From the Research
Suboxone is not a recommended treatment for alcohol use disorder due to the lack of robust clinical evidence supporting its effectiveness for this condition. The most recent and highest quality study, 1, published in 2022, emphasizes the importance of pharmacologic treatment of alcohol use disorder, but does not mention Suboxone as a treatment option. Instead, FDA-approved medications such as naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram are recommended for the treatment of alcohol use disorder.
Key Points to Consider
- Suboxone contains buprenorphine (a partial opioid agonist) and naloxone (an opioid antagonist) and is primarily approved for opioid dependence treatment.
- Naltrexone is typically the first-line medication for alcohol use disorder, as it reduces alcohol cravings by blocking opioid receptors involved in alcohol's rewarding effects.
- Some physicians may consider Suboxone if a patient has both alcohol and opioid use disorders, or if other treatments have failed, but this approach lacks robust clinical evidence compared to established medications.
- Any medication for alcohol use disorder works best when combined with counseling, support groups, and behavioral therapies.
- Patients should discuss all treatment options with their healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate approach for their specific situation, as noted in 2 and 3.
Treatment Options
- Naltrexone (oral 50mg daily or monthly injectable form)
- Acamprosate (666mg three times daily)
- Disulfiram (250-500mg daily) It is essential to prioritize the use of evidence-based treatments for alcohol use disorder, and Suboxone is not a recommended treatment option due to the lack of robust clinical evidence supporting its effectiveness for this condition, as highlighted in 4 and 5.