No, Suboxone is not used or prescribed to treat alcohol use disorder (AUD). It is a medication used to treat opioid use disorder (OUD).
That being said, some people who have co-occurring AUD and OUD may find that they are drinking less while on Suboxone simply because they are also using opioids less. In this way, being on Suboxone may help to decrease the frequency of alcohol use if you are using primarily when also taking opioids.
However, Suboxone alone has not been shown to decrease alcohol use or treat alcohol use disorder. There are several pharmacological therapies for AUD, including naltrexone (Vivitrol), acamprosate (Campral), and disulfiram (Antabuse). [1]
No, it’s not generally believed that Suboxone can reduce alcohol cravings since it’s a medication for opioid use disorder. Nor is it prescribed to manage alcohol cravings. However, one study found that higher doses of buprenorphine reduced drinking in rats.[3]
Suboxone is not used to treat alcohol addiction or alcohol dependence—rather, it is an effective medication for opioid use disorder.
Suboxone helps to normalize brain chemistry that’s been disrupted by opioid misuse, as well as other benefits like:[5]
There are several evidence-based medications prescribed to treat alcohol use disorder, including:[4]
Much like with Suboxone, these medications are prescribed in conjunction with counseling to provide comprehensive AUD treatment.
Addiction treatment should be customized to your individual needs. While the treatments you receive should always be evidence-based, there is no one “perfect” treatment plan that works for everyone.
No, doctors do not prescribe Suboxone to treat alcohol use disorder. Suboxone is one of several buprenorphine-based medications that are used to treat OUD.[2]
People who struggle with comorbid opioid misuse and alcohol misuse may drink less while taking Suboxone if they were used to using the drugs at the same time. However, Suboxone alone has not been shown to decrease alcohol use or treat alcohol use disorder.
There have been some very preliminary studies in rats that show Suboxone may help decrease alcohol use, however, much more research is needed to confirm the connection and to test if the findings would translate to humans. [3] Few, if any doctors, would recommend Suboxone as a treatment for alcohol use disorder alone.
If you are also using opioids and you start using Suboxone, you might find that, because you are no longer misusing opioids, you are consuming less alcohol while on Suboxone.
Alcohol use disorder is very different from opioid use disorder, and as such, it is treated with different medications. This table explains their differences:[8,9]
MedicationWhat Is It Used For?What Does It Do?SuboxoneOpioid use disorderReduces withdrawal symptoms and cravingsNaltrexoneOpioid use disorder and alcohol use disorderBlocks euphoric and sedative effects of alcohol and opioidsAcamprosateAlcohol use disorderAdjusts brain chemistry imbalances (including GABAergic systems) making alcohol less rewardingDisulfiramAlcohol use disorderBlocks alcohol’s breakdown, causing physical reactions (flushing, headaches, vomiting) when combined with alcohol
Suboxone contains buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist. It latches to both mu-opioid and kappa-opioid receptors in the brain. When it’s connected, Suboxone eases opioid withdrawal signs and symptoms. The medication can also ease cravings for opioid drugs.
Suboxone was specifically designed to help people addicted to opioids, and it’s not FDA approved for any other purpose.[9]
Three medications have been FDA approved to help people overcome alcohol use disorder, and they all work a little differently.[8]
None of these medications are designed to help people move through alcohol withdrawal. People with alcohol use disorders must complete detox before they get started with these therapies.
Alcohol withdrawal syndrome occurs when long-time drinkers suddenly decrease their intake. Symptoms can be severe, and up to 5% of people experiencing the most significant type of withdrawal die from it.[7]
Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant that inhibits electrical activity in the brain. When long-time drinkers quit and brain cells awaken, they become overly excited, and withdrawal symptoms develop.[7]
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms typically begin within about six hours of quitting and can include the following:[7]
If you are dependent on alcohol, do not try to quit alcohol cold turkey on your own or self-medicate using Suboxone or otherwise. The safest setting for alcohol withdrawal management is medical detox, which occurs in a hospital or detox center.
Alcohol withdrawal is typically treated with benzodiazepine medications. Drugs like diazepam and lorazepam work by sedating brain cells—just as they would be sedated if the person was drinking. The dose is slowly tapered, allowing electrical activity to return without sparking withdrawal problems.[6]
Suboxone contains an opioid agonist and an opioid antagonist. These medications don’t work directly on electrical systems within the brain, and they can’t be used as a seizure preventive. Suboxone isn’t used in alcohol withdrawal management for that reason.
Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, just like the buprenorphine in Suboxone. Per the FDA, people should never combine Suboxone with alcoholic beverages.[9] Doing so can lead to very slow breathing rates, potentially leading to death.
If you can’t stop drinking alcohol while using Suboxone, ask your doctor for help. You may need to adjust your treatment plan to get the help you need to stay sober.
Peter Manza, PhD received his BA in Psychology and Biology from the University of Rochester and his PhD in Integrative Neuroscience at Stony Brook University. He is currently working as a research scientist in Washington, DC. His research focuses on the role of the brain dopamine system in substance use disorders and in aging. He also studies brain function in obesity and eating disorders.
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