However, Suboxone alone has not been shown to decrease alcohol use or treat alcohol use disorder. The emergency and referral resources listed above are available to individuals located in the United States and are not operated by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). NIDA is a biomedical research organization and does not provide personalized medical advice, treatment, counseling, or legal consultation. Information provided by NIDA is not a substitute for professional medical care or legal consultation.
Suboxone is a medication that combines buprenorphine and naloxone, primarily designed to treat opioid addiction. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist—it fills the opioid receptors in the brain, reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Naloxone, an opioid antagonist, discourages substance misuse by inducing withdrawal symptoms if Suboxone is injected. Research has found that Suboxone—a medication often used to treat opioid addiction—can help with alcohol withdrawal symptoms. This finding offers hope for those in recovery, as Suboxone may ease discomfort and reduce alcohol cravings.
Then, you can work to break that pattern long-term to avoid relapsing back into destructive drinking. It is not approved for such use, though some studies have assessed whether it can be helpful in addressing certain symptoms of alcoholism. It is important to note that Suboxone should not be taken by individuals who have a history of drug or alcohol abuse, as it can be habit-forming.
Alcohol Detox: Guidelines for Successfully Detoxifying from Alcohol
Picture it as a dynamic duo of medications working together to tackle addiction head-on. It’s like Batman and Robin, but instead of fighting crime, they’re battling cravings and withdrawal symptoms. In plain English, that means it tickles the same brain receptors as opioids but without the full-blown high. Its sidekick, naloxone, is there to prevent misuse by blocking the effects of opioids if someone tries to abuse the medication.
Given these factors, it becomes clear that taking Suboxone for alcohol addiction can do more harm than good. Instead, it’s crucial to explore more evidence-based and specialized treatment avenues. Many people do recover from opioid use disorder with the assistance of Suboxone, but that does not mean it can be smoothly applied to other substance addictions, like alcohol. A graduate of Middle Tennessee State University, Demarco Moore currently writes blogs about drug addiction treatment and recovery to help save lives at treatment provider Landmark Recovery. Before that, he cut his teeth as a sports writer at the Manchester Times, where his coverage and stories won Tennessee Press Association awards in 2016 and 2017. Moore’s written content for junior golf tournaments and helped to amplify the “People Not Profits” message of credit unions.
While there is ongoing research on the use of buprenorphine for treating alcohol dependence, more studies are needed before any conclusions can be made. However, it is essential to explore the reasons behind this answer and understand the specifics of suboxone. If you’re ready to break free from the grip of alcohol addiction—or if you’re worried about someone who is—take that first step today. Contact Lighthouse Recovery and discover how a structured, evidence-based treatment plan can transform the future.
One study found that low doses of buprenorphine actually increase the use of alcohol because of the stimulation of opioid receptors in the brain. A second study found that high-dose buprenorphine might be useful in treating treatment-resistant alcohol dependence. When it’s connected, Suboxone eases opioid withdrawal signs and symptoms.
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Once the detox is complete, the patient will be weaned off of these sedatives until they are no longer necessary. There are a host of treatments available to help those who are dealing with an alcohol dependency. People who suffer from AUD might relapse, which can make recovery from AUD more challenging. AUD can affect every aspect of a person’s life and cause significant, negative impacts. For informational purposes only, a link to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Open Payments web page is provided here. Much like with Suboxone, these medications are prescribed in conjunction with counseling to provide comprehensive is suboxone used for alcoholism AUD treatment.
Are medications for opioid use disorder safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
- However, combining Suboxone with alcohol can lead to hazardous consequences, even when following your doctor’s instructions.
- Julie Marks is a freelance writer with more than 20 years of experience covering health, lifestyle, and science topics.
- Picture it as a dynamic duo of medications working together to tackle addiction head-on.
Suboxone works to treat alcoholism by blocking opioid receptors in the brain. This makes it difficult for the user to get high, which reduces cravings for alcohol. Additionally, Suboxone has been found to reduce the amount of time it takes for alcoholics to become sober and reduce the risk of relapse. Suboxone is typically prescribed in combination with other treatments for alcoholism, such as individual therapy, group therapy, and lifestyle changes. While several medications can be effective when dealing with alcohol withdrawal and cravings, Suboxone is not one of them.
Medications Approved for AUD
For individuals looking to get sober, there is help available, and you can get back to living the kind of life that you always envisioned. Call for free at and we’ll be happy to assist you in finding a rehab program that fits your individual needs. Professional addiction treatment can start anyone battling a substance use problem on the path to a happier and healthier life. Alcohol consumption triggers the release of dopamine, creating a feeling of pleasure and reinforcing the behavior, which can lead to repeated use and eventually addiction.
Why People Consider Suboxone for Alcohol Addiction
Additionally, it can provide support for those who are in recovery from alcohol use disorder. While Suboxone is widely known for treating opioid addiction, its role in alcohol dependence is a topic of interest among healthcare professionals. One of the medications people ask about when dealing with alcohol addiction is Suboxone. It’s commonly used to deal with withdrawal from opioids, but it can have other uses as well. There isn’t evidence that Suboxone or similar medications can ease alcohol withdrawal symptoms, and it shouldn’t be taken for this purpose. It is a medication worth discussing with an addiction treatment professional if you struggle with both alcohol and opioid misuse.
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Together, we can beat addiction and set a course for long-term wellness, free from the false promises and potential dangers of misusing medications like Suboxone. At Lighthouse Recovery in Dallas, TX, we stand ready to guide you or your loved one toward genuine, sustained recovery. Our focus is on personalized, compassionate care, ensuring every client receives the treatment model best suited to their situation. We do not endorse Suboxone for alcohol addiction, as it poses unnecessary risks and complications. Instead, we specialize in proven strategies that target the root causes of alcohol dependence, paving a clear path to a healthier, more fulfilling life. At Lighthouse Recovery, we prioritize evidence-based and individualized care for all our clients.
People can then suffer symptoms of withdrawal when they stop ingesting alcohol and may experience physical and emotional consequences. Suboxone is not used to treat alcohol addiction or alcohol dependence—rather, it is an effective medication for opioid use disorder. As with any medication, Suboxone can have interactions and side effects that require careful attention. If you’re taking Suboxone, it’s important to understand how it interacts with other substances to ensure a successful treatment.
Julie Marks is a freelance writer with more than 20 years of experience covering health, lifestyle, and science topics. In addition to writing for Everyday Health, her work has been featured in WebMD, SELF, Healthline, A&E, Psych Central, Verywell Health, and more. Her goal is to compose helpful articles that readers can easily understand and use to improve their well-being.
