Dangers of Using Suboxone to Get High
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 8.9 million people aged 12 or older misused opioids (heroin or prescription pain relievers) in 2023.1 In response to this public health concern, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved 3 medications for the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD): buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone.2
What Is Suboxone?
Suboxone is a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone and is available as film for sublingual or buccal use.2 Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist drug with a long half-life; this means it stays in the bloodstream for 24-72 hours, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reports.3
While it is an opioid, and it does block pain receptors and induce a mild euphoria, this effect is thought to plateau if large doses are taken, meaning that after a certain amount, it will no longer produce any effect.
The addition of naloxone to buprenorphine in Suboxone is meant to act as a deterrent to misuse, as naloxone is an opioid antagonist. When taken as directed, the naloxone remains dormant; however, if the drug is altered and then injected or snorted, the antagonist blocks opioid receptors, and it can induce opioid withdrawal syndrome.
Recreational Suboxone
Suboxone is meant to be used as a component of an addiction treatment program, although it still has potential for misuse; therefore, its use needs to be closely monitored. It should only be used in combination with addiction treatment services, such as counseling and ongoing support.
Using Suboxone recreationally, such as using it in between doses to keep withdrawal symptoms from occurring, is dangerous. The Washington Post postulates that “Subs,” as Suboxone is often called on the street, is more commonly misused for this purpose than to get high.4
On the street, Suboxone may also be called:
- Stop signs.
- Bupe.
- Sobos.
- Oranges.
Dangers of Getting High off Suboxone
When an individual is already dependent on full opioid agonists (e.g., heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone), attempting to get high using Suboxone is likely to have the opposite effect. Since buprenorphine is only a partial agonist, it will likely trigger precipitated withdrawal.5
Effects of Getting High on Suboxone
A sudden, intense onset of withdrawal symptoms may occur as a result of Suboxone misuse. These effects may include anxiety, chills, diarrhea, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and sweating.6
Suboxone as a Primary Drug of Misuse
The DEA placed buprenorphine (and all products containing buprenorphine) into a schedule III status in 2002. Since then, diversion, misuse, and trafficking of buprenorphine have become more common in the United States. Like other commonly misused opioids, the DEA found that buprenorphine has gained popularity as a substitute for heroin and a primary drug of abuse.3
Getting Help For Opioid Use Disorder
If you believe you or someone you love may be struggling with addiction, let us hear your story and help you determine a path to treatment. There are a variety of confidential, free, and no obligation ways to get in contact with us to learn more about treatment.
- Call us at
- Verify your insurance coverage for treatment
American Addiction Centers (AAC) manages drug and alcohol treatment facilities throughout the U.S. that include a variety of treatment options including medical detox, inpatient treatment, outpatient care, and therapy. Reach out to an admissions navigator today, we are ready to help.
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