Suboxone is an opioid antagonist used to treat men and women suffering at the hands of moderate or severe opioid abuse disorders. When this medication is used, it helps alleviate the psychological drug cravings that go hand in hand with opioid addiction, and it helps relieve symptoms associated with opioid withdrawal.
While Suboxone can be a valuable part of comprehensive treatment programs, it is essential to understand that it does not serve as a cure and is not an effective treatment when used alone. Behavioral therapy must be combined with a range of other treatment options for it to be truly effective.
Does Suboxone Make Anxiety Symptoms Worse?
TL;DR: Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) can affect anxiety differently for each person. For some, it helps reduce anxiety by stabilizing opioid withdrawal and cravings. For others, especially if taken in high doses or during dose changes, it might cause or worsen anxiety symptoms like restlessness, irritability, or insomnia. Always speak with a healthcare provider to adjust dosage or explore alternative treatments if anxiety increases.
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Does Using Suboxone For a Long Period Lead to Anxiety?
Suboxone is a powerful medication, altering brain chemistry when used consistently for a prolonged period. As a result, a person who has been taking Suboxone is likely to experience mood swings, often characterized by increased irritability and agitation. Suboxone is also liable to cause anxiety in the user. Usually, this anxiety is not severe, and it resolves once Suboxone is no longer being taken.
The side effects caused by the medication are only one reason why it is recommended as a short-term part of a more comprehensive and long-term treatment program. It is also important to note that Suboxone is not suitable for everyone. For example, if you have previously been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, it is usually good to avoid this medication altogether. If you do not, the symptoms of your existing anxiety disorder might be made more severe.
Suboxone Withdrawal and Its Impact on Anxiety
Although Suboxone treatment plays a critical role in managing opioid use disorder (OUD), discontinuing or reducing the dose of Suboxone too quickly can lead to Suboxone withdrawal.
These opioid withdrawal symptoms may include muscle aches, anxiety, irritability, insomnia, digestive discomfort, and flu-like symptoms. Because Suboxone is a partial opioid agonist, its withdrawal tends to be milder than full opioids like fentanyl or methadone, but it can still significantly affect a person’s mental health, especially for those with pre-existing mental health conditions.
In some cases, anxiety may worsen during or after Suboxone use, particularly if withdrawal is not carefully managed. It’s essential to work with a medical professional when adjusting a treatment plan for opioid dependence, especially in outpatient settings, to avoid complications like high blood pressure, sedation, or even life-threatening symptoms if mixed with other prescription medications such as benzodiazepines or antidepressants. This information is for informational purposes only and should not replace guidance from a licensed provider.
Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder
Opioid use disorder is a complex medical condition that affects physical, psychological, and social aspects of a person’s life. This complexity requires a comprehensive approach to treatment. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) combines medications like Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) with counseling and behavioral therapies to provide a “whole-patient” approach.
Understanding Suboxone
Suboxone is an FDA-approved medication that can be highly effective throughout the recovery process, not just in early stages. As a partial opioid agonist, buprenorphine produces weaker effects than full opioids while also blocking other opioids from binding to receptors. This helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms while preventing euphoria from other opioids.
While Suboxone can lead to physical dependence (where the body adapts to the medication), this is distinct from addiction (characterized by compulsive drug-seeking despite harmful consequences). Many patients take Suboxone as prescribed for months or years without developing addiction. Some patients may experience side effects, though many report improved emotional stability with proper treatment.
Medical Consensus
The current medical consensus, supported by organizations like SAMHSA, the American Society of Addiction Medicine, and the World Health Organization, recognizes medication-assisted treatment as a standard of care for opioid use disorder, not just a last resort option. These organizations recommend MAT as a first-line treatment option for most patients with opioid use disorder, regardless of severity.
Evidence-Based Approach
Research consistently shows that medications like Suboxone significantly improve treatment outcomes by:
- Reducing illicit opioid use
- Decreasing overdose deaths
- Reducing criminal activity
- Improving social functioning
Personalized Treatment
The treatment approach should be tailored to each individual’s needs. While behavioral therapies are important complementary treatments, the type and intensity should be personalized. Though some patients benefit from 12-step programs, these are not considered essential components of evidence-based care, and many patients recover successfully through other psychosocial approaches.
The decision to use medication assistance should be made collaboratively between patients and healthcare providers based on clinical assessment, patient preferences, and evidence-based guidelines rather than predetermined criteria about addiction severity.
How Does MAT Program Work at Allure Detox?
The Allure Detox program combines MAT with behavioral therapy and a range of comfort-based amenities to make the withdrawal process as painless and short-lived as possible. If you or someone you love has been struggling with opioid abuse, we are available to help – and help is only a phone call away. As soon as you decide to seek the professional care you need, we will step in to walk you through the admissions process.
The process begins with a short initial assessment. Next, we ask a series of questions like, “How long have you been abusing opioids?” “Have you ever attempted to quit on your own?” “Have you ever been diagnosed with a chronic health condition or an underlying mental illness?” The answers to these questions help our clinical team determine which detox methods will benefit you or your loved one the most. Next, we begin choosing viable coverage options.
Get the Help You Need for Suboxone Addiction
Allure Detox, we work closely with most major health insurance companies. Once coverage is determined, we will start planning out a date for your arrival. Again, as soon as you arrive, you will be given a brief tour of the facility and made to feel right at home. Opioid withdrawal does not have to be an intimidating process. With the right tools in place, you can undergo withdrawal in a short matter of time without experiencing the more severe symptoms.
To learn more about our detox program or the role that Suboxone plays in the opioid withdrawal process, contact us today. Our specialists are available 24/7 and will answer any questions you may have confidentially.
Published on: 2021-06-11
Updated on: 2025-03-21
