Key Takeaways
- Suboxone can be misused, but when taken as prescribed, it is an evidence-based medication used to treat opioid use disorder.
- Suboxone misuse may include taking the medication without a prescription, taking it differently than prescribed, sharing it with others, or combining it with substances such as alcohol or benzodiazepines.
- Possible signs of Suboxone misuse include taking more than prescribed, repeatedly running out of medication early, obtaining it from unauthorized sources, or continuing to misuse it despite negative consequences.
In the battle against opioid addiction, medications like Suboxone have emerged as powerful tools to help individuals break free from dependence. Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2002, Suboxone is a combination medication that contains buprenorphine and naloxone, which work together to suppress withdrawal symptoms and cravings, allowing individuals to focus on their recovery. While Suboxone has undoubtedly played a crucial role in countless success stories, it is not immune to misuse, highlighting the complexity of the opioid crisis and the challenges faced in combating addiction.
Yes, Suboxone can be misused, although it is an important medication used to treat opioid use disorder. Suboxone misuse can include taking it without a prescription, taking it differently than prescribed, sharing it with someone else, or combining it with other substances. When taken as prescribed under medical supervision, Suboxone can help reduce opioid withdrawal symptoms and cravings and support long-term recovery.
It is important to distinguish Suboxone misuse from taking the medication as prescribed. The fact that Suboxone can be misused does not diminish its role as an evidence-based treatment for opioid use disorder.
What Is Suboxone: Quick Facts
Suboxone contains two active ingredients: buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist that helps reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist included in Suboxone to help discourage certain forms of misuse. In addition to that, Suboxone:
- typically takes the form of a sublingual film that dissolves under the tongue or as a sublingual tablet.
- should be used as part of a comprehensive treatment program that includes counseling and psychosocial support.
- has long-lasting effects, which allows for once-daily or every-other-day-dosing.
- contains buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist with a ceiling effect that can limit some opioid effects, including respiratory depression, compared with full opioid agonists.
- misuse can lead to various negative consequences, including addiction, diversion to the illicit market, and adverse side effects such as respiratory depression.
- misuse can include taking higher doses than prescribed, using it without a prescription, or using it in combination with other substances.
Medical supervision is essential during Suboxone treatment because healthcare professionals can assess the individual’s progress, adjust dosages, and provide necessary support and counseling. Additionally, proper medical supervision ensures that Suboxone is used safely and effectively, maximizing its benefits and minimizing risks.
How Is Suboxone Abused or Misused?
Even though Suboxone is quite effective, the medication can be misused. Some of the most prevalent ways people misuse Suboxone include:
- Obtaining Suboxone Without a Prescription. Obtaining Suboxone without a prescription is illegal and dangerous. It may involve purchasing it on the black market or acquiring it from others prescribed the medication.
- Sharing Suboxone With Others. Sharing Suboxone with individuals not prescribed the medication is also considered misuse, which can lead to improper dosing and potential harm to the recipient.
- Taking Suboxone Differently Than Prescribed. Taking more Suboxone than prescribed or otherwise using the medication outside the directions of a healthcare professional is considered misuse.
- Seeking a Euphoric High. Some individuals misuse Suboxone to seek a euphoric high. Using Suboxone for recreational purposes is illegal and risky; it can be unpredictable and lead to adverse reactions.
- Combining Suboxone With Other Substances. Sometimes, individuals may misuse Suboxone by combining it with other substances, such as benzodiazepines or alcohol, to enhance the effects or mitigate the side effects of other drugs. This practice is highly dangerous and increases the risk of respiratory depression, overdose, and other life-threatening complications.
- Self-Administering Suboxone To Manage Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms. Some individuals may self-administer Suboxone to manage opioid withdrawal symptoms without proper medical supervision.
- Using Suboxone to Prevent or Delay Withdrawal Between Opioid Use. In an attempt to avoid or delay withdrawal symptoms during opioid use, individuals may misuse Suboxone. This practice can perpetuate a cycle of dependence and hinder progress in recovery.
Not every person taking Suboxone is misusing it or replacing one addiction with another. When the medication is prescribed for opioid use disorder and taken according to a treatment plan, its use is fundamentally different from taking Suboxone recreationally or outside medical guidance.
Signs of Suboxone Abuse or Misuse
The signs of Suboxone misuse can differ from person to person and should be considered in the context of the individual’s prescribed treatment plan. Possible warning signs may include:
- Taking larger or more frequent doses than prescribed
- Using Suboxone without a prescription
- Repeatedly running out of prescribed medication earlier than expected
- Obtaining Suboxone from unauthorized or multiple sources outside the treatment plan
- Combining Suboxone with alcohol, benzodiazepines, or other substances in unsafe ways
- Continuing to misuse Suboxone despite problems involving health, relationships, work, or other areas of life
Someone taking prescribed Suboxone for opioid use disorder should not be assumed to have a problem simply because they use the medication. Concerns about dosage, dependence, withdrawal, or possible misuse should be discussed with the healthcare professional managing the treatment.
