In an effort to combat rising opioid abuse rates, Suboxone is a medication often used to treat opioid withdrawal and prevent relapse. However, this medication can be dangerous if abused or mixed with other substances like alcohol. Those wondering if it’s safe to drink alcohol while taking suboxone should continue reading to learn about the dangers.
For those in recovery, avoiding substance use can be difficult without professional support. At Sound Recovery Centers, we provide the comprehensive treatment you need to overcome Suboxone and alcohol abuse.
What Is Suboxone?
Suboxone is a prescription medication used to treat opioid addiction. It is a combination of two medications: Buprenorphine and Naloxone. Each of these medications works together to minimize withdrawal symptoms and prevent relapse.
Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist. While it works similarly to other opioids, it does not provide the user with a full-on high. This allows the medication to reduce opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms as the body weans off of an abused opioid.
Naloxone is an opioid antagonist. This medication is used to block the effects of other opioids. This can deter relapse during the early stages of the recovery, as the individual will not be able to get high from taking an opioid.
While Suboxone can be an effective treatment intervention, it is important to only use it as prescribed. Despite being less addictive than full opioid agonists like fentanyl or prescription painkillers, it can still form a dependence.
How Does Suboxone Work?
Suboxone ultimately works to prevent cravings and withdrawal during the early stages of recovery. It can also be an effective option for relapse prevention. When someone stops using opioids, they may experience severe cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
These symptoms typically include aches and pains, nausea, vomiting, and anxiety. Suboxone’s buprenorphine component attaches to the same opioid receptors in the brain that opioids do. By partially activating these receptors, these symptoms can be reduced.
The naloxone component of Suboxone acts as a deterrent to misuse. If Suboxone is injected or crushed, naloxone is released. This blocks the effects of other opioids and the triggering of any withdrawal symptoms.
Suboxone Abuse
While Suboxone is a valuable tool for treating opioid addiction, it can also be abused. Some people may misuse Suboxone by crushing or injecting it. This can bypass the slow-release mechanism and increase the risk of overdose.
Over time, individuals can also develop tolerance to Suboxone. This means they will need a higher dose to achieve the same effect. This can lead to dependence. Once this has formed, it can be difficult to stop taking the medication without help.
Furthermore, due to its effectiveness in treating opioid addiction, Suboxone has become a target for the black market. This has led to increased availability and misuse. While less common than with full opioid agonists like heroin, Suboxone overdose can occur.
This risk is significantly increased when combined with other depressants like alcohol or benzodiazepines. Because of these risks, it is important to only use Suboxone as instructed by your treatment provider.
What Happens When You Mix Alcohol and Suboxone?
Mixing Suboxone and alcohol can be dangerous and potentially fatal. Both alcohol and Suboxone are depressants. This means they slow down the central nervous system. When combined, they can significantly increase the risk of:
- Sedation: Excessive drowsiness and sedation. This can lead to accidents, injuries, or even death.
- Respiratory depression: Both alcohol and Suboxone can slow down breathing. When combined, this risk is significantly increased, which can lead to respiratory failure.
- Overdose: The combination of alcohol and Suboxone can increase the risk of overdose. This risk is present even if the individual is not taking excessive amounts of either substance.
If you are taking Suboxone and alcohol together, it is crucial to understand how dangerous this can be. If you believe you may be struggling with both opioid addiction and alcohol abuse, it is important to seek professional help.
Treatment programs like Sound Recovery Centers can provide comprehensive care. Our care options offer a personalized approach to simultaneously address both issues. Suboxone and alcohol abuse can cause serious harm, but with the right support, recovery is possible.
The Dangers of Long-Term Alcohol Abuse
Long-term alcohol abuse can have severe consequences for both your physical and mental health. Some of the most common physical health risks associated with chronic alcohol abuse include:
- Liver damage: Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to liver diseases such as fatty liver, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.
- Heart problems: Alcohol abuse can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure.
- Digestive issues: Alcohol can irritate the digestive system. This can lead to ulcers, gastritis, and pancreatitis.
