Beach House Center for Recovery offers dedicated treatment for Suboxone addiction and its co-occurring mental health disorders. Our team of medical clinicians, addiction care specialists, and psychiatric providers is passionate about delivering supportive, compassionate care that helps patients successfully manage addiction disorders.

While Suboxone can be an extremely effective medication for managing opioid addiction, misusing Suboxone can have devastating consequences.

What is Suboxone?

Suboxone is the brand name for a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating opioid dependence and addiction. Suboxone contains two active ingredients: buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine is what is called a partial opioid agonist. The drug binds to the opioid receptors in the body but does not produce the same effects as a full opioid agonist like morphine, heroin, and prescription opioid painkillers. Naloxone is a pure opioid antagonist, meaning it blocks the effects of full opioid agonists.

Suboxone treats opioid dependence by relieving withdrawal symptoms and preventing opioid cravings. It works by partly activating the opioid receptors in the brain, reducing the cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with opioid dependence. Suboxone is typically used with counseling and other support services to help people struggling with opioid dependence.

Suboxone is a Schedule III drug and is available by prescription only. It has a lower potential for abuse than Schedule II drugs such as OxyContin and Vicodin. Suboxone is also subject to special federal regulations, including a restricted supply, physician registration, and a requirement for special opioid treatment programs.

The FDA has approved Suboxone for treating opioid dependence in adults and adolescents over 16. It is important to note that Suboxone is not a cure for opioid dependence. It is a tool to help individuals manage and minimize symptoms of opioid use disorder.

Is Suboxone Addictive?

While Suboxone can treat opioid addiction effectively, it is also an opioid itself and carries the risk of addiction. The risk of Suboxone addiction is higher when it is not taken as prescribed by a doctor or when it is taken for recreational purposes.

When Suboxone is abused, it is done to achieve the same euphoric effects as other opioids. It may be taken in higher doses than prescribed, with other narcotic drugs, or taken by someone who is not prescribed the medication.

Suboxone can also be injected, snorted, or smoked, increasing the risk of overdose. 

In addition to the risks of addiction and overdose, those who withdraw from Suboxone can experience Suboxone abuse symptoms as the drug wears off. These symptoms may include the following:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Headaches
  • Sweating
  • Difficulty sleeping

People with a history of substance abuse may be more likely to become addicted to Suboxone.

Side Effects of Suboxone

The FDA has approved Suboxone as part of a complete treatment program for those suffering from opioid dependence. While Suboxone is an effective treatment for opioid dependence, it does have some side effects. Risks of Suboxone include the following symptoms:

  • Headache
  • Nausea/vomiting:
  • Constipation
  • Fatigue
  • Disordered sleep
  • Diminished sex drive

Additional side effects may include itching, difficulty concentrating, dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision, dry mouth, and changes in taste.

Serious side effects of Suboxone are rare but may include mood changes, confusion, depression, hallucinations, and seizures. In addition, Suboxone has been known to cause liver damage, liver failure, and an allergic reaction in some patients. If you experience any of these serious side effects, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Suboxone Abuse Signs

Suboxone addiction symptoms are similar to the physical and emotional effects of opioid use disorder. The emotional effects of Suboxone abuse can be just as severe as the physical effects, making them difficult to overcome without support.

Here are five common symptoms of Suboxone abuse:

  • Unusual tiredness: People who misuse Suboxone may experience extreme tiredness and fatigue, even after sleeping for long periods.
  • Appetite loss: Suboxone use disorder often leads to decreased appetite, partly due to buprenorphine-induced nausea.
  • Mood swings: Misusing Suboxone can cause sudden mood swings, from extreme highs to extreme lows.
  • Impaired coordination: People who abuse Suboxone may experience impaired motor coordination, making everyday tasks more difficult.
  • Mental confusion: People who abuse Suboxone may find it difficult to concentrate and focus on everyday tasks.

Beach House Center for Recovery: Evidence-Backed Suboxone Addiction Treatment

At Beach House Center for Recovery, we offer intensive treatment for opioid use disorders. Our team of compassionate addiction specialists is dedicated to providing the care necessary to address the core cause of self-medicating behaviors.

If you think you are experiencing signs of Suboxone addiction, please don’t hesitate to contact our helpful admissions counselor today.