Long-term Suboxone Treatment and its Benefit on Long-Term Remission for Opiate Dependence

Abstract

Aims: To review the current professional literature and describe factors related to Suboxone treatment that contributes to sustained opioid detoxification, as well as the characteristics of patients who are likely to benefit from long-term Suboxone treatment. Methods:Clinical trials and Suboxone therapy research that evaluated the efficacy of Suboxone treatment in comparison to methadone, naltrexone, and clonidine in different settings (e.g., hospitals, community centers, and outpatient treatment) were thoroughly reviewed. Results:Clinical studies have repeatedly demonstrated the superiority of Suboxone therapy as a treatment for opioid dependence in comparison to methadone, naltrexone, and clonidine. Research further indicates that longterm Suboxone treatment in an office-based setting for a minimum of four weeks yields the largest percentages of opioid-free urine samples, opioid detoxification, and treatment retention rates. Conclusions:Factors such as the intensity of withdrawal symptoms, the presence of anxiety problems, no prior history of substance abuse, and being a non-smoker were found to be associated with successful opioid detoxification and sustained abstinence. Socio-demographic factors such as gender, race, age, level of education, or employment status were not found to be significant predictors of treatment success.