What Is Suboxone? Suboxone Side Effects. Buprenorphine vs Suboxone. How Long Does Suboxone Stay In Your System?

The US is currently facing an unprecedented opioid epidemic, characterized by alarmingly high rates of drug overdose deaths. Tragically, drug overdoses have surpassed other forms of accidental deaths, including those caused by HIV, gun violence, and motor vehicle accidents, making it a critical public health concern. The Drug Addiction Treatment Act of 2000 introduced a provision allowing physicians to obtain a waiver, enabling them to prescribe certain opioids for the treatment of opioid use disorder. As of now, one of the only opioids authorized under this waiver is buprenorphine. Buprenorphine is the opioid in Suboxone. Continue to read more about the uses, benefits, and risks of Suboxone.

By We Level Up | Editor Yamilla Francese | Clinically Reviewed By Lauren Barry, LMFT, MCAP, QS, Director of Quality Assurance | Editorial Policy | Research Policy | Last Updated: July 17, 2023

What Is Suboxone Used For?

Suboxone is the brand name for a prescription medication designed to treat opioid use disorders. It’s typically used in the management of opioid abuse and withdrawal. Suboxone has two ingredients; the opioid buprenorphine and the medication naloxone.

The combined effects of these two ingredients reduce cravings for addictive opioids such as heroin, codeine, fentanyl, and oxycodone. However, Suboxone medication, like any opiate and many other medications, can be abused. For instance, some individuals buy Suboxone on the street to prolong their opioid use. If you or a loved one is addicted to Suboxone, seeking professional inpatient drug rehab will be an essential step toward recovery in the safest way possible.

Suboxone is classified as a Schedule III controlled substance in the United States, meaning it’s a drug deemed to have a medical value yet also carries a moderate risk for addiction. Therefore, only doctors who receive certifications from the Department of Health and Human Services may prescribe Suboxone. This medication is manufactured as dissolvable films and tablets. Suboxone medication and methadone are both commonly used FDA-approved medications to treat opioid addiction.

Suboxone Uses

Suboxone medication should always be under the guidance of a healthcare professional experienced in addiction treatment. Suboxone is primarily used in the treatment of opioid dependence and addiction.

  • Opioid addiction treatment: Suboxone is commonly prescribed as part of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for individuals with opioid addiction.
  • Opioid maintenance therapy: Suboxone can be used for long-term maintenance therapy to support individuals in their recovery from opioid addiction and prevent relapse.
  • Opioid detoxification: Suboxone medication may be utilized during opioid detoxification to help ease withdrawal symptoms and facilitate a safer and more comfortable detox process.
What is Buprenorphine?

Buprenorphine is one of the two main ingredients of Suboxone. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA), buprenorphine is a medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat opioid use disorder (OUD) as part of medication-assisted treatment (MAT). As with all medications used in MAT, buprenorphine should be prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes counseling and other behavioral therapies to provide a person struggling with opioid addiction with a whole-person approach.

Buprenorphine is what’s known as a partial opioid agonist—an opioid medication that produces relatively weak opioid effects. This means buprenorphine reduces opioid withdrawal symptoms and cravings without having the full effect of other opioids. Buprenorphine is a long-acting partial mu opiate agonist that acts on the receptor targets of heroin and morphine but does not produce the same intense “high” or dangerous side effects. These properties also make it an excellent potential treatment for addiction to opiate analgesics.

What is Naloxone?

Aside from buprenorphine, naloxone is also the main component of Suboxone. Naloxone is an FDA-approved medication that quickly counteracts the effects of an opioid overdose. This medication is available in several formulations, including those intended for administration as a nasal spray (Kloxxado, Narcan) or an injectable solution. Naloxone is a safe medication and is not known to cause harm when administered in typical doses to opioid-naïve patients. Naloxone is known by the joint brand name Narcan. The effects of Narcan (Naloxone) are rapid but not long-lasting. Naloxone is added to buprenorphine to reduce its abuse potential when injected.

Since naloxone is an opioid antagonist, it blocks and reverses the effects of opioids on the nervous system. The purpose of naloxone as an ingredient of Suboxone is to prevent people from overdosing on buprenorphine. Naloxone also minimizes a person’s risk of relapse by preventing them from experiencing the addictive and euphoric sensations that opioids commonly cause.

How Does Suboxone Work?

