The opioid crisis in New Jersey has reached alarming levels, with thousands of individuals affected by opioid addiction each year.
Opioid addiction is a complex disease and substance use disorder. Overcoming it requires a comprehensive approach targeting both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction.
One of the most effective treatments available today is Medication-assisted Treatment (MAT), which combines medication with counseling and behavioral therapy.
Suboxone, a key MAT option, has been proven to help manage withdrawal symptoms and also drug cravings while reducing the risk of relapse. It works by partially activating the opioid receptors in the brain, providing relief without the “high” associated with opioid use.
At New Jersey Behavioral Health Care, we offer Suboxone treatment as part of our addiction recovery programs.
Our team is completely committed to helping individuals struggling with opioid addiction achieve lasting recovery through personalized care and support. If you or a loved one is ready to take the first step toward recovery, we’re here to help.
What is a Suboxone Treatment Program?
Suboxone is a medicine and treatment option, available by prescription, used to treat opioid addiction. It’s a combination of two active ingredients. It includes buprenorphine and naloxone.
Each of these plays a key role in helping individuals recover from opioid dependence. Buprenorphine is a partial agonist. That means it activates the same receptors in the brain that opioids like heroin do.
However, it does so to a much lesser degree, providing enough stimulation to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings but without producing the intense “high” associated with full agonist opioids. This helps individuals manage their addiction without the risk of misuse.
Naloxone, on the other hand, is an opioid antagonist, so it blocks opioid effects and can prevent misuse of the medication. If someone tries to abuse Suboxone, such as injecting it, naloxone will counteract the effects, minimizing the risk of overdose.
Together, these two medications work in tandem to help people struggling with opioid addiction manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings while preventing misuse. Suboxone can deliver a safe and effective way to support individuals in their recovery journey by allowing them to stabilize without the risk of further addiction.
What is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)?
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a well-studied approach to treating opioid addiction that combines medications like Suboxone with a treatment plan, including counseling and behavioral therapy.
MAT deals with both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction, helping individuals recover more holistically and effectively.
The medication part of MAT works to manage withdrawal symptoms and, at the same time, reduce cravings and block the effects of opioids. This can make it easier for individuals to focus on recovery without the constant struggle of intense cravings or discomfort.
Medications like Suboxone, methadone, and naltrexone are used in MAT programs, depending on the individual’s needs.
Along with medication, counseling, and therapy play a crucial role in MAT. Behavioral therapy helps individuals address the deeper underlying causes of addiction, build coping strategies, and learn healthier behaviors that support long-term sobriety.
One of the key advantages of MAT is its individualized approach. Each treatment plan is focused on taking into account individual medical history, the severity of the addiction, and, if relevant, co-occurring mental health conditions.
How Suboxone Helps in Opioid Addiction Treatment
When a provider or Suboxone clinic decides to prescribe suboxone, it’s a highly effective tool in treating opioid addiction, and its success stems from how it interacts with the brain’s opioid receptors.
As a partial opioid agonist, Suboxone activates the opioid receptors just enough to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms but without producing the “high” that full agonist opioids cause.
One of the major benefits of Suboxone is that it lowers the risk of overdose and relapse.
Because Suboxone doesn’t fully activate the opioid receptors, the risk of overdose is significantly lower compared to other opioids. This safety feature makes Suboxone an excellent option for long-term recovery, helping individuals stay in treatment and avoid the dangers of returning to illicit drug use.
Additionally, Suboxone plays a crucial role in stabilizing patients, allowing them to focus on their therapy and recovery without the constant distraction of cravings or withdrawal.
The Benefits of Suboxone Treatment
Suboxone is a safe prescription medicine and gives a gradual way to detox from opioids, offering a controlled process that avoids the extremes of sudden withdrawal.
It allows the body to adjust over time, reducing the physical and emotional challenges of detox. This gradual detoxification helps individuals feel more comfortable and able to stay engaged in their recovery.
With Suboxone treatment, individuals gain a more stable foundation for rebuilding their lives. It helps restore normal functioning in individuals who have been struggling with the chaos of addiction.
Suboxone allows individuals to reclaim their ability to work, interact socially, and make decisions that promote long-term recovery.
Getting Suboxone Treatment in New Jersey
Eligibility for Suboxone treatment typically involves individuals who are dealing with opioid use disorder and have not found success with other forms of treatment.
Suboxone is prescribed and closely monitored by healthcare professionals. This careful oversight is crucial to ensuring that Suboxone effectively manages cravings and withdrawal symptoms without the risk of misuse.
The effectiveness of Suboxone treatment is enhanced when it is combined with personalized care and counseling. Counseling, whether individual or group therapy, plays a vital role in addressing all aspects of addiction, ensuring that you not only stabilize physically but also build the coping skills necessary for long-term recovery.
If you are considering Suboxone treatment or working with Suboxone doctors for this prescription medication, New Jersey Behavioral Health Care can help create a personalized treatment plan aligned with your goals, supporting you every step of the way as you reclaim your life from addiction.
References:
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Opioids
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Buprenorphine Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder: An Overview
- American Academy of Family Physicians: Buprenorphine Therapy for Opioid Use Disorder