Is Suboxone Addictive?: Symptoms of Suboxone Addiction

How Suboxone Works

Suboxone is a medication that consists of 80% buprenorphine and 20% naloxone:¹

• The buprenorphine in Suboxone can reduce opioid withdrawal symptoms among patients with a physiological dependence on opioids such as heroin or fentanyl. Buprenorphine—a partial opioid agonist—has a low risk of misuse among people with opioid addictions because its euphoric and dopaminergic properties are typically minimal compared to the illicit or prescription opioids the patient has been using.
• Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that can reverse the effects of opioid use and overdose. The drug prevents opioids from binding to opioid receptors, allowing patients to resume normal breathing. There’s no potential for misuse, since naloxone does not affect someone who has not taken opioids.

Suboxone is available in a pill or dissolvable film format.

Like methadone, Suboxone is classified as a medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD). Research shows that the combination of buprenorphine and naloxone is as therapeutically beneficial as methadone.

How Suboxone Affects Your Mind and Mood

Some patients may experience irritability as a side effect of Suboxone. However, Suboxone has also been observed to have a calming effect and is currently being studied for its antidepressant and anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effects, though this research is still in its early stages.²

How Addictive Is Suboxone?

The effects of buprenorphine are mild, its onset is slow, and the drug has a long duration, which gives it a much lower risk of addiction than opioid agonists. In many cases, Suboxone dependency can be resolved by gradually tapering the dose as the patient progresses through treatment.

However, people sometimes misuse Suboxone outside treatment settings. For instance, someone who is addicted to heroin might buy Suboxone on the street to stave off withdrawal symptoms.³ While rare, others may misuse Suboxone because they experience a high from the drug.

Suboxone, like any prescription medication, should be used according to the prescribing doctor’s recommendations.

Physical & Behavioral Symptoms of Suboxone Addiction

While misusing Suboxone to get high and addiction to Suboxone are rare, it can be helpful to recognize the signs. Someone misusing Suboxone may experience:⁴

• Poor coordination, limpness, or weakness.
• Problems concentrating.
• Blurred vision.
• Shallow breathing.
• Extreme drowsiness.
• Nausea.
• Itching.
• Loss of appetite.

The following are some of the common behavioral symptoms of Suboxone addiction:⁵

• Using Suboxone for longer periods or in higher amounts than intended
• Loss of interest in activities, hobbies, or social outings that were enjoyed in the past
• Having a hard time keeping up with family, work, job, or school responsibilities because of the Suboxone use
• Draining financial or time resources to use Suboxone
• Misusing Suboxone in situations where it is dangerous, like driving

Suboxone Side Effects

The side effects of buprenorphine may include:⁶

• Dry mouth.
• Muscle aches and cramps.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Constipation.
• Irritability.
• Problems focusing.
• Fatigue.

Suboxone Treatment Phases

There are three main phases to administering buprenorphine or Suboxone, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. These include:⁷

• Induction. The induction phase involves treating a patient with the medication starting 16-48 hours after opioid use. Typically, patients remain in the induction phase for 1-3 days.
• Stabilization. By now, the person should have discontinued or at least significantly reduced use of the addictive drug. The person may need Suboxone dosing and timing adjustments to reduce withdrawal symptoms from the addictive opioid or to avoid side effects.
• Maintenance. If the person responds well, the maintenance phase begins. Patients will continue taking Suboxone for as long as the patient and prescribing doctor deem appropriate. Eventually, the dose may be tapered until the patient no longer takes the drug.

Why Is It Hard to Stop Taking Suboxone?

Abruptly ceasing or reducing Suboxone use may cause withdrawal symptoms similar to those caused by opioid agonists. Typically, a prescribing doctor will taper patients off of Suboxone to avoid or mitigate these complications.⁶

Are You Concerned About Your Suboxone Use?

If you are concerned about your Suboxone use, research and clinical experience have identified effective treatment methodologies to safely and comfortably help a person recover from Suboxone addiction.⁸

Medication treatment is often more effective when coupled with other interventions such as behavioral therapy and peer support.⁸

Suboxone Rehab Treatment & Detox

Treatment staff at American Addiction Centers (AAC) can work with you to outline a treatment path that can safely and comfortably help you get sober and remain in recovery.

Call to speak to an admissions navigator and begin treatment today. If you prefer, you can also reach us via text.