Suboxone Risks in Teens: A Guide for Parents

Suboxone, a medication used for treating opioid addiction, comes with several risks for teens in the United States. This drug contains buprenorphine and naloxone, curbing cravings and withdrawal symptoms. However, its misuse or non-prescribed use among teens can lead to severe consequences.

Recognizing these risks can equip you with the knowledge to address concerns and seek appropriate support if your teen is affected. So, keep on reading as we explore the potential dangers and side effects of Suboxone use among teens. We will also outline available treatment options for teen addiction.

Key Takeaways

Suboxone aids opioid and opiate addiction treatment but comes with risks; understanding its use is crucial for safe recovery. Here is what this article entails:

• Suboxone, containing a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone, manages opioid dependence but requires careful use.
• The use of Suboxone poses risks like dependence, overdose, and rare side effects; cautious, monitored usage is crucial.
• Side effects range from common discomforts like constipation to severe issues like slowed breathing or allergic reactions.
• Treatment options involve medical detox, residential care, behavioral and family therapy, MAT, and support groups.

Reach out to our teen treatment center at (845) 479-6888 to help your teen kid reclaim a life free from the grip of substance use disorder (SUD).

What is Suboxone? An Overview

Suboxone, a prescription medication, is primarily used to help people overcome addiction to opioid drugs like heroin or prescription painkillers. It’s a combination medication with two active ingredients: buprenorphine and naloxone.

Buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist, attaches to the same receptors in the brain as opioids, providing relief from withdrawal symptoms without inducing the same intense euphoria. Naloxone, on the other hand, is an opioid antagonist that helps prevent misuse by causing discomfort if Suboxone is taken in a way other than prescribed, like injecting it.

Doctors commonly prescribe Suboxone as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that encompasses counseling and behavioral therapies. It’s often used during the recovery process to help individuals manage withdrawal symptoms, curb cravings, and gradually taper off opioids. Suboxone typically comes in the form of a sublingual tablet or buccal film designed to dissolve under the tongue.

Following a doctor’s guidance is crucial when using Suboxone to ensure it’s taken correctly and safely. While Suboxone can be highly effective in treating the harmful effects of opioids when used as prescribed, misuse or taking it without medical supervision can pose serious risks, including overdose or dependence, especially among young people.

Suboxone and Teens: Exploring the Potential Risks

Suboxone, while beneficial in treating opioid abuse issues, carries several risks, especially for teens. Understanding these risks is vital for parents and caregivers. Here’s an overview of the risks:

• Dependence and Withdrawal: One significant risk associated with Suboxone use is the potential for dependence. While it helps manage addiction, Suboxone abuse may lead to dependence, making it challenging to stop without experiencing uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. Symptoms, including nausea, insomnia, and muscle aches, can occur when someone reduces or stops taking Suboxone abruptly.
• Overdose Risk: Misuse or taking Suboxone in higher doses than prescribed can elevate the risk of an overdose. Combining Suboxone with other substances, especially central nervous system depressants like alcohol or benzodiazepines, intensifies this risk. Overdose symptoms include slowed breathing, extreme drowsiness, loss of consciousness, and, in severe cases, can be fatal.
• Liver Issues: One of the concerning risks associated with Suboxone use in teens involves potential liver problems. This medication contains substances that could affect the liver’s functioning, leading to conditions such as hepatitis or liver damage. Symptoms of liver issues include jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), abdominal pain, dark urine, and fatigue.
• Respiratory Problems: Another concern linked to Suboxone use among teens involves respiratory issues. This medication can result in respiratory depression, especially when taken in larger amounts than prescribed or combined with other substances like alcohol or sedatives. Slow breathing, shallow breathing, or extreme drowsiness can indicate a problem.
• Allergic Reactions: Allergic reactions to Suboxone are rare but possible. Teens might experience symptoms like rashes, hives, itching, swelling (especially in the face, throat, or tongue), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If any signs of an allergic reaction appear after taking Suboxone, seeking immediate medical help is crucial. Understanding these risks associated with Suboxone use is essential for both teens and their parents. It enables informed decision-making and proactive measures to mitigate potential hazards.

Suboxone’s Toll: Understanding its Side Effects

While Suboxone can be effective in treating addiction, especially among adults, its use among teens requires careful consideration due to potential side effects. Here is a breakdown of these side effects:

Common Side Effects

Suboxone can cause common side effects that individuals might experience during treatment. These symptoms may include:

• Nausea and Vomiting: Many teens might experience gastrointestinal disturbances, such as nausea or vomiting, especially during the initial stages of Suboxone treatment.
• Headaches: Some individuals might encounter mild to moderate headaches as their bodies adjust to the medication.
• Dizziness or Lightheadedness: Feeling dizzy or lightheaded can occur, particularly when transitioning to a higher dose or when standing up quickly.
• Constipation: Opioid medicines often cause constipation, and Suboxone is no exception. This side effect might persist during the treatment period.
• Difficulty Sleeping: Some teens may experience sleep disturbances or insomnia as a result of taking Suboxone, affecting their rest and potentially leading to fatigue during the day.
• Sweating and Chills: Excessive sweating or experiencing chills without a fever could be common side effects of Suboxone.

Severe Side Effects

While less common, Suboxone use can lead to serious side effects that warrant immediate attention, including:

• Respiratory Issues: Although less common, some individuals might experience respiratory problems, including shallow or difficulty breathing.
• Allergic Reactions: Severe allergic reactions to Suboxone, though rare, can occur, leading to symptoms like rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
• Liver Problems: In rare cases, Suboxone might lead to liver issues. Signs of liver problems include yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or persistent nausea.
• Hormonal Imbalance: Suboxone can affect hormone levels, potentially leading to issues like irregular menstruation in females or decreased libido in both genders.
• Mental Health Effects: Teens may experience changes in mood, such as depression, anxiety, or irritability, while using Suboxone. In some cases, it might exacerbate existing mental health conditions.

By being aware of possible side effects and staying engaged with healthcare providers, parents can actively support their teens through the Suboxone treatment journey, fostering a safe and effective path toward recovery.

Teen Suboxone Addiction: Effective Treatment Options

When it comes to addressing teen Suboxone addiction, parents have various treatment options available. Below are several effective treatment approaches for teens struggling with this medical condition.