What Are the Symptoms of Too Much Suboxone?

November 20, 2023

What Are the Symptoms of Too Much Suboxone?

Navigating substance use disorders is a complex journey. For those grappling with opioid addiction, the medication Suboxone has emerged as a valuable tool on the path to recovery. However, like any medication, the risk of misuse and addiction exists. What are the symptoms of too much Suboxone? Does Suboxone get you high? Building knowledge on this medication can help you determine if it’s an option for you or your loved one, or if you have a problem with it.

What Is Suboxone?

Suboxone is a medication formulated to assist individuals in overcoming opioid addiction. Comprising buprenorphine and naloxone, it works by reducing opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms without inducing the same euphoria associated with opioid use.

Buprenorphine itself is an opioid, but it’s considered a partial opioid agonist. That means it helps prevent other opioids (like heroin) from binding to opioid receptors in the brain. In other words, it blocks the pleasurable, euphoric effects people feel when they get high. Buprenorphine also helps reduce cravings and decrease uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.

Many people know naloxone under its brand name: Narcan. Narcan is an opioid antagonist, which means it can reverse the effects of opioids. If someone injects Suboxone, the naloxone will trigger withdrawal symptoms. This effect often discourages people from abusing it.

Is Suboxone Legal Without a Prescription?

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies Suboxone as a schedule III narcotic. This classification means the drug has medicinal benefits, but it also has a significant risk for abuse. You can only legally receive Suboxone with a prescription.

It’s essential to clarify that Suboxone is not intended for recreational use, and when used as prescribed under the guidance of medical professionals, it plays a crucial role in supporting individuals on their journey to recovery.

Suboxone comes in sublingual film strips, which dissolve under your tongue. They may also be taken on the inside of your cheek. Most people take one dose once a day, but you should always take your prescription exactly as your doctor tells you.

Does Suboxone Get You High?

Because it is only a “partial” agonist of the main opiate receptor, Suboxone causes much less euphoria than the other opiates such as heroin and oxycodone. The medication can still produce a euphoric effect, as it still acts on the same opioid receptors in the brain and creates a flood of dopamine in the brain. This high may be less intense than other full agonist opioids, but it may last longer.

Suboxone, like any opiate and many other medications, can be misused. However, Suboxone may be abused by individuals battling addiction to a short-acting opioid drug like heroin. They may use it in between doses to keep withdrawal symptoms from occurring. Many studies have found Suboxone is more commonly abused for this purpose than to get high.

Where Can I Get Suboxone Treatment?

Suboxone treatment is administered by qualified medical professionals, typically in specialized settings known as Suboxone clinics. These clinics are staffed with doctors experienced in addiction medicine, ensuring that the medication is prescribed and monitored effectively.

Not everyone can simply walk into a Suboxone clinic and obtain the medication. Evaluation by a healthcare professional is necessary to determine the appropriateness of Suboxone treatment for an individual. This approach ensures that the medication given in a controlled and responsible manner, aligning with the goal of promoting recovery.

Get the help you need to begin your journey to recovery.

What Are the Symptoms of Too Much Suboxone?

Understanding the symptoms of excessive Suboxone use is crucial in preventing potential risks. Signs that an individual has taken too much Suboxone may include:

Nausea or vomiting
Dizziness
Respiratory issues.

It’s important to know that combining Suboxone and alcohol or other opioids can heighten the risk of overdose.

Signs Suboxone Dose is Too Low

If your Suboxone dose is too low, you might experience persistent cravings, withdrawal symptoms, or a return to opioid use.

Striking the right balance in Suboxone dosage is vital for effective treatment.

How Long Does Suboxone Treatment Last?

Suboxone treatment is a phased process designed to support individuals through opioid withdrawal and recovery. The timeline for Suboxone treatment varies depending on individual factors such as the severity of addiction and response to the medication. Generally, the treatment lasts for several months to a year, with a gradual tapering of the dosage.

Understanding the timeline for Suboxone treatment aids individuals in navigating the journey toward recovery and preparing for the subsequent phases of aftercare and relapse prevention.

Suboxone Treatment at Aliya Health Group

Treating Suboxone addiction involves an integrated approach. Aliya Health Group’s evidence-based programs are overseen by our clinical team. When you come to our treatment center for Suboxone, our therapists create an individualized recovery plan that offers you a real chance at long-term sobriety.

If you’re suffering from a co-occurring mental health disorder, dual-diagnosis treatment will be critical for you. Whether your Suboxone use was due to a mental health issue or vice versa, it’s important to treat both for an effective recovery.

Suboxone treatment options with Aliya can involve the following levels of care:

Medical detox: The first step in the recovery process is ridding your body of Suboxone. Detox symptoms are managed by your Suboxone doctor and our team of clinicians at in a safe and comfortable detox facility. If necessary, your clinical team will create a tapering schedule to manage symptoms of withdrawal.

Inpatient treatment: Our residential recovery program provides 24/7 care at one of our treatment facilities. You attend treatment every day, learning valuable skills and coping mechanisms to help deal with the triggers in your life that cause substance abuse. Talk therapy is a major part of inpatient treatment. This includes both individual and group therapy.

Partial hospitalization program (PHP): A PHP is a step down in the levels of care that offers valuable structure. You’ll come to our facility up to five times per week for six hours each visit. The goal of PHP treatment is to build upon the skills and tools learned during inpatient care, so you’re prepared for life after recovery.

Intensive outpatient program (IOP): Like PHP treatment, an IOP gives you the option to live at home or in a sober living facility while attending treatment. An IOP meets a few times per week, focusing on helping you transition back to life. It allows for more flexibility with things like school, work, and family obligations.

Outpatient care: Outpatient rehab helps you make the transition back to your normal life by attending treatment sessions once or twice per week. The goal is to use the skills learned in rehab to remain sober after leaving our care. Outpatient treatment is a great place to build a system of support you can rely on in the future, especially for relapse prevention.

Suboxone addiction treatment is available if you’re ready to make the call that can change your life. Our team can answer any questions you have about drug addiction and relapse prevention. Contact us today.

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