If you’ve never had anything to do with addiction or recovery, then the terms suboxone and naltrexone might be new to you.
Suboxone and Naltrexone: Do These Answer a Global Problem?
Opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorder are both serious public health issues in the United States and all over the world. Millions of people suffer from opioid addiction, while millions more struggle with alcoholism. These illnesses can affect anyone, regardless of their background or lifestyle.
In light of the growing concern, governments and medical institutions worldwide are investing significant resources into developing and promoting innovative approaches to address substance use disorders (SUDs). And medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is one of the strategies that has emerged as a result of such attempts.
Substance use disorders are a growing concern around the world, and as a result, many governments and medical institutions are investing in innovative approaches to address this issue. Medication-assisted treatment, which uses specific medications to help people struggling with addiction, is one of these approaches.
Two of the most commonly used medications for medication-assisted treatment are suboxone and naltrexone. Both of these medications can be effective in helping people to manage their addiction, but they work in different ways.
Suboxone
Suboxone is a medication that contains both buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine is a partial agonist at the mu-opioid receptor, which means that it produces some of the same effects as opioids, but not as strongly. Naloxone is an antagonist at the mu-opioid receptor, which means that it blocks the effects of opioids.
The combination of buprenorphine and naloxone in Suboxone helps to reduce the risk of abuse and misuse.
The naloxone in suboxone prevents the abuse of buprenorphine.
The suboxone film or tablet is placed under the tongue and dissolves. It is then absorbed into the bloodstream through the mucous membranes. The subdermal implant is placed under the skin and slowly releases the medication over a period of time.
Naltrexone
Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist that works by blocking the effects of opioids at the mu-opioid receptor. The medication comes as a pill or an injection, and it can also be taken in an extended-release form that is taken once a month.
Naltrexone is an effective medication for treating addiction, but it can be difficult to adhere to because it requires complete abstinence from opioids. If someone taking naltrexone uses opioids, they will not feel any effects from the drug. This can make it difficult to stay motivated to take naltrexone, especially in early recovery.
Suboxone and Naltrexone: Which is Right for You?
Both suboxone and naltrexone are effective medications for treating addiction, but they work in different ways. Suboxone contains buprenorphine, which helps to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making it easier to abstain from opioids. Naltrexone blocks the effects of opioids, making it less likely that someone will relapse.
Both suboxone and naltrexone can be helpful in recovery, but it is important to talk to an addiction specialist to see which one is right for you.
Renew Health Roswell’s addiction recovery services are tailored to each individual.
We offer both medication-assisted treatment – including suboxone and naltrexone – and traditional therapy, and our certified and accredited team will work with you to create a treatment plan that meets your needs.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, please contact us. We are here to help.
