Brien Center – ‘Suboxone Patients Aren’t High, They’re In Treatment’

A common misconception about addiction treatment is preventing people from getting the help they need, according to a local expert.

Dr. Jenny Michaels, an addiction specialist with the Brien Center in the Berkshires, addressed the widespread myth on 'Slater and Marjo' this morning that people using Suboxone are "high" during their treatment.

"That is a myth," Dr. Michaels said during a Tuesday morning interview. "For those who don't know, Suboxone is a treatment for those with opioid use disorder, and it's very effective."

The medication, which is used to treat addiction to opioids like heroin, fentanyl, and prescription painkillers, has been the subject of stigma and misunderstanding, even among people who want to help those struggling with addiction.

"When we look at people who are treated with Suboxone, they are much more likely to be alive, to be working, to be functional, to be better parents," Dr. Michaels explained. "They're not high. They're in treatment."

She drew a comparison to other chronic medical conditions to illustrate the point.
"Just like someone who has diabetes and they're getting insulin, and they're getting the right dose, they're functional and they're well," she said.

The misconception that Suboxone simply replaces one addiction with another has created barriers for people seeking treatment, particularly in communities like the Berkshires where the opioid crisis continues to claim lives.

"We have to stop treating addiction like it's a moral problem," Dr. Michaels said. "It's a medical problem and we have treatments available."

Suboxone works by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms, allowing people to stabilize their lives while in recovery. Studies show that medication-assisted treatment significantly reduces overdose deaths and helps people maintain long-term sobriety.

The Brien Center offers addiction treatment services throughout Berkshire County. For more information or to access help, visit briencenter.org or call their confidential helpline.

Dr. Jennifer Michaels on Suboxone