Using medications for opioid use disorder is known as MOUD. MOUD has been shown to lower the risk of fatal opioid overdoses by approximately 50%. It also reduces the risk of nonfatal overdoses, which are traumatic and medically dangerous. Suboxone medication works by tightly binding to the same receptors in the brain as other opiates. Doing so hinders intoxication from other opioids, prevents cravings, and allows many individuals to transition from addiction to normalcy and safety.

Suboxone Effects

In a similar way to methadone, Suboxone can decrease cravings and will limit opioid withdrawal symptoms. Because this medication is considered a long-acting opioid, the risks of adverse effects are lower since they are more dispersed and less intense. For example, at higher doses, Suboxone is shown to have a lower risk of related breathing problems than some other drugs used for opiate addiction management, including methadone.

Though the risk may be minimal, it can increase dramatically if Suboxone medication is taken with other depressant drugs like alcohol or benzodiazepines. These substances, in combination, can lead to:

  • Sedation.
  • Breathing problems.
  • Coma.
  • Death.

Suboxone Side Effects

Suboxone side effects in males and suboxone side effects in females. Not all individuals will experience every single side effect of Suboxone, and the severity and occurrence of side effects can vary.

The short-term and potentially habit-forming effects of Suboxone include pain relief, mild euphoria, and reduced opioid cravings. However, as with any other substance, there are dangers. What are the side effects of Suboxone medication? Taking too much can lead to the following side effects from Suboxone:

  • Sleepiness.
  • Confusion.
  • Nausea.
  • Respiratory depression.
  • Reduced libido or sexual dysfunction.
  • Irritability.
  • Anxiety.
  • Constipation.
  • Insomnia.
  • Menstrual irregularities.

Suboxone Side Effects Long Term

Although long-term studies into the side effects Suboxone can produce are still being developed, a few things are known. Some of the long term side effects of Suboxone medication are known to mimic those of other opioid drugs, most likely because buprenorphine contains opiates.

Some of the long term effects of Suboxone:

  • Chronic constipation.
  • Drowsiness.
  • Loss of pleasurable sensation under normal circumstances.
  • Decreased pain tolerance.
  • Dependence.
  • Cravings.

Many users show what is known as a flat effect. This means they do not offer or, possibly, feel emotion like those who are not on Suboxone treatment. They also provided a lack of emotional reactivity and seemed less emotionally aware. Some of the other side effects associated with long-term Suboxone use are:

  • Anxiety.
  • Depression.
  • Lack of motivation.
  • Hair loss.
  • Fatigue.
  • Inability to regulate emotions.
  • Loss of feelings of sexual desire.

It is unclear whether these symptoms are a byproduct of the original addiction or a long-term side effect of the Suboxone medication. Further study is necessary to determine the full extent of long-term Suboxone use.

What is Suboxone? In a similar way to methadone, Suboxone can decrease cravings and will limit opioid withdrawal symptoms. However, long-term use of Suboxone medication is known to mimic the side effects of other opioid drugs.
What is Suboxone? In a similar way to methadone, Suboxone can decrease cravings and will limit opioid withdrawal symptoms. However, long-term use of Suboxone medication is known to mimic the side effects of other opioid drugs.

Buprenorphine vs Suboxone

Buprenorphine is a standalone medication, whereas Suboxone is a combination medication. Suboxone combines buprenorphine with naloxone, an opioid antagonist. Naloxone is included in Suboxone to deter misuse. When taken sublingually as prescribed, naloxone has limited effect. However, if Suboxone is crushed or injected, the naloxone can block the effects of other opioids and potentially precipitate withdrawal symptoms.

What is Suboxone? Suboxone is commonly prescribed as part of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for individuals with opioid addiction.
What is Suboxone? Suboxone is commonly prescribed as part of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for individuals with opioid addiction.

Learn More:

Suboxone Opioid Fact Sheet

Suboxone Drug Class: Narcotic analgesic combinations
Suboxone Schedule:
Schedule III

Suboxone Treatment

Is Suboxone safe? While Suboxone medication may have become a mainstream treatment for combating opioid addiction, the question has become if it is as safe and effective as the drug manufacturers would have us believe.

Suboxone may be a legal and popular alternative to other opioids, but that doesn’t necessarily make it all that ‘safe’ to rely on. It is, of course, possible to overdose. Suboxone combined with other drugs (benzos and alcohol) can also be incredibly dangerous. And at the end of the day, you can still become psychically and psychologically dependent on the drug.

