Suboxone Abuse: Effects, Signs & Symptoms

Although intended strictly for use in opioid addiction treatment, the medication Suboxone is also sometimes a target for illicit consumption. Worried that you or your loved one have problems caused by Suboxone misuse? The information on this page will improve your understanding of the issues you face. It will also direct you toward the most reliable options for effective treatment.

Symptoms and Side Effects of Suboxone Abuse

Suboxone¹ is a formulated blend of two active ingredients, buprenorphine² (an opioid) and naloxone (an anti-opioid). When used properly, it can help you go through opioid withdrawal while avoiding major symptoms. However, since buprenorphine is an opioid, addiction/prescription-drugs/suboxone-addiction/” title=”Suboxone”>Suboxone can serve as a target for misuse and addiction. People addicted to the medication qualify for a diagnosis of the condition known as opioid use disorder³. A doctor can also diagnose this condition if you’ve established a pattern of damaging, non-addictive Suboxone abuse.

Cases of Suboxone-related opioid use disorder are identified by core symptoms such as:

• Habitual consumption of excessive doses of the medication at any one time
• Habitual overuse of the medication throughout the day
• A history of two or more failed attempts to stop misusing Suboxone
• Poor performance at work, home or school caused by your level of Suboxone intake
• Failure to stop misusing the medication after your loved ones voice their concerns
• Failure to stop misusing the medication after your intake disrupts your mental or physical well-being
• Rising consumption of Suboxone caused by increased opioid tolerance
• Strong urges for Suboxone when not consuming the medication
• A shift away from prior favored activities and toward consumption of the medication
• Repeated use of Suboxone in situations that endanger your life or other people’s lives

Signs of Suboxone Misuse

Like other forms of opioid misuse, Suboxone misuse may leave additional telltale signs. These signs can include⁴:

• An unexplained lack of energy
• Constipation
• Episodes of extreme anxiety and panic
• A declining ability to exercise sound decision making
• A unstable or fluctuating mood
• Lack of adequate muscle coordination
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Depressed mood
• Irritable mood
• Declining interest in everyday concerns or social norms

As a rule, Suboxone is prescribed to people accustomed to taking stronger opioid substances such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, heroin or fentanyl. When used as directed for this purpose, the medication does not promote continuing addiction. However, people with no history of opioid use can become addicted to Suboxone in a fairly short span of time. People not used to opioids are also at-risk for overdosing on the medication. The naloxone in Suboxone limits its opioid effect as well as helps deter misuse. Despite this fact, some people (both in and out of treatment) try to crush the medication and use it for an illicit “high.”

Reach Out For Help

We provide holistic care and treatment using an individualized approach specifically tailored to your needs. Our holistic care and treatment is based on the best scientific evidence available. Secondly, we help you lead a healthy, substance-free life with adaptive coping and problem-solving skills. Don’t let Suboxone addiction control your life. Our addiction professionals can help you get on a path of recovery, significantly changing your life. Contact us today for more information on our certified staff of professionals, as well as our first-rate facilities.