Six Myths About Suboxone for Treating Opioid Addiction

Suboxone is a widely used medication for opioid addiction treatment, but misinformation and myths continue to circulate about its use, effectiveness, and safety. If you or a loved one is considering Suboxone as part of a recovery plan, it’s essential to separate fact from fiction. In this article, we’ll debunk six common myths about Suboxone to help you make informed decisions.

Myth #1: Suboxone Just Replaces One Addiction With Another

One of the most common misconceptions about Suboxone is that it simply replaces an opioid addiction with another dependency. While it is true that Suboxone contains buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist, it does not produce the same high as full opioids like heroin or fentanyl. Instead, it binds to opioid receptors in the brain to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

Unlike illicit opioids, Suboxone is used under medical supervision as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, allowing individuals to regain control over their lives. The goal of Suboxone treatment is to stabilize individuals so they can focus on recovery, not to create a new addiction.

Myth #2: You’re Not Really in Recovery if You Take Suboxone

Some people believe that using Suboxone means you’re not truly sober. This perspective is rooted in the outdated belief that recovery must be completely substance-free. However, the medical community recognizes Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) and Telemedicine Medication-Assisted Treatment (TeleMAT), including Suboxone, as a legitimate and effective way to manage opioid use disorder (OUD).

Recovery is about rebuilding your life, improving mental and physical health, and restoring relationships—not about adhering to a one-size-fits-all definition of sobriety. Many people who use Suboxone lead productive, fulfilling lives. There’s a strong possibility someone you know and/or see daily is currently in a Suboxone maintenance program and shows no signs of addictive behavior. There’s no demographic for opioid addiction. People from all walks of life use Suboxone to prevent and stabilize cravings and withdrawals that are entirely out of their control.

Myth #3: Suboxone Treatment Should Be Short-Term

There is a widespread belief that Suboxone should only be used for a brief period to help with initial withdrawal symptoms. However, research shows that long-term Suboxone treatment significantly reduces the risk of relapse and overdose.

The length of time a person stays on Suboxone depends on individual needs. Some people may need it for a few months, while others may require long-term maintenance. Decisions about treatment duration should always be made in consultation with a healthcare provider rather than being dictated by misconceptions.

As of May 15, 2023, TennCare implemented changes to its buprenorphine prescription benefit, allowing for extended coverage of Suboxone treatment. These updates enable providers within the Buprenorphine Enhanced Supportive Medication Assisted Recovery and Treatment (BESMART) network to prescribe up to 16 mg of buprenorphine daily during induction, stabilization, and maintenance phases, as medically necessary. This policy change facilitates longer-term Suboxone therapy for TennCare members. (Reference: tn.gov)

Myth #4: Suboxone Is Easy to Abuse

Suboxone contains buprenorphine and naloxone, a combination designed to prevent misuse. While buprenorphine activates opioid receptors, it does so at a much lower intensity than full opioids. Naloxone is added to deter misuse by injection—it can trigger withdrawal symptoms if Suboxone is taken improperly.

Although no medication is completely abuse-proof, Suboxone has a lower potential for abuse compared to traditional opioids. When taken as prescribed, it helps patients stabilize their lives without the dangerous highs and lows of opioid addiction.

Suboxone contains a “ceiling effect”, which means that after a certain dose, taking more of the medication does not increase its opioid effects. This occurs because buprenorphine, the active ingredient in Suboxone, is a partial opioid agonist. Unlike full opioids (such as heroin or oxycodone), buprenorphine binds to opioid receptors but only partially activates them.

Myth #5: Suboxone Is Dangerous and Can Cause Overdose

While any medication has risks if not taken properly, Suboxone has a much lower overdose potential than full opioids. Because buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, it has a “ceiling effect,” meaning its opioid effects plateau, reducing the risk of respiratory depression and overdose.

Most overdoses involving buprenorphine occur when it is combined with other central nervous system depressants, such as benzodiazepines or alcohol. When used correctly under medical supervision, Suboxone is a safe and effective part of opioid addiction treatment.

Most studies suggest that doses beyond 24-32 mg per day provide no additional benefit, as the opioid receptor activity levels off. This ceiling effect makes Suboxone safer than full opioids, reducing the risk of respiratory depression and overdose.

Myth #6: Stopping Suboxone Is as Hard as Quitting Opioids

Some people worry that stopping Suboxone will be just as difficult as quitting opioids like heroin or oxycodone. While discontinuing Suboxone can result in withdrawal symptoms, they are generally milder than those associated with full opioids.

Healthcare providers typically recommend a gradual tapering plan to help individuals transition off Suboxone comfortably. Tapering allows the body to adjust slowly, minimizing withdrawal symptoms and making the process more manageable.

Some Suboxone providers use the “10%” rule for tapering, whereby patients reduce their dosage by 10% every seven days. The small change in dosage is less likely to be noticed in the body physically. The 7-day “hold” between each reduction helps the brain adjust to the new amount, before another reduction occurs.

Eventually, the patient can reach stages where a fraction of 1 mg of Suboxone is being taken daily. They may then begin taking it every other day, then every three days, until completely tapered off.

Conclusion

Suboxone is a life-saving medication that helps individuals overcome opioid addiction and regain stability. Unfortunately, persistent myths and stigma often prevent people from seeking the help they need. Understanding the truth about Suboxone can empower those struggling with addiction to make informed choices and access effective treatment.

If you or someone you know is battling opioid addiction, don’t let misinformation stand in the way of recovery. Speak with a medical professional about whether Suboxone could be a helpful part of your journey to a healthier, drug-free life.

About Nashville Addiction Clinic

Nashville Addiction Clinic Is a TennCare BeSMART-certified TeleMAT provider that utilizes telemedicine, Suboxone, case management, and counseling as part of a complete recovery program for opioid use disorder. In addition to a self-pay program, Nashville Addiction Clinic accepts all TennCare Medicaid insurance and plans from every major insurance provider in the State of Tennessee.