In reality, Suboxone has been helpful to some people who have tried to get off drugs like heroin and other prescription opioids by providing a buffer and some harm reduction methods. But the often-overlooked aspect is that Suboxone is only intended for short-term use and not long-term maintenance. When individuals use the substance for long periods, they become dependent, just like any other potent narcotic. Experts insist that Suboxone and similar drugs are only effective in combination with comprehensive treatment or cognitive behavioral therapy.

Is Suboxone A Controlled Substance?

Yes, Suboxone is classified as a controlled substance in most countries, including the United States. It is placed in the US’s Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act. This classification indicates that Suboxone has potential abuse, but it also has recognized medical uses.

As a controlled substance, Suboxone is subject to the following:

  • Stricter regulations.
  • Monitored prescribing.
  • Dispensing and distribution limitations to prevent misuse and diversion.

Suboxone Dosing

Suboxone can be taken in tablet or film form. In both cases, the drug is dissolved in the patient’s mouth and absorbed directly into the bloodstream. This type of administration allows users to take it themselves at home instead of forcing them to visit a clinic each day for their treatment, as in the case of methadone.

Things you need to know about Suboxone dosing:

  • Suboxone pill form – Suboxone pills are available and also combine buprenorphine and naloxone to treat opioid dependence.
    • Suboxone round orange pill – The round orange Suboxone pill is a specific formulation containing 8 mg of buprenorphine and 2 mg of naloxone, typically used to treat opioid dependence.
  • Suboxone injection – Suboxone shot is a medication administered via injection that combines buprenorphine and naloxone to treat opioid dependence. It provides a long-acting medication formulation, helping reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
  • Suboxone film – Suboxone film is a thin, dissolvable strip that contains buprenorphine and naloxone, commonly used as a medication-assisted treatment for opioid dependence.

Does Suboxone Help With Pain?

Suboxone primarily treats opioid dependence and addiction rather than pain management. While buprenorphine, one of the active ingredients in Suboxone, is an opioid, its pain-relieving effects are generally weaker than full opioid agonists.

Sometimes, healthcare professionals may prescribe buprenorphine products, including Suboxone for pain, off-label for managing chronic pain when other medications are not suitable or available. However, the effectiveness of Suboxone for pain management is limited, and there are typically more appropriate and specific pain management options available.

How Long Does Suboxone Block Opiates?

The duration that Suboxone can block the effects of other opioids is determined by the individual’s metabolism, dose of Suboxone, and the specific opioid being used. As a general guideline, Suboxone can provide opioid blockade for approximately 24 to 48 hours.

How Long Does Suboxone Last?

As a general Suboxone dosage guideline, the effects of Suboxone medication typically last around 24 to 60 hours.

Buprenorphine is the cause of the long half life of Suboxone, meaning it remains in the body for an extended period. This allows for sustained relief from withdrawal symptoms and cravings. However, the effects of Suboxone can vary between individuals, and it’s essential to follow the prescribed dosage and treatment plan provided by a healthcare professional for optimal effectiveness and safety.

What is Suboxone? Is Suboxone an opioid? It is an opioid medication that contains buprenorphine and naloxone. It is commonly used in opioid detoxification and maintenance therapy.
What is Suboxone? Is Suboxone an opioid? It is an opioid medication that contains buprenorphine and naloxone. It is commonly used in opioid detoxification and maintenance therapy.

Warning Signs Suboxone Dose Is Too High

Some warning signs that a Suboxone dose may be too high include the following:

  • Excessive sedation.
  • Drowsiness.
  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Confusion.
  • Feeling lightheaded.

It is essential to consult a healthcare professional if experiencing any concerning symptoms. To help avoid Suboxone addiction, it is essential to strictly follow the prescribed dosage and duration as instructed by a healthcare professional.

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Suboxone Statistics

MAT programs, including Suboxone clinics and MAT programs, are available across the United States, with varying levels of accessibility in different regions and communities. MAT programs aim to provide treatment for individuals with opioid use disorder. However, the involvement of medications in the program requires the monitoring and supervision of addiction treatment professionals.


2 Million

Roughly 2 million people aged 12 or older in the US reported using Suboxone or buprenorphine products for non-medical purposes.

