If a person stops using other opioids, buprenorphine is the active ingredient in Suboxone that lessens withdrawal symptoms. It’s used to treat opioid dependence, also known as opioid use disorder or OUD. The effects of mixing buprenorphine and what is a substance abuse counselor alcohol can be life-threatening, so it’s important to recognize if a person is having problems with mixing these two substances. If you or a loved one would like more information about where to find a treatment center near you, contact us.
- If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.
- Some centers will have special dietary plans in place that are nutritious and beneficial to the body.
- It’s an effective treatment for OUD, but like any other medication, it requires some lifestyle modifications.
- If you have concerns about avoiding alcohol while you’re taking Suboxone, talk with your doctor before starting treatment.
How to Get Help for a Suboxone Addiction
Withdrawal can even be life-threatening, especially in the case of powerful drugs or polydrug users. That’s why finding a team of knowledgeable professionals is an important first step in recovering from drug use. The combination can also put substantial stress on major organs like the kidney and liver, especially if an individual has abused alcohol mirtazapine oral route precautions in the past. Suboxone in itself can cause a number of uncomfortable symptoms, especially when taken in high doses. Common side effects of Suboxone include constipation, drowsiness, vertigo, and lethargy. While not as strong as other opioids, Suboxone can have addictive qualities, especially when combined with another substance like alcohol.
Buprenorphine’s role
Furthermore, alcohol interferes with how your brain operates, causing changes in your behavior and mood. It can also limit your ability to reason and move with proper coordination. This post discusses everything are toads poisonous to humans vet-approved safety facts and faq you need to know about mixing Suboxone and alcohol, highlighting some of the dangers involved. If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please contact at
Opioid Addiction in the United States
Even in a casual setting, drinking alcohol while on Suboxone (or any other prescription medication for that matter) is cautioned against. Alcohol might seem like less of a problem than opioid drugs, but it does not mix with Suboxone—in fact, combining them can be dangerous. Not only is alcohol risky on its own, but as a depressant, it can amplify the effects of medications with sedative properties, including Suboxone. If you’ve been wondering whether the occasional drink is okay while taking Suboxone, here’s what you need to know about how these substances interact and can affect you. Suboxone is FDA-approved to treat opioid dependence, including both the induction and maintenance treatment phases. It strongly attaches to opioid receptors, preventing opioids (including buprenorphine) from binding.
Loved Ones’ Guide to Heroin Recovery: Building Stronger Support
Cannabis (often called marijuana) and cannabis products, such as cannabidiol (CBD), have not been specifically reported to interact with Suboxone. However, as with any drug or supplement, talk with your doctor before using cannabis in combination with Suboxone. The impact of cannabis may affect how well you stick to your Suboxone treatment plan. If you’re concerned about any food or drinks interacting with Suboxone, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
A person’s symptoms can vary depending on the dosage and duration of their Suboxone treatment. Suboxone is a prescription medication that treats opioid use disorder. It can help ease cravings and reduce symptoms of opioid withdrawal. However, if someone does not take it as their doctor prescribes, it can lead to misuse.
It’s possible for Suboxone to increase your risk of tooth problems, which may include tooth loss and broken teeth. If you already have a condition that affects your teeth, you may be at an increased risk of this side effect occurring. You can ask your doctor whether Suboxone or a different treatment is right for you.
Methadone can help patients remain emotionally stable and can thwart the occurrence of severe withdrawal symptoms commonly experienced by opiate sufferers. A current controversy concerning the use of Suboxone and other substitute drugs has arisen. Most people know that Suboxone is a drug used to treat abusers of other substances. The problem is that Suboxone itself shows addictive potentials, requiring patients to undergo another detox. This makes people become wary about the ability of Suboxone to end the vicious cycle of addiction. Patients struggling with their addiction are again facing another threat of being addicted to Suboxone, leaving them open to other forms of substance abuse, including alcohol.
The physical dependency starts to have other consequences, including an inability to stop the behavior. Beyond the examples noted above, alcohol has the potential to interact negatively with many other commonly prescribed medications. The resources below can help alert you and your patients to important potential risks.
