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The Dangers of Detoxing from Fentanyl Alone: Why Medical Support Matters

Aliya on April 21, 2025

Fentanyl continues to shape the narrative of the opioid crisis, developing an unintended reputation for a torrent of overdose deaths, many of them high-profile, and drug dependencies.

Some people are introduced to fentanyl for purely prescriptive reasons to manage chronic pain, while others seek it out recreationally beyond its original medicinal purposes. But even when the respective paths to fentanyl are divergent, there’s one constant: when your use stops, withdrawal begins.

And while it might make sense to try and quit cold turkey through sheer willpower alone, the physical and psychological symptoms may become too hard to bear, so much so that continuing down the path of fentanyl addiction makes more sense than dealing with the discomfort.

“Suddenly stopping or significantly reducing regular drug use may … cause withdrawal symptoms that can range from powerful negative emotions to flu-like symptoms to life-threatening emergencies,” says the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). “Many withdrawal symptoms are treatable, though for many, using drugs may feel like the only way to alleviate them.”

If this has become your experience, if your fentanyl use has become problematic, NIDA’s assertion is correct — fentanyl substance abuse is treatable, and detoxing from fentanyl with the right professional help can make recovery a reality.

What Is Fentanyl?

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control notes two different types of fentanyl: pharmaceutical and illegally made fentanyl. The former is one of several opioids meant for medical use as a painkiller, mainly for people suffering from intense, chronic pain or following major surgery. Also used to induce drowsiness prior to surgical procedures, fentanyl was introduced as an anesthetic in 1960.

Prescription fentanyl, a synthetic and lab-created opioid, is clinically efficient but prone to misguided recreational abuse among people seeking out its euphoric qualities, meant only for medical settings.

The latter, illicitly manufactured fentanyl — produced in powder, pill, or nasal spray form — aims to capitalize on this. It’s typically smoked, snorted, injected intravenously, or ingested orally. 

Fentanyl pills — dubbed “fentapills” — may resemble opioids like oxycodone or anti-anxiety medications like alprazolam, notes the CDC. It’s often mixed with other dangerous narcotics like heroin, cocaine, or methamphetamines, where fentanyl can’t be seen or tasted, so users may not know what they’re taking. 

“It is possible for someone to take a pill without knowing it contains fentanyl,” says the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). “It is also possible to take a pill knowing it contains fentanyl, but with no way of knowing if it contains a lethal dose.”

“Dealers package it to look like a normal prescription pill that you would get at the pharmacy, but nobody can tell what’s in it,” notes Yale University Dr. David Fiellin in an article. “So, someone buys from a drug dealer what they think is Valium, or cocaine, or OxyContin, but it has a small amount of fentanyl in it that the buyer is unaware of. This can cause an overdose because the individual doesn’t have the physical tolerance to fentanyl, even if they have a tolerance to, say, OxyContin.”

Is Fentanyl Addictive?

Next to the risk of overdose is fentanyl’s high likelihood of dependency and addiction. It activates the brain’s reward system by releasing a flood of dopamine, reinforcing the behavior that leads to fentanyl’s euphoric high. 

Over time, your brain adjusts to the presence of the drug, and you need more of it — first, to mimic the effects of the original high that have begun to wear off as you become tolerant to the drug, and then, just to feel normal. Fentanyl’s strength means it only takes a minimal amount to become addicted or overdose.

“The pleasure or feeling high that results from taking an opioid can make you want to continue taking them more often and at higher doses,” says the Mayo Clinic. “This can lead to addiction: Your brain and behavior are so badly affected that you can no longer control your use of opioids.”

Opioid Addiction Statistics

Underneath the data points about fentanyl are alarming warnings about its effects:

  • Fentanyl remains a factor in 53% of overdose deaths.
  • Synthetic opioids — mainly illegally made fentanyl — were involved in nearly 68% of U.S. overdose deaths in 2022.
  • 42% of pills tested by the DEA for fentanyl — a Schedule II controlled substance — contained at least 2 mg of fentanyl.
  • Fentanyl, notes the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics (NCDAS), contains a 25% recreational drug toxicity, higher than heroin (20%), alcohol (10%) or cocaine (6.7%).
  • Fentanyl overdoses surpass prescription opioid overdoses by nearly 551%.
  • One-fifth of states have reported up to a 98% increase in opioid overdose fatalities.

The Dangers of Opioids

Opioids, fentanyl included, have become a frustrating paradox. The very same benefits they deliver in treating pain also make them risky, dangerous, and prone to abuse. 

Opioid abuse isn’t new within our societal fabric. Many opioids are naturally derived from the poppy plant, just like opium, which found its way into the hands of 19th-century recreational smokers seeking the same sedative, relaxing, euphoric qualities as modern-day fentanyl.

Within the last half-century, opium’s popularity shifted to morphine and heroin during the 1960s and 1970s, and within the last decade, to fentanyl, up to 50 to 300 times more potent than morphine. It’s fentanyl’s ultimate availability, popularity, and potency that have made it the de facto opioid of recreational choice, driving addiction and overdose rates. The Yale Medicine study specifically points to the diversion of legal fentanyl into the hands of people who began misusing the drug and its ease of manufacturing, where most illicit fentanyl is cheaply produced in underground Mexican labs.

One of the most dangerous — and arguably most significant — aspects of opioid use is just how quickly tolerance builds. You may find yourself needing to take more just to achieve the same effect. As your tolerance increases, so does your risk of overdose. And with fentanyl, that risk is especially high because the margin between an approved medical dose and a lethal one is so small — according to the NCDAS, where 2 mg is a lethal dose, doses as small as 0.25 mg raise the risk of overdose.

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Detoxing from Fentanyl: Here’s What Happens

Entering rehab for fentanyl addiction is a brave step, an acknowledgment that it’s time to seek help and that you’re willing to put in the work to make it happen. And the first step is a detox from fentanyl. Contrary to myths and misconceptions that persist, detoxing from fentanyl doesn’t mean going it alone or sweating out fentanyl withdrawal symptoms, but instead having the support of professionals with a compassionate commitment to making your treatment as comfortable as it is effective.

Medical Detox

How to detox from fentanyl is just as important as when to detox. Instead of a hard stop, detox from fentanyl is the process of gradually weaning and easing yourself away from the drug to help you minimize any health risks. Why is it called medical detox? Detoxing takes place at a rehab facility where you’ll be aided by medical staff — doctors, nurses, addiction support staff — in a clinically supervised setting. Once your body is no longer receiving fentanyl after becoming dependent, your body has to readjust. They’ll monitor your vital functions (like your heart and breathing) to remain stable as your body starts to become acclimated to being without a foreign substance again.

Fentanyl Withdrawal Symptom Management

How long does fentanyl stay in your system, and how long does it take to detox from fentanyl? They’re the two most common questions you might ask as you enter this first phase of rehab. Here’s a general timeline you might experience:

  • 8–24 hours after last use: This is typically when the first fentanyl withdrawal symptoms begin. You might feel emotionally on edge — anxious, agitated, or restless. Physically, early signs may include muscle aches, sweating, yawning, a runny nose, and other flu-like symptoms. These are often manageable, but can grow quickly in intensity.
  • 24–72 hours after last use: Fentanyl withdrawal usually reaches its peak during this time. Symptoms you may have noticed earlier can become more severe, and additional effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rapid heart rate, and spikes in blood pressure may set in. These few days are often the hardest part of opioid withdrawal, but know that sticking it out is worth it in the end.
  • 3–10 days after last use: After the peak phase passes, your fentanyl withdrawal symptoms may begin to ease in intensity, though they can still linger. You may continue to feel physically uncomfortable and emotionally drained, but this stage is often more tolerable under medical supervision.
  • 10–14+ days and beyond: While the acute symptoms fade, some milder effects can hang on for several weeks. This is sometimes referred to as post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). You may still experience trouble sleeping, mood swings, fatigue, or difficulty focusing, but by this point, the drug has been effectively cleared from your system.

