What is Suboxone? Why does it work

Author
7 days ago
2 min read

Suboxone is a prescription medication commonly used in the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD). It’s a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone, designed to help people reduce or quit their use of opioids like heroin, fentanyl, or prescription painkillers.

🔹 How Suboxone Works:

Buprenorphine: A partial opioid agonist that:
- Binds to the same receptors in the brain as opioids but activates them less strongly.
- Helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
- Has a "ceiling effect" that lowers the risk of misuse and overdose.
Naloxone: An opioid antagonist that:
- Is included to deter misuse (e.g., if someone tries to inject Suboxone, naloxone will block opioid effects and may cause withdrawal).
- Has little to no effect when taken as directed (sublingually—under the tongue).

🔹 Benefits of Suboxone in Addiction Treatment:

Reduces opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Helps prevent relapse by stabilizing brain chemistry.
Can be taken at home, unlike methadone which usually requires daily clinic visits.
Improves quality of life and supports long-term recovery when combined with counseling and behavioral therapy.

🔹 How It's Used:

Initiated after withdrawal symptoms begin (to avoid precipitated withdrawal).
Dosing is adjusted during the induction phase, then stabilized during maintenance.
Treatment duration varies; some people take it for months or years under medical supervision.

🔹 Side Effects:

Headache, nausea, constipation.
Sweating, insomnia, anxiety.
Respiratory depression (rare, especially when taken as prescribed).

🔹 Is Suboxone Replacing One Addiction with Another?

This is a common concern, but medical consensus supports the use of Suboxone as a treatment, not a substitute addiction. Buprenorphine allows the brain to heal from opioid misuse while restoring function and reducing harm.

🔹 Access and Regulation:

In the U.S., prescribers must complete special training to prescribe buprenorphine (though this has become more accessible in recent years).
It’s usually part of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) alongside therapy and support groups.

For suboxone appointments online, we provide telehealth services.