 | Suboxone is a combination drug comprised of two substances: Buprenorphine—a relatively mild opiate analgesic with mixed opioid receptor agonist activity; used at low doses to manage mild to moderate levels of pain. Naloxone—an opiate antagonist used to reverse or eliminate the effects of opiates. Buprenorphine has been available since 1985, but in 2002 when the trade formulations known as Subutex and Suboxone became approved in the US, it was marketed for the treatment of narcotic addiction. Subutex contains buprenorphine only while Suboxone contains both buprenorphine and naloxone, also known as Narcan. |
 | The short-term, desirable effects of Suboxone include: A pain relieving effect that is between 20 and 30 times more powerful than morphine. A mild euphoria that can lasts for around 8 hours with general effects of the substance lasting for 24 - 72 hours. A sense of calm and inflated well-being. A perception of fewer worries and lower stress. Increased relaxation. |
 | Too much Suboxone in the short-term can lead to unwanted side effects including: Sleepiness. Confusion. Nausea. Respiratory depression. |  |
 Suboxone strips are prevalent in prison because they are easy to conceal. | Suboxone has reportedly become popular within another circle: prison populations. Prison officials are finding so much Suboxone it's challenging marijuana as the most popular contraband. Part of Suboxone's popularity is tied to its size: the drug dissolves on your tongue in little strips. Inside prisons, each can go for $100. |  |
