Mixing Suboxone and Alcohol Requires Professional Treatment

Suboxone is an effective medication to provide individuals struggling with opioids a fighting chance against addiction. However, strong withdrawal effects may force people to turn to alcohol for relief. Whether alcohol is consumed casually or as part of an ongoing struggle with misuse, combining it with Suboxone poses serious health risks that many people may not realize.

Looking for Suboxone or alcohol treatment in New Jersey? ChoicePoint addiction specialists are offering online drug and alcohol evaluations near you and personalized treatment plans. We accept most major commercial insurance plans and accept nationwide admissions. Call 844.445.2565 or schedule an online appointment to connect with the best addiction specialists.

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Please note this assessment is an initial self-screening, and it is not meant to be a medical assessment or clinical diagnosis of addiction. For proper diagnosis and treatment, schedule an appointment with ChoicePoint.

Understanding Suboxone?

Suboxone is a partial opioid agonist prescribed to treat Opioid Use Disorder (OUD). It contains two active ingredients. One is naloxone (opioid antagonist), and the other is buprenorphine (partial agonist). Suboxone functions by partially binding to the opioid receptors in the brain and preventing them from fully activating. 

Suboxone is available in a film/tablet that dissolves when placed under the tongue and is highly effective in

• Reducing withdrawal symptoms
• Controlling opioid cravings
• Blocking other opioids’ effects
• Reducing risk of overdose

When is Suboxone Prescribed?  

Suboxone is prescribed under Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) to manage mild/moderate withdrawal effects from opioids. Its partial agonist properties create a “ceiling effect” that helps prevent overdose while blocking the effects of other opioids.

Suboxone may be prescribed to;

• Treat clinical diagnosis of Opioid Use Disorder (OUD)
• Manage withdrawal effects during the initial withdrawal stage
• Act as a safety barrier to prevent relapse
• Serve as an alternative to Methadone
• Maintain brain chemistry during long-term recovery

Since 2023, DEA-registered doctors can prescribe Suboxone. With ChoicePoint DEA-certified online Suboxone doctors, you’ll get guidance on the correct suboxone dosage, personalized treatment plans, and safe use of alcohol during the treatment. Connect with a certified provider now!

Can Suboxone be Abused?

Yes, suboxone has a high potential for abuse as it contains buprenorphine. This active ingredient produces a “high” which may be exploited by individuals with low tolerance to opioids. 

To combat this, naloxone acts as an in-built deterrent which remains inactive as long as suboxone is taken sublingually. If someone attempts to misuse the drug by crushing or injecting it, naloxone triggers immediate withdrawal symptoms to discourage abuse.

Suboxone abuse may result in;

• Respiratory depression
• Overdose risk
• Relapse
• Impaired cognitive functioning
• Worsening mental health symptoms
• Mood instability

What Happens When You Combine Suboxone and Alcohol?

Any amount of alcohol, whether taken along with Suboxone or consumed separately, is dangerous to health. As both substances are central nervous system depressants, they amplify each other’s effects when taken together. The brain activity is slowed down to abnormally slow levels, which may provide a temporary euphoria, but does so at the cost of the user’s life. 

This is why consuming alcohol is strongly discouraged during Suboxone treatment, and patients with an alcohol history are explicitly asked to flush alcohol from their system before starting treatment.

 Mixing Suboxone with alcohol can result in:

• Abnormally slowed heart rate
• High risk of overdose
• Extreme sedation

Why Do People Mix Alcohol with Suboxone?

Comprehensive Rehab Pathways for Opioid and Alcohol Dependence

The Side Effects of Mixing Suboxone with Alcohol

Mixing Suboxone with alcohol is never a good idea, as even small amounts of alcohol have the potential to interact with Suboxone and trigger serious health complications.

Short-Term Effects

In the short term, taking both substances together instantly overwhelms the brain. The user experiences an intensified high marked with immediately noticeable symptoms that can escalate if medical attention is not provided quickly.

Short-term effects of combining suboxone and alcohol include;

• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Throbbing headache
• Poor cognitive functioning
• Palpitations
• Extreme sedation
• Lethargy

Long-Term Effects

Repeated consumption of alcohol while on suboxone leads to lasting damage to both physical and mental health. Over time, the body becomes more vulnerable to developing life-threatening health complications.

Repeated consumption of alcohol with Suboxone can lead to a higher risk of;

• Developing cancer (liver, kidney, gastrointestinal)
• Brain damage
• Cardiovascular diseases
• Respiratory diseases
• Liver cirrhosis
• Worsening substance dependence
• Coma 
• Death

ChoicePoint’s licensed practitioners offer expert support for Suboxone treatment and rapid alcohol detox options. Schedule your online consultation immediately and get safe, professional support today!

How Does ChoicePoint Alcohol and Drug Rehab Help Treat Suboxone-Alcohol Abuse? 

From detox to ongoing support, our team of certified practitioners helps patients regain control of their lives while managing Suboxone and alcohol dependence.

