Suboxone: FAQs, Myths & More

Suboxone is a medication used to treat opioid dependence and addiction. It comes in the form of a sublingual film containing a combination of the drugs buprenorphine and naloxone.

Buprenorphine is a partial-opioid agonist that binds to the same opioid receptors that drugs like heroin bind to but does not completely activate them. Like methadone, buprenorphine can reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms in a person with opioid use disorder without producing euphoria.

Naloxone is an opioid antagonist, added to the formulation as a deterrent for misuse. It is not absorbed when the medication is taken sublingually as directed. But if the medication is misused (via injection or snorting), the naloxone does get absorbed and will send someone dependent on opioids into immediate withdrawal.

When used appropriately as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes counseling and psychotherapy, Suboxone can help people recover from addiction to opioids like prescription painkillers, heroin, and fentanyl.

That said, people still tend to have a lot of concerns about the use of Suboxone, especially if they don’t understand how it works or how it differs from a “full” opioid agonist.

Here, one of our top addiction experts, Dr. Lucas Trautman, answers some of the most commonly asked questions about Suboxone. Watch the videos below to learn more.

Is buprenorphine an opioid?

Can Suboxone trigger withdrawal symptoms?

Is it ok to switch from methadone to Suboxone?

Does Suboxone rot your teeth and cause other side effects?

What is the safest way to stop using Suboxone?

Get Help for Opioid Addiction at AdCare

If you or a loved one is struggling with opioid addiction, professional treatment can help. At AdCare Treatment Centers, our drug and alcohol detox center in Massachusetts and inpatient rehab in Rhode Island offer a full continuum of care with personalized treatment plans designed to meet each patient’s individual needs.

Call us at to discuss treatment and payment options, check your insurance coverage, and begin the path to recovery today.