Suboxone Dilemma: Helping or Harming Recovery

The medication Suboxone has demonstrated uses in the treatment of certain substance use disorders. However, this drug has darker side. Even though Suboxone can be used to help recovering individual, the drug itself can also worsen one’s state because of it’s own addictive qualities. This contradiction may raise the question: Do the benefits outweigh the risks?

The Medical Use of Suboxone

Suboxone itself serves a primary function of reducing the symptoms of withdrawal once individuals cease taking heroin or other opiates. In addition, this substance has also been noted to have qualities that block the euphoric effects of most mind-altering opiates. With the utilization of this drug, there are multiple facets in which Suboxone would present substantial benefits in treating addictive disorders. Suboxone can be used as the individual is ceasing the use of heroin or prescribed opiates (when taken in excess for longer periods of time), as the effects would likely mitigate the the effects of the withdrawal symptoms. From the prospective of treatment, Suboxone presents uses in blocking the euphoric effects of mind-altering substances, decreasing the incentive to use. According to the FDA, the proper use of this medications provides less of a risk for the development or maintenance of psychological or physical dependence. With these qualities, Suboxone presents undeniable benefits for individuals seeking assistance for pursuing a life of recovery.

The Harmful Side of Abuse

However, just as there are perspectives of Suboxone that would assist an individual recovering from opiates, there are also dangers that would pose a risk as well. Ironically, while it can be used help treat substance abuse, Suboxone does have the potential to be abused for recreational use. There have been reports of individuals crushing the drug and snorting it in order achieve a state of euphoria. This particular abuse has presented numerous issues for institutions that supply medications like Suboxone, as the individuals who need the need help from this medication are worsening their own state instead. This flaw in the intent of taking Suboxone establishes a substantial barrier in treating clients for addictive disorders.

The Future of Suboxone

However, in light of understanding these dangers that Suboxone present, new actions are being implement to counter the negative aspects in order to provide more effective treatment for recovering individuals. One option that has been commonly taken has been the medical supervision of the ingestion of the medication. If drugs like Suboxone are taken in the correct dosage, as well as the correct method of administration. However, there may be limitations to this approach, depending on the availability of the attending physicians.
Another interesting precaution takes place on a more pharmaceutical level. Newer medications that treat patients that chronically abuse drugs have a new ingredient added that causes the substance to assume the form of a gel when crushed and snorted, blocking the nasal passages of the individual and nullifying the euphoric effects of the drug. This same concept could likely pose an improvement for Suboxone that would decrease the likelihood of abuse, therefore increasing the benefits of successful Suboxone-based recovery process.