Suboxone is a medication often used as part of a broader recovery plan for individuals managing opioid dependence. It combines two active ingredients—buprenorphine and naloxone—to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Because it’s a long-acting medication, people often wonder how long Suboxone stays in the body.
This guide offers general information about Suboxone metabolism, detection timelines, and factors that influence how the body processes it. Keep in mind that experiences can vary widely, and this article is not intended to replace medical advice.
Like all medications, Suboxone is metabolized at different rates depending on a range of personal health factors, including:
- Age and body composition
- Metabolic rate
- Dosage size and frequency
- Duration of use
- Liver function and overall health
Suboxone’s effects are primarily tied to buprenorphine, which has a notably long half-life.
Metabolization of Suboxone and Looking at Half-Life
The first thing to take into consideration for Suboxone staying in your body is half-life. Half-life is the amount of time it takes for half of a single dose of a drug to leave the body. Since there are two drugs in Suboxone (buprenorphine and naltrexone), we have to look at the half-life of each.
- Buprenorphine has a half-life of approximately 24 to 48 hours.
- Naloxone, the second ingredient in Suboxone, has a much shorter half-life—typically between 2 to 12 hours.
It takes about five half-lives for a drug to completely leave your system. Since buprenorphine is in your system the longest out of two, we’ll take a look at five half-lives of it.
If we assign an average half-life of 40 hours to buprenorphine, that means it could take 200 hours, or over 8 days, to leave your body. Therefore, it is generally safe to say that Suboxone could be in your system for up to 8 or 9 days.
However, it may be detected in your body for much longer.
How is Suboxone Detected?
Detection times vary based on the type of test used:
- Urine tests: May detect Suboxone within 40 minutes and up to 2 weeks after the last dose.
- Saliva tests: Can detect Suboxone almost immediately and for up to 5 days.
- Blood tests: Typically detect Suboxone for up to 4 days.
- Hair tests: May detect Suboxone for 1 to 3 months after use.
For people taking Suboxone as prescribed, these detection windows are generally not a concern, but may be relevant for employment screenings or certain medical settings.
Why Suboxone Is Part of a Recovery Plan
Suboxone is designed to be part of a comprehensive, individualized recovery approach. When taken as directed under medical supervision, it can help:
- Ease withdrawal symptoms
- Reduce cravings
- Support long-term wellness goals
Unlike methadone, which often requires daily clinic visits, Suboxone can typically be prescribed for at-home use, offering more flexibility for those balancing work, school, or caregiving responsibilities.
For more on how Suboxone compares to other medications like methadone or Vivitrol, see our blog post: Suboxone vs. Methadone
Taking Suboxone Responsibly
If you’ve been prescribed Suboxone, it’s important to understand how it may affect you—especially when it comes to tasks like driving or operating machinery. Always talk to your healthcare provider about any side effects, and let them know if you have questions about timing, dosage, or how the medication is impacting your day-to-day life.
Suboxone is not a cure, but when combined with therapy, peer support, and compassionate care, it can be a valuable tool in your long-term wellness journey.
For most people, taking medication as prescribed presents no worries about how long it will stay in their system. It’s always a good idea to keep in mind the effects of the medication and how it will impact things like your ability to drive. Always consult with your doctor to understand the full side effects and if it’s right for you.
Suboxone is one of the most effective medically-assisted treatments available in the fight against opioid treatment. Combined with a comprehensive care and recovery plan, like those you’ll find at IHAT, it can help with making a full recovery.
Unlike methadone and other stronger medications, Suboxone is less likely to make the user form a dependency, and withdrawal symptoms are not as severe. Being able to be prescribed Suboxone for take-home use as opposed to office-only administering makes it a flexible option for those with busy lives.
To learn more about IHAT’s programs and if they’re right for you or a loved one, please call 757-938-3654 today.
