Subutex vs Sublocade- Which Works Better During Opioid Treatment

Subutex and Sublocade® both effectively reduce Opioid cravings and ease Opioid withdrawal symptoms. 

• Subutex (a sublingual tablet) is taken once daily during Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for opioid addiction. 
• Sublocade® (monthly injection) is a long-acting form of Buprenorphine and stays in the body for weeks or months. 

In short, both medications (Subutex vs Sublocade®) work together to support a complete buprenorphine-based MAT program for recovery from Opioid Use Disorder.

Consult our Online MAT specialists at ChoicePoint at 844.445.2565 to choose the right buprenorphine treatment for lasting recovery. 

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Subutex vs Sublocade®- An Introduction 

What is Subutex?

• Subutex is a prescription medication used in Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder. 
• It contains buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist that helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms without causing a strong high.
• Subutex does not contain Naloxone, but contains only buprenorphine.

What is Sublocade®?

• Sublocade® is another form of buprenorphine used in MAT. 
• It’s an extended-release injection administered once a month under the abdominal region by a healthcare provider. 1
• Like Subutex, Sublocade® contains buprenorphine only, with no additional opioid ingredient like Naloxone.

Subutex vs. Sublocade®: Are They the Same? 

Here is a quick overview of the differences and similarities between Subutex and Sublocade®:

What Is Opioid Medication-Assisted Treatment and Its Effectiveness for Opioid Addiction

Opioid Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is used to treat opioid addiction and combines FDA-approved medications with behavioral therapies and drug addiction counseling. The goal of MAT is to: 

1. help individuals safely manage opioid withdrawal symptoms under constant supervision.
2. reduce cravings for harmful drugs.
3. support long-term recovery by teaching helpful coping mechanisms. 

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) programs commonly use FDA-approved medications to stabilize brain chemistry, such as: 

• Subutex (buprenorphine)
• Sublocade® (extended-release buprenorphine)
• Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) 

How Receiving Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) With Subutex vs Sublocade® Works

Getting started with a Medication-Assisted Treatment program is simple and convenient at ChoicePoint. We offer both Outpatient therapy in NJ and virtual MAT appointments.

Here’s how to begin an Opioid Treatment in 3 easy steps:

1. Initial Drug Evaluation 

The first step is to schedule an appointment with an online doctor for opioid use disorder.  ChoicePoint offers on-site drug and alcohol evaluation with a licensed doctor. Our doctors will evaluate your drug abuse history and the severity of addiction during this process. 

2. Personalized Plan

After the careful evaluation, our healthcare providers will create a personalized Opioid treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. The plan may include medication, therapy, and ongoing aftercare support. At this stage, individuals are encouraged to discuss how their insurance will work before they begin Opioid treatment. ChoicePoint accepts most insurance plans, including the following:

• Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey
• Cigna
• Aetna
• Optum
• Oscar

3. Start Opioid Treatment

Begin your medically supervised MAT program either virtually through 24/7 telehealth or in person at our treatment center in Fair Lawn, New Jersey. ChoicePoint offers multiple programs, including the evening IOP program, Virtual IOP, and Partial care. 

Subutex vs Sublocade®- So Which One Works Better During Opioid Treatment?

Subutex and Sublocade® both contain buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist. This ingredient helps to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings of Opioids. MAT treatment is divided into 3 parts:3

1. Induction (first 1-2 days) 
2. Stabilization (several weeks)
3. Maintenance (as long as it takes)

Here is a detailed overlook of what happens at each stage of Opioid treatment: 

1. Subutex vs Sublocade® During The Induction Phase: Withdrawal Management (First 1-2 days)

Subutex pills are used for quick stabilization during Opioid detox. However, Sublocade® is given only after an individual is stable.

Subutex

During the induction phase, Subutex will:

• Manages acute opioid withdrawal symptoms and reduces cravings.
• Allow rapid dose adjustment for patient stabilization.
• It is ideal for initial treatment in outpatient or inpatient programs for Opioid detox.

