Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a medical condition—not a personal failure. Like other chronic health conditions, it can be effectively treated with evidence-based care. Recovery looks different for everyone, and many people benefit from combining medication with counseling, peer support, and other recovery services.
At New Brunswick Counseling Center, we offer comprehensive treatment for opioid use disorder, including Suboxone®, counseling, and recovery support, to help individuals build healthier, more stable lives.
What is Suboxone®?
Suboxone® is an FDA-approved medication used to treat opioid use disorder. It contains two medications:
- Buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist that helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing the same euphoric effects as opioids such as heroin or fentanyl when taken as prescribed.
- Naloxone, an opioid antagonist included to discourage misuse. When Suboxone is taken under the tongue or inside the cheek as directed, naloxone has very little effect. If the medication is injected, naloxone can precipitate withdrawal.
Suboxone is one of several Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD), alongside methadone and extended-release naltrexone. Research consistently shows that MOUD reduces opioid use, lowers the risk of overdose, improves treatment retention, and saves lives.
It can be prescribed by New Brunswick Counseling Center in New Brunswick and Burlington (Mount Holly)
Let’s answer some common questions.
How Does Suboxone Work?
Buprenorphine works by attaching to the same opioid receptors in the brain that opioids like heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone, and morphine affect—but it activates those receptors only partially.
This helps:
- Reduce opioid cravings
- Prevent or lessen withdrawal symptoms
- Lower the risk of overdose compared to full opioid agonists
- Allow people to focus on recovery, work, family, and everyday life
Because buprenorphine binds tightly to opioid receptors, taking other opioids while on Suboxone may have little or no effect and can still be dangerous.
Your provider will tell you when to begin taking Suboxone. Starting it too soon after recent opioid use can trigger precipitated withdrawal, so it is important to follow your provider’s instructions carefully.
How Do I Take It?
Suboxone is available as:
- A sublingual film (placed under the tongue)
- A buccal or sublingual film depending on the formulation
- A sublingual tablet (generic versions)
Take your medication exactly as prescribed.
Do not:
- Stop taking it suddenly without speaking to your provider.
- Change your dose on your own.
- Share your medication with anyone else.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take two doses at once.
Until you know how the medication affects you, use caution when driving or operating machinery.
What Are the Side Effects?
Many people tolerate Suboxone well. Common side effects may include:
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Headache
- Sweating
- Difficulty sleeping
- Fatigue
- Dry mouth
- Mouth irritation (with films)
- Dizziness
These side effects often improve as your body adjusts to treatment. If they persist or become bothersome, talk with your healthcare provider. Do not stop taking the medication without medical guidance.
Are There Serious Risks?
Serious side effects are uncommon but can occur.
Seek emergency medical attention if someone experiences:
- Trouble breathing
- Extreme sleepiness or inability to wake up
- Blue lips or fingertips
- Loss of consciousness
The risk of breathing problems increases when Suboxone is combined with alcohol, benzodiazepines (such as Xanax® or Ativan®), sleep medications, or other sedating drugs unless carefully monitored by a healthcare provider.
Who Can Take Suboxone?
Suboxone may be an appropriate treatment for many adults with opioid use disorder. Your provider will review your medical history, current medications, and treatment goals to determine whether it is the best option for you.
People with liver disease, pregnancy, or certain other medical conditions may still be candidates for treatment but may require additional monitoring or a different medication.
Does Insurance Cover Suboxone?
Most commercial insurance plans, Medicaid, and Medicare provide coverage for Suboxone or its generic equivalent. Our team can help verify your benefits and discuss treatment costs.
Is Medication Replacing One Drug with Another?
No.
This is one of the most common misconceptions about MOUD.
When taken as prescribed, Suboxone helps stabilize brain chemistry, reduces cravings and withdrawal, and allows people to focus on recovery. It is an evidence-based medical treatment—similar to using insulin for diabetes or medication to manage high blood pressure.
Many people use Suboxone short-term, while others benefit from longer-term treatment. The length of treatment is individualized and should be determined with your healthcare provider.
Recovery Is More Than Medication
Medication is one important part of treatment, but recovery often includes:
- Individual counseling
- Group therapy
- Peer recovery support
- Case management
- Mental health treatment
- Relapse prevention planning
- Primary medical care
At New Brunswick Counseling Center, we work with each person to create a treatment plan that meets their unique needs and goals.
We’re Here to Help
If you or someone you care about is struggling with opioid use disorder, effective treatment is available.
New Brunswick Counseling Center offers compassionate, evidence-based care that combines medications for opioid use disorder with counseling and recovery support.
New Brunswick Office: 732-723-4271
Mount Holly (Burlington) Office: 609-372-2043
Recovery is possible—and you don’t have to do it alone.
Sources: What is Suboxone? 4 Facts Every Patient Should Know – Recovery Care
Suboxone: Side effects, dosage, use for dependence, and more (medicalnewstoday.com)