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Addiction is referred to as the strong desire or urge to do or use something. In other words, it is one’s dependence on a substance or an activity to the point that it causes harm.
Despite that, those with an addiction would want to indulge. Addictions of any kind tend to impact one’s daily life adversely. It is possible to develop an addiction to practically anything.
The most common forms of addictions in the US are associated with alcohol, tobacco, and drugs. Even over-the-counter drugs often used as painkillers can cause unhealthy cravings if the patient engages in overconsumption.
Opioids are some of the most famous classes of drugs that are well-known for being abused. Said this, arriving to the other side might not necessarily be an easy task. Many patients have fallen into oral health issues through a particular addiction treatment medication.
So today in this article, we are still going to know more about opioid addiction and the risky treatment options that are associated with it as well as the possible other solutions.
Treatment for Pain and Opioid Addiction
In simple terms, opioids are derived from natural substances that mimic the opium poppy plant. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, opioids can have different effects on the brain, primarily pain relief.
Some common examples of opioids include fentanyl, morphine, and oxycodone. The pain-relieving effects of opioids generally lead to euphoria which can quickly get addictive.
Over time, the body tends to tolerate and depend on the drug. As a result, patients may consume more and more of it to produce the same euphoria. Before long, this becomes a full-blown addiction.
The journey to recovery can often seem too overwhelming and challenging. One medication that has become the gold standard for opioid addiction treatment is Suboxone. It is a combination drug of Buprenorphine and Naloxone originally used for pain.
In 2002, the drug was approved for opioid addiction treatment. It showed great promise in the following ways –
- Reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms
- Offering flexibility in treatment by being a part of an in-home plan
- Lowering the risk of misuse
- Supporting sustainable long-term recovery
One key difference that sets Suboxone apart from similar treatments is the low risk of misuse. While other medications like Methadone carried the risk of causing an addiction, Suboxone did not.
Rising Cases of Dental Injuries
It seemed to be working fine until the following loopholes of Suboxone usage emerged. More patients found that the medication had a boomerang effect through worse dental conditions.
According to TorHoerman Law, some patients developed tooth decay whereas others suffered from tongue and gum injuries. The side effects were bad enough to require expensive corrective procedures and surgeries.
As a result, injured patients began filing Suboxone lawsuits against the drug’s manufacturer, Indivior. As many as 670 lawsuits have already been filed but settlements may start by mid-2025. This is due to the three-year statute of limitations for the litigation.
Listed below are the key points related to Suboxone side effects –
- The medication’s active ingredient, Buprenorphine, is said to be acidic. As a result, it attacks the enamel of teeth as soon as it dissolves.
- Another side effect of Suboxone is dry mouth. This further aggravates the issue by reducing saliva production. Saliva is needed to neutralize acids and protect teeth. That being reduced, a patient’s oral issues get worse over time.
- Suboxone is a sublingual film, which means it can remain in contact with gums and teeth for a prolonged period. This only maximizes the risk of enamel damage.
Availability of Suboxone in the UK
Suboxone’s manufacturer, Indivior, is an American company with its headquarters in North Chesterfield, Virginia. However, the drug has been available in the UK since its approval in September 2006.
Its availability beginning from the July, 2023 as mentioned above can only be described as slightly difficult. In other words, Suboxone has not been banned totally all over the UK to its users. However, the form of the product which contains Buprenorphine and Naloxone is no longer present in the outlets of pharmacies.
This means patients are likely to be able to get the drug that has different brand name on this note, patients are slated to benefit. In other words, Buprenorphine is a schedule drug in the entire United Kingdom. It cannot be obtained from a chemist’s shop as it appears some patients want to do. They can only come along a written prescription and during the visits they are expected to restock only when certain.
What Are Some Alternatives Patients Can Use?
The American Addiction Centers states that many patients may desire to stop Suboxone due to side effects or even fear of dependence (rare). In most cases, doctors recommend using Suboxone indefinitely with varied dosages to prevent relapse into opioid addiction.
Now, if a patient wishes to stop using Suboxone, it is risky to go cold turkey because of withdrawal symptoms. A patient is vulnerable to falling back into opioid addiction, with the cravings being worse this time around.
It is best to share one’s desire to stop Suboxone use with the doctor first. The two can discuss safer and equally effective alternatives, including –
- Naltrexone
- Behavioral treatment
- Family counseling
- Group therapy
Word regarding Suboxone side effects continues to spread. As of now, the forecast shows that the worldwide Suboxone market is growing at a rate of 3.88%. By 2028, the market may have a net worth of $7.83 billion.
It stands to reason that such growth would likely not persist once the settlement dates draw near. Perhaps the truth regarding patients’ painful journey from addiction to tooth decay will catch up by then.