Consequences of Suboxone Misuse
Misusing Suboxone can lead to many consequences that extend beyond the immediate health risks. While Suboxone has proven effective as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, its misuse can create additional health and recovery challenges. Some of the most significant consequences include:
- Respiratory Depression and Overdose Risk. Misusing Suboxone, particularly when it is combined with alcohol, benzodiazepines, or other central nervous system depressants, can increase the risk of dangerous breathing problems, overdose, coma, and death.
- Dependence and Withdrawal. Because buprenorphine is an opioid, physical dependence can occur. Abruptly stopping the medication may produce withdrawal symptoms, which is one reason changes to Suboxone treatment should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
- Legal and Social Consequences. Obtaining Suboxone without a prescription or sharing it with others can result in legal consequences. Possessing or distributing Suboxone without a valid prescription is against the law and may lead to fines, imprisonment, or other legal penalties.
- Strained Relationships and Social Isolation. Misusing Suboxone can lead to a breakdown of trust, conflicts, and social isolation, including personal and social connections.
- Impact on Recovery. Using Suboxone outside a prescribed treatment plan may interfere with recovery goals and may indicate that an individual’s treatment needs should be reassessed.
- Diversion to the Illicit Market. Suboxone misuse can involve obtaining the medication illegally or selling it to others. This diversion to the black market creates additional risks and can prevent the medication from being used as intended.
- Impaired Cognitive and Physical Functioning. Inappropriate use of Suboxone can cause impaired cognitive function, decreased alertness, and diminished physical coordination. These effects can impact daily functioning, increase the risk of accidents, and hinder overall quality of life.
Suboxone itself should not be viewed as inherently harmful because misuse is possible. For many people with opioid use disorder, appropriately prescribed buprenorphine-containing medications are an important part of treatment and recovery.
How Is Suboxone Misuse Treated?
Treating Suboxone misuse requires a comprehensive approach that addresses addiction’s physical and psychological aspects. Key components include:
- Medical Supervision: Healthcare professionals can provide guidance on appropriate tapering schedules, dosage adjustments, and closely monitor the individual’s progress.
- Counseling and Behavioral Therapies: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and contingency management can help individuals explore underlying issues, develop coping skills, and modify maladaptive behaviors.
- Peer Support: Connecting with individuals who have experienced similar struggles can help reduce feelings of isolation and provide ongoing encouragement throughout the recovery journey.
- Addressing Co-Occurring Disorders: Integrated treatment that addresses substance use and mental health issues is crucial for successful recovery.
- Harm Reduction Strategies: Providing education on safer use, overdose prevention, and harm reduction practices can help mitigate the risks associated with continued Suboxone use.
- Ongoing Monitoring and Support: Regular monitoring and follow-up appointments with healthcare professionals are essential to evaluate progress, adjust treatment plans as needed, and provide ongoing support.
Treatment should be individualized. Someone who is concerned about their Suboxone use should not abruptly stop a prescribed medication without first speaking with the healthcare professional managing their treatment.
Our comprehensive treatment programs, which include those key components, help individuals overcome Suboxone misuse.
“I’ve seen Suboxone help a lot of people get through some of the hardest parts of recovery and finally start feeling like themselves again. But I’ve also seen what can happen when it’s used outside of a treatment plan or mixed with other substances. It can be a really helpful medication, but that doesn’t mean it’s without risks.”
Treatment You Can Trust In The Midwest
As a reputable rehab center in the Midwest, we have witnessed firsthand the impact of Suboxone misuse and the profound importance of effective treatment strategies. Our commitment to helping individuals overcome addiction extends to addressing the complexities surrounding Suboxone misuse and supporting individuals in their journey toward lasting recovery. Contact us at Midwest Recovery Centers today to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Suboxone be abused?
Yes, Suboxone can be misused or abused, including by taking it without a prescription, taking it differently than prescribed, or combining it with other substances. However, taking prescribed Suboxone as directed for opioid use disorder is different from misusing the medication and can be an important part of evidence-based treatment.
How is Suboxone abused or misused?
Suboxone may be misused by taking larger amounts than prescribed, using someone else’s medication, obtaining it without a prescription, or combining it with other substances. Mixing Suboxone with central nervous system depressants such as alcohol or benzodiazepines can increase the risk of dangerous side effects.
What are the signs of Suboxone abuse?
Possible signs of Suboxone misuse include repeatedly taking more than prescribed, running out of medication early, obtaining it from unauthorized sources, using it for reasons other than its prescribed purpose, or continuing misuse despite negative consequences. Taking Suboxone exactly as prescribed for opioid use disorder should not by itself be considered a sign of abuse.
Can you overdose on Suboxone?
An overdose involving Suboxone is possible. The risk can become particularly serious when buprenorphine is combined with alcohol, benzodiazepines, other opioids, or other substances that depress the central nervous system and breathing.
Is Suboxone addictive?
Suboxone contains buprenorphine, an opioid that can cause physical dependence. Physical dependence is not necessarily the same as addiction, and people who take Suboxone as prescribed for opioid use disorder should work with their healthcare provider before changing their dose or stopping treatment.
Reviewed and Assessed by
Taylor Brown, B.A.Com., CADC
Tim Coleman, M. of Ed.