Suboxone is one of the gold standard treatments for opioid use disorder (OUD). It reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms, helping people get back to their “normal.” There’s plenty of clinical evidence that shows Suboxone is safe and effective. It’s not right for everyone. For many people at every stage of recovery, Suboxone is an important part of their health care regimen.
Suboxone creates a chemical dependency, which is different from an addiction. This means you’ll experience withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking it abruptly. However, a chemical dependency doesn’t come with the same psychological and behavioral challenges as addiction. Suboxone is most effective when it’s combined with social support in a recovery program.
In this article, we’ll talk about why and how people use Suboxone, the risk of dependency, and the support you need when taking this medication for OUD recovery.
What is Suboxone and how does it work?
Suboxone is a combination of two different drugs: buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine is an opioid that is part natural and part lab-created. It’s a partial opioid agonist. This means it attaches to the receptor in the brain that opioids attach to (the mu opioid receptor) and only partially activates it. It works more efficiently than stronger opioids, effectively blocking their effects.
The main ingredient in Suboxone helps to:
- Lessen the effects of withdrawal, such as cravings
- Reduce opioid use
- Decrease the risk of other medical effects of opioid use, such as slow or shallow breathing
The other ingredient, naloxone, is an opioid antagonist. This means it works to counteract the effects of opioids. Naloxone’s main role in Suboxone is to deter people from injecting or snorting it. Working together, these two chemicals help reduce cravings without making you feel “high.”
The effects of buprenorphine have a ceiling. This means that beyond a certain point, taking more of it doesn’t increase its effects. The “ceiling effect” combined with Suboxone’s effectiveness at preventing opioid use and misuse of medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) makes it one of the safest and most effective options.
How does Suboxone help people in recovery from opioid use?
Ending opioid use is an important aspect of recovery, but it’s only one part of a bigger picture. We’ve already mentioned how Suboxone cuts down withdrawal symptoms and cravings and blocks the effects of other opioids. This helps improve your sense of well-being and allows you to focus on other recovery goals. These might include learning healthy ways to cope with stress and working on your relationship skills. Or it might mean connecting with your sense of meaning and purpose, such as finding a great job.
Buprenorphine significantly lowers the risk of death by overdose and other negative outcomes. Several studies have confirmed its benefits. In a 2023 study, people who took buprenorphine after a nonfatal opioid overdose had a 62% reduced risk of an opioid-involved overdose death. Less opioid use in recovery leads to a lower risk of death by overdose and other unwanted outcomes. For instance, people taking buprenorphine have lower rates of HIV and hepatitis C. They also have a higher overall quality of life.
What does the treatment process look like?
Each person’s path to recovery is unique. The best options for you will depend on your recovery goals, your life situation, and your budget or insurance. MOUD such as Suboxone is most effective when combined with counseling or social support. Your wishes are a critical part of your treatment decisions. Try to find a provider who can help you fully understand your options. That way, you can work together to create a plan you feel good about.
When starting Suboxone, the first step is a consultation and medical evaluation. Your provider will ask questions about your health history and any medications, supplements, and substances you’re taking. They’ll help you decide if Suboxone is the best choice of MOUD. Then, they’ll create a personalized treatment plan that includes ongoing medication management and other forms of support. Suboxone comes in different formulations and delivery methods to fit your needs.
To start taking Suboxone, you’ll need to stop using opioids and wait until you’re experiencing moderate withdrawal symptoms. If you start taking it too soon, you could experience sudden and intense withdrawal, known as precipitated withdrawal.
Dependency risks and safety considerations
Suboxone is considered safe because it doesn’t carry as much risk of overdose or return to opioid use as other MOUD. It’s FDA-approved for OUD treatment, but it is highly regulated. It’s considered a Schedule III controlled substance because there’s a risk of misuse in people who aren’t already using opioids, though this may be interpreted as stigma versus science in some respects.
Is Suboxone addictive?
Suboxone causes a chemical dependency, which is different from addiction. Your body becomes used to having certain levels of the medicine to maintain your “normal.” You’ll likely experience withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking it abruptly. However, at therapeutic doses, Suboxone use doesn’t make you feel “high,” cause cravings, or affect your behavior. People may become dependent on other types of medications that are necessary, but they don’t carry the same stigma as MOUD. For instance, you can become dependent on medications for heart disease, epilepsy, or anxiety.
Some people think that using MOUD is “trading one addiction for another.” At Groups, we believe it’s your quality of life that counts. If medication makes it easier for you to function and improves your mental health, it’s worth it. Taking medication to feel better is a positive thing we do for all sorts of conditions, and OUD isn’t any different.
Safety considerations and side effects
Each person’s risk profile when taking Suboxone will be different. People who have OUD almost never use it to get “high.” The biggest concern for misuse is taking it without a prescription to manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings. It’s important to work closely with a prescriber who’s registered with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to prescribe Schedule III medications.
It’s critical to maintain a valid prescription and access to Suboxone once you start taking it. If you miss a dose, you may start to experience withdrawal symptoms. You should know where you can get an emergency dose if needed.
Like most medications, Suboxone comes with a list of potential side effects and interactions. Most are mild and will subside once your body gets used to the medication. It can cause a serious allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. This involves swelling of the face and throat, difficulty breathing and swallowing, rash, hives, and itching. This reaction requires emergency medical attention.
The most common side effects of Suboxone are:
- Chills
- Sweating or feeling warm
- Cough or hoarseness
- Flushing or redness of the skin
- Headache
- Feeling faint, dizzy, or lightheaded
- Fever
- Lower back or side pain
- Painful or difficult urination
With oral buprenorphine films and tablets, there is some risk of dental problems. Some people have experienced mouth sores, gum disease, tooth decay, and tooth loss. Only take your medication as directed, and follow instructions carefully. Take a sip of water and swish immediately after your strip or tablet dissolves. Wait until it’s fully dissolved before eating or drinking anything. Wait at least an hour before brushing your teeth.
Recovery support with Suboxone
Different treatment strategies can be helpful. Providers know where to start because of research, but it’s best to personalize treatment plans based on each individual’s needs and preferences.
At Groups, we provide comprehensive care that combines Suboxone treatments with support from a counselor, care team, and other people pursuing recovery. We offer opportunities to share what you’re going through, listen to success stories from other members, and develop clear life goals. We understand the challenges of recovery; we don’t use guilt and shame and we don’t kick people out for using.
Other treatment methods deliver benefits that medication alone can’t provide. Group counseling helps you learn coping skills and strategies for regulating your emotions. It also helps you feel less alone, work on your relationship skills, and build a strong support network. Finding resources for basic needs like food and housing is critical in the early stages of recovery. Your Recovery Support Specialist at Groups can help connect you with these resources.
Start your recovery with Suboxone and support at Groups
Suboxone and MOUD are important tools for maintaining well-being and avoiding opioid use during recovery. Without withdrawal symptoms and cravings to worry about, you can focus on building up positives in your life. Taking MOUD provides a lot of relief during the transition off opioids. It also improves your chances of long-term stability and success with your goals. It works best as part of a whole-person-focused recovery plan. However, your path to recovery will be unique. Most people benefit from social support and group counseling.
Recovery from OUD is possible, and with some help, there’s hope that you can build the life you want. Groups is here to help you connect with a positive community and get the support you need.
If you’re ready to learn more about Suboxone and begin your recovery process, give our Recovery Support Specialists a call today at 888-858-1723.
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.
