suboxone detox center houstonDrug tests can be administered for a number of reasons. Employers will often require a drug test to be taken before they offer a new perspective employee a job. Treatment centers and rehab facilities will often require random drug screening as part of their program. In some cases, you might even be asked to submit to a drug test when getting new health insurance. 

While most of the time, a drug test is just a simple formality, if you are someone that is medically prescribed a drug that you are worried could result in a positive drug test, such as Suboxone, just the thought of having to go through a screening can be nervewracking. You might be pleasantly surprised to find out though that you have nothing to worry about.

If you have ever wondered, “does Suboxone show up on a drug test?”, keep reading to find out.

What is Suboxone?

Suboxone is a drug that is administered to those who are in treatment for opioid abuse and addiction. It is a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine is used to help ease withdrawal symptoms, eliminate cravings, and re-establish normal brain function while Naloxone is an opioid blocker that prevents opioids from latching on and taking effect. 

How Long Will Buprenorphine Stay in My System?

Since technically buprenorphine is considered an opioid, people who are taking Suboxone may be concerned that it could cause a positive result on a drug test, especially if they are looking for a new job either while in treatment or after treatment. 

While everyone processes any type of substance differently, traces of buprenorphine can remain in your system for up to 14 days after taking Suboxone. As is the case with anything, the more Suboxone you take, the more buprenorphine will be in your system which can also affect the amount of time it takes to completely leave your system. 

Will Suboxone Show Up on a Standard Drug Test?

The standard drug test that is used for either a pre-employment drug screening or an ongoing employment screening is known as a five-panel drug test. It is called a five-panel test because it tests for five types of substances. The five substances are:

  • Marijuana
  • Opioids
  • Cocaine
  • PCP
  • Amphetamines

While opioids are on that list, five-panel tests don’t typically pick up Suboxone. In order for Suboxone to show up on a standard urine drug test, the employer would have to order an extended test that would then include either buprenorphine or naloxone. These extended drug screens can often be pricey which is why most employers won’t use them. 

Does Intake Method Affect the Drug Test?

The simple answer to this is no. A standard drug test won’t pick up any traces of Suboxone regardless of intake method. On the flip side of that, a drug screening that can detect Suboxone will pick it up no matter how it is taken.

What Are the Most Common Types of Drug Tests?

While there are many different methods of drug testing, some are more common than others.

Most basic urine tests will not detect Suboxone since it does not contain the opioid compounds that specific opioid medications do. A urine test is the most common type of drug test used today. It is commonly used for pre-employment drug screenings, drug testing in athletics, and in substance abuse treatment. Urine testing is able to detect substances in the system for up to 30 days. 

Urine tests typically identify the following substances:

Blood testing is another common form of drug testing. Blood tests are typically performed during annual physicals or emergency situations however in some cases they are also used during pre-employment drug screenings.

Unlike urine tests that can detect substances in the system for up to 30 days, blood testing can only identify recent substance use within the last 12 hours. 

During a spit or oral fluid test, saliva is collected using a swab and then analyzed. Oral fluid tests are often used to detect the concentration of a substance that is consumed orally. Spit tests tend to have the smallest window of detection of all the types of drug tests. The window of detection for an oral fluid test is typically 24-48 hours. 

Sweat drug tests are administered by the person being tested either wearing an absorbent pad for 24 hours or less or wearing a sweat patch for 7 to 14 days. Sweat tests can help paint a picture of the person’s cumulative substance use over an extended period of time.

Much like a sweat test, a hair test is also used to get information about a person’s cumulative substance use over an extended period of time. Hairs from a person’s face, head, or armpit are used in hair testing. 

A hair test is typically used to look for the following substances:

  • Opioids
  • MDMA
  • Cocaine
  • PCP
  • Amphetamines

Hair testing has the longest window of detection of all the different types of drug testing. Hair from a person’s head has a 3-month window of detection while armpit or facial hair has a window of up to a year.

Is Suboxone Detectable on Any Panel Tests?

As we touched on above, the standard drug test for employers is a five-panel drug test. The five-panel screening tests for marijuana, opioids, cocaine, PCP, and amphetamines. 

While they aren’t as commonly used, there are two other “panel” drug screenings that are used. 

A 10-panel drug test will detect the following:

  • Cocaine
  • Opioids
  • Amphetamines
  • Marijuana
  • PCP
  • Methadone
  • Benzos
  • Barbiturates
  • Quaaludes
  • Propoxyphene

Does Suboxone Show Up On a 12-Panel Drug Test?