Source: NSDUH

70,630

In 2019, opioid-involved overdose deaths in the United States reached approximately 70,630.

Source: CDC

1.6 Million

In 2019, roughly 1.6 million people aged 12 or older received MAT for opioid use disorder.

Source: SAMHSA


What is Suboxone? The combination of buprenorphine and naloxone in Suboxone aims to relieve opioid dependence by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms while minimizing the risk of misuse.
What is Suboxone? The combination of buprenorphine and naloxone in Suboxone aims to relieve opioid dependence by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms while minimizing the risk of misuse.

Does Suboxone Show Up On A Drug Test?

Yes, Suboxone can show up on a drug test, based on the type of test being conducted. Suboxone contains buprenorphine, which is an opioid medication. Standard drug tests, such as urine tests, can detect the presence of buprenorphine and its metabolites. If you are undergoing a drug test for Suboxone medication, you must disclose any prescription medications you are taking to ensure an accurate interpretation of the results.

How Long Does Suboxone Stay In Your System?

How long does buprenorphine stay in your system? The duration that Suboxone and buprenorphine can stay in your system is determined by several factors such as metabolism, dosage, frequency of use, and individual factors. Here is a general guideline of how long Suboxone can be detected in different types of drug tests:

  • Urine: Suboxone can be detected in urine for approximately 2 to 7 days after the last use.
  • Blood: Suboxone can be detected in blood for about 24 to 60 hours after use.
  • Saliva: Suboxone can be detected in saliva for approximately 1 to 5 days after use.
  • Hair: Suboxone can be detected in hair follicles for a more extended period, typically up to 90 days or even longer, as hair testing can detect drug use over an extended period.

Suboxone Drug Interactions

Suboxone, like any medication, can potentially interact with other drugs or substances. Here are some notable drug interactions associated with Suboxone:

  • Opioids: Combining Suboxone with other opioids, such as heroin, oxycodone, or morphine, can increase the risk of respiratory depression, sedation, and overdose. It is essential to avoid using other opioids while on Suboxone.
  • Benzodiazepines: Concurrent use of Suboxone with benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam or diazepam, can result in increased sedation, respiratory depression, and a higher risk of overdose.
  • Sedatives and Hypnotics: Suboxone can potentiate the sedative effects of other medications, such as sleep aids, muscle relaxants, or tranquilizers, leading to excessive drowsiness and impaired cognitive function.
  • Certain Antidepressants: Some antidepressant medications, specifically those that increase serotonin levels (such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs), can interact with Suboxone and increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition.
  • Other Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants: Suboxone should be used cautiously when combined with other CNS depressants like alcohol, barbiturates, or sedating antihistamines, as they can intensify the sedative effects and respiratory depression.

It is crucial to inform your healthcare provider about all medications, including prescription, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements, that you are taking. They can assess potential interactions and adjust the treatment plan accordingly.

How Long Does Suboxone Withdrawal Last?

The duration of Suboxone withdrawal is determined by several factors such as the individual’s physiology, duration of Suboxone use, and the dosage being taken. Generally, acute withdrawal symptoms may start within 24-72 hours after the last dose and peak around the third to fifth day, gradually improving over 1-2 weeks. However, some individuals may experience protracted withdrawal symptoms, including mood disturbances, insomnia, and cravings, which can persist for several weeks or months.

Suboxone Withdrawal Timeline

Here is a simplified timeline of Suboxone withdrawal:

  • Early Withdrawal Symptoms (24-72 hours after the last dose): Within the first few days, individuals may experience symptoms such as anxiety, restlessness, sweating, insomnia, muscle aches, and cravings.
  • Peak Withdrawal Symptoms (Days 3-5): Withdrawal symptoms typically peak around the third to fifth day after the last dose. These symptoms may include intense cravings, gastrointestinal disturbances, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dilated pupils, increased heart rate, and elevated blood pressure.
  • Subsiding Withdrawal Symptoms (1-2 weeks): Withdrawal symptoms gradually decrease over 1-2 weeks after the peak period. Symptoms like fatigue, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and mild cravings may persist but generally become less severe.
  • Protracted Withdrawal Symptoms (weeks to months): In some cases, individuals may experience prolonged or lingering withdrawal symptoms, including mood swings, anxiety, depression, insomnia, decreased energy, and intermittent cravings. These symptoms may persist for several weeks or even months after discontinuing Suboxone.

