Suboxone for Opioid Addiction Treatment
There are several effective FDA-approved medications for treating opioid use disorder (OUD), including buprenorphine, naltrexone, and methadone.1 These help manage withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and prevent relapse.1 Suboxone—a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone (an overdose reversal drug)—further reduces misuse risk.1-3 Read on to learn about Suboxone for opioid addiction treatment, including how it works, what to expect in treatment, and how to find help for OUD.
What Is Suboxone?
Suboxone is a medication prescribed to treat opioid addiction in in adults. It consists of a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone.3
- Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist that eases withdrawal and cravings with less risk of euphoria or overdose than full agonists like heroin.4
- Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that blocks opioid effects and reverses overdoses, triggering withdrawal if opioids are present. In Suboxone, naloxone helps prevent misuse by deterring injection or abuse.2
Suboxone stabilizes opioid receptors, supporting lasting behavioral change.5 It’s typically used alongside counseling and therapy in a comprehensive treatment program.3
In 2002, the FDA approved the use of Suboxone sublingual tablets for opioid use disorder.6 It is now prescribed as a sublingual film that dissolves under the tongue or in the cheek.3
Suboxone is a good alternative to methadone with lower misuse risk because it is a partial-opioid agonist but remains underused despite its effectiveness and safety.5
Which Drugs Does Suboxone Work for?
Suboxone is used to treat people with opioid use disorders.4 Opioids include:
- Heroin.
- Fentanyl.
- Prescription painkillers like OxyContin, morphine, and codeine.
Side Effects of Suboxone
Like any medication, Suboxone can cause side effects. Common side effects include gastrointestinal upset, mouth irritation, headache, nausea, sweating, and insomnia.3
The sublingual formulation of Suboxone also has a specific set of adverse effects, such as oral hypoesthesia (numbness) and oral mucosal erythema (redness).3
Contact a doctor with any concerns, and seek emergency help for symptoms like extreme drowsiness, trouble breathing, or unresponsiveness.
Suboxone for Withdrawal
Yes, using Suboxone can help relieve withdrawal symptoms for those who are dependent on opioids.
Opioid withdrawal symptoms can include:7
- Muscle and bone pain.
- Sleep disturbances.
- Diarrhea.
- Vomiting.
- Cold flashes.
There is no reason for someone to suffer unnecessarily during this process when medication-assisted treatment is available and proven effective.
When Can You Begin Taking Suboxone?
Patients must be in the early stages of opioid withdrawal before starting Suboxone. Suboxone should be taken at the onset of opioid withdrawal, as starting too early—while opioids are still in the system—can trigger withdrawal symptoms.4,5
While opioid withdrawal isn’t typically life-threatening, it can be extremely uncomfortable, often leading individuals to resume opioid use to avoid symptoms. Suboxone should be given 12–24 hours after the last opioid use, once clear withdrawal signs appear. Close monitoring is essential to ensure proper timing.4,5
In treatment, healthcare providers determine the right moment to start Suboxone—either during medical detox to ease acute withdrawal symptoms or afterward to manage cravings and support recovery. Medication should be part of a comprehensive plan, overseen by medical professionals and integrated into inpatient or outpatient care.6
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to treatment. Instead, treatment should be individualized to meet each person’s specific needs.6 A person’s healthcare team will work with them to determine whether medication-assisted treatment such as Suboxone is right for them and when to begin using it.
How Effective Is Suboxone?
Using Suboxone is proven to be clinically effective.9 Suboxone has been shown to have similar efficacy to methadone when conditions are alike and dosages are appropriately managed.5
Continued buprenorphine use has been shown to increase retention rates in treatment programs and reduce the risks of:4,5
- Illicit prescription opioid use.
- Adverse outcomes.
- Mortality.
Suboxone can effectively assist in managing cravings and withdrawal so that patients can focus on making healthy lifestyle changes. In addition to medication, another important component of treatment for opioid addiction is counseling and behavioral addiction therapies.10
Where Can I Find Suboxone?
Suboxone for opioid use disorder treatment can be prescribed by authorized doctors or other licensed medical professionals.4 Patients must follow the recommended dosage and treatment plans that their healthcare providers establish.11
Incorrect usage may not only be ineffective but combining Suboxone with other medications can have dangerous consequences. For example, taking Suboxone sublingual film with other opioids, benzodiazepines, alcohol, or other central nervous system depressants can cause respiratory distress, coma, or even death.3
As with other prescription drugs, it is important to avoid buying Suboxone off the street, as it can be difficult to determine if it has been contaminated or mixed with harmful substances. Suboxone should not be shared with others as the results could be serious and may differ from person to person.4
Suboxone for Opioid Treatment in Mississippi
Oxford Treatment Center—a facility that offers both inpatient and outpatient rehab in Mississippi—utilizes Suboxone as appropriate, along with evidence-based therapy.
Call to learn more about the rehab admissions process, levels of addiction treatment, rehab payment options. Admissions navigators are available 24/7 to answer any questions you may have regarding addiction treatment at our inpatient drug and alcohol rehab in Mississippi.
You can also quickly verify your drug and alcohol rehab insurance coverage by filling out the secure . Don’t wait to get help. Find out more about medication-assisted treatment and Suboxone today.