Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) is an oral medication that was specifically developed to treat opioid use disorder. It is typically taken once a day and lasts for 24 hours. By taking the place of the illicit (street) opioid used by a patient, Suboxone prevents cravings and withdrawal. Patients on Suboxone report feeling normal, functional, and having a clear mind all day long.
Suboxone may be preferred for a number of reasons. The safety profile is better than methadone and therefore medication dispensing is more flexible. It is also less stigmatizing than methadone.

This treatment is often combined with counselling and other forms of support. That can make it especially effective in helping patients recover from addiction.
A person can start Suboxone when they are in moderate withdrawal. Typically this is 16 to 20 hours from last opioid drug use. If you are not in withdrawal at the time of starting Suboxone, lower doses (micro-dosing) can be used to ensure tolerance and prevent a precipitated withdrawal.