You may have heard of Suboxone, used to help people overcome addiction to opiates/opioids such as heroin or prescription painkillers such as Oxycodone. If you’re wondering whether it can be used to help people overcome addiction to alcohol, the short answer is no. Read on to learn more about what it is, how it can be used and the dangers of mixing Suboxone with alcohol.
What Is Suboxone?
Suboxone is a medication commonly used as part of Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT) to help people overcome opiate/opioid addiction. It consists of:
- Buprenorphine: An opiate-derived substance that produces similar but weaker effects than prescription opioids and heroin. It lowers the effects of withdrawal and helps curb cravings. As a partial opioid agonist it connects to both mu-opioid and kappa-opioid receptors in the brain.
- Naloxone: An opiate antagonist that counters the effects of opiate overdose. If misused the Naloxone in Suboxone initiates opiate withdrawal symptoms and so discourages abuse.
It is available as an oral film placed under your tongue or between gums and cheeks. The film melts within minutes and enters your bloodstream. Oral tablets and monthly injections are also available.
Suboxone was specifically designed to help people addicted to opioids and is not FDA-approved for any other purpose. It is a Schedule III controlled substance. It can only be prescribed by doctors or other approved health providers who have received training and certification from the US federal government.
What Is Suboxone Used For?
Suboxone is used to help people suffering from Opioid Use Disorder to stop using drugs such as heroin and Oxycodone or similar drugs.
Can Suboxone Be Used to Treat Alcohol Addiction?
Currently the answer is no. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, just like the buprenorphine in Suboxone. According to the FDA, people should never combine Suboxone with alcoholic beverages. Doing so can lead to a variety of serious effects, with the risk of death. If you can’t stop drinking alcohol while using suboxone, talk with your doctor. They may need to adjust your treatment approach.
Effects of mixing these two drugs include:
- Very slow breathing
- Low blood pressure
- Faint heartbeat
- Extreme dizziness
- Blacking out
- Coma
- Death
Some people do try to abuse Suboxone and combine it with alcohol in an attempt to increase the effect of Suboxone. In extreme cases such as overdose there is an increased risk of alcohol poisoning. If so they must be taken to a hospital immediately as untreated reactions between Suboxone and alcohol can be fatal.
There is some research in France and Italy that shows low doses of buprenorphine in rats increase alcohol intake by stimulating the classic opioid receptors and high doses reduce it via other NOP receptors. This may be an alternative last resort therapeutic option but requires more research and is not approved in the USA.[1] [2]
Understanding the Basics of MAT
Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT) is one of the most promising areas of treatment for substance use disorders. It is a “whole-person” approach that includes FDA-approved medications, counseling and behavioral therapies.
Medications Used During Alcohol Addiction Treatment
The following table summarizes the main medications for alcohol abuse treatment. None of these medications are controlled substances. They can be prescribed or administered in any health care setting [3].
| Naltrexone | Acamprosate | Disulfiram | |
| Brands | Reviva, Vivitrol | Campral | Antabuse |
| Used for |
|
Alcohol use disorder | Alcohol use disorder |
| How it works |
|
|
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| Things to consider |
|
|
|
How Does Suboxone Work?
Suboxone makes the brain think it is still getting the opioid (or alcohol). It prevents cravings and withdrawal symptoms and reduces the risk of overdose. It is administered by a trained provider in a doctor’s office or other healthcare setting. It can be used short-term in detox, but is more commonly used as a longer-term maintenance medication.
Treatment can start early, as soon as withdrawal symptoms begin. It has a flexible dosing schedule. Relapse risk increases if you forget a dose or alter the dosing schedule. Common side effects are headache, nausea and constipation. It causes physical dependence so the dose needs to be gradually tapered off when stopping use.
Buprenorphine has a “ceiling” effect where higher doses do not bring on more intense highs. Naloxone has a withdrawal-inducing effect. As a result it is more difficult to tell the signs and symptoms of Suboxone abuse. Some signs include:
- Changing moods or behavior
- Receipt of random packages at home or work
- Taking more than prescribed (asking for refills before the scheduled date)
- Use of other drugs such as alcohol to enhance the effects
Is MAT Always the Answer?
MAT is now the state of the art for recovery from opiate/opioid abuse. It has scientific evidence for its effectiveness and is relatively easy to administer. The alternative, cold turkey or social withdrawal is very difficult to do and the rates of relapse are higher.
Seeking Alcohol Treatment in California
Located in Anaheim, California, Restorations Health Care can help you or a loved one overcome their alcohol addiction issues. Our mission is all about saving lives. We offer detox and inpatient treatment programs that help people get back on their feet. Our dedicated team of trained addiction professionals and counselors provides individualized addiction treatment programs for recovery. Reach out to our Admissions team now.
Sources
[1] Dematteis, M. et al. L. 2018. High-dose buprenorphine: a last resort drug for treatment-resistant alcohol use disorder. Preliminary results of a compassionate observational pilot study. French Journal of Psychiatry, Volume 1, Supplement, 2018,
Pages S126-S127
[2] Ciccocioppo, R. et al. 2007. Buprenorphine reduces alcohol drinking through activation of the nociceptin/orphanin FQ-NOP receptor system. Biol Psychiatry. 2007 Jan 1;61(1):4-12. doi: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2006.01.006.
[3] California Department of Health Care Services. Quick Guide: MAT Use for Opioid and Alcohol Use Disorders.
Lacey graduated from Brand University with a MA in Psychology, Marriage & Family Therapy. Lacey is a skilled clinician, supervisor, and administrator with extensive therapy experience. She is responsible for providing clinical leadership and policy direction for our program and maintains accepted standards of medical practice throughout the facility.