- Weakened immune system: Alcohol can impair the immune system. This can make you more susceptible to infections and diseases.
- Increased risk of cancer: Long-term alcohol abuse has been linked to an increased risk of several types of cancer. These include mouth, throat, liver, and breast cancer.
- Nutritional deficiencies: Alcohol can interfere with the absorption of nutrients. This can cause malnutrition and other health problems.
Of course, long-term alcohol abuse does not just pose a risk to your physical well-being. Chronically misusing alcohol can also cause serious harm to your mental health, including:
- Depression and anxiety: Alcohol abuse can contribute to or worsen symptoms of depression and anxiety.
- Memory problems: Excessive alcohol consumption can damage brain cells. This can lead to memory loss and cognitive decline.
- Increased risk of suicide: Studies have shown that individuals with alcohol abuse problems are at a higher risk of suicide.
Polysubstance Abuse Help
Polysubstance abuse is the simultaneous use of multiple substances. This can include drugs, alcohol, or even prescription medications. It can involve a combination of different drug classes or the use of multiple substances within the same class.
If you or someone you know is struggling with polysubstance abuse, it is important to seek help. Polysubstance abuse can significantly impact not just your life but those of the people around you. Seeking help can help you live a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling life.
Substance Abuse Treatment Programs
Polysubstance abuse requires a comprehensive and personalized treatment approach. At Sound Recovery Centers, we offer a comprehensive polysubstance abuse treatment program. This involves several levels of care, including:
Detox
Suboxone and alcohol withdrawal can be an intense process. This is why the first stage in your polysubstance abuse treatment will be a medically supervised detox program. This process is often necessary to manage withdrawal symptoms.
For those recovering from the effects of Suboxone and alcohol, the withdrawal process can be difficult. These individuals have a higher risk of experiencing severe and even life-threatening withdrawal symptoms.
Our detox plans are tailored to your individual needs and the substances you are using. Your detox experience may include a combination of medication management, therapies, nutritional counseling, and more.
Inpatient
Our inpatient treatment is a residential program that provides intensive care and support. It is often recommended for those who require a structured environment. At Sound Recovery Centers, our inpatient program provides 24/7 medical supervision and round-the-clock support.
During inpatient treatment, you can expect to participate in several recovery activities and services, including:
- Therapy and Counseling
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
- Holistic care
- Support Groups
- Recreational Activities
Outpatient
Our outpatient treatment program allows individuals to continue living at home while receiving treatment. We provide a variety of therapy and support services through our outpatient program. This provides individuals with the care they need in a more flexible environment.
Outpatient treatment is typically a good fit for those who have a stable living situation and strong support systems. Those who participate in our outpatient program can expect several services, including:
- Regular therapy sessions
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
- Group therapy
- Individual counseling
- Support groups
- Aftercare planning
Aftercare
Our aftercare program provides continued support and guidance to help you maintain your sobriety. Through participating in continued therapy, support groups, and medication management, you will learn strategies to identify and manage triggers and prevent relapse.
At Sound Recovery Centers, our top priority is your continued success and well-being in recovery. That is why we provide a full continuum of care to ensure you are able to maintain long-term sobriety.
Using Insurance for Rehab
Sound Recovery Centers believes in providing our clients with the best opportunity for success in their recovery. For many people, the cost of treatment can hold them back from seeking the help they need.
That is why we work with many of the top insurance providers to provide quality care at a cost you can afford. Many health insurance plans offer coverage for substance abuse treatment. This includes both inpatient and outpatient programs.
To determine your specific coverage for treatment, you will need to:
- Review your policy: Look for terms related to substance abuse treatment, mental health services, or behavioral health care.
- Contact your insurance provider: Ask about your deductible, co-pays, and out-of-pocket maximums for substance abuse treatment.
- Inquire about in-network providers: Find out if your insurance plan has a network of preferred treatment facilities.
Once you understand your coverage, you can start searching for treatment options that are right for you. Our admissions team can help you understand what levels of care are covered under your policy. Reach out to us today to learn more about our programs and how we can help you get started on the path to sobriety!
