Does Suboxone Show Up on a Drug Test? Employment Screening and Your Rights

People who receive medication-assisted addiction treatment often ask if Suboxone will appear in drug screening tests. The question holds significance for people who are recovering from addiction while looking for work and learning to live without illicit drugs. Understanding how Suboxone appears (or doesn’t appear) on various drug tests can help you navigate employment situations with confidence and protect your rights.

At Epiphany Wellness in Blackwood, New Jersey, we support individuals in recovery as they rebuild their lives, including returning to work. This article will cover detection in standard employment screens, how urine and other samples are handled, legal and ethical workplace considerations, and practical steps you can take if you’re on Suboxone and facing a drug test.

Can Suboxone Show Up on Drug Tests?

Suboxone is a prescription medication combining buprenorphine and naloxone, used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) [1] for opioid use disorder. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist that helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing the euphoria of opioids like heroin or oxycodone. Naloxone is added to discourage misuse by injection.

Does it show up on a drug test? The short answer is: it depends on the type of drug test. Standard employment urine drug screens, including the common 5-panel, 7-panel, and 10-panel tests, typically screen for frequently abused substances like marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, opiates (morphine, codeine), and sometimes benzodiazepines or barbiturates. These standard panels [2] do not typically include buprenorphine testing.

Detection in Urine and Other Test Types

When testing for buprenorphine, the typical detection window in urine is 7-14 days after last use, though this can vary [3] based on factors such as dosage, frequency of use, metabolism, and hydration levels.

While urine testing is by far the most common method for employment screening, other test types exist:

Saliva tests can detect buprenorphine for 1-3 days. These are less common for employment but may be used for roadside testing or in certain workplace situations.

Hair tests can detect buprenorphine for up to 90 days or longer. These are rare for standard employment but might be used in legal cases, probation situations, or for positions requiring high-level security clearances.

Blood tests can detect buprenorphine for 2-3 days. These are uncommon for employment screening and typically reserved for medical or legal purposes.

Here’s a quick comparison:

According to workplace drug-testing resources from SAMHSA, most employment programs follow defined federal panels unless an employer orders additional drugs specifically; buprenorphine is only detected when it’s specifically included [4].

Legal and Ethical Considerations in the Workplace

Using Suboxone as prescribed is legal. It corresponds to FDA-approved treatment for opioid use disorder, a recognized medical condition. This means you have certain protections under federal law.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) [5] may cover people in recovery from substance use disorders. Under the ADA, employers generally cannot discriminate against someone because they’re taking prescribed medication for a disability. If you’re taking Suboxone as prescribed for opioid use disorder, you may be protected from discrimination.

When a drug test returns positive for a prescribed medication, employers must handle the results appropriately. This is where the Medical Review Officer (MRO) becomes important. An MRO is a licensed physician who reviews positive drug test results. If buprenorphine shows up, you’ll have the opportunity to provide documentation that you have a valid prescription, and the MRO should report the result as negative or as “legitimate medication use.”

Disclosure: To Tell or Not to Tell?

One of the most challenging questions is whether to disclose your Suboxone prescription to your employer. There’s no universal right answer, as it depends on your situation, the employer, and the type of position.

Reasons to disclose:

• Prevents surprises if an expanded panel is used
• Demonstrates honesty and transparency
• Allows you to provide documentation before starting work
• May be required for certain safety-sensitive positions

Reasons to wait:

• Privacy concerns about medical information
• Fear of stigma or discrimination
• May not be necessary if standard panel is used
• You can provide documentation to the MRO if needed

If you choose to disclose, have documentation ready, including a copy of your prescription, and a letter from your prescribing provider explaining that you’re in treatment, and that  Suboxone doesn’t impair your ability to work safely.

Special Cases: Safety-Sensitive Jobs

Certain positions classified as safety-sensitive, such as commercial truck drivers (CDL holders), pilots, railroad workers, and positions with Department of Transportation (DOT) oversight, may use testing panels which include buprenorphine and other specified drugs.

What to Do If You’re on Suboxone When Tested

If you’re taking Suboxone and learn you’ll be drug tested, follow these steps:

1. Ask what substances are included in the panel. If possible, find out whether the test specifically includes buprenorphine. HR departments or testing facilities can usually provide this information. You’ll know, then, if you’ll need documentation in advance or at testing.
2. Gather your documentation. Have your prescription information ready, including the prescriber’s name and contact information. Consider getting a letter from your provider confirming you’re in treatment.
3. Decide on disclosure timing. It’s best to disclose your Suboxone use before testing rather than wait until a positive result triggers MRO review. Consider the pros and cons for your specific situation.
4. Understand the MRO process. If the test includes buprenorphine and you test positive, the MRO will contact you to verify the prescription. Be prepared to provide documentation at that time.
5. Know your rights. You cannot be penalized for taking legally prescribed medication, and the ADA may protect you from discrimination.

Important caution: a positive test for buprenorphine without a valid prescription creates legal and employment risks. Only take Suboxone as prescribed by a licensed provider.

Myths vs. Facts: Quick Clarifications

Myth: “If I’m on Suboxone, I’ll always fail a job drug screen.”

Fact: Most standard employment panels don’t test for buprenorphine. You’ll only test positive if the panel specifically includes buprenorphine testing.

Myth: “I must tell my employer I’m taking Suboxone.”

Fact: You’re not always legally required to disclose, but it can prevent misunderstandings. Balance your privacy concerns against the benefits of transparency.

Myth: “Taking Suboxone means I can’t work.”

Fact: Suboxone, when properly prescribed and managed, doesn’t impair work performance. Many people successfully maintain employment while using the drug.

Getting Support at Epiphany Wellness

At Epiphany Wellness, we understand the challenges of balancing recovery with employment and daily responsibilities. Our outpatient programs are designed to support you as you rebuild your life.

Our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) and Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) offer flexible treatment options that work around employment schedules. We provide medication-assisted treatment in a supportive environment where you can address both the medical and psychological aspects of recovery.

We also help clients navigate practical challenges, such as employment concerns, including how to discuss treatment with employers when appropriate. Recovery isn’t just about stopping substance use; it’s about building a fulfilling life, and meaningful employment is often a crucial part of that journey.

Conclusion

For most employment drug screens, Suboxone will not show up unless a specialized buprenorphine test is used. Standard 5-panel, 7-panel, and 10-panel tests typically don’t include buprenorphine, meaning your medication-assisted treatment won’t interfere with passing a routine workplace drug screening.

If you are taking Suboxone as prescribed, you have legal protections and practical steps you can take to prepare for drug testing. The Americans with Disabilities Act may protect you from discrimination, and Medical Review Officers ensure that medication use is properly documented.

Remember, being on Suboxone is evidence that you’re taking active steps toward recovery and rebuilding your life. At Epiphany Wellness, we’re here to support you through every aspect of that journey, including navigating workplace concerns.