Does Methadone or Suboxone Help Drug Addicts Recover?
Does Methadone or Suboxone Help Drug Addicts Recover?
There is no easy path when it comes to beating an addiction, but the methods and tools used to treat these diseases are more effective than ever. Many people have begun to explore their options for addiction medication including the use of Methadone or Suboxone. These two forms of medication have helped patients treat their addictions in the past, but it is important to understand exactly how these prescriptions work and how addictive they can become.
Opioid Addictions
Opiates such as heroin and morphine are considered to be some of the most addictive drugs in the world. Not only will these drugs have an immediate effect that drastically changes a person physically and mentally, but they also result in long-term problems when abused regularly. These medicines fill up certain receptors in the brain and flood the body with chemicals such as dopamine.
After prolonged use, the individual will become more dependent on these drugs when it comes to producing natural hormones and chemicals. Within a short period, the body will mostly forget how to create these chemicals unless opiates have recently been taken. This effect will result in serious withdrawal symptoms as soon as the drugs wear off. Prescriptions such as Methadone or Suboxone are used to combat these withdrawal symptoms and “trick” the body into thinking more potent opiates have been taken.
The Use of Methadone or Suboxone
Methadone has been used for many years to treat everything from schizophrenia to eating disorders. In modern medicine, however, it is used to help wean an individual off opiates. While it can be highly effective, this drug is also addictive. Many people will transition to the use of Methadone after abusing other opiates for years on end only to find themselves addicted to their prescription medication. Even more dangerous is the fact that many people mix Methadone with other opiates and alcohol which can increase their risk of overdosing.
To combat this, Suboxone has an additional active ingredient that fills up the same receptors as Methadone. When on Suboxone, taking other opiates will have little or no effect. This twofold approach has been effective in many cases, but there is still some risk. Anyone that is considering weaning off of opiates or opiate addiction medication should speak with an addiction specialist to explore their options for the initial detoxing as well as an inpatient program for long-term changes.
Remember, you do not want to trade one addiction for another. Methadone or Suboxone may not be the answer you are looking for to combat your addiction to opiates.
