What Is Suboxone and What Is It Used For?
So, what is Suboxone®? It’s the brand name for a prescription medication specifically designed to help people struggling with opioid addiction. It contains two active ingredients: buprenorphine and naloxone. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved this medication for the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD), making it a cornerstone of modern substance abuse treatment programs.
Unlike some other medications for OUD, such as methadone, which must be dispensed in highly structured clinics, Suboxone can be prescribed by a certified healthcare provider in an office setting. This makes treatment much more accessible, allowing you to pick up your prescription at a local pharmacy. This flexibility helps integrate recovery into your daily life, reducing barriers and stigma that can often stand in the way of getting help.
How Does Suboxone Work?
Understanding how Suboxone works can help demystify its role in recovery. The two ingredients, buprenorphine and naloxone, work together in a smart and effective way. buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist. Think of your brain’s opioid receptors as locks. Drugs like heroin or fentanyl are like keys that fit perfectly, turning the lock completely and causing a powerful high. buprenorphine, however, is like a key that only partially turns the lock.
It binds to those same opioid receptors just enough to relieve painful withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings, but it doesn’t produce the same intense high. This is because of something called the “ceiling effect.” Once you reach a certain dose, the opioid effects of buprenorphine level off, which makes the risk of overdose on Suboxone alone much lower than with other opioids.
The second ingredient, naloxone, is an opioid antagonist. Its job is to discourage misuse. When you take Suboxone as prescribed (by letting it dissolve under your tongue), the naloxone isn’t really absorbed and doesn’t have an effect. But if someone tries to misuse the medication by injecting it, the naloxone activates immediately, blocks the effects of opioids, and can trigger sudden withdrawal symptoms. This built-in safety feature helps ensure the medication is used as intended for recovery.
What Benefits of Suboxone Have Been Shown in Studies?
When Suboxone is part of a comprehensive treatment plan, the benefits are significant and backed by research. It provides the stability needed to step away from the cycle of misuse and focus on healing. As a form of Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD), its use has been shown to lower the risk of fatal overdoses by about 50%.
This is a life-saving statistic that highlights its importance in harm reduction. Studies show that patients using Suboxone are more likely to stick with their recovery programs and avoid illicit opioid use.
For instance, in one study with 326 heroin-dependent patients, 17.8% of those receiving Suboxone had no opioids in their urine after four weeks, compared to just 5.8% of those on a placebo. Another study found that over 12 weeks, 49% of participants taking Suboxone® reduced their misuse of painkillers. By easing withdrawal and cravings, Suboxone gives you the mental and physical space to engage in therapy and start rebuilding your life.
What Are the Risks Associated with Suboxone?
Like any medication, Suboxone has potential risks and side effects. It’s important to have an open conversation with your healthcare provider to ensure it’s the right fit for you. While many people tolerate it well, some common side effects can include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache
- Constipation
- Dizziness or fatigue
- Sweating
- Insomnia
A more serious risk is precipitated withdrawal. This can happen if you take Suboxone too soon after using other opioids. The buprenorphine can flush the other opioids off your brain’s receptors, triggering intense and immediate withdrawal symptoms. It’s crucial to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully on when to start the medication.
It’s also extremely dangerous to mix Suboxone with other central nervous system depressants like alcohol, benzodiazepines (like Xanax or Valium), or other sedatives. Combining them can severely slow your breathing, leading to overdose and death. The FDA has also issued a warning about potential dental problems, such as tooth decay and cavities, so good oral hygiene is important. Your provider will discuss all these risks with you to ensure your treatment is as safe as possible.
Common Myths About Using Suboxone to Treat Addiction
There’s a lot of misinformation and stigma surrounding Suboxone, which can create confusion and fear for those considering it as a treatment for addiction. It’s important to separate these myths from the facts so you can make an informed choice about your recovery. Let’s clear up a few of the most common misunderstandings.
Myth #1: You aren’t really in recovery if you’re on Suboxone.
This is one of the most damaging myths and it comes from a misunderstanding of what addiction is. Opioid use disorder is a chronic brain disease, not a moral failing. Just as someone with diabetes uses insulin to manage their condition, a person with OUD can use Suboxone to manage theirs. This medication helps stabilize the brain chemistry that has been altered by opioid use, allowing you to function without debilitating cravings or withdrawal.
This stability is what makes it possible to fully engage in therapy, rebuild relationships, and make lasting life changes. True recovery is about regaining your health and well-being, and for many, Suboxone is a vital tool that makes that possible. The goal isn’t just abstinence; it’s a full return to a healthy, productive life.
Myth #2: It’s as easy to overdose on Suboxone as it is to overdose with other opioids.
This is simply not true due to the unique properties of buprenorphine. As we mentioned, buprenorphine has a “ceiling effect.” This means its opioid effects plateau at a certain point, even if the dose is increased. This includes the most dangerous side effect of opioids: respiratory depression, which is when your breathing slows down or stops.