Is Suboxone Addictive?

Are people in recovery from opioid addiction at risk of becoming addicted to Suboxone? If so, how can they stop this from happening? Is Suboxone addiction better than opioid addiction, or is it almost the same? Is the risk high enough to avoid Suboxone, even if it might save your life?

Despite the many benefits of Suboxone in addiction treatment, this prescription drug has risks. People with opioid use disorder may take Suboxone in higher-than-recommended doses, without a prescription, or through alternative methods such as snorting to experience a high similar to other opioids. Snorting Suboxone medication can increase the risk of unwanted side effects and addiction development.

What is Suboxone detox? Suboxone detox refers to gradually tapering off Suboxone under medical supervision to discontinue its use safely. The detoxification process typically involves reducing the dosage of Suboxone over time to minimize withdrawal symptoms and allow the body to adjust. Medical professionals may also provide additional support, such as counseling and other medications, to manage withdrawal symptoms and increase the chances of successful detoxification.
What is Suboxone detox? Suboxone detox refers to gradually tapering off Suboxone under medical supervision to discontinue its use safely. The detoxification process typically involves reducing the dosage of Suboxone over time to minimize withdrawal symptoms and allow the body to adjust. Medical professionals may also provide additional support, such as counseling and other medications, to manage withdrawal symptoms and increase the chances of successful detoxification.

Suboxone Abuse

Drug traffickers have been selling illicit Suboxone to individuals throughout the United States. Most people who buy this drug illegally are not trying to experience an opioid high. Instead, they are trying to get relief from the uncomfortable symptoms of opioid withdrawal.

Someone could misuse Suboxone to relieve opioid withdrawal symptoms without a prescription and without undergoing treatment for opioid use disorder. In such circumstances, a person might take Suboxone whenever they experience withdrawal symptoms, fail to abide by medical boundaries, and suffer an overdose.

Does Suboxone make you high? It is habit-forming due to opioid dependency. When someone fails to start treatment for opioid abuse and addiction and consumes Suboxone regularly to live without withdrawal symptoms, they become dependent on the medication and never overcome the disease. While it’s easier to use Suboxone, recovery is the proper long-term solution for withdrawal and addiction.

Suboxone is abused when the pills are crushed and snorted, or the film strips are dissolved and injected. When someone injects Suboxone medication, they risk sharing dirty syringes and acquiring HIV or another blood-borne infection. Injecting Suboxone also causes a much more intense high than snorting the pills. Suboxone film strips are more accessible for someone to hide or smuggle, increasing rates of abuse for the film strips.

Suboxone High

Do Suboxone get you high? When taken as prescribed and directed by a healthcare professional, Suboxone is unlikely to produce a significant euphoric high. This is because Suboxone medication contains buprenorphine, which is a partial opioid agonist. It binds to opioid receptors in the brain but produces a milder effect than full opioid agonists like heroin or oxycodone.

However, if Suboxone is misused, such as by taking higher doses than prescribed or using it through non-approved administration routes, it may lead to feelings of intoxication or misuse. It is crucial to use Suboxone strictly as prescribed to ensure its intended therapeutic benefits and minimize the risk of misuse or abuse.

For those who have a loved one using Suboxone, it is crucial to understand the risk of addiction and to monitor for changes or other signs of it forming. Some of the most common suboxone addiction signs include:

  • Hiding how much Suboxone is being used or engaging in deceptive behavior.
  • Taking Suboxone from others or seeking out a second doctor for additional prescriptions.
  • Running out of Suboxone before they should.
  • Taking more than they should, sometimes noting an inability to control cravings if they do not.
  • Losing medications, stealing from others, or doing whatever it takes to get the drug.

In addition, some people feel withdrawal from Suboxone when they cannot access more substances. That may include slowed breathing, trouble focusing and thinking, feeling tired, or feeling physically ill. These are signs the drug is being overused or, in some cases, abused.

Can Suboxone get you high? In some cases of misuse, yes. Because of how powerful these drugs are, the sooner you recognize what is happening, the sooner your loved one can get the help they need to overcome this addiction.

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Can You Overdose On Suboxone?

Does Suboxone get you high? Many people wonder if it is even possible to get high using Suboxone. Technically speaking, the inclusion of buprenorphine as an active ingredient allows Suboxone to be classified as an opioid itself. While overdose by Suboxone is not as likely as with other opioids, it is still a problem worth considering. An overdose is possible when the medication is misused or combined with other sedatives.

