Today, there are many forms of FDA-approved medications that can help with severe addiction, particularly opiates, benzodiazepines, and alcohol. Among the approved medications is Suboxone, usually reserved for opioid addiction. That said, limited research has explored the use of Suboxone for other things.
What is Suboxone?
Suboxone is an FDA-approved medication that is used to block opiates. It actually contains naloxone and buprenorphine, which makes it one of the preferred forms of treatment for opioid addiction, binding to the opiate receptors and preventing opioids from doing so. This can help those who are struggling with severe withdrawal symptoms and subsequent cravings.
But does Suboxone block cocaine?
Does Suboxone Block Cocaine?
No, Suboxone does not block cocaine, and there are several dangers associated with mixing the two despite the fact that many people who receive Suboxone treatment for opioids may continue to abuse cocaine or have a previous history of cocaine abuse.
- Cocaine is a stimulant, one that is known for its intense euphoria
- Suboxone is a brand-name opioid use disorder treatment that combines buprenorphine as a partial opioid Agonist with naloxone as an opioid antagonist
Suboxone only works by first binding with the opioid receptors in the brain so that actual opioids can’t. The buprenorphine, which binds to those opioid receptors, doesn’t cause the same euphoria or intoxication, so this can help reduce the cravings and withdrawal symptoms without getting someone high. Suboxone also contains naloxone, which actually blocks the impact of opioids and prevents people from getting high even if they do use an opioid.
Not only does Suboxone not block cocaine, but the combination of the two makes Suboxone less potent and increases the risk of continual addiction because of the cocaine.
Limited studies have examined the use of Suboxone as a form of treating cocaine addiction for those who are overcoming heroin addiction. While the results indicate that it can help people in recovery use less cocaine, it is not because Suboxone actually blocks cocaine. Rather, it is because the decrease in heroin because of Suboxone naturally led to a decrease in cocaine.
It is equally important to note that the studies are inconclusive and have not been duplicated in other settings.
Getting Treatment
If you or someone close to you is struggling with addiction to heroin, cocaine, or a combination of the two, it is imperative that you get professional treatment from an authorized, FDA-approved facility that can provide medication-assisted treatment.
Only through a program overseen by the FDA and offering medication-assisted treatment can you participate in a program with Suboxone as part of your heroin detox and recovery. The administration of Suboxone as a form of treatment for heroin addiction requires participation in ongoing therapy, which generally takes place at the same treatment facility.
Moreover, addiction to multiple substances needs to be assessed by healthcare professionals with an individualized plan that utilizes the most appropriate level of care, starting with detox for both substances.
If you are only struggling with cocaine, Suboxone is not a recommended course of action, nor will it help limit the addiction. That said, a comprehensive cocaine detox program and subsequent residential or outpatient programs are better.
Starting Cocaine Detox with Sequoia Recovery Centers
With our cocaine detox program, individuals who are struggling with addiction can seek all levels of care as part of their treatment. At our facility, individuals can start with their detox program, where they receive full supervision from multiple levels of staff members who are on call to check vitals regularly and make sure that they remain as comfortable as possible during the treatment process.
After the detox, those who are undergoing treatment for cocaine or any other substances can transition into an inpatient or residential program where they reside full-time at our facility and, from there, step down to partial hospitalization programs, intensive outpatient programs, and supportive outpatient and aftercare programs.
Our aftercare programs provide clients with continual support in the form of regular activities and social engagements that can transition from potential loneliness or isolation that follows completing a treatment program.
Does Suboxone block cocaine? No. While some studies have concluded that it can be efficacious in supporting overall recovery for those with a co-occurring heroin and cocaine addiction, it is not because the Suboxone blocks cocaine.
If you are ready to learn more, contact our team today. Call us at 1-866-824-0709.