Overcoming opioid addiction can be extremely difficult. Not only does getting sober involve going through painful withdrawal symptoms, but opioid addiction recovery is often marked by drug cravings that make staying sober particularly challenging. Fortunately, addiction treatment programs in New Jersey may use medications like Subutex to help treat opioid addiction.
Subutex (buprenorphine) is a safe and effective FDA-approved medication that can be paired with an individualized treatment program to help individuals overcome opioid use disorder. If you or a loved one are struggling with opioid addiction, a drug treatment program with Subutex in New Jersey may be right for you.
What is Subutex (buprenorphine)?
Subutex is a brand-name prescription medication that contains buprenorphine. The medication was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in October 2002 for the treatment of opioid use disorder.[1]
Buprenorphine was originally used as a narcotic analgesic, but researchers found that it was able to treat opioid use disorder because it is weaker than other opiates and blocks the high produced by more addictive opioids. Today, buprenorphine is not only available in the form of Subutex, but it is also available in the combination medication, Suboxone, and the extended-release injection, Sublocade.
Buprenorphine is classified as a partial opioid agonist-antagonist. This means it binds to and partially activates opioids without producing the same high as other opioids like heroin, oxycodone, or morphine. Even though buprenorphine is technically an opioid, its effects are weaker than full opioid agonists like methadone and heroin.[2]
When taken as prescribed, Subutex can reduce opioid withdrawal symptoms, alleviate drug cravings, and help prevent relapse in people who are seeking treatment for opioid use disorder.
Subutex Side Effects
Subutex (buprenorphine) is an oral medication that comes in the form of a tablet and is taken every day. It may cause side effects such as:[3]
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Constipation
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Insomnia
Most of these symptoms subside within a few days and are not severe. While adverse side effects may occur, they are extremely rare. The risk of adverse side effects is reduced by starting Subutex treatment during detox while being monitored by medical professionals.
What to Expect During Subutex Treatment in New Jersey
Subutex (buprenorphine) is intended to be used in combination with a substance abuse treatment program. This medically-assisted approach is known as medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Subutex is most effective when used in a MAT program that consists of behavioral therapy, counseling, and peer support groups.
This is what patients can expect during opioid addiction treatment with Subutex in New Jersey:
Medically-Assisted Detox
The first step of addiction treatment is detox. Patients who are addicted to opioids will experience flu-like withdrawal symptoms in the first days and weeks of their sobriety that require medical support. As a result, opioid detox should always happen in a medical facility.
Opioid withdrawal symptoms can be diminished with the help of buprenorphine. However, taking Subutex or another buprenorphine product while opioids are still in the bloodstream can cause worsening withdrawal symptoms. Patients must abstain from opioids for at least 12 to 24 hours before starting Subutex.[2]
Once patients begin showing symptoms of acute withdrawal, they can begin taking Subutex. The medication will reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms and alleviate discomfort during detox. In the meantime, detox patients receive around-the-clock care, monitoring, and support.
Detox usually lasts 3-7 days, however, Subutex may eliminate the need for inpatient detox services, allowing patients to start treatment even sooner.
Individually-Tailored Treatment
After detox is over, doctors may switch patients from Subutex to a combination medication containing both buprenorphine and naloxone. Other patients may continue taking Subutex for as long as needed. Regardless of the medication, it’s important that patients taking buprenorphine products participate in a custom-tailored treatment program that meets their unique needs.
Treatment may consist of:
- Group therapy
- Individual therapy
- Mental health counseling
- Trauma therapy
- Psychoeducation
- Life skills therapy
- Relapse prevention
- Vocational training
- Sober housing
- Support groups
- 12-Step facilitation
Depending on the severity of a person’s addiction, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) with Subutex can occur on an inpatient or outpatient basis.
Medication Management
Medication management, otherwise known as compliance monitoring, is an important part of addiction treatment with Subutex. Buprenorphine can be abused and habit-forming, so it’s vital that patients are taking their medication as directed. Treatment centers in New Jersey make sure of this by making patients have regular doctor’s visits. In addition, patients are subject to random drug testing. Patients must also see their doctor each time before getting a refill.
Abruptly stopping Subutex may cause withdrawal symptoms, especially in people who have been taking a high dose or those who have been on the medication for a long time. Doctors will generally reduce the dose slowly to wean patients off of the buprenorphine when they are ready to do so.
Find a Subutex Treatment Program in New Jersey
Studies have shown that buprenorphine treatment programs can increase rehab retention, decrease illicit opioid use, and reduce drug cravings.[4] When combined with a personalized treatment program, Subutex is a safe and effective medication.
If you or a loved one are addicted to opioids, a Subutex treatment program in New Jersey may be right for you. Call now to speak with a dedicated addiction professional about finding a treatment program near you.
References:
Medically Reviewed: November 23, 2021
All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.