By design, Suboxone is intended to be tamper-proof. It is the reason it contains both buprenorphine and naloxone, the latter of which is commonly used to reverse opioid overdoses in medical emergencies. In many ways, Suboxone medication has overdose prevention built right into its chemistry.

Suboxone Overdose Symptoms

Suboxone overdoses in and of themselves are generally not a concern for individuals with already high opioid tolerance. However, those who come across it and abuse the medication without an established tolerance may be putting themselves at risk of overdose.

Symptoms of overdose can include the following:

  • Chills.
  • Sedation.
  • Irritability.
  • Stomach pain.
  • Low blood pressure.
  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Respiratory depression.
  • Pinpoint pupils.
  • Dizziness.
  • Coma.
  • Death.

Suboxone Overdose Treatment

As with other opioids, one might think that the best way to stop Suboxone overdose would be to administer a dose of naloxone. This is not necessarily true. Treatment for a Suboxone overdose comes with another level of complexity. After all, naloxone is already present in the medication. Fortunately, additional doses of naloxone in the event of a Suboxone overdose are acceptable in the short term, though the victim likely suffers debilitating withdrawal symptoms after waking. The best practice is always to get a suspected overdose victim into the care of trained professionals. With proper care, many Suboxone overdose sufferers get back on their feet and onto the road to opioid recovery.

Suboxone and Alcohol

Can you drink on Suboxone? No. Combining Suboxone and alcohol is generally not recommended due to potential adverse effects. Both Suboxone and alcohol are central nervous system depressants, and combining them can lead to increased sedation, respiratory depression, and impaired cognitive function.

The mixture can also increase the risk of overdose and other severe health complications. It is crucial to follow medical advice and abstain from alcohol while taking Suboxone to ensure safety and optimize treatment outcomes. It is advisable to discuss any concerns or questions about alcohol use with a healthcare professional.

Fentanyl and Suboxone

Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid painkiller, while Suboxone contains buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist, and naloxone, an opioid antagonist. Suboxone is used to help individuals transition from more potent opioids, including fentanyl, to a more manageable and controlled medication.

Combining these medications can increase the risk of respiratory depression, sedation, and overdose. If fentanyl is being used illicitly, it is crucial to seek medical help and discuss treatment options, including the appropriate use of Suboxone, with a healthcare provider.

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How To Get Off Suboxone?

Although Suboxone medication treats opioid addiction and withdrawal symptoms, it can still be addictive if abused. Suboxone can also have withdrawal symptoms. The good news is that there is Suboxone detox withdrawal help available. Someone experiencing withdrawal can expect to experience specific psychological signs as well as physical symptoms as the individual undergoes detox. Co-occurring mental conditions may surface. Some medically-assisted Suboxone detox and treatment facilities offer expert care and assistance handling Suboxone detox withdrawal symptoms. A good treatment center aims to make the Suboxone detox experience as safe and comfortable as possible.

How long is Suboxone withdrawal? Suboxone withdrawals can last for as long as a month and may include the following:

  • Depression.
  • Irritability.
  • Drug cravings.
  • Fever.
  • Chills.
  • Sweating.
  • Headache.
  • Concentration difficulties.
  • Depression.
  • Irritability.
  • Drug cravings.
  • Fever.
  • Chills.
  • Sweating.
  • Headache.
  • Concentration difficulties.

How To Taper Off Suboxone?

In most cases, the risk of Suboxone addiction is significantly less than opioid addiction. One reason is that Suboxone is not as a sedative as other drugs, so you will be less likely to experience intense cravings while on it. However, Suboxone addiction is still possible for millions of recovering addicts.

Tapering off Suboxone should be done under the guidance of a healthcare professional. The specific tapering schedule will depend on factors such as the individual’s dosage, duration of Suboxone use, and overall health. Typically, the dose is gradually reduced over weeks or months, with regular monitoring of withdrawal symptoms and adjustments made as needed. A slow and controlled tapering process helps minimize withdrawal discomfort and increases the chances of successful discontinuation.