In most cases, Suboxone will not show up on a 12-panel drug test. The 12-panel drug test is an extension of the 10-panel test, with the addition of MDMA and oxycodone. Therefore, on a 12-panel test, drugs tested typically include benzodiazepines, barbiturates, cocaine, amphetamines, methadone, THC, methaqualone, oxycodone, propoxyphene, PCP, Ecstacy/MDMA, and opiates.

Do Employers Test for Suboxone?

Federal employers are not allowed to test for Suboxone when issuing a drug screening. However, private employers can test for Suboxone if they choose to. However, employers are not legally allowed to discriminate against those who test positive for Suboxone if they are being medically prescribed the substance by a licensed physician or provider. 

Should I Let My Employer or Possible Employer Know That I Am Taking Suboxone Before the Drug Screening?

While you have no legal obligation to tell your employer or prospective employer that you are taking Suboxone, doing so might be helpful in certain situations. If you are concerned that you might test positive for Suboxone and that doing so could jeopardize your employment, informing your employer that you are taking the substance will eliminate any sort of shock factor from all parties if/when the test comes back positive.

What Do I Do If I Test Positive For Suboxone?

suboxone detox houstonIf you test positive for Suboxone and didn’t give your employer or prospective employer a heads up in advance, there is still no need to freak out. It’s important to be honest and let your employer know that you are taking Suboxone as part of your treatment for substance abuse. You can even offer to, or bring in a note from your physician or treatment provider verifying that you are taking the substance legally and for a specific purpose. 

While it is illegal for an employer to fire or deny employment to a person because they are prescribed Suboxone, an employer is legally allowed to fire someone or deny them employment for being dishonest so it is always a good idea to be upfront with an employer when it comes to drugs that you are taking that may show up on a drug screening.

Does Suboxone Show Up on a Drug Test?

While Suboxone does not typically show up on standard drug tests, if you are concerned that you might pop a positive test and it could affect your employment, it is always a good idea to be upfront and honest with your employer or prospective employer. 

At Magnolia Detox, we offer Suboxone as part of our medical detox program. We use Suboxone in order to help make the detox process more comfortable as well as help squash any potential cravings you may have.

In addition to our medical detox, we also offer detox programs for the following substances:

It’s important to remember that before the treatment process can begin, you must first undergo detox to rid the body of any and all harmful substances. If you or someone you know is suffering from a substance abuse issue and needs to go through detox before they begin treatment, contact us today. In addition to providing the best detox care possible, we will also work with you to find a treatment center that best fits you and your needs once detox has been completed. 

Accessibility Toolbar

Does Suboxone Show Up on a Drug Test? What You Need to Know

Dec 1, 2025

Substance Use

Drug testing is a routine part of modern life—whether you’re applying for a job, entering treatment, renewing insurance, or participating in a monitoring program. For individuals who are prescribed Suboxone as part of opioid addiction treatment, the idea of taking a drug test can be stressful, especially if they’re worried it might show up.

The good news? Suboxone is not detected on most standard drug tests—and understanding how drug screenings work can help ease unnecessary concerns.

This updated guide explains what Suboxone is, how long it stays in your system, and which tests can detect it, along with what to do if your results come back positive.

Key Takeaways

  • Suboxone rarely appears on standard drug tests — most employers use 5-panel screens that do not detect buprenorphine unless an expanded panel is specifically ordered.
  • Honesty protects you legally — if you test positive, informing the employer that Suboxone is a prescribed medication prevents misunderstandings and avoids issues related to nondisclosure.
  • Medical detox support matters — programs like Magnolia City Detox can safely manage Suboxone use during opioid recovery, ensuring comfort, safety, and a smooth transition into long-term treatment.

What is Suboxone?

Question: What is Suboxone? 

Answer: Suboxone is a prescription medication used in opioid addiction treatment. It combines buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist that reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms, and naloxone, an opioid blocker that prevents misuse.

Together, they help stabilize brain chemistry, support recovery, and make the detox process safer and more manageable. Suboxone is commonly used in medical detox programs near Houston, TX, including those offered at Magnolia City Detox, to provide a more comfortable and controlled transition off opioids.

What is Suboxone?

Does Suboxone Show Up on a Drug Test? What You Need to Know Suboxone is a prescription medication used in opioid addiction treatment and medical detox programs, including those at Magnolia City Detox, Conroe, TX.