Remember that the time it takes to detox from fentanyl can vary from person to person. The amount and duration you took the drug, if you combined it with other addictive substances, plus your physiology, all play a part in the length of your detox timeline and symptom management.

Medication-Assisted Treatment

While detoxing from fentanyl, certain medications can help ease certain stubborn withdrawal symptoms and cravings, especially if you’re weaning off the drug after chronic, long-term use. This is called Medication-Assisted Treatment, or MAT. Here are some of the medicines that rehab staff may carefully prescribe for you during your stay:

  • Methadone: A long-acting drug that eases withdrawal symptoms and reduces fentanyl cravings. It’s often prescribed for people detoxing from heroin. Methadone can be used short-term during detox or as a long-term maintenance medication. 
  • Buprenorphine: Helps relieve withdrawal symptoms and shortens the detox period. In many cases, buprenorphine is combined with naloxone to help prevent opioid misuse.
  • Clonidine: Commonly used as a medication for high blood pressure, clonidine is prescribed during detox from fentanyl to help reduce withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, muscle aches, sweating, runny nose, and abdominal cramping. (However, it does not reduce cravings.)

Naltrexone: An FDA-approved opioid antagonist that blocks the effects of opioids and can help prevent relapse. Naltrexone should not be administered until opioids are fully cleared from the body, since it can trigger sudden and severe withdrawal symptoms if used too early.

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What Happens After Fentanyl Detox?

Once detox from fentanyl is complete, your body is cleared of the drug, and you can start your recovery with a clean slate. For most substance use disorders, there are generally two rehab options:

  • Inpatient fentanyl treatment
  • Outpatient fentanyl treatment

These levels of care offer ongoing care following fentanyl detox to help individuals maintain their sobriety and grow in recovery.

Inpatient Fentanyl Treatment

An inpatient setting offers the opportunity to receive round-the-clock care by allowing you to live onsite at a treatment facility — an intensive treatment model enabling you to focus solely on your recovery, 24/7, where the environment is more structured with full support. Inpatient is ideal for people with more severe addictions who might not be able to cope with living on their own without the risk of relapsing. During treatment, your day is filled with a blend of individual and group therapy and even holistic approaches depending on your tailored schedule, with continuous medical oversight. The goal is to make the most of treatment during your inpatient stay after detoxing from fentanyl. 

Outpatient Fentanyl Treatment

Outpatient treatment offers the same level of integrative care as inpatient but enables you to live at home once therapy finishes for the day. It’s ideal for people whose addictions aren’t severe enough to necessitate an inpatient stay or who have personal or professional circumstances that make an extended inpatient rehab stay challenging. Because your treatment plan is customized, outpatient is structured to accommodate your daily routine while making sure that you remain engaged in treatment. Outpatient does require a higher degree of personal responsibility, but with the right support network and regular check-ins, it’s an effective mode of treatment to set you on the path to recovery.

Aftercare Options Following Fentanyl Addiction Treatment

Formal treatment eventually comes to an end, but it’s really just the beginning of your recovery journey. One thing to remember is that you don’t ever need to go it alone, and this is where aftercare can keep you on track. Aftercare is a phase of treatment with the chance to keep attending ongoing therapy or alumni programs, connect with support groups in your area, or stay in a sober living environment before transitioning into your own home.

Detoxing from Fentanyl with Professional Help

A detox from fentanyl with clinical support gives you peace of mind that you can get through the journey of recovery with all the right steps in place. It means being able to detox without worrying about discomfort, side effects, or the possibility of relapse. And it’s the beginning of a therapeutic journey where stopping use of fentanyl is just the first step, since therapy after detox is designed to address how drug use has impacted your mind, your body, and your spirit. 

Make it happen by contacting us today. We’re on hand 24/7 to answer any and all questions you may have about rehab, detoxing from fentanyl, insurance coverage, and treatment programs.

Is It Possible to Get Buprenorphine Without a Prescription?

Aliya on April 21, 2025

There are many opioids, legal and illegal, that share two things in common — how easy it is to become addicted and how difficult it can be to quit. Whether it’s fentanyl, oxycodone, methadone, or even heroin, you may already know how challenging it can be. 

You may have also been considering entering, or just begun, rehab and learned of some of the ways that opioid use disorder can be treated, particularly through buprenorphine, proven successful time and again in helping people stay off opioids and streamlining recovery.

In fact, buprenorphine has remained one of the most utilized medications for opioid abuse for the last five years. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), in 2023, there were 4.7 buprenorphine prescriptions per 100 people — more than 15 million total nationwide.

But what is buprenorphine, and how does it combat opioid use disorder? Is it only available through official clinical channels, or can you bypass the process and get buprenorphine without a prescription? Let’s take a closer look at how it works and why obtaining it legally is so important.

What Is Buprenorphine?

Buprenorphine was first discovered in the 1960s during the growth of methadone clinics set up to help people struggling with opioid use disorder, primarily heroin addictions. Though it existed on the clinical radar for many years, it was in 2002 that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officially approved buprenorphine as an ingredient in medicines to treat abuse of other opioids and opiates.

Buprenorphine itself is derived from thebaine, an opioid naturally occurring in the opium poppy plant, and it’s prescribed primarily to minimize cravings and withdrawal symptoms for people going through opioid detox during rehab. 

What’s known as a partial opioid agonist, buprenorphine, is used in agonist substitution treatment, where a strongly addictive opioid is substituted with a less potent opioid. It binds to the same receptors in the brain as drugs like heroin, fentanyl or oxycodone, but without producing the same intense high — specifically, it acts as a partial agonist in the brain’s mu opioid receptor (similar to methadone) and a full agonist at the kappa receptor. Buprenorphine is about 20 to 50 times more potent than morphine. 

Due to its partial agonist effects, some of buprenorphine’s benefits include:

  • A lower potential for abuse compared to other addictive opioids
  • Less likelihood of physical dependence
  • Minimized withdrawal discomfort
  • A lower “ceiling effect” — even at higher doses, it doesn’t produce significantly stronger effects. 
  • A lowered risk of overdose

“Like opioids, buprenorphine produces effects such as euphoria or respiratory depression,” notes a study from the University of Arkansas Psychiatric Research Institute (UAMS). “With buprenorphine, however, these effects are weaker than those of full drugs such as heroin and methadone.”

Brand Names for Buprenorphine

Suboxone is one of the more recognizable drugs to treat opioid use disorder, a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone (commonly used to reverse an opioid overdose). 

Together in tandem, the buprenorphine in Suboxone works to replace an opioid, for instance, heroin, that’s contributed to an opioid use disorder, reducing your cravings and withdrawal symptoms of the drug without making a full, cold stop. Although buprenorphine treatment has that built-in ceiling effect as a safety precaution, Suboxone’s naloxone makes sure the risk of overdosing is minimized.

If you buy Suboxone online for opioid addiction, it comes as sublingual film or tablets that you place under your tongue to dissolve. There was previously a Suboxone implant called Probuphine, but it was discontinued in 2020 due to distribution and financial reasons. 

The buprenorphine-naloxone combo is also sold as a film called Bunavil and tablets under the brand name Zubsolv. Additionally, buprenorphine is also an active ingredient to treat chronic pain in the medicines Butrans, Belbuca and Buprenex.

