When it comes to staying in addiction recovery, there are a number of treatments that may help. Subutex and Suboxone are two popular medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD). Understanding what they are and how they differ can be key to finding the right treatment for your needs.
Subutex is a brand name for buprenorphine. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist that can help reduce opioid dependency. However, because of its opioid effects, it has the potential to be misused. This is where Suboxone comes in. Suboxone combines buprenorphine with naloxone, an opioid antagonist. This addition can help reduce the risk of misuse or overdose. By learning more about medications, you can get a better idea of how they might work to help you stay in recovery.
What is the drug Subutex?
Subutex is a prescription medication used to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). It contains buprenorphine as its only active ingredient. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist. This means it attaches to the same parts of the brain as opioids but doesn’t produce the same intense “high.” Instead, it helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Subutex has the ability to control cravings and reduce withdrawal symptoms. Because of this, it can help people stay in recovery and avoid using opioids again. Subutex is often used as part of a comprehensive treatment program. These programs may offer medication alongside counseling, therapy, and other forms of support.
Subutex is typically taken as a tablet that dissolves under the tongue. Once absorbed, it begins to work within 30 to 60 minutes. This medication works to provide withdrawal relief and help your body feel stable.
What is Suboxone?
Suboxone is another medication used to treat opioid use disorder. Like Subutex, it contains buprenorphine. It also has a second ingredient called naloxone. Naloxone is an opioid blocker that helps prevent misuse of the medication.
Suboxone comes in two main forms: dissolvable tablets and films (strips). Suboxone works by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms, like Subutex. However, the naloxone in Suboxone adds an extra layer of protection. If someone tries to take the medication other than as prescribed, naloxone can block the effects and prevent a “high.” Suboxone is the preferred choice for many providers because of the increased safety.
What is the difference between Subutex and Suboxone?
Both Subutex and Suboxone are effective for treating opioid use disorder. However, they have some important differences. Here are two key distinctions:
- Naloxone is only used in Suboxone — Subutex does not contain naloxone. The naloxone in Suboxone reduces the risk of misuse and overdose. Subutex, on the other hand, does not have this built-in safeguard. For this reason, it may be a riskier treatment option for some people.
- Subutex is more common in certain cases — Suboxone may not always be a viable option. For example, someone may be allergic to naloxone. In this situation, Subutex could be a better option. Subutex may also be better for pregnant or lactating people. This is because naloxone is generally avoided during pregnancy due to limited safety data, even though leading prenatal care providers say it’s safe,
Which medication is right for you?
Choosing between Subutex and Suboxone isn’t always easy. The best option will depend on your individual needs and recovery goals. A professional treatment provider can help determine which medication is right for you. Subutex may be the best option for people who are pregnant or in the early stages of recovery. It may also be a good choice if you’re allergic to naloxone. Suboxone tends to be better for people who want a safe, effective long-term option.
Subutex and Suboxone are both important tools for treating opioid use disorder. These medications share many similarities, and their differences allow experts to tailor treatment to each person’s unique needs. Medication works best when combined with a strong recovery plan. When seeking treatment, look for a provider that offers well-rounded support.
How does buprenorphine address opioid addiction?
Suboxone and Subutex both use buprenorphine to manage OUD. These medications can be highly effective. Their positive effects can help you to stay in control of your recovery. Some key functions of buprenorphine-based medication include:
- Reducing cravings — Buprenorphine satisfies the brain’s need for opioids without creating a high.
- Relieving withdrawal symptoms — Both Suboxone and Subutex are designed to reduce withdrawal symptoms. They can help manage symptoms such as nausea, sweating, muscle pain, and anxiety. Reduced symptoms and cravings can make it easier for you to focus on recovery.
- Blocking opioid effects — Both medications work to activate opioid receptors in the brain. Buprenorphine both reduces cravings and limits the effects of additional opioids by occupying the opioid receptors. While it doesn’t function as a full opioid antagonist, it does reduce the high from other opioids.
What are some other treatments for OUD?
Medications like Suboxone can be crucial to staying in recovery. However, they are often most effective when paired with additional forms of support. Many people find success with treatment plans that incorporate support group meetings. Custom life-goal assistance is often valuable as well. Learning more about these resources can show why they’re useful to so many people in recovery.
- Support groups — Support groups are a key part of recovery, because they give people the chance to connect with others who understand their struggles. Support groups create a safe space where members can share their experiences and listen to others. They offer consistent encouragement and guidance. A support group can also provide emotional support and reduce feelings of isolation. Many people battling OUD feel misunderstood or alone. If you’re feeling this way, a support group can remind you that others are going through similar challenges. Hearing success stories can boost motivation and inspire hope. Groups may be led by peers or professionals. Sessions help build a strong sense of community and provide ongoing encouragement. These advantages can be critical for lasting success.
- Life-goal assistance — Recovery isn’t just about stopping drug use. It’s about rebuilding your life. Custom life-goal assistance focuses on helping people achieve stability in many areas of life. These include housing, employment, education, and personal relationships. Life-goal support can directly address the factors that contribute to opioid use. By doing so, it can help individuals create a healthier, more fulfilling life. Many people with OUD face challenges that go beyond addiction. They may be struggling with job loss, unstable housing, or legal issues. Life-goal assistance works by identifying these challenges and providing resources to overcome them. The best resources for you will depend on your situation. For example, you may be between jobs and looking for work. Finding steady work could help you find a sense of purpose and stability. To find work, you can access life-goal resources offered by your treatment provider. These resources may help members create resumes, apply for jobs, and access training. Life-goal support helps people build the foundation they need to stay in recovery.
Medication, support groups, and life-goal support can help people with OUD. Each aspect of a comprehensive treatment approach works to maintain recovery.
Get Suboxone and other treatments you need at Groups
At Groups, we offer personalized treatment plans. Treatment includes access to Suboxone and group support sessions. We tailor our approach to the needs and recovery goals of each member. When you seek treatment, our team is ready to help you succeed on your recovery journey.
Give our Recovery Support Specialists a call today for more information about medications or to begin your recovery. If Groups doesn’t offer treatment in your state, you can locate other treatment options here.
