What is Suboxone? What Is It Used For?

Suboxone (buprenorphine & naloxone) is used in the opioid addiction recovery process in both the acute detox process from opioids as well as being used for maintenance treatment for others.
Watch this brief, easy to understand explanation about suboxone by Dr. Andrew Kim M.D., a board certified psychiatrist.
By the end of this video you will understand the following:
*What medications are contained within suboxone
*What the unique properties of suboxone are and how those properties make it a useful treatment option for opioid use disorders
*How suboxone can be utilized in opioid detox
*How some people may potentially benefit from maintenance treatment with suboxone and the science behind it
Thanks for watching and please like, share, and subscribe!
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SAMHSA’s (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.
www.samhsa.gov/find-help/nati...
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~Dr. Andrew Kim M.D. Let's connect:
IG: / andrewkimmd - @AndrewKimMD
Twitter: / andrewkimmd - @AndrewKimMD
Facebook: / andrewkimmd -@AndrewKimMD
Website & Blog: andrewkimMD.com
** The information in this video, including but not limited to, videos, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this video channel and its affiliated websites (such as AndrewKimMD.com) are for informational and entertainment purposes only. No material on this channel is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or seen on this website or its affiliated social media sites & channels. **
**Disclosures: At the time of creating this video, Dr. Andrew Kim M.D. was an independent contractor on the Janssen Speakers Bureau and works as a Principal Investigator on FDA clinical trials for pharmaceutical sponsors. **

[@Jay-uv8dv]

I remember watching your opioid video back when I was addicted. I’ve been free since, thank you for your high quality videos and your non judgement. Thank you.

[@AndrewKimMD]

Your comment just made my day. Happy to hear about your recovery. Stay motivated and keep doing your thing! No problem, just trying to share real info without bs.

[@Jay-uv8dv]

@@AndrewKimMD you’ve got my support all the way 🙏

[@jenniferlicona9541]

What did you do hun ? If you don't mine me asking.

[@jlck8622]

Hey I am having a hard time atm , I am trying to get clean , I have been doing fake percs for about 2 months what should I do?

[@5HY_9UY_81]

One time I ate a sheet of Suboxone while being drunk. One of the worst experiences ever. Was so dizzy and sick. 🤢

[@moneymig]

Lord Jesus

[@msBellosa]

Im starting sunday and im looking forward to stop this madness Than you for your video

[@t-revstastetube8900]

As someone who has been on Suboxone for a very long time I got worried when you said it was just for the detox stage. Also I've been talking with my doctor about Sublecade can you cover that in a video? Please and thank you. For anyone else who reads this good luck and remember life is alway better in recovery even if it gets hard sometimes you can do it!

[@vintagebleachedblonde4322]

Good luck finding Sublocade I’ve been on the search for months now and I can’t find anyone who has it except for the doctors didn’t want expensive office visits along with it

[@t-revstastetube8900]

@@vintagebleachedblonde4322 I already found it I'm in a rehab program and have been for 9 years if you have good insurance or medical assistance it's free. Don't give up on your sobriety there's also a new pill called Zubslov which is just a new competitors Suboxone

[@SnowQueen-jj1if]

I'm currently going through detox and I've learned that it's better to be sick for a couple of weeks than dead forever.

[@leigh1234]

As someone who works in addiction treatment and is new to the field, this was explained so thoroughly and in a way that is easy to understand. Thank you!

[@priscillavarela1822]

Your an amazing teacher! You explain everything so well!

[@vintagebleachedblonde4322]

Why don’t you address the fact that once you’re on it’s almost near impossible to get off

[@markschwab5694]

No doubt! Drs know the science, but until you've been in the trench & experience the true mileage, it's not complete. In my experience of 8 yrs on subox, I'd say that you either engage very short term to get through or pretty much plan on being on it a long ass time. I know everyone has their own experience, and there are exceptions, but most who've taken the-box for more than a yr will concur on its ability to keep you cuffed to the-box. Sbox does serve well, but it also has its hooks. Basically, you're postponing your suffering until a later time. My experience says, very short term or plan on it being part of your life. This isn't my opinion, it's my experience.

