Opiates and opioids are two drugs that appear in many painkillers on the market today. Unfortunately, overuse of these chemicals has often led to people becoming addicted to them. Suboxone treatment happens in many recovery centers as a way to deal with opiate addiction. This treatment seeks to reduce the severe side effects that opiate addiction may have on a person when they first try breaking their physical dependence on the drug. Suboxone isn’t a single-dose “cure” or even a cure. It simply serves as a way to manage the cravings that opiates cause in persons who have substance use disorder. But exactly how long does it last?
Understanding Opioids and Opiates
Opioids and opiates are both chemicals related to the poppy flower. The Mayo Clinic notes that opioids interact with receptors in your brain that deal with pain transmission. They derive their names from a drug that was initially made from the poppy plant called opium. The drug came to the West when Chinese migrants moved across the world, and opium dens opened up in many large population centers to cater to its use. When opioids make contact with the receptors, two things happen. Firstly, the brain gets a muted pain signal, making it less uncomfortable. The second thing is that the brain releases a flood of dopamine. Dopamine is the chemical that makes you feel good after accomplishing something, but the amount of dopamine that opioids cause to release is far more than regular activity.
What is Suboxone?
Suboxone is the brand name for a chemical known as buprenorphine. It’s one of the chemicals rehab centers use to treat opiate use disorder, but it’s not the only one. Buprenorphine is often used alongside another chemical, naloxone, to manage opioid cravings in individuals trying to detox from the substance. The buprenorphine portion of the mixture is known as an agonist. This term refers to the chemical’s interaction with the brain, causing a much more muted response than a typical opioid. Naloxone is a blocker and tends to cause severe side effects if someone tries to use the buprenorphine in a way that isn’t prescribed.
The Period of Effectiveness for Suboxone
No two people are the same, and Suboxone’s effectiveness depends on several factors. A person’s metabolism, weight, and how long they’re using opioids all factor into how long Suboxone remains active in the person’s system. However, the average length that Suboxone works for is around twenty-four hours. The lingering effects of the chemical can persist for as long as sixty hours. The volume of suboxone used also has a significant impact on the period that it’s active. For example, a 1mg prescription of Suboxone would last far less than a 16mg prescription.
Finding Support for Opiate Addiction Recovery
Suboxone treatments are one of the things we do at Defining Wellness. Opioid addiction recovery first starts with detox, and Suboxone can be a great help to those who are trying to break their physical dependence on the substance. If you’re looking for help overcoming your substance use disorder or just want someone to talk to. Our facility is open to all. Contact us today to find out about our treatment options or whether you should be concerned about a member of your family. We’re glad to talk to you and help you understand the facts.
