Recovery is achieved through many pathways. Creating a comprehensive recovery plan that is unique to each individual is critical to increasing long-term success in recovery. One of the biggest challenges many in active addiction face is addiction withdrawal and going through this process without help can endanger one’s health and often leads to relapse. This is why medications such as Suboxone can be an integral part of an individual’s recovery plan. In this post, we’re covering what Suboxone is, why it’s important, and why there is stigma around Suboxone.
What is Suboxone?
Suboxone is an oral medication approved for office-based treatment of OUD (ASAM, 2022). Suboxone blocks the effects of other opioids and is composed of two medications: Buprenorphine and Naloxone (ASAM, 2022). Treatment with Buprenorphine and Naloxone has been shown to be safe and effective, and an important part of Medication-Assisted Treatment (ASAM, 2022).
To learn more about Suboxone, check out our post about what it is and when it is necessary.
Why is Suboxone Important?
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT), including Suboxone, is an effective way to negate symptoms of withdrawal from opioid use leading to higher success in short and long-term treatment. Use of Suboxone has been proven to significantly lower the risk of overdose as well as adverse outcomes during and after the detoxification process. Because of this, MAT is an evidence-based practice and is part of the recommended course of treatment for opioid addiction.
At Kyros, we believe that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to recovery and therefore provide multiple treatment avenues for all recovery plans.
Why Is There Stigma Around Suboxone and MAT?
Below are some common statements that continue the stigma around Suboxone and MAT. Knowing these myths and negative stereotypes can help generate awareness around MAT, in turn helping more people receive the treatment they need.
“MAT trades one drug for another”
MAT bridges the biological and behavioral components of addiction. Research shows that the combination of medication and behavioral therapies can effectively treat substance use disorders and promote successful recovery.
“MAT is only for the short term”
Research demonstrates that patients who receive MAT treatment for at least 1-2 years show the greatest rates of long-term recovery.
“My patient’s condition is not severe enough to require MAT”
MAT consists of various medications that can be utilized based on the needs of each individual patient. There is no one-size-fits-all here, and we believe treatment plans look different for everyone.
“MAT increases the risk for overdose in patients”
Statistics show quite the opposite – MAT greatly reduces overdose rates and helps to prevent overdoses from occurring. Many individuals will undergo detoxification, lowering their tolerance, and become much more at risk for fatal overdose due to their lowered tolerance. Use of Suboxone and MAT can prevent overdoses from happening at this stage – MAT medications are effective opioid antagonists and agonists.
“Providing MAT will only disrupt and hinder a patient’s recovery process”
Most importantly, MAT helps reduce mortality while patients are in early recovery. Aside from this, Suboxone and other medications can improve long-term recovery by assisting patients by improving quality of life, level of functioning and the ability to handle stress. MAT often offers patients a fair chance at recovery, removing the barriers of withdrawal symptoms and potential overdoses.
Why Kyros Provides MAT
Kyros believes first and foremost in helping people achieve successful recovery. One of the ways that research has shown this can be done is through MAT and use of medications in conjunction with other treatment therapies. We encourage every client we work with to create a comprehensive recovery plan that is fit for their unique needs. This undoubtedly includes MAT for many of the individuals we serve, and we’re committed to removing the stigma around medications like Suboxone. Removing this stigma creates awareness and acceptance of these life-saving medications, in turn helping more people by reducing overdoses and increasing individual recovery success stories.
Why Kyros Provides MAT
Kyros works with recovery organizations across the state of Minnesota to increase access to services like MAT. We reinforce the critical services your team is already providing with supplementary services such as MAT. If your organization could benefit from MAT, set up some time to meet with our team and partner with us today!