[@Talmudets]

@@markschwab5694 same thing, almost 16 years on suboxone :( 10 years on the program and now I just get it on my own from some people, 4mg a day

[@moneymig]

Jesus christ

[@moneymig]

​@@Talmudetslord Jesus

[@erinvaughn3739]

Thank You So Much for your Great Video .. ❤️

[@denniscarey5725]

Thank you for the information. I have been on narco for 10 years for a sports accident surprised my pain doctors did not suggest this until I decided to detox myself. When I explained to my doctor I had reduced my intake of narco he then put me on Suboxone yesterday and stop taking the narco. Unbelievable. I took 2 mg and I feel fantastic I know it’s been only one day but haven’t felt this good since my accident

[@Killmaisy]

What about now? Follow up please

[@nickssox]

How are you feeling now?

[@moneymig]

I know man how's it going now

[@Shannon71172]

You are great ! Thank you so much for your awesome explanations. This means a lot for so many. Blessings. 🙏🏼❤️

[@montanagal6891]

Suboxone has literally saved my life. My last relapse, I nearly died. It was only by luck someone stopped by and called an ambulance. I have been on Suboxone maintenance for many years because I also have chronic pain issues, which is how I became addicted to Oxycontin to begin with. I would recommend Suboxone therapy for anyone living in the hell of active addiction. Thanks for a great video!

[@Mainecoon_Izzy]

Keep going strong girl💯🎯🙌🏽 I’m on it too. I’m down to 2 mg once a day. I’m on my way to being off of this stuff for good. Don’t like to have to depend on anything. I’m sure you know what I mean. But as you stated, Suboxone, absolutely saved my life 100% If my husband didn’t drag me to the doctor (in my pajamas) I probably would be dead…

[@montanagal6891]

@@Mainecoon_Izzy good for you!

[@msBellosa]

Thanks

[@PerspectVeChannel]

Very educational. Thanks

[@kathymorris4553]

Suboxone saved my life. It’s as I never did drugs. I had so many surgeries, I got addicted to opioids. Only tried street drugs a couple of times. Another good thing about suboxone is you lose your taste to alcohol. It’s been almost 18 years.

[@Havoc-bc6oy]

I wondered if the nalaxone would hurt me. Thank you for providing the best answer

[@Timeshifter32]

Great stuff Doc, keep it up!

[@fteve1961]

I have to get up and go to work. If not I will be home. So getting off Suboxone is impossible for me at this point in my life. I am 62

[@moneymig]

I feel you man , we are all fighting this demon good luck

[@samanthafox5971]

You touched base a little bit about shooting up suboxone.. do you have any more information on how that affects recovery or purpose of suboxone?

[@traccbacc7612]

Great information. You have the best videos on this subject. Explained so well. Thank you and GOD BLESS!

[@chiccavaquita]

Dr. I am on Norco 7.5mg three times a day sometime 4. Is that enough to get on suboxone?

[@nancypatrick9311]

How does Norcan/Naloxone "reverce" opiod effects on someone who is overdosing. They have already used the opiods and Naloxone is given AFTERward?

[@PixieyDust]

I have been on buprenophrine for about 3 weeks now. After reading comments and researching I'm terrified I just detoxed from pain meds I never want to take again to this. And when I want off Its worse than the pain meds. I was taking 110mg ms contin and hydrocodone in total a day. Never craved it, I have CRPS which is very painful. I'm so very worried now. I take the buprenophrine 8mg am 4 mg pm and 8 mg at bedtime. I'm scared. I don't want those twitches and the nights of no sleep with the twitching. I did a fast taper the week before I had to stop it all to take the buprenophrine. I felt taking 110mg to nothing would be too hard. It was almost worse than my wrist being shattered with all the pain I went through I'm scared it will be like that if I don't take this medicine.

[@suzannemcwhorter38]

Dr. Kim, why is it so hard to find a suboxone provider? Also, is it ok to have a galss of wine from te to time with my dinner if i take suboxone? Thank you in advance....

[@lottojones8081]

Yes it shouldn't interfere with the medication.

[@darenbillingsley2203]

I’ve been off methadone for over a week now. How can get started with you guys

[@deeboy4378]

Ive been an oxycodone addict for 9 or 10 years now. . im completely dependant and cannot function without. . ive been buying Suboxone off the street to manage my problem when i cant afford oxycodone pills wich run 45 to 55 a piece a for 30 mg on the street. . . the Subs help alot and i usually split em up as to make them last longer because other wise im useless and i do hold dwn a job. . im just soo tired of hving to depend on a drug to get thru each day, but its very hard to stop cuz im in a co dependant relationship and my partner is in denial, she had actual heath issues and discounts the negative withdrawal effects, more blaming her discomfort on her actual health issus.. When she doesn't feel good, if i even mention it may be from withdrawal symptoms, she gets very defensive and angy. . . she hates when i try to point out that these pills are her biggest problem. . like im discounting her actual heath issues. .

