Myths and Facts About Suboxone as a Treatment for Opioid Addiction

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the opioid epidemic started in the 1990s with excessive prescriptions for painkillers. The epidemic then progressed to heroin use in 2010, and then to fentanyl use in 2013 through today. Between 1999 and 2018, more than 450,000 Americans have lost their lives to these dangerous substances. 

Our team of pain management specialists at CHOICE Pain & Rehabilitation Center is on the forefront of the battle against opioid addiction, and we rely on several treatment approaches to address the crisis. 

We have found that Suboxone® is one of the most effective treatment tools available. Unfortunately, some people are misinformed about the medication and don’t understand its role in addiction treatment, so we’ve compiled a list of the most common myths surrounding Suboxone to set the record straight.

What is Suboxone?

Suboxone is a medication that contains two distinct drugs: one that stimulates receptors in your brain and one that blocks them. The first helps wean you off the “high” you get when you take an opioid, and the second dulls the feeling of intoxication, reduces your cravings for drugs, and allows you to progress with your recovery and transition back to a drug-free life.

Myth: I’m a drug abuser, so I’ll probably abuse Suboxone

Although Suboxone is technically an opioid, it has that critical second ingredient called an antagonist that dramatically reduces the euphoric effects of full agonists, such as fentanyl, heroin, oxycodone, and morphine. 

Abuse or overuse can be possible for people who don’t abuse drugs, but this is not likely to happen to you, because as an opioid addict, your body is craving much more potent drugs, and Suboxone decreases your desire for them.

Myth: Suboxone simply replaces one drug with another

The traditional approach to addiction treatment has always been abstinence. However, the failure of that method, especially when done without supporting therapies, such as in-residence monitoring, talk therapy, and other supports, has led the medical community to reconsider the use of medication-assisted therapy for addiction to opioids. 

When you understand that addiction is a chronic medical condition, it makes more sense to treat the condition with a medication, just as you would treat high blood pressure with medication. 

Myth: If I take Suboxone, no one will believe I’m in recovery

Social stigmas can be very powerful motivators. It’s hard to intentionally put yourself in a position where others — especially those you care about — think less of you. But if you’re an opioid addict, you already suffer from that stigma, so enduring the occasional judgement from a misinformed public shouldn’t deter you from seeking the most effective treatment. 

Do your best to educate those in your circle of support and let the others figure it out. Once you’re well, your new clean life will speak for itself.

Myth: All I need is Suboxone and I’ll be cured

Suboxone is a powerful treatment for addiction, but it works even better when combined with other traditional treatment methods, such as group and individual talk therapy. The more support you have the better. We can help you determine where and how to find resources to ease your re-entry into your life and your community. Our team here at CHOICE Pain & Rehabilitation Center is devoted to your health and full recovery, and we’ll be with you every step of the way.

If you’re hooked on opioids and don’t know where to turn, there’s hope. We have multiple locations in Maryland to serve you. To learn more, book an appointment online or over the phone with CHOICE Pain & Rehabilitation Center today.