Buprenorphine (Suboxone) has been called a miracle drug for some users to ween themselves off of harder opiates like heroin or OxyContin. But it does have its setbacks, and does have physically addicting properties. Our Suboxone rehab in South Florida is equipped to help individuals overcome this dependence and live a healthy, clean life.
What is Buprenorphine?
Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, which means that is an opioid, but it does not have the same effects like heroin or oxycodone. Buprenorphine can also treat mild to severe pain symptoms, but it is mainly prescribed to treat opioid addiction. There are many medical of buprenorphine use, but there are side effects and the potential for addiction. Physical buprenorphine addiction can begin from unsuccessful attempts to treat opioid addiction.
Learn More: Suboxone for Heroin Addiction
How does Suboxone work?
Suboxone works by binding to nerve receptors in the brain’s limbic system. In doing so, this drug sparks the release of dopamine, which activates the brain’s reward center and causes pleasure. This effect causes the physical high or euphoria of drug abuse. Suboxone is less likely to cause physical dependency than other opioids, because it is less potent. However, in large enough doses or if used long enough, this drug can cause physical rewards.
Is Suboxone Addictive?
The brain will work to account for buprenorphine, because it recognizes that it’s a foreign substance that activates the release of dopamine.The brain responds by reducing the natural production of dopamine. Eventually, if users continue using (or abusing) buprenorphine, the brain will greatly reduce its natural dopamine production, and can possibly stop production altogether.
Read More: Medication Assisted Heroin Treatment
The brain physically changes to rely upon the drug, which signifies dependency. If the brain relies on a drug to release dopamine, then users need the drug to feel good, much like heroin and other opioids. Without the drug, active addicts cannot feel pleasure, which is why people lose interest in other activities. Without using buprenorphine, addicts will experience withdrawal symptoms, such as headaches, nausea, insomnia, anxiety, physical pain symptoms, irritability, cold or flu-like symptoms, sweating and more, much like opioid withdrawal. These withdrawal symptoms are often worse than detoxing from heroin or OxyContin.
Our Suboxone Rehab in South Florida Can Help
If you or someone you know are struggling with Suboxone or heroin dependence, our Suboxone rehab in South Florida can help you to overcome painful withdrawal symptoms. Rock Recovery Center is here to answer any questions you have regarding addiction. Contact us today to speak with an addiction specialist.
