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Sublocade vs Suboxone: What’s The Difference
November 4, 2025
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When it comes to treating opioid addiction, understanding your options and the differences can make all the difference in finding long-term recovery. Two of the most effective medications used today are Sublocade and Suboxone.
While both are forms of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) that contain buprenorphine, they work in very different ways and may suit different people depending on their lifestyle, treatment goals, and medical needs.
What is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)?
Medication-Assisted Treatment combines FDA-approved medications with behavioral therapy and counseling. This approach helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making it easier to focus on the emotional and psychological work of recovery.
MAT has been shown to improve treatment retention, lower the risk of relapse, and reduce overdose deaths. Both Sublocade and Suboxone are common medications used in MAT programs for opioid use disorder.
Understanding Buprenorphine and Its Role in Recovery
Before diving into Sublocade vs. Suboxone, it helps to understand buprenorphine, the active ingredient they share.
Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, which means it attaches to the same receptors in the brain as opioids like heroin or oxycodone, but without producing the same intense high. This helps ease withdrawal symptoms and cravings without creating a new addiction.
Because it partially activates the opioid receptors, it can satisfy the brain’s craving for opioids while allowing the body to slowly adjust to life without them.
What is Suboxone?
Suboxone is a prescription medication that combines buprenorphine and naloxone. It’s typically taken as a sublingual film that dissolves under the tongue or inside the cheek.
Naloxone, the second ingredient, helps prevent misuse by blocking opioid effects if the medication is injected or abused. This makes Suboxone a safer, lower-risk option for people in early recovery.
How Suboxone Works
When taken as prescribed, Suboxone reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms. It helps stabilize brain chemistry and allows individuals to function normally—working, caring for their families, and participating in therapy—without feeling “high.”
Because it’s taken daily, Suboxone gives people a sense of control over their recovery, but it also requires consistency and discipline. Missing doses or stopping abruptly can lead to withdrawal symptoms.
What is Sublocade?
Sublocade is a long-acting injectable form of buprenorphine that is administered once a month by a healthcare professional. It slowly releases buprenorphine into the bloodstream over several weeks, providing steady, consistent support without the need for daily dosing.
Unlike Suboxone, Sublocade does not contain naloxone, since it’s administered as an injection under the skin and cannot be misused.
How Sublocade Works
After receiving the injection, a small amount of medication forms a gel-like depot under the skin that gradually releases buprenorphine throughout the month. This ensures a steady level of medication in the body, preventing cravings and withdrawal without fluctuations.
This “set it and forget it” method can be ideal for people who struggle with taking medication daily or who prefer more privacy in their recovery process.
Sublocade vs Suboxone
While both medications contain buprenorphine, they differ in several important ways, including form, dosing, flexibility, and accessibility. Each medication has its own advantages depending on your recovery goals and lifestyle.
- Form: Sublocade is given as a monthly injection, while Suboxone comes as a daily film or tablet that dissolves under the tongue or inside the cheek.
- Ingredients: Sublocade contains only buprenorphine, whereas Suboxone combines buprenorphine with naloxone to discourage misuse.
- Administration: Sublocade must be administered by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, while Suboxone can be taken at home as prescribed.
- Frequency: Sublocade is given once per month, providing long-lasting effects, while Suboxone must be taken daily to maintain consistent support.
- Potential for Misuse: Because Sublocade is an injection, it has virtually no potential for misuse. Suboxone’s risk is also low thanks to the presence of naloxone, which blocks opioid effects if misused.
- Convenience: Sublocade is highly convenient since there’s no need for daily dosing or remembering to take medication. Suboxone offers more flexibility but requires a daily commitment and consistency.
Benefits of Suboxone
Suboxone is one of the most commonly prescribed medications for opioid use disorder because of its effectiveness and flexibility.
- Accessible and Affordable: Suboxone is available in most pharmacies and can be prescribed by many licensed providers. It’s often covered by insurance and is available in generic forms, making it more affordable.
- Gradual Adjustment: Because it’s taken daily, Suboxone allows for more control in tapering off the medication over time. This can be helpful for people who are further along in recovery and want to slowly reduce their dose.
- Familiarity and Flexibility: Many people in recovery are familiar with Suboxone and find comfort in its routine use. It allows flexibility—if someone needs an adjustment, their doctor can easily change the dose or frequency.
Benefits of Sublocade
Sublocade is a newer, innovative approach to buprenorphine treatment and is ideal for individuals who prefer long-term stability and less daily responsibility.
- No Daily Dosing: For many, remembering to take medication daily can be challenging, especially during early recovery. Sublocade eliminates that pressure by providing continuous support for an entire month.
- Reduced Risk of Misuse: Because it’s administered by a healthcare provider, Sublocade cannot be lost, stolen, or misused. This offers added peace of mind for individuals and families concerned about relapse or diversion.
- Steady, Consistent Relief: Sublocade maintains stable buprenorphine levels in the body, preventing the ups and downs that can occur with daily medications. Many patients report feeling more emotionally balanced and less triggered by cravings.
Which One Is Right For You?
The choice between Sublocade and Suboxone depends on several factors, including your personal preferences, stage of recovery, and medical history.
Suboxone might be a better choice if you prefer flexibility, want to manage your medication independently, or are in the later stages of treatment.
Sublocade may be ideal if you want long-term consistency, less responsibility for daily dosing, or are at higher risk for misuse or relapse.
Your treatment provider will consider your overall health, history of substance use, and support system before recommending one over the other.
What To Expect During Treatment at Music City Detox
At Music City Detox, we know that recovery is about more than medication. Whether you begin with Sublocade or Suboxone, your care plan will include medical supervision, therapy, holistic care, and relapse prevention.
During detox, we help stabilize your body safely and comfortably. Once stabilized, our team works with you to decide whether Sublocade or Suboxone is the right next step for ongoing support.
Our compassionate team of professionals provides:
- 24/7 medical care and monitoring
- Individual and group therapy sessions
- Dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring mental health disorders
- Holistic therapies to promote emotional healing
- Comprehensive aftercare planning
The Role of Therapy and Support in MAT
While medication is a crucial part of recovery, it’s not the whole picture. Combining MAT with therapy and community support helps address the root causes of addiction.
At Music City Detox, we provide access to evidence-based therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and trauma-informed care. We also encourage ongoing participation in recovery groups, family therapy, and relapse prevention programs. This whole-person approach helps clients rebuild confidence, repair relationships, and rediscover their purpose.
Learn More About Medication-Assisted Treatment in Nashville
Choosing between Sublocade and Suboxone is a personal decision, but you don’t have to make it alone. At Music City Detox in Nashville, our caring and knowledgeable staff are here to guide you every step of the way.
Whether you’re struggling with opioid dependence or supporting a loved one through it, we’ll help you find the safest and most effective path forward
Contact Music City Detox today to learn more about our programs and take the first step toward a healthier, substance-free future. Call us now at 615-695-1009 or verify your insurance.