At Spring Grove Recovery, we know that every recovery journey is unique. That’s why we provide different medication-assisted treatment (MAT) options, including Subutex, to fit your specific needs. For many, Subutex can be life-changing—helping to stabilize health, ease withdrawal symptoms, and build confidence for the road ahead.
Subutex is a brand-name prescription medication that contains buprenorphine as its sole active ingredient. It’s used as part of MAT to help people with opioid use disorder reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings while minimizing the risk of misuse. If you’re near Colorado Springs and looking for compassionate, expert care, our team is ready to support you every step of the way.
What is Subutex? Understanding buprenorphine for opioid addiction recovery
How Subutex works in medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
Subutex acts as a partial opioid agonist. That means it binds to the brain’s opioid receptors, like drugs such as heroin or oxycodone, but with less intensity. This action helps reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings without causing the intense high associated with full opioids.
Subutex is typically used in the early stages of treatment or detox. It can be especially helpful for clients who are sensitive to naloxone or are just beginning their opioid recovery journey.
Benefits of Subutex compared to other opioid treatments
Compared to other medications for opioid use disorder (MOUDs), Subutex has several benefits. Subutex doesn’t cause the intense high you’d get from stronger opioids like heroin or oxycodone. This makes it helpful for people managing cravings and trying to stay on track. Plus, it has a longer half-life than other treatments, meaning it stays in your system longer. This gives steady relief from withdrawal symptoms and cuts down the need for frequent dosing.
Subutex offers many other benefits in supporting people during their opioid recovery journey:
- Helps ease withdrawal symptoms
- Reduces cravings
- Provides stability in early recovery
- Can be started sooner in detox compared to Suboxone
- A great choice for those who can’t tolerate naloxone
Subutex makes starting recovery smoother by minimizing physical challenges. With withdrawal under control, you can focus on the emotional and mental steps needed for long-term sobriety.
Comprehensive care, available 24/7.
Comprehensive Subutex treatment programs
Inpatient and outpatient Subutex treatment options
Subutex can be prescribed during inpatient and outpatient treatment. What's the difference?
Setting
Inpatient programs require patients to stay at a treatment center for the duration of treatment. Outpatient programs allow patients to live at home and attend regularly scheduled appointments at a treatment center.
Intensity
Inpatient programs typically involve more intensive therapy and support, including 24-hour care. Outpatient programs may have fewer hours of therapy per week.
Duration
Inpatient programs usually last anywhere from 30 to 90 days. Outpatient programs can range from a few weeks to several months.
Many people in the early stages of recovery benefit from inpatient treatment. Around-the-clock medical support, a safe environment, and care for co-occurring disorders can prevent relapse and provide stability. We do not offer outpatient treatment at our Colorado Springs center, but we can help coordinate the right type of care when you leave our center.
Combining Subutex with behavioral therapy and counseling
Medication is only one part of the puzzle. True healing comes from addressing the root causes of addiction. That’s why we integrate Subutex treatment with:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Trauma-informed care
- Motivational interviewing (MI)
- Family counseling
- Structured peer support through group therapy
Our comprehensive approach supports your mind, body, and relationships throughout your recovery.
Supporting your recovery journey with Subutex
Related medication-assisted treatments and alternatives
Suboxone vs. Subutex: key differences
Subutex and Suboxone both contain buprenorphine, but there’s a key difference: Suboxone also has naloxone, which helps prevent misuse. Subutex might be the better option for you if:
- You’re starting treatment in a controlled, inpatient setting
- You’re allergic or sensitive to naloxone
- You’re pregnant (in some cases, Subutex is preferred)
Choosing between the two depends on your unique situation and goals. We’re here to guide you through your options and help you decide what works best for you.
Methadone treatment and other opioid alternatives
Suboxone and Subutex are not the only options for opioid addiction treatment. Methadone, a long-acting opioid agonist medication, is also commonly used to treat opioid dependence. It works by preventing withdrawal symptoms and reducing cravings for opioids. However, it must be dispensed daily by a licensed provider.
