At StartBupe Services, we are committed to providing safe and effective treatment for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) through Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) with buprenorphine-naloxone (Suboxone). It is crucial to use Suboxone only when prescribed by a licensed medical provider trained in addiction treatment. This blog post will explain why this is important and highlight the risks of acquiring Suboxone “off the street” or from non-medical sources. We will also discuss the dangers of continuing to use other opioids, including the alarming trend of fake medications containing fentanyl.

Why You Should Only Use Prescribed Buprenorphine-Naloxone (Suboxone)

  1. Proper Medical Supervision
    1. Individualized Treatment Plans: Licensed medical providers trained in addiction treatment can create personalized treatment plans based on your specific needs and medical history. This ensures the correct dosage and monitoring for any side effects or complications.
    1. Safety and Efficacy: Medical supervision ensures that Suboxone is used safely and effectively. Providers can adjust dosages as needed and provide support for any challenges you may encounter during treatment.
  2. Risk of Incorrect Dosage
    1. Potential for Harm: Using Suboxone without medical supervision can lead to incorrect dosing, which can be ineffective or even harmful. Too low a dose may not alleviate withdrawal symptoms, while too high a dose can cause adverse effects.
    1. Lack of Monitoring: Without proper medical oversight, there is no way to monitor your progress or make necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
  3. Legal and Ethical Concerns
    1. Legality: Acquiring Suboxone without a prescription is illegal and can result in legal consequences.
    1. Ethical Considerations: Using medication prescribed for someone else is unethical and can undermine the integrity of their treatment.

Risks of Acquiring Suboxone “Off the Street” or from Non-Medical Sources

  1. Uncertainty of Purity and Potency
    1. Contaminated or Fake Medications: Suboxone obtained from non-medical sources may be contaminated or counterfeit, posing significant health risks.
    1. Inconsistent Potency: Medications acquired “off the street” may not have consistent potency, leading to unpredictable effects and potential overdose.
  2. Lack of Professional Support
    1. No Counseling or Behavioral Therapies: Effective OUD treatment involves more than just medication. Counseling and behavioral therapies are essential components of MAT, and these are not available when acquiring Suboxone from non-medical sources.
    1. No Support via Case Managers: In case of adverse reactions or complications, having a staff available and the providers is crucial. This support is absent when using non-prescribed Suboxone.

Dangers of Continuing to Use Other Opioids

  1. Risk of Overdose
    1. Potent Opioids: Opioids like fentanyl, oxycodone, and hydrocodone are highly potent and carry a significant risk of overdose. Fentanyl, in particular, is many times more potent than heroin and can be lethal even in small amounts.
    1. Accidental Overdose: The risk of accidental overdose is high, especially with the prevalence of fake medications that contain fentanyl. These counterfeit pills can look identical to legitimate medications but are far more dangerous.
  2. Health Complications
    1. Chronic Health Issues: Continued use of full opioid agonists can lead to severe health complications, including respiratory depression, organ damage, and increased risk of infectious diseases.
    1. Mental Health Impact: Opioid use can exacerbate mental health issues, leading to depression, anxiety, and other psychological conditions.

Conclusion

Using buprenorphine-naloxone (Suboxone) as prescribed by a licensed medical provider trained in addiction treatment is essential for safe and effective recovery from Opioid Use Disorder. Acquiring Suboxone from non-medical sources poses significant risks, including incorrect dosing, contaminated or counterfeit medications, and lack of professional support. Continuing to use other opioids, especially with the prevalence of fake medications containing fentanyl, increases the risk of overdose and severe health complications.

At StartBupe Services, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive and compassionate care to help you achieve lasting recovery. If you or a loved one is struggling with OUD, contact StartBupe Services today at 704-246-4644 or at https://www.startbupe.com to start your recovery journey!

Reviewed by a medical professional