We Level Up Suboxone Addiction Treatment

Quitting Suboxone cold turkey and doing Suboxone detox at home is not advisable. Some individuals would rather quit cold turkey because they think it might be safe and more manageable than stopping slowly. It is not more accessible and not secure. The known risks of quitting specific medications and drugs cold turkey include loss of tolerance. You will be less able to handle doses you used to take because you are less tolerant. This increases the risk of accidental overdose if you relapse.

Now that we learned what is Suboxone and about the signs and symptoms of Suboxone addiction, hopefully, this will give you an idea of what drugs you’re dealing with and seek help when required.
Now that we learned what is Suboxone and about the signs and symptoms of Suboxone addiction, hopefully, this will give you an idea of what drugs you’re dealing with and seek help when required.

Your nervous system gets used to the way some drugs operate. Suddenly quitting disrupts the body, whereas weaning off the medication slowly eases this transition to unpleasant Suboxone detox withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can sometimes be severely uncomfortable, increasing the possibility of relapse.

To detox from Suboxone safely, this includes the use of medications and other medical procedures. During your rehab, the staff from your treatment facility will help you identify what caused your addiction and teach you skills that will help you change your behavior patterns and challenge the negative thoughts that led to your addiction. Sometimes, the pressures and problems in your life make you rely on substances to help you forget about them momentarily.

If you or your loved one is addicted to Suboxone, suffering from opioid withdrawal symptoms, and at some point experienced opioid overdose symptoms, help is just a phone call away. Professional opioid addiction treatment is necessary for fast and effective recovery. Contact us today at We Level Up treatment facility. Our dedicated team of doctors and medical staff is available around the clock, providing exceptional care to support long-lasting and transformative recovery.

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Top 10 How Does Suboxone Make You Feel? FAQs

  1. Can you get high on Suboxone?

    Suboxone contains buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist, and naloxone, an opioid antagonist. When used as prescribed, Suboxone is unlikely to produce a significant euphoric high; however, taking it in higher doses or ways not intended by a healthcare professional can potentially lead to feelings of intoxication or misuse.

  2. Is Suboxone an opiate?

    Yes, Suboxone contains buprenorphine, which is classified as an opioid medication. However, buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, meaning it binds to opioid receptors in the brain but produces a milder effect than full opioid agonists like heroin or oxycodone.

  3. How to get Suboxone immediately?

    To obtain Suboxone, consult a healthcare professional who can assess your situation and prescribe it if appropriate. It is crucial to follow the recommended channels, such as scheduling an appointment with a doctor or seeking help from addiction treatment centers, to ensure safe and appropriate access to Suboxone.

  4. Does Suboxone show up on drug tests?

    Yes, Suboxone can be detected in specific drug tests. Standard drug tests that screen for opioids may identify the presence of buprenorphine, which is the active ingredient in Suboxone.

  5. How long does Suboxone stay in your urine?

    The detection window for Suboxone (buprenorphine) in urine is determined by various factors, including the individual’s metabolism, dose, and duration of use. Generally, buprenorphine can be detected in urine for up to 2-3 days after the last dose, but in some cases, it may be detectable for a more extended period, up to 7-10 days.

  6. Can you snort Suboxone?

    It is not recommended to snort Suboxone. Suboxone is designed to be taken sublingually (placed under the tongue), where it can be adequately absorbed. Snorting Suboxone can result in ineffective medication delivery and may cause irritation or damage to the nasal passages.

  7. Can you smoke Suboxone?

    No, smoking Suboxone is not a recommended or safe method of administration. Suboxone is intended for sublingual use, absorbed through the tissues under the tongue. Smoking Suboxone can destroy the medication’s active ingredients and may cause harmful effects on the respiratory system.

  8. How long does it take to get addicted to Suboxone?

    The development of addiction to Suboxone can vary based on individual factors such as genetics, dose, duration of use, and personal susceptibility. However, when taken as prescribed under medical supervision, the risk of developing an addiction to Suboxone is generally low. It is essential to follow the prescribed dosage, and treatment plan a healthcare professional provides to minimize the risk of addiction.

  9. Is Suboxone a narcotic?

    Suboxone is often referred to as a narcotic but is more accurately classified as an opioid medication. It contains buprenorphine, which is a synthetic opioid, and naloxone, which is an opioid antagonist used to deter misuse.

  10. How much is the street value of Suboxone?

    The street value of Suboxone can vary based on factors such as location and availability. However, selling Suboxone on the street is illegal and considered a drug diversion. It is against the law to distribute prescription medications, including Suboxone, without proper authorization from a healthcare professional.