Opioid Addiction Statistics

Opioid addiction is not new. It’s remained a stubbornly prevalent and tragic problem for decades, reaching recent crisis levels due to the availability of certain drugs like illicit fentanyl — synthetic opioids that are cheaply and easily produced illegally or diverted from legal medicinal supplies.

At a high level, more than 10 million people misuse opioids in a given year, a number punctuated by an alarming number of overdose deaths. In 2022, nearly 108,000 people in the U.S. died from a drug overdose, and about 82,000 of those deaths involved opioids — roughly 76% of all overdose deaths, notes the CDC. That’s an average of 224 opioid-related deaths per day.

The CDC adds that in the past quarter century, there’s been a surge of opioid-related deaths in the U.S. that can be broken down into three distinct waves:

  • Wave 1 began in the late 1990s, driven by rising prescriptions of opioids like oxycodone and hydrocodone.
  • Wave 2 started around 2010, with a sharp increase in heroin-related overdoses.
  • And wave 3, beginning in 2013, involves synthetic opioids — primarily illegally manufactured fentanyl — and continues to drive most overdose deaths today.

In the nearly 25 years between 1999 to 2022, nearly 727,000 succumbed to fatal opioid overdoses, but with the prevalence of co-occurring addictions, the death rate becomes compounded since in some cases, nearly 43% of drug overdose deaths involved some combination of opioids and stimulants.

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Can You Get Buprenorphine Without a Prescription?

Alongside methadone and naltrexone as FDA-approved opioid use disorder treatments, you cannot legally get buprenorphine without a prescription or suboxone without a prescription — despite some academic addiction experts calling for buprenorphine’s accessibility as a behind-the-counter medication. 

How to get a prescription for Suboxone and know how to get Suboxone the right way? You don’t need to visit a clinic to obtain buprenorphine like you might with methadone, but a doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant must prescribe buprenorphine since it is a Schedule III controlled substance needing regulation due to its moderate-to-low risk for misuse and dependence.

What Are the Dangers of Using Buprenorphine Without a Prescription?

Attempting to buy Suboxone online without a doctor’s prescription may seem like a fast track to recovery, but it can prove risky for a few reasons:

  • Unknown source and purity: When you try to procure or buy buprenorphine online, there’s no guarantee of what you’re getting. Counterfeit Suboxone tablets or film may contain any other number of illicit substances, including other opioids — not only putting you at risk of overdose but defeating the purpose of taking buprenorphine in the first place.
  • Potential for misuse: Obtaining buprenorphine without a prescription makes it hard to know how much you should take or how to take it. Many people may try to facilitate the effects of buprenorphine by taking it intravenously, for example, instead of sublingually, which can prove counterproductive. “When these products are taken as sublingual tablets, buprenorphine’s opioid effects dominate and naloxone blocks opioid withdrawals,” notes UAMS. “If the sublingual tablets are crushed and injected, however, the naloxone effect dominates and can bring on opioid withdrawals.”
  • Drug and health interactions: For people struggling with opioid use disorder, taking buprenorphine without proper medical guidance can also become risky without the facts at hand. It shouldn’t be taken within four hours of taking another drug or if you have certain medical issues, like liver or kidney disease, alcoholism or mental illness, breathing problems, or have undergone methadone treatment. 
  • Lack of comprehensive care: Finally, buprenorphine is not meant to be taken in isolation to fight opioid use disorder. It becomes most effective when it forms part of a broader, professionally supervised recovery plan. Without the context of comprehensive care, its benefits may show some effectiveness, albeit in a diminished sense. “Medications such as buprenorphine, in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, provide a whole-patient approach to the treatment of opioid dependency,” says UAMS.

How Does Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioids Work?

Buprenorphine is just one piece of the puzzle to conquering opioid addiction, one reason why it should never be obtained outside of a rehab setting. It’s meant to go hand-in-hand with detox and therapy, which is what MAT is about — using medication to assist your treatment plan so cravings or withdrawals don’t set you back or interfere with your progress. You might be prescribed a buprenorphine-based drug during or following detox during therapy.

Medical Detox for Opioids

When you enter rehab, detox is the first step, the process of clearing an addictive drug from your system. Without detox, the value of therapy would diminish if opioids still had an influence on your physical and mental health. Detox asks you to stay at our rehab center for a certain amount of time while a team of doctors, nurses, and specialists helps to minimize your withdrawal symptoms and minimize your discomfort. This is because addiction experts know what to look for and how to treat them. The medical part of medical detox is when Suboxone or other drugs are used to facilitate the detox steps. The team will make your stay comfortable, monitor your vital signs, and make sure the process is as seamless as possible.

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What Happens After Opioid Detox?

Once detox is complete, therapy for opioid use disorder can begin. In rehab, there are two main options: 

  • Inpatient treatment
  • Outpatient treatment

These levels of care offer ongoing care following detox to help individuals maintain their sobriety and grow in recovery.

Inpatient Opioid Treatment

The “in” of inpatient treatment means you’ll stay in a rehab facility, onsite, for a few weeks to devote 24/7 focus to recovery. It’s often the right choice for people with more severe drug addictions, especially if they’re prone to triggers in their day-to-day life that can make them relapse or make treatment more difficult. Inpatient therapy is more intensive and structured, where days are filled with individual and group therapy and MAT treatment if needed, but most importantly, with the care and support from staff and others in recovery going through the same journey.

Outpatient Opioid Treatment

Another option is outpatient treatment, which enables you to attend therapy during the day and return home each night — a better plan if you have personal or professional commitments that can’t be overlooked or if your opioid use disorder isn’t as severe and doesn’t need round-the-clock support. Once you’ve finished detox, there are a few outpatient choices:

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

One of the things that makes rehab effective is its flexibility. PHP is a middle ground between inpatient and outpatient therapy when neither option might be focused enough on one’s needs. During PHP, you won’t need to stay overnight at the facility, but treatment during the day is longer and more intensive (usually between five to seven days a week), designed for people who need the level of support and medical attention that inpatient provides, but without 24-hour supervision.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

An IOP program is another option if your needs require a more structured treatment program, but you still need to maintain your regular life commitments. This intensive outpatient care includes therapy sessions for several hours a day, multiple days a week, focusing on group therapy and individual counseling.

Outpatient Program (OP)

A traditional outpatient program (OP) remains an ideal next step if you’re exiting inpatient, PHP, or IOP and you feel confident that you can manage your recovery in your daily environment while attending therapy a few days a week. At the outpatient stage, you’ve learned the necessary coping strategies to avoid relapsing while living your life outside of rehab. It’s also a good choice for people struggling with opioid use disorder who have a strong support network of family and friends to keep them accountable.

What Happens After Opioid Rehab?

After completing opioid rehab, clients are set up with a comprehensive aftercare plan to promote long-term recovery. These plans focus on relapse prevention through a variety of different approaches and resources.

Aftercare and Relapse Prevention

After rehab, particularly after inpatient, it’s OK to feel a degree of uncertainty about staying sober, even after all the therapy — the training — you’ve received. And it’s a myth to think that support ends when rehab concludes. Aftercare services are just as valuable as your time in rehab; like maintenance treatment, you’ll have the chance to keep attending individual or group therapy as needed or be connected with support groups in your area, like 12-Step meetings. If your plan calls for just an inpatient stay, aftercare might involve staying in recovery housing before integrating back into independent life. 

What Are the Benefits of Professional Help for Opioid Addiction?

