What is Sublocade’s Risk of Dependence?

Finding a good drug addiction treatment that strikes a mix between alleviation and low dependency issues is crucial for people negotiating opioid addiction. Sublocade treatment has become a game-changer in medication-assisted treatment (MAT), offering a controlled and extended-release alternative to daily buprenorphine doses. But as with any medicine used to treat addiction, issues surface – most importantly, is Sublocade addictive? 

Key Takeaways

• Sublocade is a once-monthly injectable treatment for opioid addiction, reducing misuse and dependency risks. 
• Physical dependence can occur, but it differs from addiction, which involves compulsive use.
• Withdrawal symptoms from Sublocade are milder than those of opioids, with tapering easing discomfort.
• Lower abuse potential compared to short-acting opioids, with steady medication release. 
• Works best with therapy, requiring medical supervision for long-term success.

Could it cause dependency? And how important is it in the larger battle against symptoms of opioid withdrawal? Understanding how Sublocade treatment works and how it compares to other medications can help individuals and their healthcare providers make informed decisions.

What Is Sublocade?

This once-monthly injectable form of buprenorphine is designed to help individuals recovering from opioid addiction by providing a steady level of medication in their system. Unlike daily treatments like Suboxone, which demand constant adherence and can occasionally be abused, Sublocade therapy gives extended-release buprenorphine, therefore lowering fluctuations and the temptation to overuse.

As part of MAT, the injection is intended for people who are already stabilized on a daily dose of buprenorphine. The injection creates a gel-like substance under the skin that releases the drug over four weeks. It helps manage cravings to take opioids and withdrawal symptoms while at the same time lowering chances for diversion or abuse of the treatment.

While Sublocade abuse is considered less likely due to its injectable form, dependence is still a consideration. The main question still is whether prolonged-release buprenorphine has the same danger of dependency as other opioid-based drugs.

Understanding Dependence vs. Addiction

When talking about drugs such as Sublocade, it is crucial to understand the difference or, in some cases, the overlap between dependence and addiction. This understanding is important for weighing the risks of addiction.

What Is Dependence?

Dependence is when a person physically needs a drug in order to function as normal. That kind of change in itself is not a reason to call a person a drug addict. As a patient goes through treatment with buprenorphine, they become physically dependent. Furthermore, stopping the dose will result in Sublocade withdrawal symptoms.

On the other hand, dependence does not always mean that someone is abusing the drug or using it inappropriately. For example, antidepressants and antihypertensive drugs also produce physical dependence, but that doesn't mean they are addicted. 

What Is Addiction?

Addiction is more about psychological factors along with physiological cravings. The person loses control and starts to take medicine compulsively, often risking personal and professional life. This is what defines opioid addiction – not just physical dependence but the overpowering urge to continue using despite harm.

Where Does Sublocade Fit?

You may wonder, is Sublocade addictive? The answer is – partly. Consuming it in the long run can lead to dependency. But, the chances of misuse are significantly lower than with short-acting opioids. Since this treatment is administered via injections, patients do not experience the usual cycle of withdrawal symptoms and cravings that lead to the abuse.

So, while Sublocade addiction risk exists in terms of physical dependence, it does not produce the same compulsive patterns as full opioid agonists. The key to minimizing any risks lies in proper medical supervision and a structured treatment plan.

Does Sublocade Cause Dependence?

A very important question regarding Sublocade treatment is if it leads to dependence and what happens to someone when they stop taking it. The drug does include buprenorphine, which is a partial agonist opioid, so yes, it can lead to physical dependence. Still, it does not have addiction risk the same way full opioids do.  

Does Sublocade Lead to Dependence?

Without a doubt, physical dependence is one of the outcomes of this treatment. Like other systems utilizing buprenorphine, the human body tends to get accustomed to its use. However, unlike the short-range acting opioids, which cause brain chemistry to be volatile, Sublocade dosages make an individual less dependent. These doses produce minimum changes to brain balance, which ultimately help reduce the impulsive seeking of drugs.

