Drug & Substance Guide
Suboxone Addiction Treatment: Detox and Withdrawal Help
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Excellent 4.6 out of 5 434 Google reviews across our locations
What clients say
Trusted by clients across Texas
4.6 from 434 Google reviews across 9 locations
Across Nova Recovery Center, Briarwood Detox Center and Eudaimonia Recovery Homes
★★★★★
“Nova is far from perfect, and some of the information can be misleading. But if you want to cover the 12 Steps while enjoying good food and a beautiful scenic view, this is the place for you. The…”
10 months ago · Wimberley
★★★★★
“I did 90 days at Nova Recovery 6 years ago. I am still sober today. And living a life I could have never imagined. The people and the program they are running impacted me for a lifetime. Better than…”
2 years ago · Wimberley
★★★★★
“I went to Nova almost 9 months ago and I wouldn’t change it for the world. The staff when I first entered were very nice and welcoming. As a 19 year old that didn’t know what I was getting myself…”
2 years ago · Austin
★★★★★
“Nova Recovery Center has been an invaluable part of my journey to sobriety. The intensive inpatient program, coupled with the unwavering support and guidance from my recovery specialist, Mark Rector…”
2 years ago · Austin
★★★★★
“I had such a positive experience at Nova Recovery in Wimberley! The staff genuinely cares and went above and beyond to support me every step of the way. The peaceful setting made it easier to focus…”
a year ago · Wimberley
★★★★★
“I love Nova so freaking much. Nova has saved my life in more ways than one. I was hopeless and had no solution suffering from this disease. The staff there never gave up on me. I was the worst client…”
2 years ago · Austin
★★★★★
“I know Mark rector is non-binary however it saved my life and it did a good job with CPR and I don't know how aside from staying sober I could ever repay it thank you Mr or Mrs or whatever you're…”
8 months ago · Austin
★★★★★
“It's been a few years since I was a patient at Nova Recovery Center. Recently I have been reflecting on my time there and how incredibly grateful I am for the experience I had. I have been to 7 rehab…”
2 years ago · Austin
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What Suboxone is
Suboxone combines buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist, with naloxone, an opioid antagonist, to reduce cravings in opioid use disorder and to deter misuse.
It comes as a dissolvable film or tablet taken under the tongue, and it manages opioid withdrawal symptoms. The naloxone is the deterrent: injecting Suboxone precipitates withdrawal rather than a high.
It is Schedule III, a lower abuse potential than Schedule I or II drugs, and it still carries a risk of addiction. Taking it with alcohol, benzodiazepines or stimulants raises the risk of severe side effects and overdose.
- What is in it
- Buprenorphine and naloxone
- What it is for
- Reducing cravings in opioid use disorder
- Classification
- Schedule III controlled substance
- Why naloxone is in it
- Injecting it brings on withdrawal
Taking Suboxone is treatment, not a substitute addiction. If someone has told you otherwise, call and we will set that straight.
What Is Suboxone?
Suboxone is a prescription drug used to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). It combines two ingredients: buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, while naloxone is an opioid antagonist. Together, they reduce cravings and block the effects of opioids.
Suboxone is available in tablet and dissolvable film form. It’s used to manage opioid withdrawal symptoms and help people stay sober. But despite its benefits, it can also be misused.
Suboxone is classified as a Schedule III drug. It has a lower potential for abuse than Schedule I or II drugs, but people can still become addicted to Suboxone.
Subutex vs. Suboxone
Subutex only contains buprenorphine. Suboxone contains both buprenorphine and naloxone. Naloxone helps prevent misuse by causing withdrawal if the drug is injected. Subutex was created first, but Suboxone was developed to reduce abuse.
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Is Suboxone Addictive?
Yes, Suboxone can be addictive. Even though it’s meant to treat opioid addiction, some people misuse it. They may take high doses or use it without a prescription. People who are addicted to Suboxone may feel a narcotic-like high and struggle to stop using it.
Some users snort Suboxone or inject it after dissolving the film. This increases the risk of side effects and addiction.
Drugs Often Abused with Suboxone
People who abuse Suboxone may also use other drugs to get high. Common combinations include:
- AdderallThis stimulant can make users feel more awake. When taken with Suboxone, it can lead to unsafe behavior or overdose.
- AlcoholA depressant, alcohol can slow breathing. Mixing it with Suboxone is life threatening.
- BenzodiazepinesThese drugs, like Xanax, cause sedation. Combined with Suboxone, they can lead to coma or death.
Suboxone Withdrawal Symptoms
When someone stops taking Suboxone, they may experience withdrawal. Suboxone withdrawal symptoms include:
- Runny nose
- Teary eyes
- Excessive sweating
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Joint pain
- Mood swings
- Muscle aches
- Dizziness
- Agitation
These symptoms of withdrawal can make quitting hard without support.
Related: Learn the specific buprenorphine withdrawal symptoms and how they’re managed safely during detox.