Buprenorphine can play a crucial role in opioid dependency treatment, especially in early recovery, but it’s most effective when supported by professional care through a proper prescription, since in rehab, the medication can be monitored for effectiveness, adjusted if needed, and tailored into your treatment. 

Just as important is your treatment plan — whether it’s inpatient or outpatient, it gives you the structure, the therapy, and the support that, together with medication, sets a clear path for sobriety in a safe, supportive environment where healing is paramount.

If you’re unsure what your treatment for opioid use disorder might involve — whether it’s care options, insurance coverage, cost, or which rehab clinic is right for you — our staff is available 24/7 to talk it through. Contact us today to learn more.

Can the Non-Opioid Journavx Help End Painkiller Addiction?

Aliya on February 24, 2025

Finding pain relief can be challenging because opioid pain meds are highly addictive and dangerous, which is why a new drug called Journavx is in the news. Journavx is an opioid-free pain killer that was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) earlier this year. In the past, those struggling with acute pain (short-term) often had to choose between relief and the fear of developing an addiction. Since Journavx is the first-of-its-kind non-opioid painkiller medication, it is changing the medical field for the better. Some people believe this new drug could be the key to ending the painkiller addiction crisis. Let’s unpack Journavx and how it works to determine whether the medication is all it is purported to be.

What Is Journavx?

Journavx, the brand name for the drug suzetrigine, is a non-opioid pain medication that is approved by the FDA for acute pain management. Notably, Journavx is a first-in-class drug, meaning it uses a new mechanism of action to relieve pain. In the past, the effects Journavx offers would have come with a risk of addiction development. Now, people don’t have to choose between different health choices like pain relief or addiction.

Does Journavx Work?

As you may be aware, opioid abuse is a severe problem known as the opioid crisis. In 2022, almost 108,000 people in the U.S. died from drug-related overdoses. Of this number, an estimated 73,838 cases involved opioids, which alone are the leading overdose death drug. Opioids work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain to stimulate the reward system. Because the results are pleasurable, the brain actually modifies itself to adapt to substances. Notably, opioids can be both natural, synthetic, and semi-synthetic. Some common opioids are morphine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, methadone, and fentanyl.

Since an effective non-opioid pain medication has been sought after and prioritized for decades, you might wonder if Journavx works. The answer is yes! Journavx produces similar pain-relieving results as opioid medications but without the addictive risks. In randomized studies, Journavx was shown to relieve moderate to severe acute pain to the same degree as opioids. This is considered a huge landmark treatment, as pain medication that isn’t addictive has been largely ineffective thus far.

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How Does Journavx Work for Pain Management?

As mentioned, Journavx is a first-in-class medication that provides pain relief by targeting different body functions than opioids do. Essentially, the medication works by blocking pain from being felt in the body without affecting the brain. Whereas opioids are so addictive because they stimulate and alter the opioid reward system in the brain, Journavx works differently. It blocks sodium ion channels, which stop the nerve cells from carrying electrical impulses that signal pain. 

Until now, opioids have been virtually the only strong pain-relieving option. Other than turning to opioids with their high risk of addiction, those with pain have had to use over-the-counter pain meds. But these yield little results for severe pain. How Journavx works on the body rather than the brain is exciting and will hopefully improve the state of the opioid crisis moving forward.

Journavx vs Other Non-Opioid Pain Medication

Journavx is not the only pain management medicine on the market that isn’t habit-forming. There are other non-addictive opioids that can be prescribed over-the-counter. Some of the options include:

  • Aspirin
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, i.e. Ibuprofen)
  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

Yet, these other non-addictive painkillers tend to be ineffective at reducing pain to the same degree as opioids. For those with severe pain, like from an operation, injury, or cancer, a stronger option is needed to raise their quality of life. Many people turn to opioids out of necessity, but the risks can far outweigh the benefits.

What are Journavx’s Benefits and Risks?

Journavx has the obvious benefit of providing pain relief without the risk of addiction. Journavx is expected to have no habit-forming potential because it doesn’t target the brain. There are some side effects to watch for, even with safe painkillers. In studies, the most common potential side effects are muscle spasms, itchiness, rash, and increased creatine phosphokinase in the blood. Your medical treatment provider will be able to monitor you and address any side effects.

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The Dangers of Opioid Pain Medication

Although opioids are often abused, they do serve an important purpose. They are often used in medical settings like hospitals and can be prescribed for patient use. Yet, doctors are not inclined to prescribe opioids as a medication unless absolutely necessary because the drugs are so addictive. As mentioned, opioids are pain-relieving medications with incredibly strong properties. They are often used post-operation for pain management, as well as in people with cancer and those with chronic pain. Individuals who have acute and subacute pain (like after an injury) may be prescribed at-home use of opioids. In these cases, the individual is weaned off the drug once they’ve recovered. On the other hand, prescription opioids can be administered for chronic pain as a long-term medication. Yet, because they are so addictive, taking opioids is risky.

For those with pain, there is a need for safe pain medication. This is why non-opioid pain relievers are necessary. These safer alternatives to pain relief don’t carry the risk of addiction associated with many painkiller meds. Although no one sets out to form an addiction, the risk of dependency is high when using opioids. These dangerous substances are too powerful for individuals to control, as they work on the brain to change neurochemistry. For those who want to avoid the physical, mental, and emotional health risks, we are pleased to offer alternative medications.

Finding an Opioid Use Disorder Treatment Facility

Fortunately, there now exists Journavx, a non-opioid pain medication to replace opioids. People struggling with acute, subacute, and chronic pain can find relief without the risk of addiction. Understandably, opioid addiction can devastate your life. If you’ve been battling with opioid abuse and can’t manage your dependency anymore, it’s time to seek help. Please understand there is no shame in needing outside intervention. Oftentimes, people don’t understand how powerful substances like opioids are when they act on the brain and body. As an individual, it is incredibly difficult and unlikely to overcome opioid addiction alone.

Yet, with the assistance of a professional medical treatment center, relief is possible! Our medication-assisted treatment (MAT) program combines medication with traditional therapy and holistic counseling. We can help you overcome your addiction with FDA-approved medicine for substance use disorders (SUD).

Let us walk you through the mental, emotional, and physical healing from your addiction. You can choose from our many treatment facilities across the United States. We’re ready to help you, so make the first move today.

Carfentanil vs Fentanyl: Understanding These Powerful Drugs

Aliya on December 30, 2024

When it comes to opioids, two of the most dangerous are carfentanil vs. fentanyl. Although both drugs have their purpose in medicine, when used illicitly, they present grave danger of overdose and death. It’s more likely you’ve heard of fentanyl, but what is carfentanil? Let’s explore the differences between both substances and unpack why they can have catastrophic effects on your health.

What Is Carfentanil?

Carfentanil is the most powerful commercially used opioid. It acts as a tranquilizer, opioid analgesic, and mu-opioid receptor agonist. This means it has strong effects like sedation, pain relief, and drowsiness. However, carfentanil is not safe for human use, as it’s a veterinary anesthetic for massive-sized animals, including elephants. In a human, even a small amount can be a carfentanil lethal dose. The drug can be sourced as carfentanil pills, powder, patches, and liquid.

What Is Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid used as a painkiller in medical scenarios. Because of how potent it is, fentanyl can be administered for severe pain, including chronic pain, cancer, and post-surgery pain. In fact, fentanyl is 100 times stronger than morphine, an alternative painkiller. It is also roughly 50 times stronger than heroin, a semi-synthetic opioid deriving from the poppy plant. Thus, fentanyl should only be used as prescribed by a doctor because even a small dose can be lethal. However, recreational fentanyl use has risen in recent years and largely contributes to the opioid crisis. Fentanyl is often laced with other substances or misleadingly sold as a different opioid.

