuals can develop a tolerance to a drug because of how easily it can calm the withdrawal symptoms of other drugs. Developing  a tolerance for a drug through Subutex misuse is a dangerous possibility. A person depending on Subutex can experience physical and psychological dependencies that negatively impact their health.

Subutex Addiction Signs, Symptoms and Effects

The kind of reaction a person can have to Subutex use will completely vary from one person to the next, based on independent factors. Some of these factors include:

• Dosage amount taken
• How long the drug was taken for
• Consumption of other substances while consuming Subutex
• Overall physical and mental health

General withdrawal symptoms a person experience may involve physical  and psychological symptoms. The benefit of detoxing with the supervision of medical professionals is that the majority of these symptoms can be relieved so that the patient is safe and as comfortable as possible during the detox process. Some common physical symptoms that can come with a addiction include:

• Body aches
• Cold sweats
• Sneezing
• Headaches
• Flu-like symptoms
• Intense muscle pain
• Appetite changes
• High blood pressure
• Physical craving of the drug
• Intense muscle pain

Psychological symptoms can include:

• Confusion
• Mood swings
• Irritability
• Depression
• Agitation
• Anxiety

Short-term Effects of Subutex Abuse

Subutex has side effects that can be felt throughout the duration of the drug’s use. While these aren’t life-threatening side effects, they can become concerning if an individual continues to take the drug and their health continues to decline. Some short-term effects can include:

• Stomach pain
• Vomiting
• Sweating
• Constipation
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Blurred vision

Long-term Effects of Subutex Abuse

It’s important to note that Subutex is not meant to be taken for a long period of time. The drug is supposed to be taken just during a detoxification process. Long-term effects can include:

• Insomnia
• Fatigue
• Hives
• Difficulty breathing
• Loss of appetite
• Lack of energy

Subutex Addiction Treatment

When it comes to managing a substance addiction, it’s highly recommended to work with a team of medical professionals to safely wean an individual off of a drug. If the drug intake is stopped too abruptly, withdrawal symptoms  appear faster and come on stronger. When a person chooses to work with a doctor to withdraw off of a substance, the doctor can determine the correct amount to wean off on a regular basis in order to safely transition the patient into sober living, as well as ensure the withdrawal symptoms are not as severe.

One of the most effective ways to detox off  a drug is through an accredited treatment facility. With a variety of locations across the country, The Recovery Village gives people the opportunity to receive thorough treatment and the resources to ensure a sober lifestyle. Patients begin the treatment process through an evaluation with a team of professionals to best determine the severity of the addiction and the best way to approach it. During this time, the team can also determine if there are any other underlying, co-occurring disorders that should be treated as well.

Following evaluation is detoxification. This part of the process is best done with a medical professional to make sure the withdrawal symptoms are taken care of accordingly. Withdrawal symptoms can include:

• Anxiety
• Muscle spasms
• Aggression
• Irritability
• Insomnia
• Inability to concentrate
• Depression

Additional withdrawal symptoms can include:

• Paranoia
• Hyperactivity
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Stomach cramps
• Fatigue
• Diarrhea

Once the detoxification process is complete, patients can go through various programs that are decided by the treatment team. Depending on the severity of the individual’s addiction, different kinds of treatment options can be recommended. Within these programs, patients have the opportunity to participate in one-on-one counseling, group therapy and recreational therapeutic activities. Some of these treatment programs are:

• Inpatient Treatment – As the most intensive form of treatment, inpatient care requires patients to stay in the facility, with around-the-clock supervision from a team of treatment professionals. This kind of treatment is most helpful for those who don’t feel safe in their usual environments and fear that they will experience setbacks without the proper guidance. It’s also seen as helpful to those who have a severe addiction. Depending on what the treatment team deems fitting, programs can typically last between 30 and 45 days, but it is possible for patients to stay in treatment for longer amounts of time.
• Outpatient Treatment – Outpatient care allows patients to live at home and commute to the facility for treatment. This kind of program is more helpful to people who cannot step away from their daily responsibilities like their families and careers. These programs can last anywhere between one and three months, but it all depends on the severity of the addiction. For example, patients who are farther into their recovery may only require one or two sessions per week.
• Intensive Outpatient Treatment – Intensive outpatient allows patients to live in the sober living communities offered by The Recovery Village or at home with the proper type of support system. This program specifically focuses on learning the proper coping skills needed to prevent setbacks from occurring. This program includes various kinds of therapy sessions for patients  to attend on a regular basis.

Once one of these programs are completed, patients can transition into aftercare. During this time, individuals can take the skills they learned during treatment and apply them to their lives back in their community. Patients may be recommended to attend regular therapy sessions outside of the facility. Depending on the severity of the addiction, patients may be recommended to attend 12-step programs or live in a sober-living community to ensure setbacks don’t occur.

The Recovery Village has numerous facilities across the country to help individuals struggling with an addiction. These centers include:

• The Recovery Village: The Recovery Village in Umatilla, Florida can provide patients with both inpatient and outpatient treatment, as well as partial hospitalization programs.
• The Recovery Village at Palmer Lake: This treatment facility is based in Palmer Lake, Colorado. Individuals who seek treatment at The Recovery Village at Palmer Lake can experience the benefits of  inpatient and intensive outpatient programs, in addition to offering partial hospitalization programs.
• The Recovery Village Columbus: Individuals who seek treatment at The Recovery Village Columbus, in Ohio, can partake in intensive outpatient programs and inpatient programs, and partial hospitalization programs are also offered at this facility.
• The Recovery Ridgefield: The Recovery Village Ridgefield helps individuals seeking treatment in the Washington state area. This facility offers outpatient and aftercare programs to assist patients with treatment.
• Orlando Recovery Center: The Orlando Recovery Center provides patients struggling with drug misuse along with any mental health disorders they are managing. The Orlando center utilizes inpatient, outpatient and partial hospitalization treatment programs.
• IAFF Center of Excellence: The IAFF Center of Excellence in Maryland provides inpatient, partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient treatment programs. This facility specifically treats IAFF members who are struggling with PTSD and behavioral health issues.

If you or a loved one struggle with an addiction, call The Recovery Village. Representatives are available to answer any questions you may have regarding treatment and they can help you determine the most beneficial option for treatment. Start your journey to a addiction-free life today.