Does Subutex Get You High? Effects, Risks & Safe Use

Subutex helps to treat opioid dependence and addiction, and it is also a widely abused prescription drug. But does Subutex get you high? Yes, it does get you high when taken without medical supervision or in higher-than-prescribed doses. However, it does not cause a high in people who seek addiction treatment and are already dependent on other harmful opioids. Its unique ceiling effect may limit the risks of abuse. This is what makes Subutex an effective FDA-approved medication during MAT.

At ChoicePoint, we are offering an FDA-approved Subutex medication-assisted treatment program. Our clinical team carefully assesses your condition, prescribes, monitors, and adjusts Subutex dosage to avoid any Subutex high or misuse. Call 844.445.2565 to speak with our Subutex doctors near you accepting new patients.

How Subutex Makes You Feel- Understanding the Subutex High Experience

Subutex helps calm the brain by partially activating opioid receptors, similar to heroin or prescription painkillers. This reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing a strong high. Instead, it blocks the effects of other opioids, helping prevent relapse.

For people already dependent on opioids, Subutex can help them feel more normal and balanced. For those new to opioids, even a normal dose may feel stronger. Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, or lightheadedness, especially when standing up quickly. Misuse or unsupervised use may lead to different or dangerous outcomes.

Here is a quick comparison of how Subutex may make you feel. 

NOTE- Subutex has a ceiling effect. Subutex’s ceiling effect means that after a certain dose, increasing it will not make the effects of Subutex stronger. This is one reason it is safer and has a lower risk of misuse compared to full opioids.

What Does Subutex Do In the Brain? 

Subutex (buprenorphine) is a safe and effective medication used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder (OUD). When taken as prescribed, it helps individuals reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Here is how it works in the brain: 

1. Binds to opioid receptors in the brain.
2. Eases withdrawal and cravings without a full high 
3. Blocks stronger opioids from taking effect and doesn’t make the user feel high 
4. Blocks stronger drugs from working

Did you know that over 2.1 million US citizens struggle with opioids? Subutex, prescribed under a DEA-certified healthcare professional, will help your recovery start with you. Call ChoicePoint today at 844.445.2565 or fill out this form to schedule a call. 

Subutex in High Dosage Effect

What Does a Subutex High Feel Like

Taking Subutex is relatively safe, and it may not normally cause a high. However, if it is taken in any other way than it is intended to be used, people may experience Subutex effects, including mild euphoria, a sense of floating in the sky, and a Sudden energy boost. 

Risks of Misusing Subutex to Get High

Rx opioids are the third most abused drugs in the US. Subutex misuse may cause the following physical and mental risks:

7 Reasons Why Misusing Subutex to Get High Is a Bad Idea

A Subutex high is possible only if misused, such as dissolving and injecting it, and even then, the feeling is far weaker than heroin or oxycodone. People without an opioid tolerance may feel mild well-being, but it’s not the same as a typical opioid high.

Sometimes, dependence makes it hard to cope with the opioid withdrawal timeline, tempting people to misuse Subutex for a high. Here’s what you should know:

1. Misuse may lead to painful Subutex withdrawal.
2. Chasing a Subutex high will end in disappointment.
3. Mixing Subutex with alcohol may even stop breathing.
4. If the dependence grows, quitting will become much harder.
5. Misusing Subutex may damage the brain’s natural reward system.
6. Subutex misuse delays real recovery progress.
7. Recreational use of Subutex may increase the risk of a Subutex overdose. 

When you have access to the best Subutex clinic near you in NJ for personalized treatment of opioid use. Get help today!

Why Doesn’t Subutex Cause an Intense High When Used in MAT?

Once Subutex is introduced into the system, it produces mild, controlled effects instead of creating an intense high. Subutex also helps to decrease withdrawal symptoms, ease cravings, and positively change brain chemistry.

Here are some other reasons why Subutex and any of its type, like Subutex 8mg orange pill or and other medications that are used during MAT for opioid addiction, do not cause a high: 

1. Subutex’s Ceiling Effect Limits Its High

Buprenorphine has a built-in limit. That means after a specific dose, taking more won’t increase its effects. This prevents users from getting high, even if they take more than the recommended amount.

2. Subutex Only Partially Activates Receptors

Unlike full opioids (like heroin or fentanyl), it only partially activates receptors. This is enough to reduce cravings and withdrawal, but not enough to create euphoria.