Suboxone Withdrawal Timeline
Withdrawal doesn’t happen all at once. Here is a typical suboxone withdrawal timeline:
- First 3 daysSymptoms peak. The person may feel very sick and uncomfortable.
- Week 1Body aches, cravings, and insomnia are common.
- Week 2Depression may continue even if physical symptoms ease.
- Week 4Mood swings and cravings may still linger.
Managing withdrawal with help from a medical professional makes the process safer.
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Suboxone Addiction Treatment Options
After detox, people need further help to avoid relapse. Suboxone addiction treatment may include:
- Behavioral therapies
- Support groups
- One-on-one counseling
- Family involvement
Inpatient drug rehab is ideal for those needing structure. Clients stay in a treatment center and follow a daily schedule. They attend group therapy and individual sessions. This level of care helps when someone is addicted to Suboxone and also struggles with other drugs and alcohol.
Outpatient drug rehab allows people to live at home while getting care. Programs like an intensive outpatient program (IOP) meet several times per week. This is best for people with jobs or families who still need strong support.
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Behavioral Health and Mental Illness
Many who struggle with addiction also have mental health conditions. Dual diagnosis treatment addresses both substance use disorders and mental illnesses. Treating opioid addiction without addressing mental health leads to poor outcomes.
Working with mental health professionals can improve mood and reduce the chance of relapse. Art therapy, music therapy, and therapy sessions are helpful for many.
Long-Term Recovery and Relapse Prevention
Staying sober requires ongoing work. Long term recovery includes relapse prevention, therapy, and a stable support system. Support groups like Narcotics Anonymous are useful.
Continued care through sober living programs or aftercare plans keeps people on track. These programs include:
- Sober housing
- Drug testing
- Peer support
- Life skills classes
Sober living homes are safe and offer structure. Living with others in recovery can provide encouragement and accountability.
Aftercare programs offer weekly meetings to discuss challenges and successes. People feel understood and supported.
Life After Rehab for Suboxone Addiction
Even after rehab, staying sober is an ongoing process. Recovery is possible with the right support and treatment plan. Many people who once felt hopeless now enjoy a better quality of life.
If you or a loved one is addicted to Suboxone, don’t wait. A safe and effective path to recovery is available. Nova Recovery Center offers full treatment options, including:
- Detox under medical supervision
- Inpatient and outpatient care
- Programs tailored to your level of care
- Continued support for long-term recovery
We work with most insurance providers and help people from all backgrounds.
Call Nova Recovery Center today to begin your recovery process and reclaim your life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Suboxone Treatment
What exactly does Suboxone do?
Suboxone is a medication-assisted treatment that combines buprenorphine and naloxone. It works by reducing opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms while blocking the euphoric effects of opioids, helping individuals focus on recovery.
What is the 3 day rule for Suboxone?
The 3-day rule allows certain clinicians to administer Suboxone for up to three days while arranging long-term treatment. This emergency provision helps stabilize individuals with opioid use disorder until they can begin a structured program.
Is Suboxone the same as methadone?
No, Suboxone and methadone are different medications. Methadone is a full opioid agonist, while Suboxone contains buprenorphine, a partial agonist, and naloxone, an antagonist. Suboxone has a lower risk of misuse and overdose compared to methadone.
Is Suboxone a strong painkiller?
While Suboxone contains buprenorphine, which can relieve pain, it is primarily prescribed for opioid use disorder rather than pain management. It is not considered a strong painkiller compared to other opioids.
What is an OUD patient?
An OUD patient is someone diagnosed with opioid use disorder. This condition involves a pattern of opioid misuse that causes significant health problems, cravings, and difficulty controlling use.
What does OUD mean in substance abuse?
OUD stands for opioid use disorder. It refers to a chronic condition where individuals misuse opioids, leading to physical dependence, cravings, and potential life-threatening risks.
Does OUD medication block opioid effects?
Yes. Medications like Suboxone block or reduce the euphoric effects of opioids. This helps prevent relapse by reducing the reward associated with opioid misuse.
What does OUD on Suboxone mean?
This refers to the use of Suboxone as part of a treatment plan for someone with opioid use disorder. Suboxone helps manage withdrawal, reduce cravings, and support long-term recovery.
What is the drug buprenorphine used for?
Buprenorphine is primarily used to treat opioid use disorder by controlling withdrawal symptoms and cravings. In some cases, it may also be prescribed for pain management.
Is buprenorphine the same as Suboxone?
Not exactly. Buprenorphine is one component of Suboxone. Suboxone combines buprenorphine with naloxone to reduce the risk of misuse and support safe recovery.
Is buprenorphine stronger than oxycodone?
Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, while oxycodone is a full agonist. This means oxycodone typically has stronger pain-relieving effects, but also higher misuse potential. Buprenorphine is designed for stability and safety in opioid treatment.
What does Suboxone treatment do?
Suboxone treats opioid use disorder. It combines buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist, with naloxone, an opioid antagonist, and together they reduce cravings and block the effects of opioids. It is used to manage opioid withdrawal symptoms and to help people stay sober, and comes as a tablet or a dissolvable film.
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