Subutex Treatment
At Oak Grove Recovery, we know that no two recovery journeys are the same. That’s why we provide a range of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) options, including Subutex. Subutex can make a big difference for those looking to manage withdrawal, stabilize their health, and take steps toward a brighter future.
What is Subutex?
Overview of Subutex
Subutex is a prescription medication that contains buprenorphine as its active ingredient. It’s commonly used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to help people with opioid addiction manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings while reducing the chances of misuse.
How Subutex works in opioid addiction treatment
Subutex works as a partial opioid agonist. This means it attaches to the brain’s opioid receptors, similar to drugs like heroin or oxycodone, but it does so less intensely. This makes it effective in easing withdrawal symptoms and reducing cravings without causing the high that other opioids do.
Subutex vs Suboxone
Key differences between Subutex and Suboxone
Both Subutex and Suboxone contain buprenorphine, but there’s a key difference—Subutex has only buprenorphine, while Suboxone also includes naloxone to help prevent misuse. Subutex might be a better fit for you if:
- You’re starting treatment in a supervised, inpatient setting
- You’re sensitive or allergic to naloxone
- You’re pregnant (in some cases, Subutex is preferred)
Choosing between Subutex and Suboxone comes down to your specific needs and goals. We’re here to guide you through the options and help you find the best fit for your journey.
Which one is right for you?
When you start MAT at Oak Grove Recovery, we'll help you decide which medication is right for you. Subutex, Suboxone, and methadone are effective in treating opioid addiction, but it ultimately depends on your individual needs. Our compassionate team will take into consideration factors such as your medical history, any previous treatments you've tried, and any current health conditions you may have. We'll also discuss your personal preferences and goals for recovery.
Common side effects
Side effects may include nausea, vomiting, constipation, drowsiness, headache, and dry mouth. It's important to note that not everyone will experience these side effects, and they are often temporary as your body adjusts to the medication.
Serious side effects to watch for
Serious side effects are usually limited to interactions with other medications, including other opioids and benzodiazepines. These interactions can cause respiratory depression, a slowed breathing rate that can be life-threatening. It's essential to inform your healthcare provider of any other medications you are taking before starting opioid therapy.
Is Subutex right for your recovery?
Buprenorphine treatment and medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
Role of buprenorphine in MAT
Buprenorphine blocks the cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with opioid addiction, allowing people to focus on their recovery without being constantly consumed by the physical need for opioids. It also has a ceiling effect, meaning that taking more of it does not result in further euphoria or respiratory depression, making it less likely for individuals to abuse it.
Benefits of medication-assisted treatment
Subutex is a great option for many people in recovery from opioid use disorder:
- Eases withdrawal symptoms
- Helps reduce cravings
- Provides stability in early recovery
- Can be started earlier in detox compared to Suboxone
- Ideal for those who are sensitive to naloxone
With Subutex, recovery can start with fewer physical challenges. By managing withdrawal safely, you can focus on the emotional and behavioral work needed for long-term sobriety.
Subutex Dosage Guidelines
Standard dosage recommendations
Your treatment team will create a safe dosage plan for you when you start Subutex treatment. Most people receive:
- First dose: 2–4mg when moderate withdrawal sets in
- First day: Additional doses over a few hours, not more than 8mg total
- Second day: Total day one dose plus more to reach 8–16mg
- Maintenance dose: 4–24mg once a day
Never adjust your dose without talking with a provider.
Adjusting dosage for individual needs
Some people will need lower or higher doses depending on their needs. the Oak Grove Team will work with you in our MAT program to find the right dose and talk to you about what steps you'll need to take if you think you need to adjust it in the future.
Subutex Withdrawal
Symptoms of Subutex withdrawal
Stopping Subutex abruptly can cause withdrawal symptoms. Using other opioid medications can also cause withdrawal. Symptoms include:
- Anxiety, restless legs, yawning
- Goose bumps, chills, sweating
- Diarrhea, stomach cramps
- Bone or muscle pain
- Sleep trouble, vivid dreams
- Runny eyes/nose
Managing withdrawal safely
To avoid withdrawal symptoms caused by Subutex, avoid other opioids, both prescription and illicit. You can also lessen withdrawal symptoms by talking to your doctor when you think you need a dose change or it's time to stop taking it. They may suggest tapering off slowly, staying hydrated and nourished, having support, and using other medications to manage symptoms.
Subutex for Special Populations
Subutex use during pregnancy
Subutex, which is buprenorphine, is often the first choice for treating opioid use disorder in pregnant or breastfeeding women. It's sometimes safer than methadone for both mother and child. Your dose may change if you become pregnant while taking Subutex, so talk with your doctor about making any adjustments so you and your baby can stay safe.
Subutex for chronic pain management
Buprenorphine can manage chronic pain because it's an opioid. However, without a diagnosis of opioid use disorder, it may not be covered by insurance. If you're in recovery from OUD, Subutex may help you manage pain, which can be a trigger for relapse.
Subutex Clinics and Treatment Programs
Finding a Subutex clinic near you
Oak Grove Recovery is located in Westerville, OH, just a short 20-minute drive from the heart of downtown Columbus. We're also conveniently located on a CMAX route near Alum Creek.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) also makes it easy to find a Subutex clinic near you. Visit the SAMHSA site for more resources.
What to expect in treatment programs
Subutex treatment starts with a thorough evaluation and a medically supervised first dose to get you on the right track. Once stable, you’ll follow a personalized treatment plan, including regular doses. At Oak Grove Recovery, we also offer:
- Individual counseling
- Group therapy sessions
- Psychiatric care for other mental health needs
- Nutrition tips and life skills coaching
Subutex Cost and Insurance Coverage
Understanding treatment costs
The total cost of your treatment will depend on your insurance coverage, which services you need, and how long treatment lasts. At Oak Grove Recovery, we believe that cost should not be a barrier to life-saving treatment. We accept all Ohio Medicaid plans and many commercial insurance carriers.
