Suboxone and Subutex are both medications used to treat opioid use disorder. Suboxone is made with both buprenorphine and naloxone, while Subutex generally refers to a buprenorphine-only medication. The right option depends on a person’s medical history, pregnancy considerations, naloxone tolerance, current stage of treatment, risk of misuse, and a provider’s clinical recommendation.
At Jasper Grove Recovery in Indianapolis, IN, clients can explore medication-assisted treatment options, including Suboxone and Subutex, in a safe, medically supervised environment. Jasper Grove Recovery accepts Indiana Medicaid and offers care that may include medical detox, residential programming, therapy, and aftercare support.
Suboxone and Subutex are often compared because both are buprenorphine-based treatments for opioid use disorder. However, they’re not the same medication.
Buprenorphine is an FDA-approved medication used to treat opioid use disorder. It helps reduce withdrawal symptoms and opioid cravings, which can make it easier for someone to feel more stable and stay engaged in recovery. SAMHSA describes buprenorphine as a medication for opioid use disorder that should be used as part of a comprehensive medication-assisted treatment plan that includes counseling and other services.
The difference is in what the medications are made of:
You can find compassionate medication-assisted treatment in Indianapolis at Jasper Grove Recovery. We offer Suboxone, Subutex, and other evidence-based, FDA-approved options.
Suboxone is a medication that combines buprenorphine with naloxone.
Buprenorphine is the ingredient that helps reduce opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms. It’s a partial opioid agonist, which means it affects similar parts of the brain like heroin or oxycodone at a lower rate. It also has a “ceiling effect,” so high doses do not create the euphoric effects of commonly abused opioids.
Naloxone is included because it lowers the risk of misuse. When taken as prescribed (dissolved in the mouth), naloxone isn’t activated. However, if someone tries to tamper with or inject the pill to misuse it, the naloxone activates and causes uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.
When Suboxone is taken as prescribed, it can support stability during recovery and help people stay focused on treatment.
Suboxone is not a cure on its own. It is typically used as one part of a larger recovery plan that may include:
For many people, Suboxone treatment for addiction can help create enough stability to begin addressing the emotional, behavioral, and physical aspects of recovery.
Subutex is the brand name many people still use when referring to buprenorphine-only medication. The original brand-name Subutex product is no longer marketed in the United States, but generic buprenorphine sublingual tablets may still be used in certain medical situations. Brand-name Subutex was not discontinued for safety or effectiveness, which is why generic versions are still available.
Buprenorphine-only medication may be considered in specific clinical situations, but it should only be used under medical supervision. A provider will review someone’s substance use history, withdrawal symptoms, medical needs, pregnancy status, and prior treatment experiences before deciding whether Subutex or another medication is appropriate.
There are options for Suboxone and Subutex treatment in Indianapolis. Not sure which is right for you? Call 317.527.4529 for an evaluation.
The choice between Suboxone and buprenorphine-only medication depends on the person, not just the medication. A provider may consider:
One medication is not better than the other. The safest choice depends on a medical evaluation and a provider’s clinical judgment.
Suboxone may be used during opioid addiction treatment to help people manage withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and lower the risk of relapse. It may also help people stabilize after detox and continue participating in therapy, outpatient treatment, or long-term recovery planning.
A provider may recommend Suboxone as part of treatment for people who need help with:
At Jasper Grove Recovery, Suboxone may be used as part of a broader medication-assisted treatment plan when clinically appropriate. Depending on each client’s needs, care may include medical detox, residential programming, outpatient support, therapy, relapse-prevention planning, and aftercare.
Buprenorphine-only medication, often referred to as Subutex, is generally used in more specific circumstances than Suboxone.
A provider may consider buprenorphine-only medication in situations such as:
This doesn’t mean Subutex is the right choice for everyone. Buprenorphine-only medication should only be started, changed, or stopped with medical guidance.
At Jasper Grove Recovery, clients can receive an individualized evaluation to determine whether Suboxone, Subutex, or another medication-assisted treatment option may be appropriate.
Suboxone and Subutex can both support recovery when taken as prescribed and monitored by a qualified provider. However, there are important safety and availability considerations to understand.
Availability can vary. Access to buprenorphine-only medication may depend on the provider, pharmacy, insurance plan, state rules, clinical setting, and someone’s specific medical needs.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that pregnant patients should not suddenly stop opioids or stop medications for opioid use disorder (MOUDs) without medical supervision.1 It also recommends that medication therapy may be a better choice for pregnant women with opioid use disorder rather than medically supervised withdrawal. Methadone and buprenorphine may be safe choices for pregnant women. Some providers may not recommend Suboxone to avoid fetal exposure to naloxone.
Women who are already being treated for opioid use disorder should talk to a provider if they become pregnant. Doses may need to be adjusted, and they may recommend additional monitoring and support.
You have many options for medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder in Indianapolis. Some programs focus mainly on prescribing medication. Others offer a broader level of care that includes detox, residential treatment, therapy, and aftercare.
When choosing a medication-assisted treatment program, look for:
Jasper Grove Recovery accepts Indiana Medicaid plans for detox and residential treatment and offers both Subutex and Suboxone when appropriate. Our team can help you plan your treatment, including verifying your insurance coverage and what to bring to rehab. We’ll take time to listen to your story with compassion so you don’t feel alone on your journey. All you have to do is click or call to get in touch.
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Alvin Luster is a registered nurse and healthcare leader with extensive experience overseeing nursing operations and facility-wide clinical services in behavioral health and addiction treatment settings. Known for his calm, solutions-oriented approach, Alvin brings a strong blend of clinical expertise, operational leadership, and team development to his work.
He has served in senior nursing and executive leadership roles, managing staffing, policy development, onboarding, and performance improvement while ensuring compliance with state, federal, and accreditation requirements. Alvin is highly skilled in interdisciplinary collaboration and is deeply committed to patient safety, staff support, and efficient clinical operations.
With a background that spans nursing leadership, facility operations, and new program implementation, Alvin is passionate about building strong teams and systems that allow quality care to thrive, especially during periods of growth and change.
Dana Staker is a licensed mental health counselor with more than a decade of experience in behavioral healthcare, specializing in clinical leadership, program development, and comprehensive oversight across residential and outpatient settings. She has led multidisciplinary teams supporting adolescents, adults, and families, with a strong focus on trauma-informed, evidence-based care.
Throughout her career, Dana has held progressive leadership roles in behavioral health, overseeing clinical operations, staff supervision, budgeting, and quality improvement initiatives. She is well-versed in regulatory compliance and accreditation standards and brings a steady, organized approach to maintaining clinical excellence while supporting team growth.
Dana is particularly skilled in milieu management, family-centered treatment, and building programs that balance structure with compassion. Her leadership style emphasizes collaboration, accountability, and creating environments where both clients and clinicians can do their best work.
Nicole Carter brings 20 years of experience in high-level management and human resources. Over the past seven years, she has focused on serving the addiction population through executive and regional leadership roles. Well-versed in federal and state regulations, quality control, and compliance, Nicole is driven by a passion for creating positive workplaces where both staff and patients can thrive.