Detox is the first step of any addiction treatment process. However, many people avoid beginning detoxification because they fear withdrawal symptoms, especially if they struggle with opioid addiction. Although most detox programs primarily focus on having clients quit substances cold-turkey, there are alternative methods. Some treatment centers use the buprenorphine Suboxone to manage symptoms of withdrawal in medically-assisted detox. This, according to behavioral health data, can prove to be successful.
Medically-Assisted Detox
Many people believe that going cold-turkey is the only way to make it through detox. Going cold-turkey often causes the most severe withdrawal symptoms and can be extremely uncomfortable. For someone with an opioid addiction, withdrawal symptoms may include:
- Drug cravings
- Nausea and vomiting
- Chills and sweating
- Muscle aches
- Stomach cramps
- Anxiety or depression
- Increased body temperature and heart rate
Most would describe these symptoms as being similar to the flu. Although these symptoms only tend to last for a week, they can be unbearable for someone going through withdrawal. Luckily, when an individual chooses to detox at a professional Suboxone treatment center, such as PACE Mental Health Houston, they have the option of participating in medically-assisted detox.
Medically-assisted detox is when rehab professionals provide individuals with medications that ease withdrawal symptoms. These substances are non-addictive and simply help ween the body off of the opioids. But according to behavioral health data for Suboxone treatment, although medically-assisted detox can significantly decrease the severity of withdrawal symptoms it won’t eliminate them entirely. One of the most common substances medical professionals use is the buprenorphine Suboxone.
What is the Buprenorphine Suboxone?
Suboxone is the brand name of the substance buprenorphine. Buprenorphine is an opioid painkiller with a much lower risk for addiction compared to morphine or oxycodone. The buprenorphine Suboxone interacts with opioid receptors in the same way that addictive substances do but to a lesser degree. This eases the severity of withdrawal symptoms without causing the client to develop a new addiction.
Medically-assisted detox that uses the buprenorphine Suboxone can only occur with the help of a comprehensive Suboxone treatment facility and medical professionals. Without medically-assisted detox, clients with opioid addictions are more likely to suffer from relapse and lower their chances for a successful recovery.
Finding Suboxone Treatment Centers
Addiction recovery is not a path you have to travel alone. If the prospect of going through opioid withdrawal seems daunting, then turn to a trusted detox facility to help you along your journey. Rehab professionals will get you started at a Suboxone clinic Houston can trust so you can start living a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life.