Sublocade®

During the induction phase:

• Sublocade® is not used during induction because it requires prior stabilization on Subutex or another sublingual form.

2. Subutex vs Sublocade® During The Stabilization Phase: Transition to Long-Acting Therapy (Several Weeks)

Sublocade® is available in two dose strengths: 100 mg/0.5 mL and 300 mg/1.5 mL 5

While Subutex offers dose control, Sublocade® ensures consistent medication delivery and higher adherence.

Subutex

During the stabilization phase, Subutex will:

• Maintains steady buprenorphine levels through a single daily dose.
• Support close monitoring and dose flexibility.

Sublocade®

During the stabilization phase, Sublocade® will:

• Provides a once-monthly injection, ensuring stable plasma levels and improved compliance. 4
• Reduce craving recurrence
• Eliminate the challenges of taking a dose daily

3. Subutex vs Sublocade® During The Maintenance Phase: Long-Term Recovery (As Long As It Takes)

Subutex supports maintenance with self-discipline; Sublocade® provides long-term stability with minimal relapse risk.

Subutex

During the maintenance phase, Subutex:

• Will remains effective for maintenance if taken consistently.
• Every day dose can cause treatment fatigue and variable drug levels.

Sublocade®

During the maintenance phase, healthcare providers will oversee that:

• Sublocade® maintains a continuous receptor engagement and prevents relapse.
• It reduces misuse risk since administration occurs under medical supervision.

Is Sublocade® Better Than Subutex- The Final Verdict  

Subutex and Sublocade® are both equally effective during Opioid treatment. 

However… 

• Subutex is ideal for starting Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) with flexible daily dosing. 
• Sublocade® is a monthly buprenorphine injection that ensures steady medication levels and better adherence. 

Consequently, Sublocade® is preferred for long-term recovery and relapse prevention, while Subutex supports early stabilization.

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Commonly Searched Queries For Subutex and Sublocade®

Here are some more common queries people search about Subutex and Sublocade®:

1. Where Can I Get Sublocade® Injection in NJ?

ChoicePoint is a MAT clinic, and you can receive Sublocade® injections in our New Jersey rehab on the same day after a careful evaluation from our specialists. Our DEA-certified Sublocade® doctors in NJ offer in-person and telehealth consultations. 

2. Where Can I Get Subutex in NJ?

You can get Subutex treatment in NJ through ChoicePoint’s online or in-person MAT program. Our licensed Subutex doctors use Subutex medication-assisted treatment to ease Opioid withdrawal. 

3. Does Subutex Block Opiates?

Yes, Subutex does block the effects of opioids like oxycodone and Hydrocodone. Suburex’s main ingredient is buprenorphine. Buprenorphine attaches to opioid receptors and stops other opioids from causing a high. Subutex may also reduce cravings and help individuals to stay on track.

4. What Is Sublocade® Used For?

Sublocade® treats opioid use disorder by releasing buprenorphine slowly over a month. It reduces cravings and withdrawal without daily doses. At ChoicePoint NJ, it’s part of a Medication-Assisted Treatment Program to help people overcome opioid addiction.

Resources

1. Executive Summary. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Published July 1, 2019. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546461/ 
2. Wakeman S. Comparing medications to treat opioid use disorder – Harvard Health Blog. Harvard Health Blog. Published January 3, 2018. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/comparing-treat-opioid-use-disorder-2018010313021 
3. Medication Assisted Treatment Program Overview. https://www.asam.org/docs/default-source/education-docs/mat-program-overview_2-12-2019239e2b9472bc604ca5b7ff000030b21a.pdf 
4. Drug and Device News. Pharmacy and Therapeutics. 2018;43(1):13. Accessed November 6, 2025. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5737247/ 
5. Long-Acting Injectable Buprenorphine (LAIB) for Opioid Dependence Treatment Brief Guide Long-Acting Injectable Buprenorphine (LAIB) for Opioid Dependence Treatment 1.; 2024. https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/aod/Publications/buprenorphine-brief-guide.pdf