Does Suboxone Help With Pain? What You Should Know
Does Suboxone Help With Pain? What You Should Know
Blog Article
When most people hear the word Suboxone, they immediately think of addiction treatment—and for good reason. Suboxone is widely known for helping individuals recover from opioid use disorder. But lately, there’s been a growing conversation around another use: pain relief.
So, does Suboxone help with pain? The answer might surprise you.
What Is Suboxone?
Suboxone is a prescription medication that combines buprenorphine (a partial opioid agonist) and naloxone (an opioid antagonist). It's primarily used in Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) programs for opioid addiction. At CT Addiction Medicine, we use Suboxone as part of a comprehensive recovery plan—but we also understand that patients often have questions about its other potential benefits, like managing chronic pain.
Can Suboxone Be Used for Pain?
Yes, in some cases, Suboxone for pain can be a helpful option—especially for individuals who are living with both chronic pain and a history of opioid dependence. Buprenorphine, the main ingredient in Suboxone, was originally developed as a pain reliever and is still prescribed in different forms for pain management today.
Here’s what makes it unique:
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Buprenorphine binds to opioid receptors in the brain, providing pain relief without the intense euphoria that leads to misuse.
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It has a “ceiling effect,” which reduces the risk of overdose.
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It can be a safer long-term option for people who don’t tolerate traditional opioids well or who are in recovery from addiction.
That said, Suboxone isn’t the right fit for everyone, and it’s not typically the first medication prescribed solely for pain unless there are complicating factors—like a dual diagnosis of addiction and chronic pain.
Who Might Benefit from Suboxone for Pain?
Suboxone may be a good option for people who:
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Have chronic pain that hasn’t responded well to other treatments
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Are in recovery from opioid addiction and need a safe way to manage pain
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Have a history of opioid misuse and are at risk with traditional painkillers
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Want to reduce or stop using full opioid agonists like oxycodone or morphine
At CT Addiction Medicine, we take the time to understand your full medical history and current needs before recommending any treatment, including Suboxone. Your safety and long-term well-being are always our top priority.
What Are the Risks or Drawbacks?
While Suboxone can be a useful tool for pain management, it’s not without risks. It can cause side effects like:
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Headache
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Constipation
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Nausea
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Drowsiness
And because it contains naloxone, it may not be as effective for acute or short-term pain flare-ups as other medications.
Suboxone is also not FDA-approved specifically for pain in its common form (Suboxone strips or tablets), although the buprenorphine component is approved in other formulations (like Butrans patches or Belbuca films) for pain relief.
Talk to a Doctor Who Understands Both Pain and Recovery
Managing chronic pain when you have a history of substance use—or are currently in recovery—can be incredibly challenging. You deserve a treatment team that understands both sides of the issue.
At CT Addiction Medicine, we specialize in compassionate, evidence-based care for individuals navigating both addiction and chronic pain. We’ll work with you to explore safe, effective solutions—including whether Suboxone for pain is the right fit for you.
So… Does Suboxone Help With Pain?
Yes, it can—especially in the right context. Suboxone may offer significant relief for people who live with chronic pain and are either in recovery or need a safer alternative to traditional opioids. But it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.
If you're curious about using Suboxone for pain or want to learn more about integrated pain and addiction care, we’re here to help.
Ready to Explore Your Options?
Contact CT Addiction Medicine today to schedule a confidential consultation. We’ll help you understand your choices, build a personalized plan, and move forward with confidence.
Call or message us directly:
https://ctaddictionmedicine.com/contact-us/