What is Suboxone? 

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) can involve different medications, and Suboxone is one of the most commonly used among them. The medication is made by combining buprenorphine and naloxone into one pill. Together, these drugs help ease withdrawal symptoms and treat long-term dependence on opioids. 

Suboxone works well for many people, but it’s not the right fit for everyone. Some folks do not need medication-assisted treatment to overcome addiction. That’s why your treatment should always be personalized. At Q Space Detox, we can guide you toward the choices that make the most sense for your recovery.

 

History and Statistics of Suboxone

Buprenorphine was developed in the 1970s as a safer alternative to stronger opioid medications. It officially became approved for use as a pain reliever in 1985 and was classified as a Schedule V drug, i.e., it had accepted medical use and a low potential for misuse compared to higher-schedule opioids.

Over time, clinicians noticed that buprenorphine was not just effective for pain but could be used to treat opioid addiction. It offered a safer option than methadone, which had long been the go-to medication for opioid use disorder. To further reduce the chances of misuse, pharmaceutical researchers combined buprenorphine with naloxone, creating what we now know as Suboxone.

This new combination was approved by the FDA in 2002 specifically for the treatment of opioid addiction, and it’s been widely used ever since as part of both short- and long-term recovery plans.

How Does Suboxone Work?

As mentioned above, Suboxone is made up of two drugs, one of which is buprenorphine. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, i.e., it activates the brain’s opioid receptors, but much more mildly than drugs like heroin or fentanyl. This helps ease withdrawal and cravings without causing a full high.

Buprenorphine also has a “ceiling effect,” and this means that taking more won’t increase its impact, which reduces the chances of misuse and overdose. Plus, the drug binds strongly to opioid receptors, blocking other opioids from attaching and reducing the chances of relapse.

The second drug of the pair is naloxone. It is added to discourage misuse. If someone tries to inject or snort Suboxone, the naloxone can trigger immediate withdrawal symptoms, making abuse less appealing.

While Suboxone can be highly effective on its own, it works best as part of a larger treatment plan that includes counseling, therapy, and peer support groups.

Uses of Suboxone

Suboxone is often prescribed to help treat opioid use disorders involving both prescription medications and street drugs such as heroin or fentanyl. While every treatment plan is tailored to the individual, healthcare providers use guidelines to decide if and when to use Suboxone.

Suboxone use typically begins during the withdrawal phase because this period can be physically and emotionally intense.  

Since Suboxone contains the opioid antagonist naloxone, no other opioids must be active in the system when starting. If not, it can trigger sudden and severe withdrawal. That’s why providers typically wait a couple of hours to days after someone’s last opioid use before starting Suboxone. Once it’s introduced, the medication helps ease withdrawal symptoms and stabilize the person. Many people start feeling significantly better within hours or days.

From there, the care team may continue using Suboxone as part of a detox plan, gradually tapering the dose over time. Alternatively, they may recommend staying on the medication longer, especially when it’s paired with therapy and support.  Whether used short-term or as part of a longer treatment plan, Suboxone can be useful in recovery. It helps lower the risk of relapse and supports individuals as they rebuild their lives. Regular check-ins with a prescribing provider are essential for it to work well.

Potential Side Effects of Suboxone Use

Like most medications, Suboxone may cause side effects, even when it’s taken as prescribed. While serious problems like respiratory depression are rare, the risk increases if the drug is mixed with substances that also slow down breathing, such as alcohol, sedatives, benzodiazepines, or tranquilizers.

Some of the more common side effects people experience with Suboxone include:

• Headaches
• Trouble sleeping
• Excessive sweating
• Swelling in the arms or legs
• Nausea or vomiting
• Constipation
• Mouth or tongue irritation if using the dissolvable film

In less common cases, some people may notice more serious effects, such as:

• A drop in blood pressure when standing up
• Changes in liver function
• Issues with the adrenal glands
• Breathing problems during sleep
• Allergic reactions (especially if you're sensitive to any of the ingredients)

Is Suboxone Addictive?

Suboxone contains buprenorphine, which is an opioid, and so it can lead to physical dependence over prolonged use. However, dependence is not necessarily the same thing as addiction. Dependence means that your body has adjusted to the medication, so suddenly stopping it could cause withdrawal symptoms. That’s why you should not take or stop taking Suboxone without expert guidance. If and when the time is right, Q Space Detox will help you taper off gradually and safely.

How Q Space Detox Helps People Recover from Opioid Addiction

At Q Space Detox, we understand that opioid addiction is complex and that recovery takes more than MAT. That’s why we offer a full range of care to LGBTQ people with opioid addiction, from medical detox and inpatient rehabilitation to therapy, aftercare planning, and ongoing support. Every step of the way, we’re here to help you feel safe, supported, and empowered. Reach out today at 305-745-7768 to learn how we can help you start living a life free from opioids.