Suboxone Treatment Medication for Opioid Addiction
Doctors often prescribe FDA-approved addiction treatment medication like Suboxone to treat opioid use disorder (OUD).1,2 If you or someone you know is struggling with OUD, understanding treatment options is key to getting help.
Keep reading to learn about Suboxone—and how it is used in addiction treatment for opioid use disorder.
What Is Suboxone?
Suboxone is an opioid addiction treatment medication that contains a combination of buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist that helps minimize withdrawal symptoms and cravings, and naloxone, an opioid antagonist that prevents misuse and diversion.1
Suboxone is one of the brand names for the sublingual film (meaning it is dissolved under the tongue or inside the cheek) form of buprenorphine/naloxone, while Zubsolv is a brand name for the sublingual tablet formulation; these forms are also both available as generics.2
How Does Suboxone Work?
Suboxone for addiction treatment works by alleviating opioid withdrawal effects but does not give the same level of euphoria or dangerous overdose profiles as a full opioid agonist (morphine).
The opioid antagonist ingredient naloxone helps prevent misuse of full opioids and will precipitate withdrawal effects if other opioids are taken in the presence of Suboxone.2 Suboxone is often used as part of a comprehensive addiction treatment plan with psychotherapy approaches and group therapy.1
Suboxone can help support long-term ongoing recovery; however, timing is crucial when starting Suboxone and therefore treatment professionals will discuss a thorough plan and take into account each individual’s history of opioid use.
Starting Suboxone too soon in the recovery process can potentially trigger withdrawal if other opioids are still in the body because of the antagonist effects of naloxone. As a result, Suboxone for withdrawal should only be taken under careful medical supervision.2,3
As a partial opioid agonist, buprenorphine binds to the opioid receptor but does not activate the receptor as strongly, meaning that it does not create as strong effects such as euphoria or respiratory depression that can result in overdose.
When used at higher doses, the effects reach a maximum, also known as the ceiling effect. Unlike methadone or other full opioid agonists, its opioid effects level off at higher doses which reduces the risk of opioid misuse, dependency, and risk of overdose.2
What Drugs Does Suboxone Work for?
Suboxone for opioid addiction can work for people who are struggling with any form of opioid misuse or addiction, whether the person uses illicit opioids or prescription opioid medications.2
There are many types of opioids, including but not limited to:4
- Codeine.
- Fentanyl.
- Heroin.
- Hydrocodone.
- Hydromorphone.
- Meperidine.
- Methadone.
- Morphine.
- Oxycodone.
- Tramadol.
Even if the opioid you use is not listed above, Suboxone can still help you manage cravings and assist you on your path to recovery from OUD.
Side Effects of Suboxone
As with any medication, it’s possible to experience side effects from Suboxone.5 Common Suboxone side effects may include:5
- Mouth irritation.
- Headache.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Excessive sweating.
- Constipation.
- Trouble sleeping.
- Pain.
- Swelling in the legs or ankles.
Other, more rare side effects are also possible.2
Additionally, it is also important to understand that people can experience more severe side effects if they take Suboxone with other substances, such as depressants like benzodiazepines (lorazepam, diazepam, or alprazolam), or alcohol.2
If you have concerns about side effects, you should consult your physician for advice, and contact emergency services right away if you experience dizziness or lightheadedness, extreme sleepiness, slowed or difficulty breathing, or unresponsiveness.2
Is Suboxone Treatment Covered By Insurance?
Suboxone treatment specifically and addiction treatment in general may be partially or fully covered by your insurance provider. However, it’s important to know that different insurance carriers offer different types of coverage, so your exact coverage can vary.
Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, most private insurance plans must cover mental health and substance use treatments—often including Suboxone and other OUD services—at the same level as medical care.6,7
It’s a good idea to contact your insurance carrier to determine whether they will cover Suboxone treatment and to find out your exact benefits for rehab.
You can also reach out to us at , and one of our admissions navigators can help you understand more about using insurance to pay for addiction treatment and easily verify your insurance coverage free of charge.
If you’d like to check your insurance coverage for rehab online, simply complete our now.
Opioid Addiction Treatment in Riverview, FL
Suboxone is typically recommended as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes other evidence-based approaches such as counseling and behavioral therapy.2
River Oaks, an inpatient rehab facility near Tampa, offers all levels of care and provides a range of addiction treatments, including evidence-based behavioral therapies and medications for opioid use disorder, which can include Suboxone
If you or a loved one is struggling with OUD, we are here to help you start your journey toward recovery. We can assess your individual needs to develop a personalized treatment plan that is specifically tailored to you.
Depending on your specific circumstances, you may participate in one or a combination of levels of care, including:
- Medical detoxification.
- Inpatient treatment.
- Outpatient rehab.
- Partial hospitalization program (PHP).
- Intensive outpatient program (IOP).
When you’re ready to take control of your life, please contact one of our admissions navigators at and they can help you understand your treatment options, start the admissions process, explain paying for rehab with health insurance, and discuss additional rehab payment options for addiction treatment. Help is just a phone call away.