An overwhelming majority of doctors and addiction experts agree that Suboxone saves lives. As a medication specifically designed to treat opioid addiction, Suboxone is becoming much more widely available. But it’s important to deliver critical information about how it works, dispelling any myths in the process. This will mean that Suboxone treatment will be available to everyone who needs it. In this article, we’ll be talking about some important questions, such as “how long does suboxone block opiates?”
How Suboxone Works
Suboxone is a combination of two drugs, buprenorphine, and naloxone. It works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain that would otherwise bond with opiates such as heroin, oxycodone, and morphine. Therefore, it effectively prevents withdrawal cravings and dampens the effects of any other opioids. This means that Suboxone is a way for addicts to curb their symptoms and effectively quit using opioids, transitioning to healthy, normal lives.
The combination of medications is key. Buprenorphine is an opioid that engages opioid receptors in the brain. The key is that it’s a partial agonist, which means that it only activates each receptor in a limited way. This, in turn, means that it doesn’t cause any of the euphoric symptoms associated with opioid use that make it so hard to quit.
The second medication in Suboxone is Naloxone, a drug that reverses an opioid overdose by competing with opioids that bind to receptors in the brain. However, while it replaces opioids and binds to receptors, it doesn’t engage them as opioids do. This means that naloxone can sit there and prevent any opioids in the blood from acting on the brain, rendering them ineffective.
How Long Does Suboxone Block Opiates?
Suboxone has an extraordinarily long half-life when in the body. This means that it’s far ahead of commonly abused opiates which have short half-lives of just a couple of hours! The buprenorphine in Suboxone can stay in your system for several days at a time, although it’s normally closer to about 37 hours. The medication is effectively able to block and “fight” other opiates from acting during this time.
If taken correctly and as prescribed, Suboxone can eliminate cravings for opiates and minimize withdrawal symptoms.
Conclusion
It’s no surprise that addiction experts, advocates, and doctors all agree that suboxone treatment is incredibly important. Its safety and effectiveness are unmatched as far as opioid addiction treatment options go, and its ability to help people fight cravings and overcome their addictions is vital. Finally, leading healthier, safer lives is a dream that is now a reality for many victims of opioid addiction.
At Genesis Pain Clinic, we’re proud to be practitioners of the highest standard of interventional pain management. Our Suboxone medication-assisted treatment plan is the gold standard of care for treating opioid disorders. We offer diagnostic testing and regenerative medicine, with the mission to allow all our patients to live healthy, pain-free lives. Please give us a call if you have any questions at (913) 871-9888.
We’re proud to offer the best suboxone treatment in Kansas, and we look forward to helping you.
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Genesis Pain Management Clinic of Overland Park
6700 W 121st St Ste #300, Overland Park, KS 66209
913-871-9888
www.genesispain.com