Based on my observations and knowledge with Suboxone, it needs to be easier to prescribe and easier for people to get from their physicians and clinics. There are many people who have stated that they would be clean if they could simply get a prescription of Suboxone; these people need to be helped.

Suboxone (Buprenorphine and Naloxone) is a daily, low-dose synthetic opiate that gives the prescribed person a “ceiling effect” where the opiate never gets above 4 mg in their blood; therefore, if the patient takes 8 mg a day, as the Suboxone wears off throughout the day, they will not feel any withdrawal symptoms unless the level gets below 4 mg or the level they are accustomed to (some are prescribed less than 4 mg a day). Patients who are prescribed Suboxone will not feel withdrawal symptoms if they take their daily dose every day. (Junig, 2010)

The problem: Suboxone can only be prescribed by doctors certified to prescribe it which is very few in the state of Maine. The doctors who are allowed to prescribe the pill regularly turn away those who are seeking help and have created large waiting lists that continue grow every day for those eagerly awaiting help. Why can a doctor prescribe an opiate, but cannot prescribe a drug like Suboxone to help those who become dependent? Suboxone should be allowed to be prescribed by doctors and readily available in clinics, just like methadone is.

While Suboxone does not solve all of Maine’s drug abuse problems, it is a start. Is it not ironic that Suboxone and methadone are more controlled than the abused “controlled” narcotics are? I am confident that if Suboxone was easier to get for those who are seeking help, we would see a big difference in our Maine communities and its members.

Jessica Dionne

Canaan