Expert: Peter L. - 3/23/2010

Question
My Son is taking Suboxen for overcoming Heroin addiction.I want to test him for Heroin to keep him from using again.My question is does Suboxen show up in a home test as positive for heroin?thank you darrick.

Answer
Hi Darrick,

Suboxone will often show up as opioids on urine screens that we conduct in our program.  Sometimes you will see the Suboxone alone, sometimes the Suboxone with a positive for opiates.  We have had to research this and now know this can happen.

Now these screens are performed with highly sophisticated equipment, which are a lot more sensitive and accurate than a home test.  I can't say what would happen with those.  If your son is taking his Suboxone as prescribed and he's taking the correct amount, he should not be craving opiates, and therefore should not be inclined to use them while on the medication. It can happen that someone will use "over" the Suboxone, but we find more of a tendency for people to abuse ADHD meds, marijuana, and cocaine while on Suboxone.

Peter