Does Suboxone Show Up on a Drug Test?

Opioid addiction is a common problem in the United States. When someone is addicted to opioids, they are at risk of experiencing a life-threatening overdose. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), opioids were responsible for 80,411 overdose deaths in 2021.

Suboxone is a prescription medication used to treat opioid addiction. The active ingredients in Suboxone include buprenorphine and naloxone. The buprenorphine binds to opioid receptors to control withdrawal symptoms and cravings, while naloxone prevents other opioids from getting you high.

This medication is primarily used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs. People recovering from opioid use disorder experience a decreased chance of relapse when they take Suboxone.

While Suboxone does not show up on a standard drug screening panel, 12-panel drug tests will detect it. If a 12-panel drug test is used, it will detect Suboxone in urine for up to 2 weeks after your last dose.

What Types of Drug Tests Are There?

There are tons of different types of drug tests. First, there are urine, saliva, blood, and hair drug screening assessments. That said, each type of drug test has different panels that can be used.

The different drug panels screen for varying types of substances. The most common drug panels include:

• Five-panel: This is the standard drug panel used for urine tests. 5-panel drug screens specifically test for opioids, marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, and PCP. Sinceit is a limited panel, these are the most cost-effective options for people administering drug tests.

• Seven-panel: Seven-panel tests are most commonly used when prescription drug abuse is suspected. For example, an employer might give this to their employees if they are operating heavy machinery or vehicles and substance abuse could be dangerous. These panels detect opioids, marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, PCP, benzodiazepines, and barbiturates.

• Ten-panel: 10-panel drug tests are most often used in high-security jobs. You might also be given a ten-panel drug test if you are on probation. These tests look for opioids, marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, PCP, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, methadone, propoxyphene, and Quaaludes.

• Twelve-panel: 12-panel drug tests are often used in combination with 10-panel tests to extend the list of substances that can be detected. These tests can find a larger range of prescription painkillers and controlled substances, including Suboxone.

Will Suboxone Make You Fail a Drug Test?

Whether suboxone will make you fail a drug test depends on the type of test being used. Standard drug screening like 5-panel tests will not detect Suboxone. However, Suboxone can be detected by 12-panel drug tests.

If you are prescribed Suboxone, there is a good chance that it showing up on a drug test will not cause any problems. Most test administrators will simply require proof that you have a prescription for the drug. However, some jobs that require you to operate heavy machinery might have rules in place that prevent you from being allowed to take substances like Suboxone, as it can cause drowsiness.

While Suboxone is an effective medication to treat opioid use disorder, some people abuse it. If you are abusing Suboxone and are concerned about passing a drug test, it is time to consider seeking help. Addiction treatment programs can help you achieve sobriety from Suboxone, allowing you to pass any drug tests you have to take in the future.

Does Suboxone Cause False Positives for Other Opioids?

If you are worried that Suboxone will be mistaken for another opioid on a drug test, there is no need. Thankfully, Suboxone is metabolized differently than traditional opioids like heroin or oxycodone. Your body breaks Suboxone down into norbuprenorphine, which is different from the metabolites of opioids that people commonly abuse.

This means that the drug test will differentiate between Suboxone and other types of opioids that you do not have a prescription for.

How Long Does Suboxone Show Up on Drug Tests?

If a 12-panel drug test is used, Suboxone will cause a positive result. The type of drug test used affects the length of time that Suboxone can be detected. For example, urine drug tests can detect Suboxone longer than blood tests.

The amount of time different drug tests can detect Suboxone include:

• Urine – These tests can detect Suboxone 40 minutes after you take it. It will stay in your system and remain detectable for up to 2 weeks.

• Saliva – Saliva blood tests can detect Suboxone in your system for up to 3 days after your last dose.

• Blood – Blood tests can find Suboxone in your system for up to 2 days after your last dose.

• Hair – Hair follicle drug tests have the longest detection times of any type of drug screening tool. They can detect Suboxone in your system for 1 to 3 months after you last used it.

Find Help for Suboxone Abuse and Addiction

If you or a loved one abuse Suboxone, New Jersey Interventions is here to help. Drug rehab programs will offer you the tools and support you need to achieve long-lasting recovery. We can connect you with an addiction treatment center that suits your specific needs.

Contact us today for more information on Suboxone addiction treatment.