Opioid Abuse Statistics

Over 3 million people in the United States struggle with opioid use disorder (OUD), of which fentanyl is a prevalent cause. Overdose deaths are a major concern across the world, which is also why opioid abuse is so concerning. The spiral into addiction occurs quickly with both fentanyl and carfentanil and can lead to overdose death. In 2023, an estimated 70% of overdose deaths in the U.S. were due to illegal fentanyl drugs, including carfentanil.

The Difference Between Carfentanil vs Fentanyl  

Carfentanil and fentanyl are drugs in the same drug class and act as opioid analgesics with painkilling and relaxing effects. However, there is a key difference. Alarmingly, carfentanil is 100 times more toxic than fentanyl because it’s made for large animal veterinary medicine. In powder form, even a few grains can have a fatal result. Your risk of severe physical and mental dangers is greatly increased with carfentanil use vs. fentanyl, although both opioids can be deadly.

Which Is Stronger?

Undeniably, carfentanil is the stronger drug, at 100 times more potent than fentanyl and 10,000 times more potent than morphine.

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What Are the Risks of Using Carfentanil and Fentanyl?

There are many dangers of using either carfentanil or fentanyl, let alone engaging in polysubstance use and mixing drugs. Both fentanyl and carfentanil deaths are risks of abusing substances. The key concerns are addiction, overdose, and negative health effects.

Addiction Risks of Carfentanil and Fentanyl

Both substances work similarly in the brain to produce a pleasurable and relaxing effect. As such, fentanyl addiction is highly likely and occurs quickly. Opioids like carfentanil and fentanyl bind to opioid receptors in the brain to activate the reward system. Because the results feel temporarily good, the brain craves more and soon becomes tolerant to that dose.

Health Risks of Carfentanil and Fentanyl

Although opioids feel good at first, they are far from beneficial for the body. Taking fentanyl or carfentanil has many dangerous physical and mental symptoms. You may experience the following fentanyl or carfentanil side effects:

  • Cravings
  • Irritability
  • Being distracted or unable to process information as normal
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Insomnia
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Mood changes

It takes far less carfentanil than fentanyl to experience these withdrawal symptoms, considering how much stronger it is.

Overdose Risk of Carfentanil and Fentanyl

The risk of overdose is high with both opioid drugs because of how potent they are. Along with the above unpleasant symptoms of fentanyl and carfentanil use, you may experience these overdose symptoms:

  • Slow breathing
  • Low blood pressure
  • Slow heart rate
  • Decreasing circulation
  • Blue or grey skin
  • Blackouts
  • Coma
  • Death

A carfentanil overdose is an urgent concern that must be acted on and treated immediately. Long-term rehabilitation can help prevent a repeated occurrence.

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How to Stay Safe from Carfentanil and Fentanyl

In order to protect yourself from the dangers of carfentanil vs. fentanyl, be sure to follow these precautions.

Educate Yourself

People who take illicit substances face the risk of overdose because of polysubstance mixing. It’s not safe to take drugs that have been illegally created and sold, as they are likely laced with multiple ingredients. You can help protect against drug overdose by educating yourself on the dangers of illicit drug use.

Use Naloxone (Narcan) for an Overdose

If someone you know has overdosed and is showing symptoms, it’s imperative they immediately receive naloxone to reverse the effects. Naloxone, sold under the brand name Narcan, is an opioid antagonist that fights against opioid poisoning. Naloxone kits are sold over the counter to help save lives.

Find a Treatment Center for Loved Ones

Most importantly, if you or someone you know is struggling with fentanyl abuse, they need to receive professional medical help. Finding the motivation to stop on your own is difficult, and implementing detox alone is nearly impossible. As soon as you try to break free from addiction on your own, you’ll be hit with intense withdrawal symptoms that cause many to relapse. We can help you find true healing from your opioid addiction at our drug rehabilitation centers.

Opioid Detox and Recovery Options

Because the risk of taking drugs laced with fentanyl is high, drug abuse is a dangerous situation to be trapped in. The best way to protect yourself is to enter treatment for substance addiction. At Aliya, we provide full-service rehabilitation for opioid addiction, regardless of whether it’s carfentanil vs. fentanyl or other drugs. Don’t stay stuck in a place of real danger to your health. Let us help you through fentanyl rehabilitation.

What Does a Methadone Clinic Do?

Aliya on December 23, 2024

Methadone clinics are places where people overcome their addiction to opioids using medication-assisted treatment, specifically a drug called Methadone. Methadone clinics provide medication to help clients manage their dependency and withdrawal symptoms. Often, the most difficult part of quitting drugs is getting through withdrawal symptoms, like cravings for the drug. As such, treatment at a methadone clinic makes the process of reaching sobriety less challenging by diminishing withdrawal discomfort.

What Is a Methadone Clinic?

A methadone clinic is a drug rehabilitation program for those struggling with substance addiction. Particularly, those who have an opioid use disorder (OUD) can find relief from their symptoms through the medication methadone. Methadone is a synthetic opioid agonist that reduces symptoms of opioid addiction, such as cravings and withdrawal. Because it is long-acting, unlike other opioids like fentanyl, heroin, and oxycodone, it can adequately replace short-term drugs.

In a methadone clinic, which is a medical detoxification center, clients are administered methadone dosage according to their unique situation and needs. Typically, methadone is used as a long-term treatment for the maintenance of opioid withdrawal. Individuals may remain on a methadone medication plan for years. In this case, they will work with a doctor to ensure their dose remains correct to prevent dependency.

What Is Methadone Used For? 

As mentioned, methadone is a medication used to lessen opioid withdrawal symptoms to help people overcome opioid addiction. It also manages chronic pain, which sometimes goes hand-in-hand with drug abuse problems. It is common for people to self-medicate with substances but go too far as to develop a drug disorder.

How Do People Get Methadone?

Methadone is a Schedule II Controlled Substance, meaning it has a high potential for abuse. Thus, it must be administered by a medical professional for the treatment of opioid addiction or pain management.

How Does Methadone Affect the Brain?

As an opioid, methadone works similarly on the brain to other opioids like heroin and fentanyl. It changes the central nervous system’s response to pain by altering brain messaging. However, it doesn’t produce the fast-acting high that heroin and fentanyl do because methadone is a long-acting substance. One key difference is that it actually treats the discomfort caused by other opioids to negate their effects. Methadone blocks feelings of euphoria that other opioids create and reduces symptoms of craving and withdrawal on the comedown.

Is Methadone Dangerous?

Unfortunately, when methadone is used outside of its intended treatment, it has addictive properties that can lead to dependency. It will blunt the effect of other opioids, but when used with other substances, like methadone and alcohol, it can cause disinhibition. Some people may desire the effects of methadone. When abused, methadone has the danger of addiction.

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What Are the Signs of Methadone Addiction?

Although the effect of addiction will always vary from person to person, there tend to be common signs. These methadone overdose symptoms may indicate that someone is addicted to the opioid drug.

  • Nausea
  • Drowsiness
  • Constipation
  • Changes to sex drive
  • Mood changes
  • Agitation
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Weight gain
  • Hallucinations
  • Irregular menstruation
  • Rapid heart rate

What Is Methadone Detox Like?    

Methadone detox is the right step for anyone who has abused methadone or other opioids. Depending on your circumstance, detoxification can remove traces of methadone from your body to help you achieve base sobriety. If you haven’t abused methadone but struggle with opioid addiction, detox will remove short-acting opioids from your body. Notably, methadone can be used as intended to alleviate withdrawal symptoms during the process.

