Is it safe? Will it get you high? How does it actually help with cravings and withdrawal? Whether you’re thinking about starting MAT or just trying to understand your options, this article breaks it all down in plain language.

A guide for individuals and families exploring medication-assisted treatment

When you’re considering treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD), one of the first terms you’ll probably come across is Suboxone. But what exactly is it? Is it safe? How does it actually help?

At Blue Sky Counseling, we believe that recovery starts with understanding - not judgment. Whether you’re seeking treatment for yourself or someone you love, here’s what you need to know about Suboxone, how it works, and why it’s changing lives every day.

🔍 What is Suboxone?

Suboxone is a prescription medication used as part of medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) or medication-assisted treatment (MAT). It’s made up of two main ingredients:

• Buprenorphine – a partial opioid agonist that helps relieve withdrawal symptoms and cravings
• Naloxone – an opioid antagonist that discourages misuse

Together, these components help stabilize your body and mind without producing a high.

“Suboxone helps reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings, but without producing the euphoric effects people associate with opioid misuse.”

— Susan Gurney, MSN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC

For many people, Suboxone provides the foundation for stability, which creates space for the deeper healing that happens in counseling and community.

🧠 How Does Suboxone Work in the Body?

Suboxone primarily acts on the brain’s opioid receptors. But unlike full opioids (like heroin or oxycodone), buprenorphine only partially activates those receptors. That’s what makes it so effective: it eases withdrawal and cravings, but it doesn’t allow you to get high in the same way.

Meanwhile, naloxone blocks those receptors if the medication is misused — acting as a safeguard built right into the treatment.

“There’s a common myth that MOUD/MAT is just trading one drug for another. But it’s not about getting high — it’s about creating stability. We hear that concern more from family members than clients themselves.”

— Susan Gurney

The result? Your brain has time to heal, your life can start to feel manageable again, and you’re no longer trapped in a daily cycle of survival.

Is There an Injectable Option?

Yes - and we offer it.

Sublocade is a monthly injection of buprenorphine, which slowly releases medication over time. It’s great for people who don’t want to worry about remembering daily doses.

“We’ve been working to roll out the shot through a partnership with Osco/Shaw’s pharmacy. Clients often don’t realize we can provide that option — but we absolutely can.”

Whether you’re interested in daily dosing or a long-acting injection, you’ve got options. And we’re here to help you choose the right one.

⏳ How Long Will I Need to Be on Suboxone?

This is one of the most common (and completely valid) questions we hear — and the answer is different for everyone.

Some people use Suboxone short-term as a bridge through withdrawal. Others stay on it long-term as part of a stable recovery plan.

“We work with each person individually to find the right length of treatment. There’s no shame in staying on medication long-term if it’s helping you stay safe and live your life.”

— Susan Gurney

The truth is: longer isn’t worse — it’s just more stable. And that’s a win.

🙋‍♀️ Am I a Candidate for Suboxone?

If you’re living with opioid use disorder, there’s a good chance Suboxone could help you — especially if:

• You’re experiencing cravings or withdrawal
• You’ve tried to stop before but relapsed
• You’re ready to regain control, one step at a time

The best way to know for sure is to talk with a provider who understands your full story. At Blue Sky Counseling, we offer personalized intake assessments — and we never push treatment that doesn’t fit your needs.

🌱 Recovery, Your Way

Suboxone isn’t a cure. But it is a powerful tool that can help you take your life back — without chaos, without shame, and without being alone in the process.

“Our job is to meet you where you’re at — and provide options that work. Suboxone is one of those options, and for many, it’s life-changing.”

— Susan Gurney

📞 Let’s Talk

Whether you’re just starting to explore MOUD/MAT, or you’ve been thinking about it for a while — we’re here to talk.

There’s no waitlist. Just support, guidance, and real answers.

👉 Reach out today to schedule your first appointment — online or in person.