Insurance options for Subutex
Buprenorphine medications, including Subutex, are often covered by Medicaid when used for OUD. Other insurance carriers may also cover it in full or offer discounts. The Oak Grove team can help you verify your coverage so you know exactly how much it would cost to start and continue Subutex.
Subutex long-term effects and Safety
Long-term impact of Subutex use
The biggest impact of long-term Subutex use is survival. Addiction takes the lives of thousands of people in the U.S. every year. Subutex is one way that people stop the cycle of addiction and make progress in recovery.
Other risks are minimal, the main being withdrawal symptoms when someone stops using Subutex too quickly. If you have any side effects or concerns, talk with our team when discussing your options.
Safety precautions and drug interactions
Subutex is an opioid that interacts with other substances and drugs.
- Benzodiazepines: Increases the chance of overdose
- Alcohol: Increases the chance of overdose
- CYP3A4 inhibitors (including fungal creams, infection medicines, grapefruit juice, and more): Affects how much or how quickly Subutex is used by the body
When you're starting Subutex, talk with our team about any medications you're taking. If you ever need to start a new one, talk with your doctor about your Subutex prescripotion and any interactions.
Subutex and Counseling
Importance of counseling in treatment
Addiction counseling helps you explore the emotional and mental reasons behind substance use. In one-on-one or group sessions, you’ll learn healthy coping skills, work through past trauma, and build a positive mindset for recovery.
Our counselors team up with our MAT providers to create a smooth, supportive treatment plan designed to help you heal and stay on track for the long term.
Combining Subutex with behavioral therapy
Medication alone isn’t the whole solution. Real recovery happens when you address the root causes of addiction. That’s why we combine Subutex treatment with:
- Therapy to help reframe negative thought patterns (CBT)
- Care that recognizes and addresses past trauma
- Motivational interviewing to build confidence and goals
- Group therapy for structured peer support
Our well-rounded approach helps heal your mind, body, and connections as you move forward in recovery.
Subutex Tapering and Discontinuation
How to taper off Subutex safely
When it's time to stop taking Subutex, tapering is the best option. Always taper off the medication with the help of a doctor. They may:
- Make sure you're stable in health, housing, and other areas
- Gradually lower your dose and watch for withdrawal over a few weeks
- Lower your dose over a few months (micro-taper)
- Switch you to another medication when you're ready to stop Subutex
Avoiding relapse during tapering
Recovery is a lifelong challenge that you'll have to show up for every day. Subutex can help you handle those challenges, but the risk of relapse remains—especially if you need to quit Subutex. You can lower your relapse risk by:
- Attending therapy more often
- Joining support groups
- Using non-opioid medications for pain management if needed
- Plan rewarding milestones and celebrations
Subutex Myths and Facts
Common misconceptions about Subutex
Subutex is a tool that can save your life. It's not right for everyone, but for many, it's the first chance they get to feel in control over their addiction.
- Myth: You're not clean if you're on Subutex.
- Fact: Subutex is a safe, effective, approved medication that doesn't get you high. It manages your symptoms like other medications do.
- Myth: Medication-assisted treatment is just swapping addictions.
- Fact: MAT is a controlled therapy. You'll meet with medical professionals regularly and have other options if you need to quit.
Evidence-based information
- About 50% of people saw positive outcomes with buprenorphine treatment.
- Buprenorphine has less risk of abuse than methadone.
- Addiction treatment takes time and management. Longer-term treatment is associated with better results.
Subutex regulations and legal considerations
Regulatory guidelines for Subutex use
Subutex can be prescribed and managed via virtual (telemedicine) appointments. This makes continuing your prescription easier if you have trouble with transportation or live in a rural area. Long-term management of opioid use disorder can also be protected by the ADA in the workplace, though some exceptions apply to DOT-compliant jobs.
Legal aspects of prescribing Subutex
When you receive a Subutex prescription, it's entered into a prescription drug monitoring program. This means that pharmacies and providers can see when you're prescribed Subutex, which can protect you if you're prescribed a medication that could interact with it.
Begin Subutex treatment at Oak Grove Recovery today
Ready to take the first step toward opioid recovery? At Oak Grove Recovery in Westerville, Ohio, we’re here to support you. Our licensed MAT clinic offers Subutex treatment in a safe, welcoming environment tailored to your needs.
We combine proven medication with caring counseling to guide you through every stage of recovery. Call us at 614.324.8137 or fill out our confidential contact form to learn more about how we can help. Your new beginning starts with a simple conversation.
Frequently asked questions about Subutex treatment
Both have buprenorphine, but Suboxone also includes naloxone. Subutex is usually given early in treatment or for people with certain medical conditions.
You might experience nausea, headaches, dizziness, or trouble sleeping at first. These typically fade as your body gets used to it. We’re here to keep an eye on things and help with any questions or concerns.
Subutex could be a good option if you:
- Are just starting your recovery from opioid addiction
- Have a sensitivity to naloxone
- Need help with detoxing or ongoing treatment for opioid use
Treatment plans depend on each person’s needs. Some people take Subutex for a short time to detox, while others stay on it for several months or more.
Subutex treatment is covered by most insurance plans, including Medicaid. Our team can help verify your benefits for you.
Yes. Subutex helps reduce cravings and, along with therapy and support, keeps you on track with your recovery goals.