[@fredphilippi8388]

Is a daily regimen of Suboxone the only way available for taking it? Seems like a person who wants to go back to their opiate of choice need only stop taking Suboxone for a day and the opiate of choice will have a full effect. Is there a Suboxone implant?

[@darenbillingsley2203]

I had a BkA in Aug 2022 I still need partial pain medicine.

[@chrisgitonga4686]

Clean 2years now.I was addicted to morphine IV to a maximum of 80mg in 24hours then I was started on suboxone which I managed to taper to 1mg daily by assumption since I used to split the 2mg tab.Then there's this doctor in a clinic in Kenya who gave me some powder to boil and drink when I was feeling withdrawal from suboxone .....I drunk that herb once and from that day I never felt any withdrawal or any craving for any opiate.Almost now 3years clean.

[@pattyholt9773]

What was this herb?

[@pattyholt9773]

What was this herb?

[@junaidmoody8342]

Probably Kratom

[@lanapienaar2061]

Hi Chris could it be ibogaine powder it does the same as you said it comes in a powder n a pill form

[@dianafortinberry7824]

How does one obtain that powder?

[@indytherottweiler9002]

The withdraw is extream and painful. I been on for 5 years. No relapses but i foundout im pregnant and been tapering and now i cant do anythint but put it in my body and my babies body. I hate it. It has helped me stay sober for a long time but as im ready, i now cant even taper

[@Killmaisy]

I hear methadone is safer for pregnancy. Please research amd ask your doc and pray they have info. Best of luck, Momma

[@RCRracing5160]

I need your help doc I broke my L5 verdabra I had to have a kyphoplasty done. I been taking 2-3 pills of hydro codone a day for 22 years I am currently 30 I have lived a great life with little pain I just moved to Idaho and my doctor said I need to go suboxone for my pain in stead because what I am taking is dangerous. I am now dealing with horrible pain. Depression in my stomach hurts constantly. Do you think I should get back on the medication that I was currently on? This is really put a damper in my life and in my family’s life

[@Killmaisy]

You are not taking enough to be an issue. Wow. Get another opinion before you end up on a way more powerful opiate.

[@vincentdavi3514]

At what point during fentanyl withdrawal should suboxone be introduced?

[@Killmaisy]

Fent is short acting but can build up. Best to measure your withdrawals and when you score a 17 or more on the cows test (clinical opiate withdrawal symptoms) then you can switch. Wait as long as you can. Also, it is addicting so do some research about getting off all opiates in a weeks time.

[@Guerrero1187]

is Suboxone frowned upon like other opioids Norco?

[@KHernandezLV716]

I was taking Suboxone for over a year to get off pain pills. I would rather go thru withdrawal from pain killers then Suboxone any day. That withdrawal was horrible!! Please do not take that medication unless you have to.

[@meeky0420]

My ex boyfriend started drinking cough syrup and now he’s also taking pills. Several of the pills you mentioned. He’s always sick when he doesn’t have it and I’m worried. I want to suggest some sort of treatment, because I know it’s not going to get better.

[@Killmaisy]

He needs to taper down and jump off. Suboxone in all its forms are very addictive past week 1

[@jacobazurdia8981]

I wanted to ask that so when people are on suboxon and they relapse will they get withdrawals or get sick

[@sherylstory7809]

Do you mean relapse on opiates? If so you def don't want to take a opiate while in sub it will put u in withdrawal

[@ponzo1967]

The best life is a drug free life but Suboxone is better than chasing the dragon 🐉

[@lottojones8081]

Hey are you on subxone? If so how do you take medicine?

[@adamtisch8358]

Yup. Was chasing the dragon for 20 years. Oxys made me superman. 4 hour workouts in a great mood pain free but...... Doctor wouldn't give me amount needed. It's not a one size fits all but the powers that be are Nazis!!! Got in subs been on a year or so. Sure there not oxys but at least I'm not withdrawal every month. Much easier to get just go to clinic every 2 weeks. So be it

[@pattyholt9773]

Does this come in a shot.?

