Does Suboxone help with cravings?

Yes, Suboxone addresses drug cravings. Suboxone contains both buprenorphine and naloxone to decrease your desire for opiates and to block their effects should you take them. More on how Suboxone works as a complement to addiction treatment here.

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Yes. Suboxone is a medication approved for the treatment of opiate and opioid dependence: it addresses both cravings and narcotic use. This medicine contains the active ingredient, buprenorphine hydrochloride, which works to reduce the symptoms related to physical dependence on narcotics (both illegal and prescription pain killer drugs).

What are cravings and how can really Suboxone help with them? Find out in the text that follows. Then, we invite your questions in the comments section at the end.

What are cravings?

A craving is a state developed by the mind that is experienced as an overwhelming desire for the use of a drug. Not everyone who uses drugs gets addicted to them. But it is difficult to stop using (even prescription drugs) after you have become addicted, because the cravings are so strong and the fear of withdrawal is so great. But there is hope! Appropriate treatment helps you get through withdrawal and helps you cope with cravings.

How can Suboxone help with cravings?

Suboxone is a medication that contains buprenorphine plus another medication called naloxone. The naloxone is added to prevent abuse — it reverses the effects of other narcotic medicines and can even triggers drug withdrawal in some cases. Buprenorphine is a partial agonist that exerts significant actions at the mu opioid receptor. Partial agonists like buprenorphine bind to receptors and activate them, deterring stronger drugs because you can’t feel their effects. In addition Suboxone works well because buprenorphine reaches a ceiling where higher doses do not result in increasing effect, lowering the risk of abuse.

As a result, the person who takes buprenorphine feels normal, not high. Cravings are lessened, and the medication allows you to focus on other issues related to recovery. At the same time, the brain is tricked into thinking it’s receiving drugs, so withdrawal symptoms do not occur. This treatment gives you the chance to change addictive thinking into non-addictive, healthful patterns. If cravings continue to be a problem, report it immediately; your doctor will adjust your medication or help you find other ways to reduce them.

Suboxone prescription for cravings treatment

Doctors can prescribe Suboxone so that you can take it at home. Also, daily check-in at a treatment center can be helpful to recovery. Therefore, for some people, a treatment center is the best place to receive medication for opioid addiction.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Not all doctors have approval to prescribe this medication, and not all doctors provide counseling for addiction. In fact, MD’s need special training before prescribing buprenorphine. Check the SAMHSA Buprenorphine Physician Locator.

Who CAN use Suboxone for cravings help?

Before you are given the first dose of Suboxone for opioid addiction, your doctor will ask you questions about your addiction, health, and other problems. Prepare to submit a drug test, usually a check of urine or saliva. You also will be asked to schedule a physical exam and be tested for diseases that are common to people who have been abusing drugs (Ex. your liver will be checked to make sure the medication can be safely taken). If buprenorphine is safe and appropriate for you, your doctor can then recommend and prescribe it.

What you SHOULDN’T do while taking Suboxone?

  1. While taking this medication, you should NOT take other medications without consulting your doctor first.
  2. While taking this medication, you should NOT use illegal drugs, drink alcohol, or take sedatives, tranquilizers, or other drugs that slow breathing. Taking any of these substances in large amounts along with buprenorphine can lead to overdose or death.
  3. Suboxone kept at home must be locked in a safe place to prevent accidental use by others, especially children.
  4. If you are a woman and are pregnant or breast-feeding, doctors may recommend the naloxone-free form of Suboxone instead of methadone. Ask your doctor for more information.
  5. Liver problems are rare but can occur while taking Suboxone. If you have been diagnosed with a  liver condition, your doctor should conduct regular tests on your liver.

Suboxone help with cravings questions

If you or a loved one are facing a problem with opiate cravings, Suboxone may be the medicine that can help you get and stay sober. But you may have other questions about its use and prescriptions

Please contact us through the comments section below if you have any questions about Suboxone help with cravings. We are happy to try to provide a personal and prompt response to all legitimate inquiries.

Reference Sources: SAMHSA: The facts about Buprenorphine
SAMHSA: Clinical guidelines for the use of buprenorphine
SAMHSA: Reports on buprenorphine
FDA: Subutex and Suboxone
SAMHSA: About Buprenorphine therapy
About the author
Lee Weber is a published author, medical writer, and woman in long-term recovery from addiction. Her latest book, The Definitive Guide to Addiction Interventions is set to reach university bookstores in early 2019.
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