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Suboxone Long Term Use

answered 07:54 AM EST, Wed December 26, 2012
anonymous anonymous
I am on Suboxone. I don’t really mind it other than the cost. Is it bad for me to use this medication for a long time? I think if it is not bad for me I would just like to use this forever. Is this OK?

Anna Deeds Says...

Anna Deeds A. Deeds
MSED, NCC, LPC

Thank you for your question.  I'm glad you are getting treatment for your addiction. 

I'm not a doctor so I can't really answer your question since it is about a medical issue with Suboxone.  I suggest you ask your doctor who is prescribing the Suboxone.  That being said, I did check online and couldn't find any information about the long term effects of Suboxone.  Since it is a newer drug, there may not have been much research yet on its long term effects.  I checked with the official website for Suboxone which has a page of safety information.  It lists some common side effects like nausea, constipation, etc with irregular heartbeat being the most serious.  I think as long as you are not having problems with Suboxone and it is helping you stay off other drugs, there is nothing wrong with remaining on the medication.   At the same time, there is no reason to remain on the medication if you believe you can stay clean on your own.  I was on methadone before and it did improve my life.  However, my life improved even more when I got off methadone.  My personal opinion is that medication can be a great tool to complete abstinence.  

Ask yourself the following questions:

Is my life better on Suboxone?  Do I abuse my medication?  Do I take other drugs?  Can I stay clean without it?  If not, what do I need to change to stay clean without it?

The answers to these questions should help you make a good decision.  I also recommend you work with a counselor to make any changes you need to make should you choose to come off the medication one day.  I hope this helps to answer your question.

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Page last updated Dec 26, 2012

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