Because Subutex (buprenorphine) and Suboxone (Subutex/naloxone combination) are partial opiate medications that act to block pain receptors, these drugs can be an attractive option when treating long-term chronic pain disorders. Compared to opioid painkiller drugs, long-term use of Subutex and Suboxone has a lower risk of developing physical dependence and less severe opioid withdrawal symptoms when usage stops.