You may have heard of Suboxone, a medication commonly prescribed in treatment centers like Groups. This medication helps people experiencing addiction manage their withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and more. But did you know it can also be used for pain relief? In this article, we’ll discuss this alternative use for Suboxone and situations where it may be prescribed.
How does Suboxone work?
Suboxone is the brand name for a combination medication approved to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). It’s made with two active ingredients: buprenorphine and naloxone. Here’s how each of these drugs works:
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Buprenorphine
Buprenorphine is FDA-approved to treat pain and opioid dependence. It’s an opioid that’s partly natural and partly lab created. Buprenorphine attaches to the receptor in the brain that opioids attach to (the mu opioid receptor). By partially blocking this receptor, it helps to:
- Lessen the effects of withdrawal, such as cravings
- Block other medical effects of opioid use, like slow or shallow breathing
However, the effects of buprenorphine have a ceiling. Beyond a certain point, taking more of it doesn’t increase its effects.
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Naloxone
Naloxone is an opioid antagonist. This means it works to counteract the effects of opioid products. Naloxone is combined with buprenorphine to lower the possibility of misuse. Working together, these two chemicals help reduce cravings without making you feel “high.”
Suboxone comes as a sublingual film, not a tablet or injection. That means you have to let it dissolve under your tongue or on the inside of your cheek. It’s available in several strengths to meet the needs of individuals. Suboxone strengths as a single film range from buprenorphine 2 mg/naloxone 0.5 mg to buprenorphine 12 mg/naloxone 3 mg.
Why would a provider prescribe Suboxone for pain relief?
Opioids are typically prescribed to help people with acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) pain. For instance, it’s a medication your provider might prescribe after you’ve been in an accident or while you recover from surgery. Opioids are also used to treat pain related to cancer or palliative care. A few common types of opioid products include:
- Codeine
- Hydrocodone
- Methadone
- Morphine
- Oxycodone
One of the biggest complications with opioids is their potential for addiction. This means they could lead to an opioid disorder or an overdose. This is one reason many people and providers seek alternative forms of pain relief.
The buprenorphine in Suboxone produces a similar analgesic (pain-relieving) effect. So, a provider could prescribe this medication instead of one of the more common opioids used to treat the same type of pain. When combined with naloxone, the risk of misuse is lower.
Benefits of using Suboxone to treat pain
Many people with pain severe enough to justify an opioid prescription can benefit from taking Suboxone. For instance, the Center to Advance Palliative Care (CAPC) states several possible reasons it might be prescribed for pain relief, including:
- The person exhibits hyperalgesia (a heightened sensitivity to pain).
- The person is currently experiencing or being treated for OUD.
- The person has a history of addiction or is at higher risk for opioid-related misuse.
- The person is unable to tolerate the side effects of a full opioid agonist.
The CAPC also offers additional benefits to prescribing a buprenorphine medication like Suboxone instead of an opioid, such as:
- Decreased risk of slow or shallow breathing, sedation, euphoria, and GI side effects
- Less risk of sexual dysfunction due to hypogonadism (little to no sex hormone production)
- Lower risk of heart-related issues (compared to methadone)
- Safe for use in renal failure during dialysis for many people
- Many people with liver disease seem to tolerate it well
If you’re currently experiencing a health condition with acute or chronic pain but need an opioid alternative, talk to your provider. You and your care team can discuss the possibility of using Suboxone or another medication. That way, you can find relief without the higher risk of dependence.
Learn more about Suboxone with Groups
Groups specializes in evidence-based treatment and community-powered recovery support. We provide group counseling, medication, and personalized care to our members. And we make sure you receive the help you need in a compassionate, supportive environment, so you can focus on your recovery goals.
Give our Recovery Support Specialists a call today at 888-858-1723 for more information or to begin your recovery. 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 doesn’t offer treatment in your area, you can locate other treatment options here.
Please note: This information is current at the time of this article (2025). Suboxone strength and indications for pain relief may change in the future.