3. Subutex Blocks the Effects of More Potent Opioids

Subutex is an agonist and antagonist. It gives a high and blocks other highs. If you take heroin or oxycodone while on Subutex, you likely won’t feel their effects.

4. Subutex’s Prescribed Dose is Monitored

During Subutex treatment online (MAT), doctors adjust doses based on the tolerance levels, preventing misuse or overdose.

5. Ongoing Medical Supervision

Subutex is most effective when used as part of MAT at an addiction center. This also includes combining therapy and regular check-ins.

Recommended Read: Guide on Subutex pill for opiate addiction

How Is Subutex Misused? 

Subutex carries the risk of addiction, especially when taken without medical guidance or misused.

Many people may misuse Subutex by:

1. Taking larger doses than prescribed by their healthcare provider
2. Snorting or injecting it to achieve intense effects
3. Using it without a prescription
4. Mixing Subutex with alcohol or other drugs

Recommended Read: Can you take Subutex while pregnant

8 Common Signs You Should Seek Professional Help for a Buprenorphine High

Look for these common signs in yourself or a loved one and seek timely help: 

1. Taking more than prescribed to feel a buzz
2. Chase the first high, but never feel satisfied
3. Nodding off or feeling unusually sedated
4. Mixing buprenorphine with alcohol or other drugs
5. Running out of medication early or buying off the street
6. Hiding the use of Buprenorphine from family or friends
7. Obsessing over your next dose and not worrying about anything else
8. Feeling guilt, shame, or mood swings constantly

CALL NOW FOR FREE SCREENING

Insurance-Covered Safe Subutex Treatment Program in NJ at ChoicePoint!

At ChoicePoint, our DEA-certified practitioners recognize the difficulty of opiate withdrawal and the importance of Subutex in MAT. Our doctors specialize in opioid addiction treatment and are eligible to provide same-day Subutex prescriptions. To reduce financial barriers, Blue Cross Blue Shield covers Subutex, and we are also accepting most commercial insurances, including Medicaid & Medicare drug rehab coverage.

1. Aetna
2. Optum
3. Cigna
4. UnitedHealthcare
5. WellCare

Verify your insurance online and get connected to the best Subutex online doctors in NJ. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Does Subutex Get You High

Read other commonly asked questions about Does Subutex Get You High. 

1. Who Is at Risk of Getting High on Subutex?

People who are new to opioids may feel high if they take Subutex unsupervised. Taking the medication in large doses or using it without a doctor may also increase the risk of Subutex misuse.

2. Can Subutex Be Addictive?

Yes! Subutex can be addictive if misused. However, when it is taken as prescribed, the risk of abuse becomes low. For monitored Subutex dosage and an online Subutex MAT program. Call 844.445.2565 to get started!

4. How Long Does the Effect of Subutex Last?

Subutex’s effects may last for a long time, around 24 to 42 hours. One dose may keep cravings and withdrawals away for a full day.

5. Can You Mix Subutex with Other Drugs or Alcohol?

Not at all! It is not safe to mix Subutex with alcohol or sedatives. It may slow your breathing and may cause an overdose.

Sources

1. on, I. (2025, March 20). Medications for Opioid Use Disorder | National Institute on Drug Abuse. National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/medications-opioid-use-disorder#buprenorphine 
2. Buprenorphine (Subutex) and Buprenorphine-naloxone (Suboxone). (n.d.). https://www.ohsu.edu/sites/default/files/2022-08/Buprenorphine%20information%20patient%20handout.pdf 
3. American Society of Addiction Medicine. (2016). Opioid addiction treatment A guide for patients, families and friends. https://www.asam.org/docs/default-source/publications/asam-opioid-patient-piece_-5bopt2-5d_3d.pdf 
4. Opioids as a Gateway Drug Prescriptions Opioid b (excluding heroin) ED Visits and Hospitalizations in LAC Opioid b (excluding heroin) ED Visit Rates a by Gender and Race/Ethnicity e in LAC, 2010-2020 6 Misuse/Abuse of Rx Opioids (pain medications) in the Past Year by Age, 2018-2020 1 Prescription (Rx) Opioid Misuse/Abuse and Consequences SAPC Data Brief Prevalence and Supply 18%. (2010). http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/sapc/MDU/MDBrief/OpioidBrief.pdf 
5. Dydyk, A. M., Jain, N. K., & Gupta, M. (2024). Opioid Use Disorder. PubMed; StatPearls Publishing.
   ://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK553166/ 

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