Opioid addiction can have a long-lasting negative impact on your life. It can cause a host of medical issues, make it difficult to hold down a job, and also strain relationships with friends and family. There are also a variety of legal problems that can arise from this type of addiction. Opioids are powerful drugs that change your brain chemistry and more than 2 million Americans deal with this addiction each year. Treatment for this type of addiction often involves therapy and medications such as suboxone. Here are three things you should know about suboxone treatment.

How It Works

The first thing that you should consider is how this medication works in order to determine if it's right for your needs. Suboxone is a combination of two different drugs: buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine works to block opiate receptors which in turn helps to lessen the urge for opioids. The second drug, naloxone, works to reduce opioid effects. In combination, these two drugs together in the form of suboxone are able to greatly reduce withdrawal symptoms. If you are trying to overcome an opioid addiction, suboxone treatment can be a powerful tool.

Dosage

Another thing to consider when it comes to suboxone is the dosage. This medication is available in four different strengths that have varying levels of buprenorphine and naloxone. Suboxone comes in the form of a film that is placed either under the tongue or between the cheek and the gums. At first, suboxone is used to manage withdrawal symptoms. After that, there with likely be a maintenance period where you take a stable dosage. Suboxone treatment can last for a few months to over a year, depending on your needs. This medication can also have side effects, so it's important to communicate with your doctor during treatment.

The Cost

If you are considering suboxone treatment, cost is something to take into consideration. Costs will vary depending on the dosage required as well as the amount of time this medication is part of your treatment plan. On average you can expect to pay between $59 and $220 for 14 films of suboxone depending on the dosage. The cost of this treatment can be pricey, but costs may be offset by health insurance, Medicaid, and various discount programs. If you are addicted to opioids, suboxone treatment may help but there are a few things you should know. First, knowing how this medication works can help you determine if it's right for your needs. Dosage will vary depending on your treatment plan, and there are potential side effects. Costs can also vary depending on dosage and whether or not you have insurance. 

To learn more about suboxone treatments, consult with a care clinic like MyStreetHealth.