Plugging Suboxone | Dangers Of Plugging Buprenorphine Strips

Suboxone is a medication that doctors use to help people recover from opioid addiction by treating withdrawal symptoms and reducing cravings for drugs such as heroin or morphine. This medication contains two active ingredients, buprenorphine and naloxone, and is considered safer than methadone for treating opioid dependence because it has a lower risk of abuse. Suboxone comes as tablets or thin strips that dissolve under the tongue, allowing the medication to enter the bloodstream safely.

However, some people misuse Suboxone by dissolving the strips and injecting the liquid, inserting it rectally (called “plugging”), or crushing pills to snort them. These methods of abuse can defeat the purpose of this life-saving medication. When used properly, Suboxone works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain, helping people feel normal without the ups and downs of other opioids. This FDA-approved treatment has saved countless lives by preventing overdoses and helping people recover from opioid addiction. Misuse through means like plugging can create health risks and undermine the recovery process.

Why Do People Plug Suboxone?

People plug Suboxone because it increases the bioavailability of the buprenorphine, which may produce a high. For people who are new to opioid drug use, Suboxone is seen as a safe drug to try. However, plugging the drug may lead to higher instances of addiction, withdrawals, and negative experiences.

People may seek a more prolonged, mellow “high” feeling from the drug through dopamine release. When it is injected or snorted, the naloxone will work to block opioid receptors and cause negative withdrawal-like effects because the opioid is made ineffective. Many people abuse Subutex instead, as it doesn’t contain naloxone.

Perceptions Of Suboxone As A Safe Opioid

In addition to the prolonged, “safe” feeling high for newer opioid use cases, Suboxone is abused by people with opioid use disorder. Plugging is a common method of abuse for this drug.

Plugging leads to more effective buprenorphine release for people that normally use heavier drugs like hydrocodone or fentanyl. In these cases, the feelings of euphoria, well-being, and general opioid-related effects are milder (but may feel more intense for people without a history of substance use disorder).

Suboxone, like methadone and buprenorphine, reduces cravings for heroin or opioid prescription painkillers like oxycodone (Oxycontin). It also eases both physical and psychological symptoms that people struggle with during withdrawal and detox.

Side Effects Of Plugging Suboxone

Plugging Suboxone, and Suboxone abuse, generally carries negative side effects. These effects may be exacerbated when the drug is taken rectally by plugging.

Side effects of plugging Suboxone:

• sweating
• drowsiness and fatigue
• dizziness
• headache
• constipation
• nausea and vomiting
• dry mouth
• insomnia
• muscle aches and cramps
• fever
• blurred vision
• dilated pupils
• tremors
• palpitations

These side effects demonstrate why plugging Suboxone is risky and can interfere with the medication’s intended purpose of supporting safe recovery from opioid addiction. Anyone experiencing Suboxone abuse should seek immediate help from medical professionals or addiction specialists.

Dangers Of Plugging Suboxone

Plugging drugs like Suboxone is effective because it delivers the drug more directly to the bloodstream through the rectal blood vessels. The increased bioavailability of the drug from lack of breakdown and the direct administration means that effects are typically felt more quickly.

With other opioids or benzodiazepines, this dosing method creates very strong but short highs prone to overdose. And beyond the potential for overdose and negative side effects, the use of drugs like Suboxone rectally can have unpleasant physical effects. Without proper sterile applicators and lubrication, continuous rectal drug use can cause rectal bleeding, damage to the rectum or anus, internal bleeding, and general discomfort.

Long-Term Risks Of Plugging Suboxone

Prolonged Suboxone use at high doses of Suboxone use alongside other opioids, alcohol, or benzodiazepines may create dangerous health circumstances. Because of the opioid’s central nervous system depressant properties, the risk of respiratory depression, coma, and death are always possible results of overdose. Although Suboxone is seen as a safe drug to use, the risk of opioid overdose death is very real.

Opioid Overdose

Whenever Suboxone is taken in excess, or alongside other central nervous depressants like alcohol or benzos, there is a risk of an opioid overdose.

Symptoms of opioid overdose include:

• drowsiness
• coma
• seizures
• stopped or disrupted breathing (apnea)
• death
• hallucinations
• nausea and vomiting
• dizziness
• anxiety
• high blood pressure

By plugging an opioid drug, the perceived effects may wear off faster than the drug can be processed by the body, resulting in an overdose. If an overdose occurs, its critical that emergency medical personnel are contacted immediately and you monitor the overdosing person while waiting. Take note of any other drugs that were ingested, as this will help ensure the proper treatment is given when paramedics arrive.

Buprenorphine Addiction And Withdrawal Symptoms

Although buprenorphine-based medications are prescribed by healthcare professionals for legitimate, helpful opioid treatment, the medication may still be addictive. This addiction medicine, when abused and misused as a gateway opioid or substitute for stronger drugs, can cause dependence and withdrawals.

Opioid withdrawals symptoms may include:

• mood swings
• irritability
• feelings of sadness and nervousness
• gastrointestinal issues
• flu symptoms (headache, fever, sweating)
• tingly or hot skin
• insomnia
• aches and pains
• rapid heartbeat
• shakes
• intense cravings

If you or a loved one are in need of safe medical detox, there are dozens of rehab centers in every state that offer a range of evidence-based services for recovery. To find a facility near you, reach out to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff