Does Subutex Get You High?

Subutex is a buprenorphine compound prescribed for the treatment of opiate withdrawals. Whereas Subutex is a mild form of opiate that rarely causes euphoria or creates dependence or addiction, it can still produce a high in its users or even create dependence. As an opiate withdrawal treatment, the drug binds to the brain's opioid receptors, in effect displacing other opiates yet producing mild opiate effects that minimize an addict's craving and withdrawal symptoms.

What Increases Your Chances of Getting a Subutex 'High'?

 

• Being a New Opiate User

Buprenorphine, the active opiate component of Subutex, produces similar opiate effects as heroin and other depressant drugs. Whereas Subutex is mild, new opiate users are likely to feel its effects more sharply compared to existing opiate users and addicts. This means that the attachment of the Subutex molecules on the brain's opioid receptors will trigger a surge in the production of endorphins (hence euphoria) that some people are not used to. Previous opiate users may not even notice the high and other effects of Subutex, as they are used to stronger effects from more potent opiates.

 

• Injecting Subutex or Abusing it in Other Ways

Subutex should be ingested sublingually (placed under the tongue) and this means that it dissolves slowly and reaches the brain in an extended-release manner before its effects can be experienced fully. However, some people abuse it by dissolving the tablets and then injecting the resulting solution into their veins. Injecting any drug directly into the veins delivers that drug into the bloodstream and the brain extremely fast, and this can induce a high.

• Effects of Subutex Overindulgence

An important fact about Subutex is that, unlike most drugs, it has a level beyond which its effects cease to increase. This level (called ceiling level) reduces the risk of Subutex abuse. However, it is still possible for Subutex users to develop dependence and addiction, especially when they inject it or use it with other drugs.

Subutex Abuse

Subutex rarely induces euphoria or creates dependence. It can, however, induce a high for first-time users or when it is injected instead of ingested as prescribed (sublingually). Tolerance, dependence and addiction can also result from Subutex abuse, especially by means of injection, increased dosage ingestion and combining it with other drugs.