Medication often plays a key role in a comprehensive treatment plan for opioid use disorder (OUD). The gold-standard medication for OUD is Suboxone. Suboxone is designed to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. This can make it easier for people to focus on staying in recovery and rebuilding their lives. However, some people may worry about using Suboxone because they have heard myths about it. You may have heard that Suboxone is addictive or that it just replaces one drug with another.
The truth is that Suboxone is a safe and effective treatment. Many doctors and scientists have studied it, and research shows that it helps people stay in recovery. It’s important to clear up misunderstandings so that more people feel comfortable getting the help they need.
Suboxone explained
Suboxone contains buprenorphine, which is a partial opioid agonist. It activates the same receptors in the brain as opioids, but only partially. This could be one reason for misconceptions about Suboxone, as someone might not know the difference between partial and full opioid agonists. There are some important differences, though. While the buprenorphine in Suboxone attaches to opioid receptors in the brain, it does not make people feel high. Instead, it helps people feel “normal” by reducing cravings and stopping withdrawal symptoms. Unlike full opioids, it has a ceiling effect. This means that after a certain dose, taking more does not increase its effects.
The other thing that sets Suboxone apart is naloxone. Naloxone is included as an ingredient in Suboxone as a safety feature that helps prevent misuse. If someone tries to inject or snort Suboxone instead of taking it as prescribed, naloxone causes withdrawal symptoms. This is intended to discourage people from misusing Suboxone.
Buprenorphine’s ceiling effect and naloxone’s inclusion in Suboxone both help reduce the risk of misuse. As such, Suboxone is not typically misused by people experiencing addiction. Learning the truth behind myths around Suboxone can help you get a better understanding of how it actually treats addiction rather than causing it.
3 myths about Suboxone explained
- Myth #1: Suboxone is highly addictive — Suboxone contains buprenorphine, which activates opioid receptors. However, this does not make it addictive. Buprenorphine affects the brain’s receptors in a way that does not cause a high or lead to loss of control. The ceiling effect limits how strong its effects can be, even if someone takes a higher dose, which makes it much safer than full opioids. Suboxone is not typically misused by people in recovery. One study found that nearly three-fourths of U.S. adults reporting past-year buprenorphine took their prescribed buprenorphine only as directed. Most people who misused did so without prescriptions for the medications they used. The risk of misuse with Suboxone may be even lower than other buprenorphine-based medications. This is because Suboxone includes naloxone for added safety.
- Myth #2: Suboxone replaces one drug with another — Suboxone is a medical treatment. It’s not a replacement for addiction. Some people believe that taking Suboxone is just like using opioids. This is not true. Addiction is not just about taking a drug. It’s also about losing control and continuing to use despite harm. Suboxone does not cause the same highs or behaviors linked to OUD. Instead, it helps people manage their cravings so they can focus on recovery. Consider other long-term medical treatments, like insulin for people with diabetes. Someone with diabetes may need to take insulin several times a day to keep their blood sugar levels steady. Someone with high blood pressure may take daily medications to prevent serious health problems. You can think of Suboxone in the same way. Suboxone is a medication that can help you manage your withdrawal symptoms and cravings for as long as you need it.
- Myth #3: Suboxone should only be taken for short periods — One persistent myth is that Suboxone shouldn’t be taken for long. Some people do choose to stop after a short time, and that’s OK. However, studies show that longer treatment often leads to better recovery. If someone stops taking Suboxone too soon, they may experience a resurgence of strong cravings. This can lead to stress, anxiety, and a higher risk of using again. When you’re starting recovery, it’s important to recognize that the process looks different for everyone. There is no set time limit for treatment. Some people may need it for months; others might need it for years.
Get Suboxone treatment to manage your addiction with Groups
At Groups, Suboxone prescriptions are a fundamental part of our treatment approach. We also offer life-goal assistance and support groups. Our team is here to help you each step of the way on your recovery journey.
Contact us anytime for more Suboxone information. If you’re ready to start your recovery, give our Recovery Support Specialists a call today. We provide treatment across the country—and we’re always expanding. See if we offer care in your state, either online or at one of our 130+ local offices. If Groups does not offer treatment in your area, you can locate other treatment options here.
