Suboxone Addiction: Signs & Symptoms

What to Know About Suboxone

Suboxone is an FDA-approved medication for opioid use disorder. Suboxone consists of buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine is the active ingredient, and it works like an opioid, though its effects are weaker than methadone or heroin. Naloxone is added because it’s an opioid antagonist that blocks opioid receptors and reduces potential misuse.

Buprenorphine and all buprenorphine drugs are listed as Schedule III drugs. This means they are indicated to have a moderate to low potential for dependence.² Unlike methadone, someone does not need to obtain this medication daily at a clinic. It can be taken at home via a tablet or sublingual film. It also comes in an injectable form via Sublocade.

Suboxone may be prescribed in the early opioid withdrawal stages. People may take it during the beginning stages of their recovery for a short time. Others use suboxone as part of their long-term medication-assisted treatment plan.³

8 Signs of Suboxone Abuse

Someone can become dependent on Suboxone, which means they may take more of it to achieve the desired effect. Dependence is different from addiction because it emphasizes the presence of tolerance and withdrawal symptoms. When someone has an addiction, drug use impacts their functioning and quality of life.

Suboxone addiction can be as intense as other opioid addictions, including heroin addiction. People can abuse Suboxone by taking more than prescribed or abusing it recreationally. They may also abuse it by snorting pills or dissolving the film strips and injecting them. Suboxone is often used as a street drug for opioid users to bypass withdrawal symptoms.

Below are eight signs that Suboxone use has turned into an addiction:

• Using more than prescribed or intended
• Using despite relationship problems caused by drug use
• Wanting to stop but being unable to do so
• Using despite financial problems caused by drug use
• Using in physically hazardous environments
• Using despite emotional or mental health problems exacerbated by drug use
• Using interferes with important tasks like school or work
• Experiencing legal problems due to drug use

Symptoms of Suboxone Abuse & Addiction

Suboxone addiction symptoms are behavioral, physical, and cognitive. Symptoms can develop quickly or slowly. People with histories of substance use disorders may be more likely to develop an addiction to Suboxone. According to the DSM, someone must have at least two symptoms occurring for 12 months to be diagnosed with a substance use disorder.⁴

Behavioral symptoms of Suboxone addiction include:

• Loss of interest in usual activities and hobbies
• Obsessive thoughts about using Suboxone
• Lying about Suboxone use
• Stealing or facing financial problems to obtain Suboxone
• Isolating from friends or family
• Decline in work or school performance
• Prioritizing drug use over relationships

Physical symptoms of suboxone abuse include:

• Shallow breathing
• Decreased hunger
• Flu-like symptoms (indicating withdrawal)
• Constipation
• Pinpoint pupils
• Increased drowsiness
• Changes in physical appearance
• Dizziness

Cognitive and psychological symptoms of suboxone dependence include:

• Symptoms of depression
• Memory issues
• Mental fog
• Sense of confusion/disorientation
• Mood swings
• Irritability
• Sleep problems

Is Suboxone Safe for Treatment?

Suboxone can be a safe option for drug recovery treatment. Many people benefit from medication-assisted treatment for treating opioid use disorders. However, it is imperative to have an established recovery plan and take Suboxone as prescribed. If someone is continuing to abuse other drugs, abuse Suboxone, or take it recreationally, it may not be considered safe.

What Is the Proper Way to Use Suboxone In Treatment?

Suboxone is considered safe when someone takes the medication as prescribed and with the intended route of administration. Tablets should be consumed orally, and the oral film should be dissolved slowly as a whole product. For maintenance treatment, the recommended dose is usually 16 mg/4 mg as a single daily dose.⁵

Safe, prescribed Suboxone use is closely monitored by a doctor. Patients generally work their way up to maintenance dosing. It is important to watch your use diligently. Never take more than the recommended dose or snort or inject Suboxone. If you continue abusing other opioids, you should not use Suboxone (as you may be at risk of overdosing).

Symptoms of Suboxone Withdrawal

Suboxone withdrawal symptoms mirror that of opioid withdrawal symptoms. However, some people find that their Suboxone withdrawal is more difficult than other opioids, including heroin. Withdrawal symptoms vary, but they may be more severe if you’re detoxing from other drugs or abusing high quantities of Suboxone for an extended time. Doctors often recommend tapering to mitigate intense withdrawal symptoms.

