BARTHOLOMEW COUNTY, Ind. -- A drug used to help treat opioid addiction is now being abused in Bartholomew County.
According to Bartholomew County Sheriff Matt Myers, suspected pieces of suboxone were found in mail meant for an inmate at the county jail on Monday night.
Myers said this kind of criminal activity is becoming more and more common, estimating that it happens once or twice a week.
Suboxone is a two-part drug: One is naloxone, which blocks opioids’ effects, including pain relief and a “high” they can produce.
The the other is called buprenorphine, which itself is an opioid medication. Experts believe that leads to addiction for users.
According to Recovery First, symptoms of suboxone abuse are similar to the addiction of other opioids, like heroin. They include:
- Drowsiness/inability to stay awake
- Slowed breathing
- Nausea/vomiting
- Poor judgment/impaired cognition
- Extreme constipation
- Lack of physical/emotional pain
Symptoms of suboxone withdrawal can include:
- Mood swings
- Flu-like symptoms
- Rapid heartbeat
- Excessive sweating
- Insomnia
A complete list of suboxone withdrawal symptoms can be found by clicking here.
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