It contains two main components:

Buprenorphine

  • Reduces cravings
     • Eases withdrawal symptoms
     • Helps stabilize brain function during detox

Naloxone

  • Blocks opioids from binding
  • Helps prevent misuse

Together, they make Suboxone a safe and effective tool during opioid withdrawal—especially when medically supervised at programs like Magnolia Detox in Magnolia City Detox.

How Long Does Buprenorphine Stay in Your System?

Buprenorphine has a long half-life, meaning it can remain detectable for up to 14 days, depending on factors like:

  • Dosage
  • Length of use
  • Metabolism
  • Overall health

Even though it stays in the body for a while, most routine drug tests do not check for buprenorphine.

Will Suboxone Show Up on a Standard Drug Test?

Most employers use a five-panel urine drug test, which looks for:

  • Marijuana
  • Cocaine
  • Opiates
  • PCP
  • Amphetamines

Suboxone is NOT detected on this test.

A lab must order a specific buprenorphine test for Suboxone to appear. These are more expensive, so employers rarely use them unless required for safety-sensitive jobs or Magnolia rehab treatment programs.

Does the Method of Taking Suboxone Affect Drug Test Results?

No — intake method doesn’t affect detectability.

Whether taken as a film or tablet, Suboxone will only show up if the test is designed to detect buprenorphine or naloxone.

Common Types of Drug Tests and Whether They Detect Suboxone

Does Suboxone Show Up on a Drug Test? What You Need to Know 1. Urine Test (Most Common)

  • Usually does NOT detect Suboxone
  • Detects substances for up to 30 days

Urine tests check for:
 Cannabis, alcohol, opiates, benzos, amphetamines, and cocaine.

2. Blood Test

  • Detects only recent use (within 12 hours)
  • Does not detect Suboxone unless specifically ordered
  • Less common for employment

3. Saliva (Oral Fluid) Test

  • Detects use within 24–48 hours
  • Not typically used to detect buprenorphine

4. Sweat Test

  • Measures long-term substance exposure
  • Rare
  • Must be ordered specifically to detect Suboxone

5. Hair Test

  • Longest detection window:
    • Head hair: 90 days
    • Body/underarm hair: up to 1 year

Will not detect Suboxone unless a special buprenorphine panel is ordered

Does Suboxone Show Up on 10-Panel or 12-Panel Tests?

10-Panel Test

Checks for:
 Cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, marijuana, PCP, methadone, benzos, barbiturates, quaaludes, propoxyphene.

Suboxone typically does NOT show up.

12-Panel Test

Adds MDMA and oxycodone to the 10-panel list.

Still, Suboxone is not detected unless buprenorphine is specifically included.

Do Employers Test for Suboxone?

Federal employers cannot test for Suboxone.

Private employers can — but almost never do.

Even if Suboxone appears on a test, employers cannot fire or deny employment if the medication is prescribed legally by a doctor.

Should You Tell Your Employer You’re Taking Suboxone?

You aren’t legally required to—but being upfront can prevent confusion if an extended panel test is used.

If you test positive unexpectedly, simply provide:

  • Your prescription
  • A note from your doctor
  • Verification from your treatment provider

Honesty can protect you from being penalized for “dishonesty,” even though Suboxone itself is protected under the ADA.

What to Do If You Test Positive for Suboxone

Don’t panic.
 Explain that Suboxone is part of your recovery plan or detox process, and provide documentation if needed.

Suboxone and Detox: How Magnolia City Detox Can Help

Does Suboxone Show Up on a Drug Test? What You Need to Know At Magnolia City Detox, Suboxone is often used during medical detox to:

  • Reduce withdrawal discomfort
  • Stabilize brain chemistry
  • Lower relapse risk
  • Manage cravings

They also offer Magnolia detox programs for:

  • Alcohol
  • Benzodiazepines
  • Opioids & heroin
  • Fentanyl
  • Cocaine
  • Prescription medications

Detox is always the first step before ongoing treatment or Magnolia rehab.

Start Your Recovery at Magnolia City Detox

If you or a loved one needs safe, medically supervised detox—whether for opioids, Suboxone transition, or other substances—MagCityDetox is here to help.

✔ 24/7 medical care
 ✔ Safe withdrawal management
 ✔ Compassionate detox specialists
 ✔ Programs serving Houston, Conroe, and surrounding areas

Your recovery begins with a safe first step.
 Contact Magnolia City Detox today.

Contact Us

Table of Contents

← Table of Contents
Scroll to Top