Other non-opioid alternatives for treating opioid addiction include Vivitrol and Sublocade. Vivitrol is an extended-release injection that blocks the effects of opioids and helps reduce cravings. Sublocade is a monthly injection that gradually releases buprenorphine, another opioid agonist medication. If Subutex is not right for you, other options are available. Talk with our team to find your right way to recover.
Pain management considerations in opioid addiction recovery
Managing pain can be a big challenge for people recovering from opioid addiction. Many turn to opioids to cope with chronic pain, so when they stop, finding new ways to deal with pain isn't always easy.
Pain management in recovery often needs a mix of different strategies. This can include non-opioid medicines like over-the-counter pain relievers, physical therapy, acupuncture, massage, or other alternative therapies. It's also important to look at mental health since things like anxiety or depression can make pain feel worse.
Resources and support for opioid use disorder
Harm reduction strategies and addiction counseling
Subutex treatment is a key part of harm reduction, helping to lower the risk of overdose and improve physical health. Whether you’re starting treatment for the first time or coming back after a relapse, harm reduction provides care with respect and support. At Spring Grove Recovery, we also offer:
These services work together to give you compassionate, well-rounded support on your recovery journey.
Training on how to use naloxone to prevent overdoses
24/7 medical care and support
Help with case management and planning your next steps
Connections to long-term recovery housing or outpatient programs
These services work together to give you compassionate, well-rounded support on your recovery journey.
Outpatient and inpatient rehab programs overview
Subutex treatment can be delivered in inpatient or outpatient programs. Outpatient programs allow you to sleep at home and visit a rehab center for therapy and other services a few times a week. Inpatient care, on the other hand, provides a safe space to recover without distractions. Spring Grove Recovery is an inpatient rehab center in Colorado Springs. During treatment, our clients receive:
- One-on-one counseling
- Group therapy sessions
- Mental health care for any other conditions
- Guidance on nutrition and life skills to support
- 24/7 care and support
- Education about addiction
- Relapse prevention and life skills
Prescription opioid alternatives and safe use practices
A key part of treating addiction is tackling the root cause that led to using opioids in the first place. For many people, it started as a way to deal with chronic pain or emotional struggles. That’s why finding safe, effective ways to manage pain and learning healthier coping strategies are so important for long-term recovery.
The good news is that there are plenty of alternatives for managing chronic pain. Non-opioid medications, physical therapy, acupuncture, and cognitive-behavioral therapy are just a few options. These treatments not only help ease pain but can also address deeper issues like muscle tension or emotional stress.
Frequently asked questions about Subutex treatment
Subutex and Suboxone both have buprenorphine, but Suboxone also includes naloxone. Subutex is usually given early in treatment or prescribed to people with certain medical conditions.
You might experience nausea, headaches, dizziness, or trouble sleeping. Don’t worry—these usually go away as your body gets used to it. Our team will keep an eye on things and help with any questions or issues.
Subutex could be a good option if you:
- Are just starting recovery from opioid addiction
- Can’t tolerate naloxone
- Need help with detox or ongoing treatment for opioids
Reach out to our admissions team for a private consultation. We’ll help you figure out if Subutex is a good option and guide you through what comes next.
Treatment plans depend on what each person needs. Some people use Subutex for a short time during detox, while others stay on it for several months or more.
Subutex treatment is covered by most insurance plans, including Medicaid. We’re here to help check your benefits for you.
Yes. Subutex works alongside therapy and support to curb cravings and help you stick to your recovery goals.
Absolutely, especially with proper medical guidance. We ensure a safe and supportive detox process, so you’re never facing it on your own.
Begin Subutex treatment at Spring Grove Recovery today
If you're considering Subutex as part of your journey to opioid recovery, Spring Grove Recovery is here for you. Based in Colorado Springs, Colorado, our licensed clinic offers MAT with care tailored to your needs in a safe and welcoming environment.
We pair proven medication with supportive counseling to guide you through each step of recovery. Call us at 719.415.3460 or fill out our private contact form to learn more about our Subutex programs. A fresh start is just a call away.