With full agonists like heroin or fentanyl, the risk of respiratory depression keeps increasing with every dose. With Suboxone, that risk hits a ceiling, making a fatal overdose on Suboxone alone highly unlikely. While risk still exists, especially if mixed with other substances, Suboxone is considered a much safer option for managing opioid use disorder.
Combining Suboxone Use With Addiction Rehab
Suboxone is most effective when it’s one piece of a larger, comprehensive treatment puzzle. Think of it this way: the medication helps manage the physical side of addiction, quieting the withdrawal and cravings so you can catch your breath. But true, long-term recovery happens when you also address the psychological and behavioral aspects of addiction. This is where addiction rehab comes in.
Combining Suboxone with counseling and therapy gives you the best chance for sustainable success. At MPower Wellness of Exton, our outpatient programs are designed to do just that. Whether in our partial hospitalization program (PHP) or intensive outpatient program (IOP), we combine expert Suboxone management with evidence-based therapies. Through individual and group counseling, you’ll explore the root causes of your addiction, develop healthy coping skills, and build a strong support network. Many people with substance use disorder also face co-occurring mental health conditions like anxiety or depression, and treating this dual diagnosis is critical for a lasting recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Suboxone is typically administered as a thin film that dissolves in your mouth. Your doctor will provide specific directions, but you’ll generally place the film either under your tongue (sublingual) or on the inside of your cheek (buccal) and allow it to dissolve completely, which usually takes a few minutes.
It’s important to avoid eating, drinking, or talking while the film is dissolving to ensure the medication is fully absorbed. You should never chew, swallow, or cut the film, as this can alter its effects and how well it works for your treatment.
It is extremely important to avoid mixing Suboxone with other substances that depress the central nervous system. This includes alcohol, benzodiazepines (like Xanax), other opioids, and sedatives. Combining these can dangerously slow your breathing, which may lead to an overdose.
Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications you take, including over-the-counter drugs or supplements. They can help you understand potential interactions and keep your treatment plan safe and effective.
If you miss a dose of Suboxone, you should take it as soon as you remember. However, if it’s almost time for your next scheduled dose, it’s best to skip the missed one and get back on your regular schedule. Never take two doses at once to “catch up.”
Staying consistent helps manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings effectively. If you often forget your medication, talk to your doctor. They can help you develop a better routine or see if any adjustments to your treatment are needed.
An overdose is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. Key symptoms include extreme drowsiness, confusion, pinpoint pupils, and very slow or shallow breathing. If you suspect someone has overdosed on Suboxone, you must call 911 right away.
If naloxone (such as Narcan) is available, administer it as instructed while you wait for emergency medical help to arrive. Acting quickly can be lifesaving, so don’t hesitate to seek help.
Yes, most health insurance plans offer coverage for Suboxone prescriptions because it is an FDA-approved medication for treating opioid use disorder. This includes many private insurance policies as well as government-funded programs like Medicaid.
Coverage specifics, such as co-pays or prior authorization rules, can vary. The best way to know for sure is to contact your insurance company or ask the staff at a treatment facility for help verifying your benefits.
Suboxone is a prescription medication available from certified healthcare providers who are licensed to treat opioid addiction. Unlike methadone, which typically requires visits to a specialized clinic, a prescription for Suboxone can be filled at most local pharmacies.
This accessibility makes it easier for many patients to incorporate treatment into their daily lives. You can find a provider through a local treatment center or by using an online search tool, like the one offered by SAMHSA.
Getting Help for Opioid Use Disorder
Taking the first step toward getting help for opioid use disorder is a courageous act of hope. If you’re in Pennsylvania and considering your treatment options, the process can begin with a simple, confidential conversation. Reaching out for an assessment with a qualified healthcare provider is the best way to determine if Suboxone is a good fit for your recovery plan. Our team at MPower Wellness can help you understand and verify your insurance benefits, so you know exactly what to expect. You don’t have to figure this out on your own. Recovery is possible, and it starts with the decision to seek support.
Understanding what Suboxone is and how it works is a key step in seeing a clear path forward. It’s not a cure, but it is a powerful, evidence-based tool that can quiet the noise of addiction, giving you the space to heal and build a new foundation for your life. When combined with compassionate therapy and support, it can open the door to lasting recovery. If you’re ready to explore your options and see if this approach is right for you, we’re here to help. Please don’t hesitate to call us at (484) 517-3005. The team at MPower Wellness of Exton is ready to provide a confidential assessment and answer any questions you may have. You can also contact us today to take that brave first step. You deserve support, and a healthier future is within reach.
Sources
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2017). SUBOXONE® (buprenorphine and naloxone) sublingual tablet. U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (n.d.). Buprenorphine Quick Start Guide. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
- Yoon, J. H., et al. (2024-06-08). Buprenorphine – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf. National Center for Biotechnology Information.
- Mattick, R. P., et al. (2007-03-01). Buprenorphine vs methadone treatment: A review of evidence in both developed and developing countries. PubMed Central.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- American Society of Addiction Medicine. (2021-07-29). The ASAM National Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder. American Society of Addiction Medicine.
