Suboxone is a prescription medication used to treat opioid dependence and addiction. It contains two active ingredients: buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, which means it activates opioid receptors in the brain but to a much lesser degree than full agonists like heroin or prescription painkillers. This helps to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing the same high, making it easier for individuals to stop using more harmful opioids. Naloxone, on the other hand, is an opioid antagonist that blocks the effects of opioids. It is included in Suboxone to deter misuse, as it can precipitate withdrawal symptoms if the medication is injected rather than taken orally as prescribed.