[@tayfanta3040]

Sublocade

[@suzannemcwhorter38]

Hi Dr. Kim. Is it ok to be on Buprenorphine/naloxone for many years for pain management?

[@OSRSGoblin]

It is NOT a very effective analgesic. Any doctor claiming that is as effective as a full-agonist or even half as effective is either being deceitful or ignorant.

[@mikepowers171]

I am 38 and have been on Percocet for 8 years for chronic back pain. I recently started with Kaiser due to a new job and now my pain management doctor is taking me off my Percocet cold turkey. I AM TERRIFIED!!! The pain is miserable and I don’t know what my near future holds for me. My doctor wants me to see a drug dependency counselor and he mentioned SUBOXONE . He refuses to taper me off the Percocet saying it’s not needed. Does this sound right? I am so scared about the entire situation. The pain is unbearable even with the Percocet, how am I going to deal with the pain now?

[@junaidmoody8342]

Take Kratom. Problem will be solved on the first dose

[@joshuabates7424]

I cannot believe this is happening to you! Why would a doctor ever take you off cold turkey? I see this was six months ago, what happened?

[@1rxmi]

@@joshuabates7424 he dead

[@joshuabates7424]

@@1rxmi you think that is funny? Evil.

[@1rxmi]

@@joshuabates7424 nah ik its not funny

[@cristi505ish]

Can suboxene help with meth addiction?

[@tuckerugkem9003]

How long does suboxone block other opiates for after taking it?

[@scjct1]

Sounds like you are sick of Suboxone.

[@junaidmoody8342]

I took Kratom the next day. Was still effective but the following day the Kratom worked even better

[@cannibaekitty]

@@junaidmoody8342 kratom can literally kill you while taking suboxone. It’s extremely dangerous

[@cutlas72]

My old boss would do meth in the mornings, black tar heroin to even out after the meth was too much, suboxone around noon, pop adderalls daily like they where tic tacs and other prescription pills all in a single days worth. He was wild man and somehow could actually seem kinda sober by the end of the day

[@alexaguilar6446]

Can you have withdrawals from suboxone

[@daddycj4109]

Yes. It’s worse than pain pill withdrawals.

[@douglasspringer1665]

@Daddy & CJ I was on sub for ten years. The last few years I felt miserable all the time. I slowly weaned down to a little less than a match head a day but just couldn't go more than a day without it. I finally went back on short acting (hydros) pills to quit. I got down to about ten to twenty mgs. a day then had to quit cause my supply dried up. It was about a week of misery then I was finally off and felt good for awhile. Next thing I know I met a new group of people and was back on. It's being that way a few years now and I'm still up and down. I started at about 19 and am 70 now. Still in fairly decent health. I'm considering on going back to sub long enough to just detox than try like he'll to stay off everything. I've spent one he'll of a lot money on this stuff but thankfully still alive. I've snorted a lot of pills but never would inject. Seen to many people die this way. Also I lived by the idea that you can always add a little more if not enough but you can't remove too much. Been to detox 5 maybe 6 times but always seem to get back to the same place. Just hoping I can get some sub for detox and maybe live my few remaining years, opioid free.I just don't kbow.

[@vincentdavi3514]

They’re so bad

[@convict-45-]

Having a bad day just look at your toilet and think about all the shit it's been through

[@SnowQueen-jj1if]

Why does Suboxone make me so sick?

[@MikeyBAAZ]

Got my sublocade shot 4 weeks ago

[@darenbillingsley2203]

I’m a BKA. What is this shot your talking about

[@MikeyBAAZ]

@@darenbillingsley2203 100mg sublocade shit there's a 100mg and 300mg shot read it up

[@angiep8983]

Why isn’t Wellbutrin a choice?

[@AndrewKimMD]

Wellbutrin is FDA approved for Major Depressive Disorder and is an antidepressant. Although it can help with mood related issues that can occur as a part of substance use or addiction recovery, it doesn’t directly have action on the opioid receptors. So it cant really directly help reduce withdrawal during the detox process. It can help with smoking cessation, which it is also FDA approved for. But for opioid addictions, it would be used more in a complementary way, but not directly to address the opioid issues itself.

[@douglasspringer1665]

Doesn't do a damn thing. Gives me anxiety attacks, all the ssri"s have that effect on me.

[@fteve1961]

I been on Suboxone for over 10 years. Very hard to withdraw off subox