Timeline for Withdrawal Symptoms

24-72 Hours	First Week	Second Week	Month After
•Fever and chills •Nausea •Irritability •Stomach cramps •Sweating •Runny nose	•Insomnia •Mood Swings •Body aches •Depression •Cravings •Headaches	•Anxiety •Depression •Fatigue •Appetite fluctuations	•Cravings •General discomfort •Mood swings •Apathy •Anxiety

Signs of a Suboxone Overdose

Opioid overdoses can happen at any time. Using too much Suboxone or taking Suboxone with other drugs increases the risk of an overdose. No specific amount is associated with causing an overdose, as everyone’s body is different. Call 911 immediately if you suspect that you or someone has overdosed, because an overdose can cause death.

Someone should seek immediate medical attention if they show signs of a Suboxone overdose such as:⁶

• Respiratory depression
• Pinpoint pupils
• Falling asleep
• Losing consciousness (coma)
• Gurgling sounds or choking
• Body feels limp to touch
• Cold and clammy skin
• Lip and nail discoloration

Treatment for Suboxone Addiction

Addiction is treatable, and people need to understand the treatment process if they’re struggling. Opioid treatment tends to be multifaceted, and someone can still get help for Suboxone addiction even if they were taking Suboxone to address another opioid addiction. The most important part of treatment is sticking to a relapse prevention plan.

Treatment options for Suboxone addiction include:

Rehab

Rehab for Suboxone addiction offers complete structure, support, and monitoring. Understanding the differences between inpatient versus outpatient rehab is important- inpatient care means living at a facility. In contrast, outpatient care means living independently and attending weekly clinical services. Rehab lengths vary, but treatment programs typically last 1-6 months. Most insurance plans will subsidize treatment costs.

Intensive Outpatient Treatment

Intensive outpatient treatment (IOP) provides structured clinical services for people recovering from Suboxone addiction. This treatment typically entails around 10-25 hours of services per week, leaving time for people to work, attend school, or attend other responsibilities. IOP can last anywhere from 1-12 months and is generally covered by insurance.

Therapeutic Interventions

Ongoing therapy, support groups, and aftercare programs can be essential to addiction recovery. Finding the right therapist is one of the most important steps in looking after yourself. Therapy lengths also vary, but it’s not uncommon for clients to meet with their therapist weekly for several months or years.

Therapy options for addressing the effects of a Suboxone addiction include:

• Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT): CBT for addiction helps people change their negative thoughts, which can help them improve their overall mood and coping strategies.
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): DBT focuses on distress tolerance and emotional regulation, which can help people manage cravings and stress.
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR): EMDR may be helpful for people with trauma histories and may be recommended in the later stages of recovery.
• Group therapy: Group therapy offers peer support and guidance, which can be invaluable during recovery.
• Motivational interviewing: Motivational interviewing helps people who feel ambivalent about recovery.
• Schema therapy: Schema therapy blends CBT and other treatments and can help resolve long-term psychological issues.

Family Therapy

Family therapy may be recommended for people recovering from Suboxone addiction. Some theorists believe that addiction is a family disease. In treatment, family members can learn how to establish healthy boundaries with one another to avoid enabling addictive behaviors. Family members can also receive support and guidance on what to do if a relapse occurs.

Medication-Assisted Treatment

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) refers to using medications combined with other counseling techniques to treat substance use disorders. Some people may switch to other medications (i.e. methadone or naltrexone) instead of Suboxone for opioid recovery. People may also benefit from taking psychiatric medications, such as antidepressants, to manage underlying conditions perpetuating addiction.

Where to Find Professional Help for Suboxone Addiction

If you are struggling with Suboxone addiction, it is important to seek support. You may start by choosing a therapist, counselor, or psychologist. You can use an online therapist directory to begin your search. You may be a good candidate for residential or intensive outpatient care if outpatient treatment is insufficient.

In My Experience

Suboxone continues to be controversial in medical and therapeutic communities. On the one hand, it can greatly support people recovering from opioid use disorders. On the other hand, it can still be misused and can cause other addiction problems. For these reasons, seeking help is important if you’re abusing Suboxone. All opioid addictions can be dangerous and fatal, and getting treatment may save your life.