1. Medically Supervised Detox (Alcohol and Suboxone Detox)

For individuals struggling with alcohol and Suboxone (buprenorphine) dependence, ChoicePoint offers medically supervised, painless and rapid detox. Detox is a critical first step in safely managing withdrawal symptoms under professional care.

The detox program includes:

• Alcohol detox to manage withdrawal symptoms safely

• Suboxone (opioid) detox to reduce cravings and withdrawal discomfort

• 24/7 medical monitoring for safety and comfort

• Supportive counseling during withdrawal

2. Inpatient Treatment Program

ChoicePoint’s Inpatient Treatment Program provides 24/7 structured care for individuals with moderate to severe substance abuse or complex medical needs. Clients receive both medical and emotional support during recovery.

The program includes:

• Personalized treatment plans tailored to individual needs

• Medically supervised detox continuation if necessary

• Structured therapy sessions, including individual and group therapy

• Ongoing monitoring for co-occurring mental health conditions

3. Partial Care Program (PHP)

For individuals who need structured support but do not require 24/7 inpatient care, ChoicePoint offers a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP). This level of care provides intensive therapy and medical support while allowing patients to return home in the evenings. Our Partial Care is ideal for patients who have completed detox or inpatient care but still need daily professional support to reinforce recovery, maintain sobriety, and prevent relapse.

3. Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

The Intensive Outpatient Program is ideal for those with mild to moderate symptoms who need flexibility to maintain daily responsibilities. Treatment can be in-person or virtual IOP, providing structured support without residential care.

The program includes:

• Flexible virtual therapy sessions

• Support groups to enhance motivation and morale

• Medical counseling for sustainable recovery

• Skill-building for relapse prevention

4. Outpatient Treatment Program

The Outpatient Program offers non-residential care tailored to individual needs. It focuses heavily on coping strategies to help individuals navigate triggers and maintain sobriety in everyday life.

The program involves:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

• Relapse prevention strategies

• Ambulatory detox follow-up if needed

• Ongoing medical counseling

5. Medication-Assisted Treatment Program (MAT)

For opioid and alcohol use disorders, ChoicePoint provides Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), combining FDA-approved medications with therapy and counseling. MAT helps patients manage cravings, reduce relapse risk, and support long-term recovery.

The program offers:

• Personalized medication management (e.g., buprenorphine for opioid use, naltrexone for alcohol use)

• Therapy and counseling are integrated with medication

• Support for sustainable recovery

6. Dual Diagnosis Treatment Program

Many individuals struggling with substance abuse also have co-occurring mental health conditions. ChoicePoint’s Dual Diagnosis Program treats both the addiction and underlying mental health disorders, promoting long-term recovery.

7. Aftercare Program

Recovery continues even after completing primary treatment. ChoicePoint’s Aftercare Program ensures patients transition safely back to everyday life. This ongoing support is crucial for long-term sobriety, especially for those with a history of substance abuse.

The program offers:

• Regular follow-up appointments to monitor progress

• Relapse prevention counseling

• Continued medical support to navigate triggers

ChoicePoint offers alcohol and drug evaluation near you. Take the first step toward safer recovery today. Call 844.445.2565 or schedule your online appointment. 

What Commercial Insurances Cover Alcohol and Suboxone Treatment

Many commercial insurance plans, like UniteHealthcare, Aetna, Optum, and Cigna covers alcohol and drug rehab. ChoicePoint accepts a variety of insurance plans for both in-person and virtual treatments. The insurance coverage for dual diagnosis treatment or substance use depends on your individual insurance policy. 

Therefore, we suggest you check with your insurance provider to determine if your plan covers the treatment or not. You can also verify your insurance coverage on ChoicePoint’s website by filling out a confidential verification form. 

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Questions ChoicePoint Patients Commonly Ask About Using Suboxone and Alcohol

During treatment, our patients often want clear guidance on how Suboxone and alcohol interact and affect their recovery.

1. Does Suboxone work on alcohol?

No, Suboxone does not work on alcohol because it is primarily designed to treat opioid dependence. For help regarding alcohol use disorders, check out ChoicePoint’s Alcohol Addiction Treatment Program. 

2. What happens if you drink alcohol while taking naloxone?

Naloxone is an opioid antagonist, so it does not interact with alcohol the same way as buprenorphine. But keep in mind that if naloxone is a part of Suboxone therapy, alcohol consumption can be fatally dangerous.  

3. What is the 15-minute rule for Suboxone?

The fifteen-minute rule for Suboxone is a guide to ensure proper absorption of Suboxone. According to the rule, one should wait for a minimum of fifteen minutes so that Suboxone is fully dissolved under the tongue.

4. What will make you fail for Suboxone?

Suboxone is an effective treatment against opioids, but it is not foolproof. One can jeopardize Suboxone treatment if they are irregular or begin to exploit the substance. 

Sources

1. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3538407/
2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4866634/

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