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What are signs of opiate abuse?

Opiate abuse has many different signs as the body becomes physically dependent on the medication.   The dependence can cause anxiety, depression, irritability, lower motivation and difficulty sleeping among other symptoms.  Having a constant supply of opiates is always a challenge, so behavior changes in anticipation of running out of opiates.

What are some effects of opiate abuse?

Opiates reduce the pain and can produce a sense of well-being, however, after extended and over use they can cause mental confusion, nausea, constipation, drowsiness, fatigue, depressed respiration and even death.  

What are the side effects of opiate withdrawal?

Stopping use of opiates after dependency is very challenging and many people continue to use opiates simply to avoid withdrawal.   Extended use of opiates desensitizes your body to the drug, requiring an increasing amount to achieve the same effects.  Also with extended use, opiates reduce (naturally produced by the body) endogenous opioids, making withdrawal even more difficult.  

How long do people take Suboxone?

The length of time someone takes Suboxone to get off of opiate addiction varies per person.  Some people need the medication for a short time period (months) others longer (years).  It really depends on the level of severity of addiction and other factors too complex to state on a website.  It is always best to consult with a physician because each person's situation is different.

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