Methadone Withdrawal Symptoms

Withdrawal from opioids, long- and short-acting, may include the following temporary symptoms:

  • Agitation
  • Sweating
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Anxiety
  • Aches and pains
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Low energy
  • Nausea
  • Restlessness

Methadone Detox Timeline

Detox tends to last between four and eight days, during which your health will be monitored. You may be given extra fluids and nutrients, along with comfort medication like methadone, to make withdrawal more comfortable. By the end, you will have reached a base degree of sobriety.

Preparing for Methadone Detox

The best way to prepare for detox is mentally. Know that you will be well-cared for with 24/7 supervision. Detox can be uncomfortable and difficult, but your medical team will make it as smooth as possible.

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Who Can Help with Methadone Detox?

A treatment center plays a large role in making the detox process feel safe and fast. Aliya’s detoxification facilities are comfortable locations with state-of-the-art equipment. Our medical care team is empathetic about making the detox experience as easy as it can be.

What Are the Benefits of a Methadone Detox Center?

Detoxing in a methadone clinic provides layers of protection that you won’t have if you try to detox alone. We monitor you around the clock to ensure your vitals remain healthy. Additionally, we can administer methadone to alleviate and distract from any withdrawal symptoms.

Helping a Loved One Find a Methadone Clinic

If your loved one is battling an opioid addiction, the best way to care for them is to help set them up in a methadone treatment center. As Aliya clients, they’ll be treated like a person with a unique issue, not like a disorder. Our medication-assisted treatment programming is always tailored to the individual and their needs. Rest assured that sobriety is possible through comprehensive treatment.

Other Tips for Recovering from Methadone

Recovering from opioids is much more than detoxing them from the system. After a person achieves sobriety in their body, they need to make sobriety a personal goal in their mind. Our treatment programming combines psychotherapy and holistic therapy to help clients realize the negative thoughts and habits that are trapping them in addiction. We help clients with a number of psychiatric resources.

Recovery Support Groups

Recovery support groups are pivotal in long-term sobriety maintenance after a drug us disorder. Traditional talk therapy is evidence-based for teaching clients to overcome triggers and prevent relapse. You can find support group meetings near you through Aliya.

Holistic Lifestyle Changes

Holistic therapy is equally as beneficial as traditional talk therapy. It focuses on healing the body, mind, and spirit. We teach clients holistic lifestyle changes they can continue after rehab, such as mindfulness, nutrition counseling, yoga, and nature therapy.

Family Resources

Individuals who are recovering from an opioid addiction strongly benefit from having family support. They need to know their loved ones stand by them in order to access their internal well of resilience. Explore these addiction recovery resources to better understand what your loved one is going through and help them end substance abuse and improve their mental health.

A methadone clinic can be the step that finally allows you to leave opioid addiction in the past. Medically-assisted treatment is a valuable tool in the fight against substance abuse. Methadone maintenance is something that only a professional addiction treatment center can provide.

Reach out today to reserve a spot at one of Aliya Health Group’s opioid treatment and detox facilities.

Fentanyl Withdrawal Timeline: How Long Does Detox Really Take?

Aliya on November 4, 2024

Addiction to synthetic opioids like fentanyl requires detoxification to remove the substance from the body. Fentanyl abuse is a serious issue spread across the globe that leads to the most drug overdose deaths. Whether you’re considering treatment for yourself or a loved one, you’re likely curious about the fentanyl withdrawal timeline. We’ll answer your questions about fentanyl detox and how treatment can help.

What Is Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a man-made opioid drug that is prescribed to treat pain. However, the majority of fentanyl use is illicit fentanyl sourced through the black market. Natural opiates like opium and morphine are derived from plant matter, but fentanyl is created synthetically. The substance is most commonly used recreationally to produce a high.

Where Does Fentanyl Come From?

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that’s made in laboratories. It imitates natural opiates like morphine, which are derived from the opium poppy. Most illicit fentanyl is created in Mexico and sold illegally.

Legal Prescription from a Doctor

Notably, fentanyl is also a legal prescription painkiller that can be prescribed by a doctor or administered in a medical facility. For instance, it is sometimes used post-surgery to help with pain. To misuse your fentanyl prescription or share it is illegal because of how addictive the substance is.

Illicit Fentanyl

Unfortunately, illicit fentanyl use makes up most fentanyl cases. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) found that illicit fentanyl leads to the most drug overdose deaths. Part of the problem is that illegal drug producers often add fentanyl to other drugs, which has dangerous risks like overdose.

Is Fentanyl Addictive?

Fentanyl is a highly addictive substance. Pain medication addiction can occur quickly with fentanyl, even after a few doses. Opioid abuse is a large problem because of the fast effect the drugs produce in the brain, creating euphoria, pain relief, and relaxation.

Fentanyl Overdose Stats

Fentanyl is the most common opioid that individuals overdose on, making it seriously risky to use. Regardless of whether it was misused through a prescription or sourced illegally, fentanyl overdose deaths have steadily increased over time. Yet, they’ve drastically peaked in recent years. The National Institute on Drug Abuse’s recent 2022 study found almost 74,000 individuals died from an overdose of fentanyl.

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What Is Fentanyl Withdrawal?

Because of the habit-forming impact of fentanyl, everyone who stops taking it after abusing it will experience withdrawal. Unfortunately, fentanyl withdrawal symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable and discouraging in the recovery process. In fact, withdrawal often hinders people from succeeding at achieving sobriety on their own. The best way to overcome opioid addiction is through medical detox in a treatment facility.

Fentanyl Withdrawal Timeline

The exact timeline of how long opioid withdrawal symptoms last can vary depending on the person, their situation, and their history of abuse. Generally, there are stages of opioid withdrawal spanning from early withdrawal to the later “second” phase.

Early Withdrawal

The first stage of opioid withdrawal occurs when you first stop taking the drug. Once you’re dependent, if you go too long without your next dose, your body will begin to have withdrawal symptoms. Early withdrawal feels uncomfortable, painful, and debilitating. Medical opioid detox lasts between 4-8 days. During this time, your rehab center can provide you with comfort medications to make the process easier.

Acute Withdrawal

Acute withdrawal spans the timeline right after medical detoxification. Although detox succeeds in removing toxins from your system, you may still experience symptoms like cravings or aches and pains. This is because the body needs more time to heal from the damage done by substance abuse.

Subacute Withdrawal

Subacute detox is a type of detoxification for less severe cases of addiction. Sometimes, the clients who need subacute withdrawal haven’t used drugs for long, or they might have relapsed since undergoing full acute detox. Subacute detox follows the same format of 24/7 monitoring and optional medication assistance but may not last as long.

Post-Acute Withdrawal (PAWS)

Post-acute withdrawal refers to lingering withdrawal symptoms that last after the individual has undergone withdrawal. For this reason, it’s sometimes referred to as a second withdrawal. Notably, PAWS is more common after opioid addiction than some other pain medications. During PAWS, the chemical processing in the brain that was altered by fentanyl needs to reset. Thus, past-acute withdrawal symptoms can affect the brain and body.

Factors That Influence the Fentanyl Withdrawal Timeline

If an individual has engaged in polysubstance abuse, where they combine their drug use, this can impact their withdrawal experience. Opioids tend to cause a standard withdrawal timeline and symptoms, which can vary from other medications. Individuals who are struggling with addiction to more than one substance can receive help through dual-diagnosis treatment. This rehab approach looks at co-occurring disorders and how they relate.

Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder

Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a serious global issue. More than 16 million individuals worldwide struggle with opioid addiction, and over 2 million of them are in the U.S. There’s no shame in admitting your substance abuse has escalated and you need help. At Aliya Health Group, we have built a comprehensive treatment approach to opioid addiction. By targeting the mind, body, and spirit, our holistic approach leads to total self-healing.

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Medication-Assisted Treatment for Fentanyl Abuse

If you or someone you know needs to learn how to get off fentanyl, the answer is recovery in a treatment center. Sometimes, clients need additional assistance to help them with the withdrawal experience, including short- and long-term treatment. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a rehab program that combines medication with therapy and counseling. Overall, MAT leads to healing by providing comfort during withdrawal and personal exploration in therapy. We provide the three FDA-approved medications for opioid addiction.

Methadone

Methadone is a popular opioid treatment medication for improving the withdrawal experience. It works by blocking the positive effects of opioid use and reducing withdrawal symptoms.

Buprenorphine (Suboxone)

Buprenorphine is a synthetic opioid used to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). The branded medication Suboxone is composed of buprenorphine and naloxone to relieve pain and discomfort. Buprenorphine targets pain receptors impacting the central nervous system but doesn’t act like an illicit opioid due to its ceiling effect.

Naltrexone

Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist used to treat both OUD and alcohol use disorder (AUD). Opioids like fentanyl block the positive effects that produce a high, making opioid use undesirable.

Inpatient Treatment for Fentanyl Abuse

Inpatient treatment is a crucial step in overcoming fentanyl addiction. Clients live in our rehabilitation centers and participate in daily therapy sessions. They attend group, individual, behavioral, and holistic therapy sessions for total biopsychosocial healing.

Outpatient Treatment for Fentanyl Abuse

During outpatient treatment, clients continue to attend traditional and holistic therapy sessions but take more independence in recovery. For instance, they move out of their center and commute in for sessions. Also, clients work with their case manager to prepare for “normal life” after treatment. They can receive support with jobs, resumes, housing, etc.

Long-Term Fentanyl Recovery

Sobriety from opioids like fentanyl is a long-lasting process. Medical treatment teaches individuals how to make drug abstinence a personal goal by helping them understand the negative effects of OUD. It also equips individuals to succeed through skills like relapse prevention and trigger management. The fentanyl withdrawal timeline may last weeks or months, but through treatment, you receive a support system for life. Don’t wait to get started with rehab through Aliya.

What’s the Difference Between Belbuca vs Suboxone?

Aliya on October 30, 2024

Opioid addiction is a serious illness that can be treated through medication-assisted treatment (MAT) using medicine like Belbuca vs Suboxone. Both medications are strong treatments for symptoms related to opioid use disorder (OUD) but have different purposes. Although medication must be prescribed through your medical treatment provider, it’s good to understand each one.

Belbuca vs Suboxone: What’s Better for Opioid Recovery?

Both Belbuca and Suboxone contain the opioid antagonist ingredient buprenorphine. Belbuca is the brand name for buprenorphine on its own, while Suboxone is the brand name for the combination of buprenorphine and naloxone. Thus, both medications have some similarities in what they treat and their effects. When it comes to choosing one medication for recovery from opioid use disorder (OUD), there are factors to consider. Firstly, your medical practitioner will be the one to prescribe either medication to you, as both must be used with a prescription. Therefore, they will know which medication is right for your issues. But it’s good to understand both options and how they treat opioid addiction.

What Is Belbuca?

Belbuca is a brand-name opioid treatment containing buprenorphine. Buprenorphine is a synthetic opioid with a ceiling effect, meaning it doesn’t provide the same high as illicit opioids like fentanyl and heroin. Also, buprenorphine blocks the positive effects of opioids, which helps with withdrawal. Belbuca utilizes this ingredient for the purpose of alleviating severe chronic pain. This medication is prescribed for intense cases where other medications aren’t having enough of an effect. Notably, Belbuca is intended for pain relief but is also used in the treatment of opioid withdrawal because pain is a common symptom.

How Does Belbuca Work?

Belbuca medication works by binding to mu-opioid receptors that control how one feels pain, pleasure, stress, and mood. Opioids are highly addictive because they target these receptors, which have a high risk of addiction. Yet, Belbuca treats severe pain by reducing pain in the central nervous system. It comes in the form of a fast-dissolving film. Belbuca film can be placed on the cheek, under the tongue, or as a patch on the skin.

What Is Suboxone?

Suboxone is a branded medication of the ingredients naloxone and buprenorphine. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist, and buprenorphine is a partial opiate antagonist. Together, this fixed-dose medication alleviates symptoms of opioid withdrawal. Suboxone comes as a film that goes under the tongue, and it is a tablet that is dissolved in the same way.

How Does Suboxone Work?

Suboxone is an effective treatment approach to opioid addiction because it blocks the effects of opioids. Notably, it decreases the symptoms of cravings and discomfort and prevents relapse by blocking a high. All of this works together to prevent individuals from getting the positive effects of opioids, thus helping in the withdrawal process. Even though it’s in the opioids class, Suboxone has a low misuse risk because it doesn’t allow for a high. It also blocks the effects of opioids, making it unpleasant to mix with other drugs.

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Main Differences Between Belbuca and Suboxone

A common question is, Is Belbuca the same as Suboxone? Belbuca and Suboxone are two medications with some similarities, but they are not the same. Belbuca is a brand-name medication with the ingredient buprenorphine, but Suboxone is the branding of buprenorphine and naloxone as a mixture.

Above all, the medications differ in their intended use. Belbuca is prescribed for chronic pain, including in people who are taking opioids or have a history of opioid abuse. Yet, it is also prescribed for people without a background in opioid addiction.

Conversely, Suboxone is a medication for individuals undergoing the opioid withdrawal process to alleviate symptoms of cravings and discomfort. Some people are prescribed Suboxone for the short process of detoxification, while others remain on the meds for maintenance indefinitely.

What Other Medications Are Used for Opioid Addiction?

Belbuca and Suboxone are only a few medications for opioid addiction. Both contain buprenorphine, a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved medication for OUD. The FDA approves two additional ingredients for opioid treatment, which we administer in our addiction facilities.

Methadone

Methadone is a synthetic opioid that treats severe pain and opioid addiction. It works by reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings to make the process of sobriety smoother.

Naloxone

Naloxone is an opioid antagonist medication that binds to opioid receptors to block the euphoric effects of opioids. This makes them unpleasant to use while on the medication, which assists in recovery from opioid dependency. Naloxone also reverses opioid overdose, which is why Naloxone kits are widely circulated to prevent overdose deaths.

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Which Medication for Opioid Addiction is Right for Me?

It may feel confusing to know which medication is right for you. All opioid antagonists are extremely strong medications that must only be used in treatment through a licensed medical provider. Thus, rest assured that you won’t have to figure out your treatment by yourself. Only treatment professionals can offer medication help for OUD. At Aliya, we have a treatment track for overcoming opioid addiction. Our medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid abuse combines medication management with traditional and holistic therapy.

What Is Opioid Addiction Treatment Like?

Opioid treatment in a rehab center is safe and comfortable and teaches you independence and resilience. We understand that healing is a complex process. Some people need additional support from prescription medication to overcome their substance addiction. There’s no shame in that! In fact, we provide MAT for opioid recovery with medications like Suboxone and Belbuca at each level of care.

Medical Detox for Opioid Addiction

Many clients begin treatment with detoxification. This is if they’re entering treatment with substances in their system. Opioid detoxification generally lasts between 4-8 days. During detox, clients are provided around-the-clock care and monitoring to ensure their safety. We can prescribe comfort medications to make the process less painful and alleviate symptoms of withdrawal.

