As the opioid epidemic continues to plague the nation and cause an alarming number of overdoses and deaths, many people are turning to Suboxone as a form of treatment. But does Suboxone show up as an opiate on drug tests? This article will explore this question, as well as the implications of a positive result for those who are taking Suboxone as part of a treatment plan.

Does Suboxone Show Up as an Opiate on Drug Tests?

What is Suboxone?

Suboxone is a prescription medication that combines buprenorphine and naloxone and is used to treat opioid addiction. Buprenorphine is an opioid agonist, which means that it activates the same receptors that opioids like heroin and oxycodone activate, while naloxone is an opioid antagonist, which means it blocks the effects of opioids. Suboxone is mainly used to help people wean off of opioids by reducing cravings and blocking the effects of other opioids.

How Does Suboxone Work?

Suboxone is typically prescribed for short-term use and works by occupying the same opioid receptors that other opioids activate. This helps to block the effects of other opioids, reducing cravings and helping to alleviate withdrawal symptoms. Suboxone also works by increasing levels of dopamine in the brain, which helps to reduce feelings of depression and anxiety.

Will Suboxone Show Up on Drug Tests?

Suboxone will not typically show up on a typical drug screen, as most drug screens are designed to detect the presence of illicit drugs such as heroin, cocaine, and marijuana. However, there are some drug tests that are specifically designed to detect the presence of buprenorphine and will show a positive result for Suboxone.

What Kinds of Drug Tests Can Detect Suboxone?

Urine Tests

Urine tests are the most common type of drug test and are typically used to detect the presence of illicit drugs such as heroin, cocaine, and marijuana. However, certain urine tests are designed to specifically detect the presence of buprenorphine and will show a positive result if Suboxone is present.

Blood Tests

Blood tests are another type of drug test that can be used to detect the presence of buprenorphine. These tests are more accurate than urine tests and can detect the presence of buprenorphine up to several days after it was last taken.

Can Suboxone Be Detected on Hair Tests?

Hair Tests

Hair tests are another type of drug test that can be used to detect the presence of buprenorphine. These tests are even more accurate than urine and blood tests and can detect the presence of buprenorphine up to several months after it was last taken.

Saliva Tests

Saliva tests are the newest type of drug test and can also be used to detect the presence of buprenorphine. These tests are even more accurate than hair tests and can detect the presence of buprenorphine up to several weeks after it was last taken.

Top 6 Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does Suboxone Show Up as an Opiate on Drug Tests?

Yes, Suboxone does show up as an opiate on drug tests. Suboxone is a combination of two drugs: buprenorphine, an opioid, and naloxone, an opiate antagonist. Both of these drugs are detectable in urine tests and will typically show up as a positive result for opiates. Blood and saliva tests can also detect the presence of Suboxone in the system.

2. How Long Does Suboxone Stay in Your System?

The amount of time that Suboxone stays in your system depends on several factors, including your metabolism, dosage, and frequency of use. Generally, Suboxone can be detected in the system for up to three days after last use. However, it can sometimes remain in the system for up to a week.

3. Are There Different Types of Drug Tests Used to Detect Suboxone?

Yes, there are several different types of drug tests used to detect the presence of Suboxone in the system. The most common drug tests used to detect Suboxone are urine tests, blood tests, and saliva tests. Each test has its own advantages and disadvantages, and is used to detect different levels of the drug in the system.

4. What Are the Possible Consequences of Suboxone Use?

Suboxone is a powerful drug and has many potential risks and consequences associated with it. It can be very addictive, and can lead to physical and psychological dependence. Long-term use of Suboxone can also lead to serious health problems such as liver damage, kidney damage, and an increased risk of overdose.

5. How Is Suboxone Used?

Suboxone is usually prescribed by a doctor to treat opioid addiction. It is typically taken in pill form, but can also be taken as a sublingual tablet or a film. The dosage and frequency of use will depend on the individual and the severity of their addiction.

6. Are There Any Alternatives to Suboxone?

Yes, there are several alternatives to Suboxone that can be used to treat opioid addiction. These alternatives include medication-assisted treatment (MAT), cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and contingency management (CM). Each treatment option has its own advantages and disadvantages, and should be discussed with a doctor or healthcare professional.

Does Suboxone Show up in A Drug Test? | Dr. B

In conclusion, Suboxone does show up as an opiate in drug tests. It can be detected in urine, hair, and saliva tests. However, Suboxone is a medication prescribed to treat opiate addiction, so it is not considered an illicit drug. It is important to remember that Suboxone should only be taken as prescribed and should not be abused. If you have any questions about Suboxone, you should speak to your doctor or healthcare provider.