Suboxone is a medication that helps people break the cycle of opioid addiction by curbing withdrawal symptoms and blocking cravings for the drug. It does so by tightly binding to the same opioid receptors in the brain as other opiate drugs, such as heroin and morphine, but in lower doses that are not addictive. As a result, when used properly, Suboxone is an effective and safe drug that can help you overcome your substance use disorder. But like any prescription medication, it can be abused and can lead to addiction in its own right. Luckily, you can recognize signs of Suboxone abuse and seek treatment for the drug before it has a chance to cause serious damage.

The first sign of Suboxone abuse is a pattern of missing or using the medication in high quantities. This can include frequent doctor visits to get new prescriptions, stealing medication from friends or family members and even “doctor shopping” to acquire multiple prescriptions at once. Other symptoms can include dilated pupils, increased sweating and fever, poor memory and diarrhea. If you or a loved one has these symptoms, call emergency services immediately.

People who misuse Suboxone often have a history of opioid addiction or dependency, but it is also possible to become addicted to the drug without having a prior substance use disorder. The FDA has approved Suboxone to treat opioid addiction and is considered a safe and effective option for long-term maintenance treatment, but many users end up misusing it. Because of this, many people in recovery who have used the drug for a period of time develop a tolerance to it and need higher doses to feel its effects. This can lead to overdoses, which are a leading cause of death in individuals in recovery from opioid addiction.

In fact, if you have a high tolerance to Suboxone, you may experience withdrawal symptoms even at a lower dose than what is prescribed by your doctor. These symptoms can be extremely painful and unpleasant, and they can even trigger a relapse in opioid addiction.

When you are ready to stop taking Suboxone, your physician will taper you off the medication slowly under their supervision to avoid withdrawal symptoms and relapse. In addition to a carefully-monitored medication regimen, your treatment plan should include substance abuse counseling and support from peers and professionals to address the underlying causes of your addiction and help you achieve long-term recovery.

After you detox from Suboxone, your doctors will replace it with naltrexone, which is designed to block opioid receptors in the brain for good. You’ll also undergo individual and group behavioral therapy sessions that are tailored to your specific addiction and mental health needs. These treatments can include dialectical behavior therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), family and group therapy, and more. For example, if you struggle with depression and anxiety that led to your substance use disorder, these therapies can teach you how to manage these issues without the need for drugs or alcoh