Inpatient Treatment for Opioid Addiction

During residential inpatient care, clients live in a center and have 24/7 aid available to them. Through therapy and counseling, they unpack the deeper reasons behind their substance abuse. Inpatient treatment is the beginning stage of rehab, where the emphasis is on growth, self-awareness, and goal-setting.

Outpatient Treatment for Opioid Addiction

During outpatient care, clients attend sessions during the day and return home in the evenings. The focus of outpatient rehab is more on sobriety, so individuals build skills like coping mechanisms and relapse prevention. Clients meet with their case managers to prepare for the future and work toward their sobriety goals in concrete ways. We also offer flexible rehab options as part of outpatient treatment, such as partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programming.

Please reach out today with any questions about pain management and medication-assisted treatment for opioid addiction, including questions about partial opioid agonists such as Belbuca vs. Suboxone. Once you call, we can begin an insurance verification to get started treating opioid use disorder. Prescription opioids can be dangerous, but a treatment center that offers behavioral therapy and addiction recovery can help. Addiction therapy at a drug and alcohol recovery center is safe and effective.

What Is a Suboxone Clinic, and How Does It Help Addiction?  

Aliya on October 16, 2024

When battling opioid addiction, the best way to detox and achieve sobriety is by entering treatment at a Suboxone clinic. This refers to a medical rehabilitation facility for individuals who experience opioid addiction and co-occurring disorders. In a Suboxone clinic, you will receive medication assistance to help you overcome withdrawal. Additionally, you’ll engage in therapy and counseling to heal the deeper reasons for substance abuse.

What Is Suboxone?

Suboxone is the brand name for a prescription medication used to help individuals overcome opioid abuse. Suboxone combines buprenorphine, a synthetic opioid, and naloxone, an opioid antagonist. The two ingredients work together to fight opioid addiction by targeting opioid receptors in the brain. A person on Suboxone experiences reduced withdrawal symptoms and an inability to get high from opioids. To elaborate, naloxone blocks the euphoric effects of a high, so the individual instead experiences symptoms of withdrawal when trying to use opioids.

What Is Opioid Addiction?

Addiction to opioids is a common issue that can occur quickly when you abuse opioids. Some opioids are prescription pain medications that can be misused. Opioids include methadone, fentanyl, oxycodone, heroin, and morphine. Unfortunately, opioids are highly addictive because they alter brain chemistry in a short amount of time. Eventually, you need to take more of the substance to function normally, at which point you are dependent on the drug. Because you’ve developed tolerance, you also need to increase your dose to put off withdrawal symptoms.

What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment?

Individuals with opioid dependency require medical treatment to help them overcome their addiction. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a program in rehab that combines prescription medication for overcoming opioid dependency with therapy and counseling.

Suboxone for Opioid Recovery

MAT for opioid recovery often utilizes Suboxone as an excellent medication for opioid use disorder (OUD). Suboxone rehab makes the recovery process more comfortable and safer by reducing withdrawal symptoms like cravings. Further, medications for OUD lead to less risk of overdose and increased time spent in treatment, making sobriety a personal goal. After treatment, clients are more equipped to lead a successful and positive life.

Reduce Withdrawal Symptoms

As mentioned, naloxone and buprenorphine work together to reduce withdrawal symptoms and the euphoria that comes from opioid use. Uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms are one of the main reasons why individuals aren’t successful at detoxing from drugs. Suboxone helps prevent relapse by making detoxification an easier and smoother process.

Manage Cravings

Once they’ve detoxed from substances, individuals can still feel the pull towards old habits. The medication-assisted treatment utilizes long-term medication to reduce cravings daily. Individuals remain on Suboxone indefinitely, depending on their personal care plan as created by their doctor. Because Suboxone helps prevent relapse, many people stay on the medication.

What Is a Suboxone Clinic?

Simply put, a Suboxone clinic is a treatment program for opioid addiction that takes place in medical Suboxone treatment centers. During rehab, clients engage in medically assisted treatment where they use prescription Suboxone and participate in therapy.

Who Runs Suboxone Clinics?

Suboxone clinics are run by an expert team of addiction counselors, behavioral therapists, doctors, nurses, counselors, and case managers. These are people who are experienced and certified to treat opioid use disorder using medications like Suboxone. 

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How Does Suboxone Treatment Work?

It’s important to understand why opioids are addictive. They activate opioid-sensitive receptors in the brain to block negative feelings like pain. At the same time, they trigger a rush of positive receptors like dopamine. Over time, the brain adapts to the changes opioids create. At this point, the individual is dependent on the drug. They also have a higher tolerance, so they must take more for the same effects.

Our Suboxone treatment program works in tandem with the detoxification process to reduce withdrawal symptoms and block the positive effects of opioids. After detox, most individuals stay on Suboxone to prevent withdrawal symptoms like cravings once they’re sober.

How Long Does Opioid Detox Take?

Generally, detoxification to remove opioids from the system lasts eight days, though sometimes as short as four days. During the process, individuals detox toxins of the drugs from their system. The process is fairly quick, and our medical staff makes it as comfortable as possible.

MAT and Psychotherapy

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a valuable step in recovery. However, medication is only part of a comprehensive opioid recovery plan. Each individual who enters a Suboxone clinic combines medication assistance with the deeper inner work of therapy. Their schedule will include traditional therapy and holistic counseling, both in group and individual sessions.

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What Are the Benefits of Suboxone Treatment?

Certainly, there are many benefits of Suboxone for opioid addiction rehab. Mainly, treatment raises individuals’ quality of life by making it possible for them to achieve lasting sobriety. Not only do people experience the physical health of being free from drugs, but also the mental and emotional benefits. After treatment, they can experience renewed relationships and a new fervor to live a fulfilling, sober future. Additionally, they receive a lifelong support team through their Aliya family. Having sober peers committed to the same convictions is key in the journey of abstinence.

Who Needs Suboxone Treatment?

Simply put, everyone who struggles with opioid use needs to enter opioid addiction rehab in a treatment facility. Of these individuals, many people should receive Suboxone treatment to help them reduce their withdrawal symptoms. There is no shame in needing the help of rehab, nor in needing the extra help of medication-assisted treatment.

Some signs of opioid dependency include:

  • Always talking about the next dose
  • Illicitly sourcing opioids
  • Misusing prescription pain meds
  • An inability to stop on your own
  • Increased tolerance to opioids

Opioid Addiction Treatment Near Me

At Aliya Health Group, we provide treatment options at our nationwide network of treatment centers from detoxification to aftercare. The levels are:

  • Detoxification
  • Residential inpatient treatment
  • Partial hospitalization
  • Intensive outpatient
  • Outpatient care
  • Aftercare

During your time in our centers, you will receive the highest level of care from our knowledgeable substance abuse treatment team. Notably, flexibility is one of our values, as we understand that drugs already create enough disorder in your life. As such, Our addiction treatment center offers flexible care and comprehensive addiction treatment, including online Suboxone medication treatment from certified Suboxone doctors. Don’t wait to reach out today to enter our Suboxone clinic and start walking the road to recovery-free from drug addictions.

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Aliya Health Group

Aliya Health Group is a comprehensive network of addiction and mental health treatment centers, with locations spanning nationwide. 

We are driven by our commitment to empower individuals, families, and the community by providing education, tools, and support, to help them lead healthy, fulfilling lives in recovery. 

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The Joint Commission
NALGAP
NAADAC, National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors
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