Suboxone’s Role in Alcohol Addiction Treatment

There isn’t evidence that Suboxone or similar medications can ease alcohol withdrawal symptoms, and it shouldn’t be taken for this purpose. It is a medication worth discussing with an addiction treatment professional if you struggle with both alcohol and opioid misuse. Suboxone’s primary use is in opioid addiction treatment, but it is being explored for alcoholism. While it shows promise in reducing cravings, its effectiveness varies is suboxone used for alcoholism from person to person.

• This reduces cravings and helps the individual stay away from drugs or alcohol while they detoxify their system.
• Then, you can work to break that pattern long-term to avoid relapsing back into destructive drinking.
• It can be used short-term in detox but is more commonly used as a longer-term maintenance medication.
• Other mental health side effects can include confusion or changes in mood or behavior.
• Suboxone is not used to treat alcoholism, but other medications are available to treat the condition.

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Suboxone has been found to be effective in treating opioid addiction, as it helps people to manage their cravings and withdrawal symptoms. The medication also helps individuals stay in recovery for longer periods of time, as it decreases their risk of relapse. Suboxone is a medication used to treat opioid addiction, including alcoholism.

Will Suboxone help with alcohol withdrawal?

Suboxone can be used both for short-term detoxification and for long-term maintenance therapy for addiction. For maintenance therapy, it is usually taken for longer periods of time as part of an overall recovery plan which includes counseling and lifestyle changes. Suboxone differs from medications like naltrexone and acamprosate used to treat alcoholism. The choice depends on individual factors and should be discussed with a healthcare provider. However, it’s essential to note that Suboxone is not a one-size-fits-all solution for alcohol withdrawal, and its effectiveness can vary from person to person. The decision to use Suboxone in the context of alcohol withdrawal should be made by qualified medical professionals based on a thorough assessment of an individual’s unique needs and circumstances.

Exploring Suboxone’s Role in Alcohol Addiction Recovery

• The brain eventually becomes accustomed to the continued presence of alcohol, leading to tolerance and the need for the individual to drink increasing amounts of alcohol to achieve similar results.
• According to the FDA, people should never combine Suboxone with alcoholic beverages.
• This causes your body to have a strong negative reaction shortly after drinking.
• People who struggle with comorbid opioid misuse and alcohol misuse may drink less while taking Suboxone if they were used to using the drugs at the same time.
• It’s important to note that it’s not uncommon for those dealing with addiction to be addicted to several substances when seeking treatment.
• For many people, the use of suboxone in the treatment of opioid addiction has changed the game by offering a way out of the vicious cycle of addiction.
• These medications are usually started once detox is complete and the alcohol is out of the person’s system.

When it comes down to it, both Suboxone and alcohol act as depressants on the central nervous system (CNS). This means they both slow breathing and heart rates—which, when these two substances are combined, can lead to respiratory depression or even a coma. Below, we explore the dangers of combining Suboxone and alcohol in further detail. Dr. Chintan is a Board Certified Family Physician with an interest in holistic and preventative care as well as healthcare systems.

What You Need to Know About Suboxone Treatment for Alcoholism

This can decrease cravings for the drug as well as reduce withdrawal symptoms. The following table summarizes the main medications for alcohol abuse treatment. While suboxone has been shown to be an effective treatment for people suffering from opioid use disorder (OUD), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved it for treating AWS or AUD. Some research has been conducted on its potential use with AWS and AUD, but more needs to be completed before it can be definitively stated to be an effective treatment for AWS or AUD. He has a nursing and business/technology degrees from The Johns Hopkins University. Suboxone acts on opioid receptors in the brain, which are also involved in the craving and withdrawal mechanisms of alcohol, potentially helping to reduce these symptoms.

Suboxone works by binding to the same receptors in the brain that are affected by opiates and alcohol. This reduces cravings and helps the individual stay away from drugs or alcohol while they detoxify their system. Suboxone can also increase levels of dopamine in the brain, which can reduce stress, depression, and anxiety, all of which can contribute to relapse in individuals with substance abuse disorders. Suboxone is typically prescribed in combination with other treatments for alcoholism, such as individual therapy, group therapy, and lifestyle changes. While there’s some interest in its potential, especially due to its naloxone component, the current research is limited, and Suboxone isn’t FDA-approved for alcohol use disorder. If you’re seeking help for alcohol addiction, you’re more likely to be prescribed medications like naltrexone, acamprosate, or disulfiram—alongside counseling and peer support.

He creates this site to offer guidance and support to individuals seeking to overcome addiction and achieve lasting sobriety. With extensive experience in the field of addiction treatment, Francisco is dedicated to helping individuals access the resources they need for successful recovery. Naltrexone, Disulfiram, and Acamprosate are FDA-approved medications used to treat alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Suboxone is not used to treat alcohol addiction or alcohol dependence—rather, it is an effective medication for opioid use disorder.

While researchers continue to examine whether buprenorphine might be used to treat AUD, more research is needed. Severe AWS symptoms can be life threatening and are a medical emergency. People who experience severe AWS require immediate medical attention and should seek emergency care. Nonetheless, the structured use of Suboxone in a therapeutic context significantly reduces the risk of dependency. Alcohol addiction is chronic in nature, meaning it can last for an extended period, and it is often relapsing, making recovery challenging.