Sublocade vs. Opioids: A Different Type of Dependence

Even when opioids and Sublocade both influence the brain's opioid receptors, the patterns of dependence differ considerably. Unlike in the case of opioids which can cause an extremely dangerous euphoric cycle, Sublocade offers a stable controlled interaction with the opioid receptors. The medication assists in cravings and withdrawal manifestations without the severe highs associated with the abuse of opioids. Although patients may need to remain on the treatment for longer periods of time, this dependence on medication is much lighter than the dependence on opioids and can actually help people start fixating on rebuilding their lives.

What Are Sublocade Withdrawal Symptoms?

Stopping the drug may lead to opioid withdrawal symptoms. However, they will be milder than full opioid withdrawal. Here are some symptoms that may appear:

• Sweating or chills
• Insomnia
• Anxiety or restlessness
• Nausea or gastrointestinal discomfort
• Muscle aches

The treatment stays in the system for a long time, so withdrawal from it can last longer. To reduce discomfort, doctors usually advise a tapering schedule or switching to a lower dosage before discontinuing entirely.

Expert Opinions & Research Findings

Understanding the potential for dependence with Sublocade treatment requires a look at both clinical research and real-world experiences. Studies have explored its effectiveness and safety, while patients and healthcare providers have shared insights into its role in managing opioid addiction.

Clinical Research on Sublocade's Dependence Risk

A pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of Sublocade in individuals with moderate to severe opioid use disorder (OUD). Patients who received six monthly injections noted marked improvements in their health status and quality of life compared to those who were given a placebo. According to the Indivior RECOVER study, 75.3% of patients who completed 12 monthly doses remained opioid-free for the following year. In comparison, only 24.1% of those who received two or fewer doses maintained abstinence. 

Medical Perspectives on Sublocade’s Role in Treatment

It is no secret that medical experts appreciate the importance of Sublocade in medication-assisted treatment for patients suffering from opioid use disorder. Since it is a monthly treatment, patients do not have to worry about “buprenorphine swings,” which occur from daily dosing that can be misused. Dr. Walter Ling, Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry at UCLA, highlighted that extended-release formulations like Sublocade improve patient adherence and outcomes by providing continuous medication delivery without requiring daily use. His insights were published in the Journal of Addiction Medicine. However, this kind of treatment should be combined with behavioural therapy and psychological support to address the emotional and psychological components of drug addiction.

Patient Experiences and Success Stories

Michael's and Jamie’s stories in recovering from opioid addiction can touch one’s heart. They are patients of Sublocade treatment who achieve success. They describe significant improvement in their recovery. This treatment reduces their cravings and provides a comfortable recovery process. They share their experiences on the Sublocade's official site, where you can watch their interview. 

What Is Sublocade Treatment?

With this monthly injection, doctors are now able to help patients with opioid use disorder as the buprenorphine contained in it binds to brain receptors and alleviates craving and withdrawal symptoms without causing a “high”. This novel medication-assisted treatment greatly helps individuals grappling with opioid dependence by assisting them in breaking free from its clutches.

The injection is placed subcutaneously into the patient’s abdomen where it forms a depot and slowly releases medication over the course of the month. This method is not only prudent for patients who tend to misuse opioids but also helps the body to steadily maintain the levels of buprenorphine since there is no longer a need to take pills every day.

Patients typically start preparatory treatment with two months of consecutive injections at a higher dosage (300mg), and later switch to maintenance doses of 100mg. Adjustments are made on a case-to-case basis. Many patients expressed improvement in their ability to focus on recovery, allay cravings, and finally get the help they truly need.Holistic approaches to drug abuse treatments often incorporate therapy alongside the injection. For example, behavioral therapy and support group sessions are common practices that elevate a patient’s chances for successful recovery. Healing on all medical and psychological fronts offers drug addicts the best chance for rehabilitation.

Like other patients, those who abuse opioid drugs also respond well to the extended-release version compared to the traditional daily medications. It relieves the patients from the anxiety of remembering dosage schedules, which in turn helps prevent relapse. The extended-release version will also benefit the patient by reducing the chances of the medication being diverted or misused.

Even though patients receiving an injection may feel better, they still require healthcare supervision. The doctor needs to observe the patient for side effects and keep adjusting treatments based on the factors affecting the patient's opioid dependence. This monitors chronic conditions in patients combating the force of opioid dependency.

FAQ