Suboxone is prescribed to individuals diagnosed with opioid dependence. Buprenorphine, the active ingredient in Suboxone, is a partial agonist, which blocks the high a person experiences when using illicit opioid drugs. With proper maintenance and regular intake, it may be effective in reducing opioid drug use and promoting treatment success. There are three (3) stages of Suboxone Maintenance Treatment. The first is the induction phase, where the individual begins taking Suboxone and is regularly monitored. The second stage is known as stabilization when the individual no longer has opioid use cravings and is experiencing little to no side effects. It is during this stage that dosages may be adjusted to suit the individual better. Lastly, the maintenance stage is characterized as the phase where the individuals are on a steady dose of Suboxone. There is no concrete timeline of how long the treatment should last as it differs from one individual to another.
