Is Suboxone Safe When Still Using Heroin?

Heroin addiction can be highly difficult for many to overcome, which is why Suboxone is frequently used as part of heroin addiction treatment. Suboxone offers several medical benefits for those struggling with heroin addiction and dependency, including the ability to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms so patients can recover more comfortably without distractions.

But since heroin is highly addictive and poses a high risk for relapse, many recovering addicts and their loved ones have concerns about whether Suboxone is safe in the event heroin use is resumed at any point during treatment.

If you or someone you love is addicted to heroin or another opioid, understand that help is just a phone call away. Call our 24/7 confidential helpline at 888-646-0865 (Who Answers?) to learn more about drug rehab centers that use Suboxone to treat opioid addiction.

How Does Suboxone Work?

Suboxone prevents users from getting high or overdosing on heroin.

Suboxone is a synthetic opioid comprised of naloxone and buprenorphine — two medications commonly used to treat opioid addiction. Suboxone produces similar effects as heroin, but without the same feelings of euphoria and pain relief. The drug also blocks the effects of illicit opioids should addicts relapse during treatment.

Suboxone is included as part of medication-assisted treatment for opioid addiction, meaning Suboxone therapy is often combined with behavioral counseling to help addicts overcome addiction. Suboxone is effective at reducing heroin cravings and withdrawal symptoms so patients can focus more on becoming healthier, happier, and addiction-free. Unlike similar medications used for opioid addiction such as methadone, Suboxone does not offer users a euphoric high when crushed and snorted.

Using Suboxone With Heroin

Suboxone contains naloxone — an opioid overdose antidote commonly used to revive victims of heroin and opioid overdoses. Naloxone works by blocking the effects of opioids from reaching the brain — instantly reversing an overdose. Since Suboxone contains naloxone, patients who use heroin at the same time as Suboxone cannot overdose, and will not experience the pain relief and euphoric effects offered by heroin.

Though Suboxone can counter the effects of heroin, health experts warn patients against using heroin with Suboxone, since the combination can increase the risk for respiratory problems. Health experts also point out that using heroin with Suboxone can sometimes increase the risk for an intense, immediate withdrawal, which defeats the purpose of using Suboxone as part of addiction treatment.

Will Suboxone Work Better Than Methadone?

If you’re abusing heroin and Suboxone at the same time, talk to your physician or healthcare provider immediately about your options for treatment. Abusing both substances could increase your risk for major respiratory problems that can worsen your overall health. Your doctor can discuss alternate heroin addiction treatment methods so you can get back on the path to achieving sobriety and overcoming heroin dependency.

Heroin addiction can be difficult to overcome, and shouldn’t be done on your own without help. Call our 24/7 confidential helpline at 888-646-0865 (Who Answers?) to learn more about Suboxone for use in treating heroin and opioid addiction. Our caring addiction specialists will help you find drug rehab centers in your area devoted to helping you or your loved one overcome heroin addiction.