2002
FDA approval for buprenorphine in OUD treatment
Reduced dropout rates
MAT improves treatment retention
Is Suboxone Addictive? Your Lansing Suboxone Safety FAQ
This FDA-approved medication treats opioid use disorder with significantly lower addiction risk than full opioid agonists when used as prescribed. Patients stabilize safely through evidence-based care designed for long-term recovery success.
Join the Waitlist
If you or a loved one is in crisis, call or text 988 — the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Suboxone treats opioid dependence with significantly lower addiction risk than full opioid agonists when used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Service Overview
Understanding Suboxone and Addiction Risk
Is Suboxone addictive? When taken as prescribed for opioid use disorder, Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) has low addiction potential due to its partial opioid agonist properties and ceiling effect that limits euphoria. NewLeaf Recovery Services will provide medication-assisted treatment coming soon to patients in Lansing and surrounding Michigan communities.
Suboxone contains buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist, and naloxone, which deters misuse. Unlike full opioid agonists, Suboxone produces a ceiling effect that limits both euphoria and respiratory depression.
Physical dependence—your body adapting to a medication—is not the same as addiction. Addiction involves compulsive drug-seeking despite harm. When taken as prescribed, Suboxone supports recovery without the addictive cycle of illicit opioids.
.png)
.png)
Learn more about medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and how it helps patients achieve lasting stability.
How It Works
How Suboxone Works in Medication-Assisted Treatment
Suboxone works by partially activating opioid receptors in the brain, reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing the intense high associated with full opioid agonists. This medication-assisted approach helps stabilize brain chemistry during early recovery.
Buprenorphine, the primary medication in Suboxone, is a partial opioid agonist that binds to the same receptors as opioids but activates them only partially. This mechanism provides enough stimulation to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings while maintaining a ceiling effect that limits the risk of respiratory depression. Unlike full opioid agonists, buprenorphine has a high affinity for opioid receptors, meaning it binds more tightly and can help block other opioids from taking effect.
The combination makes Suboxone an effective tool for Suboxone treatment in Lansing when integrated into a comprehensive recovery plan.
STEP 1
Buprenorphine: Binds to opioid receptors, reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms
STEP 2
Naloxone: Blocks opioid effects if injected, deterring misuse
STEP 3
Ceiling effect: Limits respiratory depression risk compared to full opioid agonists
STEP 4
STEP 5
STEP 6
Insurance & Payment
Insurance Coverage for Suboxone Treatment
NewLeaf Recovery Services will accept Medicaid and self-pay for Suboxone treatment when services launch. Coverage typically includes medication costs, physician visits, and counseling services.
Additional insurance plans are being added through credentialing.
Medicaid is approved for MAT services in Michigan, making treatment accessible to eligible residents in Lansing and surrounding communities.
.png)
Care Coordination
Coordinated Care for Comprehensive Recovery
Medication treatment for opioid use disorder works best as part of a coordinated care approach that brings together multiple providers. At NewLeaf Recovery Services, care coordination will unite counselors, primary care clinicians, and support services to address every aspect of your recovery journey.
This integrated approach ensures you receive whole-person care tailored to your recovery goals, with all providers working together to support your progress. When we open, our coordinated care model will connect you with the right services at the right time.
Comprehensive medical assessment and personalized treatment planning
Medication induction under physician supervision
Ongoing monitoring and dose adjustments as clinically needed
Integration with counseling and peer support services
What We Treat
Suboxone Safety and Dependence Facts
Suboxone is prescribed for opioid use disorder (OUD), helping patients reduce or eliminate illicit opioid use. Evidence shows medication-assisted treatment (MAT) significantly improves treatment outcomes:
Suboxone's safety profile makes it appropriate for office-based treatment when prescribed by qualified providers, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) 63 on Medications for Opioid Use Disorder. Sources: SAMHSA TIP 63 ; National Institute on Drug Abuse - Medications to Treat Opioid Addiction .
Explore our Lansing recovery services to learn about additional support options.
.png)
Reduced illicit opioid use during treatment
Patients on buprenorphine maintenance show significantly lower rates of illicit opioid use compared to placebo or non-medication approaches (SAMHSA TIP 63).
Lower treatment dropout rates
Buprenorphine-containing treatments demonstrate better retention rates than non-medication behavioral interventions alone (National Institute on Drug Abuse).
Decreased overdose risk due to ceiling effect
Buprenorphine's partial agonist properties create a ceiling effect that reduces respiratory depression risk compared to full opioid agonists (SAMHSA TIP 63).
.png)
Is Suboxone addictive when taken as prescribed?
When taken as prescribed under medical supervision, Suboxone is not considered addictive. It is important to understand the distinction between physical dependence and addiction. Physical dependence is a normal physiological adaptation where the body becomes accustomed to a medication - this occurs with many prescribed medications including blood pressure drugs and antidepressants. Addiction, clinically termed substance use disorder, involves compulsive drug-seeking behavior, loss of control over use, and continued use despite harm. Suboxone's partial opioid agonist properties create a ceiling effect that significantly reduces misuse potential compared to full opioid agonists, making it a safe and effective medication for treating opioid use disorder when used as directed.
What are the side effects of Suboxone?
Common side effects may include headache, nausea, constipation, and dizziness, particularly during initial treatment. Most side effects are mild and temporary, resolving as your body adjusts to the medication. If side effects persist or worsen, your healthcare provider can adjust your dosage or provide additional support.
How long can you stay on Suboxone?
Treatment duration varies by individual. Some patients use this medication short-term during detox, while others benefit from long-term maintenance. The decision is based on medical assessment and recovery goals. There is no predetermined maximum duration - the focus is on supporting sustained recovery and quality of life.
Is Suboxone FDA-approved?
Yes, Suboxone is an FDA-approved medication for medication-assisted treatment (MAT) of opioid use disorder. It contains buprenorphine and naloxone, both rigorously tested and approved by the Food and Drug Administration for safety and efficacy in treating opioid dependence.
How does Suboxone work?
This medication blocks withdrawal symptoms and reduces cravings without producing the euphoric effects of full opioid agonists. The naloxone component deters misuse by injection, as it remains inactive when taken sublingually but triggers withdrawal symptoms if the medication is crushed and injected. This dual-action formulation helps support recovery while reducing the potential for misuse.
Can you overdose on Suboxone?
While the risk is significantly lower than with full opioid agonists, overdose is still possible, especially when combined with other substances like alcohol or benzodiazepines. The ceiling effect limits respiratory depression at higher doses, but taking this medication exactly as prescribed and under medical supervision is essential for safety.
What happens if I stop taking Suboxone suddenly?
Stopping abruptly can lead to withdrawal symptoms. If you and your provider decide to discontinue this medication, they will create a gradual tapering schedule to minimize discomfort and support a safe transition. Never stop taking prescribed medication without consulting your healthcare provider first.