Suboxone for Opioid Use Disorder Treatment
This page will cover Suboxone and how it works, its potential benefits and side effects, what to expect in treatment, and how to find treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD).
What Is Suboxone?
Suboxone is the brand name of a prescription medication that contains both buprenorphine (a partial opioid agonist) and naloxone (an opioid antagonist).2
Suboxone is an oral medication, available as a pill or sublingual film, that helps people with OUD manage opioid cravings and reduce withdrawal symptoms. This can make them more comfortable and better able to focus on their treatment and recovery.2
How Does Suboxone Work?
The buprenorphine component in Suboxone attaches to opioid receptors in the brain. This action helps to prevent withdrawal syndrome and cravings without producing the same level of intoxication as full opioid agonists in someone who is opioid-dependent. Furthermore, buprenorphine can block other opioids from binding to these receptors, which helps to reduce the effects of other opioids if they are used.3
The second active chemical in Suboxone, naloxone, is an opioid antagonist. Naloxone is included to discourage misuse through snorting or injection. If Suboxone is misused in these ways, the naloxone can precipitate withdrawal symptoms. This does not occur if the drug is taken orally (sublingually or buccally) as prescribed, due to naloxone’s poor absorption via these routes.3
What to Expect During Suboxone Treatment
Before treatment with buprenorphine begins, patients typically must abstain from using opioids for a short period, usually 12-24 hours. This allows the previously used opioids to begin clearing from their system and for early signs of withdrawal to appear.4 Some treatment approaches may include a period of medically supervised withdrawal as part of the process of starting medication for OUD, especially if a person is transitioning to an antagonist medication or if it is preferred by the patient before beginning longer-term medication.5 Following this initial period, doctors will administer the first dose of Suboxone/buprenorphine. The dosage is determined by the prescribing clinician and is adjusted based on the patient’s response to the medication.4
Once the patient is stabilized on the medication, the prescribing doctor, in collaboration with the patient, may consider dosage adjustments over time. Decisions to reduce dosage are typically based on factors such as sustained reduction or cessation of illicit opioid use, absence of cravings and withdrawal symptoms, minimal side effects, and overall stability in their recovery.6
Treatment with Suboxone is often integrated into a comprehensive treatment plan that may include psychosocial support, such as counseling and peer support. Remaining engaged in these other supportive therapies can be beneficial throughout the recovery process.
Several different levels of care for opioid use disorder may incorporate buprenorphine or Suboxone treatment. Some of these include:7
- Medical detox. Detox can help manage the early withdrawal process more safely and comfortably. Staff at a medically managed detox facility can provide medication and medical assistance as needed.
- Inpatient rehab. This level of care requires patients to live at the treatment facility, providing around-the-clock care and support. It can be particularly beneficial for patients with severe OUD or co-occurring mental health conditions.
- Outpatient treatment. Outpatient programs allow patients to live at home while attending treatment sessions at a facility. These programs offer more flexibility and can be suitable for patients with less severe OUD, those who have stable and supportive home environments, or as a step-down from inpatient care. Various intensities of outpatient treatment exist, including partial hospitalization programs (PHPs), Intensive outpatient programs, (IOPs), and standard outpatient care.
- Aftercare. Ongoing support services, like sober living environments or peer support groups, help individuals sustain the progress made during formal treatment and continue to develop coping skills for long-term recovery.
Benefits of Suboxone for Opioid Addiction
When used as part of a comprehensive OUD treatment plan, Suboxone offers several potential benefits. It:1,4
- Reduces opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms, which can, in turn, reduce the risk of relapse, or returning to opioid use.
- Is considered a recommended treatment option for pregnant women with OUD, often with the buprenorphine monoproduct formulation. Mothers stabilized on buprenorphine are generally encouraged to breastfeed.6
- Can be used for long-term maintenance treatment.
- Helps to retain patients in treatment programs.
- Has a lower potential for misuse compared to full opioid agonists..
- Is more accessible than other MOUD options because it can be prescribed in office-based settings by qualified physicians and other healthcare practitioners who have a federal waiver.
Suboxone Side Effects
Some people experience side effects from Suboxone. Some of the common side effects of buprenorphine include:4
- Drowsiness or fatigue.
- Dizziness.
- Constipation, nausea, vomiting.
- Headache.
- Muscle cramps.
- Sleep problems.
- Oral numbness or tongue pain.TIP 63: Medications for Opioid Use Disorder
- Excessive sweating.
- Dry mouth.
Most side effects from Suboxone are mild and resolve shortly. Serious side effects like breathing problems, overdose, or precipitated withdrawal are possible, though very rare, when the medication is used as prescribed.4 The risk of respiratory depression and overdose increases if buprenorphine is combined with other central nervous system depressants like alcohol or benzodiazepines.4
Does Insurance Cover the Cost of Suboxone?
Yes, health insurance plans usually cover Suboxone treatment, as it is an evidence-based, effective treatment that may be recommended by a healthcare provider.
American Addiction Centers (AAC) facilities are equipped to prescribe and dispense Suboxone as part of a comprehensive treatment program. Use our online tool to verify your insurance at AAC.
Getting Help for Opioid Use Disorder
Recovery from opioid addiction is possible, and AAC is proud to offer comprehensive treatment options you or your loved one needs.
Admissions navigators are standing by to answer your questions and help connect you to a rehab program at one of our treatment centers. Call or text us at to contact one of our admissions navigators and begin treatment today.