How Long Do Opiates Stay in Your System? How Long Do Opiates Stay in Urine, Blood, & Body?

Suboxone does not directly speed up the elimination of opioids from the body. Instead, Suboxone works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and blocking the effects of other opioids. It helps to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, allowing individuals to taper off opioid use with medical supervision gradually.

But how long do opiates, or opioids, stay in your system? Watch the video below to find out more.

If you or a loved one is struggling with Suboxone addiction or other opioid use disorder(s), call for a FREE consultation 24/7 at (561) 678-0917

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How Long Do Opiates Stay in Your System? Video Transcript.

Welcome to the We Level Up treatment center video series. In today’s video, we will discuss How Long Do Opiates Stay in Your System? How Long Do Opiates Stay in Urine, Blood, & Body? Learn the Hydrocodone, Oxycodone, & Codeine Drug Testing Facts.

The length of time that opiates remain in your system varies depending on the type of opiate, the dosage, and the frequency of use. Generally, opiates can stay in your system for two to four days. However, heavier and chronic users may have residues for up to seven days.

Opiates can be detected in the blood test for up to 24 hours and the urine test for up to three days. Opiates can be detected in the hair follicles for up to 90 days. In chronic users, opiates can stay in the body for up to 30 days.

Opiates often have short half-lives, meaning their effects can linger for several hours even though they swiftly leave the body. However, Opioids can linger in a person’s bloodstream for several hours or days after the symptoms subside, depending on the substance used. Urine tests, one of the more common types of drug testing, can identify opioid usage for extended periods, often up to three to four days, and some tests can identify opioid use for up to three months.

Drugs in the opioid class are used to treat pain. Natural opioids, semi-synthetic opioids generated from natural opioids, and synthetic opioids produced in a lab are all referred to as opioids under the general term. A class of medications known as opioids have opiates, which are organic byproducts of the poppy plant.

The main difference is that “opiate” refers to the substances derived from the opium (poppy) plant. At the same time, “opioids” are all substances that interact with opioid receptors, including those created in the lab.

What are Opioids?

Opioids, sometimes called narcotics, are medications doctors prescribe to treat persistent or severe pain. They are used by those with persistent headaches and blood alcohol levels, those recovering from surgery or dealing with excruciating pain from cancer, as well as by adults and kids who have suffered significant injuries while playing sports or in falls, car accidents, or other situations.

A large class of painkillers known as opioids interact with opioid receptors in your cells to relieve pain. Opioids can be produced in a lab, such as fentanyl, or from the poppy plant such as morphine, Kadian, Ms. Contin, Actiq, Duragesic, and others.

Your brain cells release signals that reduce your sense of pain and increase your emotions of pleasure when opioid drugs pass through your blood and bind to opioid receptors. Opioid addiction can happen after just a week of use. The risk for long-term opioid abuse increases after only five days of taking medicine. Some individuals who only intended to use opioids for a week have continued to do so a year later.

Compared to 2019, the age-adjusted rate of drug overdose deaths rose 31% in 2020. Young individuals aged 15 to 24 saw the biggest percentage increase in fatalities, while adults aged 35 to 44 had the most rates of drug overdose deaths. The fight against substance use disorders and the opioid pandemic must continue in all facets.

Opiates Drugs Names

There are a variety of opiate drugs, all with different names. Some examples include codeine, morphine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, fentanyl, and methadone. It is essential to know the names of opiates when seeking help for addiction, as intervention strategies and treatment plans may depend on the specific opiates being abused.

The top three opiate drugs most commonly prescribed are Hydrocodone, Oxycodone, and Codeine. Other opiate drugs may also be prescribed, depending on your needs and doctor’s advice.

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Search We Level Up What is Suboxone? Detox, Mental Health Topics & Resources
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[1] What is Buprenorphine? – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

[2] Buprenorphine Treatment Practitioner Locator – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

[3] SUBOXONE® sublingual film – Accessdata.fda.gov US Food & Drug Administration

[4] SUBOXONE (buprenorphine and naloxone) sublingual tablets – Food & Drug Administration (FDA)

[5] Suboxone Settlement – Federal Trade Commission (.gov)

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[8] Practice Guidelines for the Administration of Buprenorphine for Treating Opioid Use Disorder – Federal Register (.gov)

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