Can Suboxone be prescribed long term? The Facts on Medication-Assisted Treatment

October 10, 2025 •

4 min read

Research indicates that long-term Suboxone treatment can significantly reduce the risk of relapse and overdose in individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD). For many patients, the question of "Can Suboxone be prescribed long term?" is answered with a resounding yes, as continuous medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is often the most effective path to sustained recovery.

Quick Summary

Long-term Suboxone treatment is a medically supported strategy for managing opioid use disorder, often necessary for months, years, or indefinitely to maintain sobriety. Its effectiveness in reducing cravings and preventing relapse provides crucial stability, though the duration is highly individualized and determined by a healthcare provider.

Key Points

Long-term Use is Medically Supported: Suboxone can be and often is prescribed for years, or even indefinitely, as a maintenance treatment for opioid use disorder.
Reduces Relapse and Overdose: Evidence shows that long-term treatment significantly lowers the risk of relapse and fatal overdose compared to stopping the medication prematurely.
Offers Stability for Recovery: Continuous Suboxone therapy allows individuals to focus on behavioral therapy, repair relationships, and build a stable life without the constant distraction of cravings and withdrawal.
Potential Side Effects are Manageable: While long-term use can cause side effects like dental problems, constipation, and hormonal changes, these are monitored and managed by a healthcare provider.
Tapering Must Be Gradual: Discontinuing Suboxone should never be done abruptly; a supervised, gradual tapering process is necessary to minimize withdrawal symptoms and prevent relapse.
Individualized Treatment Plan: The duration of treatment depends on individual factors such as the severity of OUD, patient response, and recovery goals, making it a tailored approach.

What is Long-Term Suboxone Treatment?

Opioid use disorder (OUD) is widely recognized as a chronic medical condition, similar to diabetes or high blood pressure. Just as these conditions require ongoing management, many individuals with OUD benefit from long-term medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Suboxone, which combines buprenorphine and naloxone, is a medication approved for this purpose. Buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist, binds to opioid receptors to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing the intense high of full opioids. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist included to discourage misuse.

Long-term Suboxone treatment, often called maintenance therapy, involves taking a stable dose of the medication for an extended period to prevent the devastating cycle of addiction. Research has shown that patients who remain in treatment longer have significantly better outcomes. The decision to pursue long-term therapy is a collaborative one between a patient and their healthcare provider, taking into account individual circumstances and recovery goals.

The Benefits of Long-Term Suboxone Use

Extensive clinical evidence and real-world outcomes support the benefits of continuing Suboxone for an extended period, particularly for those with a history of severe OUD or multiple relapses.

Reduces Relapse Risk: Studies consistently show that remaining on buprenorphine significantly reduces the likelihood of returning to opioid use. Discontinuing too early, especially within the first six months to a year, is often associated with higher relapse rates.
Prevents Overdose: The risk of fatal overdose increases dramatically for individuals who stop Suboxone and relapse, as their opioid tolerance has decreased. Long-term maintenance acts as a safety net, dramatically lowering mortality risk.
Promotes Stability: By suppressing withdrawal symptoms and cravings, Suboxone allows individuals to focus on other aspects of recovery, such as counseling, repairing relationships, and securing stable employment. This foundational stability can help rebuild a productive life.
Improved Overall Health: Long-term Suboxone use is associated with better overall physical and mental health outcomes, in contrast to the destructive health consequences of untreated OUD.
Flexibility and Accessibility: Unlike methadone, which often requires daily clinic visits, Suboxone can be prescribed for at-home use, providing more flexibility for individuals who are working or caring for family.

Potential Risks and Side Effects of Extended Therapy

While generally considered safe for long-term use under medical supervision, there are potential risks and side effects to be aware of. It is crucial for patients to have regular check-ins with their doctor to monitor for and manage any issues.

Physical Dependence: Long-term use of Suboxone leads to physical dependence, which is not the same as addiction. This means the body has adapted to the medication, and abrupt cessation will cause withdrawal symptoms. A supervised, gradual taper is necessary when stopping treatment.
Dental Problems: The FDA has issued a warning regarding the risk of dental problems, including tooth decay and cavities, associated with sublingual buprenorphine. This necessitates strict dental hygiene practices and regular dental checkups.
Liver Function Issues: Although rare, especially in those without pre-existing liver conditions, long-term use can affect liver function. Regular monitoring through blood tests is essential.
Hormonal Changes: Some individuals taking opioids long-term may experience reduced cortisol levels, a condition known as adrenal insufficiency.
Common Side Effects: Some side effects, such as constipation, headaches, insomnia, and mood changes, can persist but often lessen over time as the body adjusts.

Addressing Misconceptions and Tapering Off

One of the most persistent misconceptions about long-term Suboxone therapy is the idea that it is "just replacing one addiction with another". However, addiction involves compulsive behavior and a loss of control, whereas taking Suboxone as prescribed is about stabilization and control. Medical experts and organizations like the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) recognize MAT as a legitimate, evidence-based treatment.

If a patient and their doctor decide to discontinue treatment, the process should be a gradual, medically supervised taper. The pace of the taper is highly individual and depends on factors like the patient's stability, relapse risk, and overall recovery journey. Rushing the process significantly increases the risk of relapse.

Long-Term vs. Short-Term Suboxone Treatment Goals


Feature	Short-Term Suboxone Treatment	Long-Term Suboxone Treatment
Primary Goal	To manage acute withdrawal symptoms and stabilize the patient for transition to non-medication recovery.	To maintain sobriety, reduce cravings, and prevent relapse indefinitely, treating OUD as a chronic condition.
Duration	Typically a few weeks to several months.	Months, years, or even indefinitely, depending on the patient's needs and progress.
Ideal Candidate	Individuals with less severe dependency, strong support systems, and low relapse risk.	Individuals with severe, long-standing OUD, a history of multiple relapses, or co-occurring mental health conditions.
Risk of Relapse	Higher risk, especially if tapered off too quickly.	Significantly lower risk, as medication provides ongoing protection and stability.
Focus	Primarily on detox and initial stabilization.	Long-term stability, rebuilding life skills, career, and relationships.

Conclusion: The Individualized Path to Recovery

The question of whether can Suboxone be prescribed long term? has a clear, evidence-based answer: yes, it can be, and for many, it is the safest and most effective strategy for managing opioid use disorder. By suppressing cravings and withdrawal symptoms, Suboxone provides a critical foundation of stability that allows patients to engage with counseling and psychosocial support, which are vital for holistic recovery. While potential long-term side effects require careful medical monitoring, the benefits of preventing relapse, overdose, and improving overall quality of life often far outweigh the risks for those with chronic OUD. Ultimately, the duration of Suboxone treatment is a personal decision made in consultation with a qualified healthcare provider, who can help navigate the complexities of this chronic disease and support the patient's journey to sustained well-being.

For more information on the effectiveness and science behind MAT, visit the National Institute on Drug Abuse's resource hub: NIDA.

Frequently Asked Questions

For many patients, yes, it is safe to be on Suboxone indefinitely, especially for those with severe or chronic opioid use disorder. Medical experts often view OUD as a chronic condition requiring long-term management, much like diabetes or high blood pressure.

If you stop taking Suboxone, especially abruptly, you will likely experience withdrawal symptoms due to physical dependence. There is also a significantly higher risk of relapse and subsequent overdose. Any decision to stop should involve a gradual, medically supervised taper.

Long-term Suboxone use can potentially impact liver function, although severe liver damage is rare, particularly in individuals without pre-existing liver problems. Patients on long-term therapy are regularly monitored with blood tests to ensure liver health.

No, this is a common misconception. Addiction involves compulsive drug-seeking behavior and loss of control, whereas taking Suboxone as prescribed is a stabilizing medical treatment. The goal is to regain control and rebuild your life, not to seek euphoria.

The FDA has warned about potential oral health issues with sublingual buprenorphine, including cavities, tooth decay, and infections. Maintaining excellent dental hygiene and having regular dental checkups is crucial.

The duration is highly individualized and depends on factors like the severity of OUD, personal recovery goals, response to treatment, and support systems. Regular consultation with a healthcare provider guides the decision.

Yes, many individuals lead healthy, productive lives while on long-term Suboxone therapy. It provides the stability needed to work, attend school, maintain relationships, and focus on overall well-being.