Is Suboxone safe during pregnancy?

Yes. Research and national guidelines from ACOG, CDC, and SAMHSA show Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) is safe and effective for treating opioid use disorder during pregnancy when medically supervised.

What happens if I stop Suboxone while pregnant?

Stopping suddenly can cause opioid withdrawal, which may lead to miscarriage, preterm labor, or relapse. Always talk to your doctor before making any medication changes.

What is Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS)?

NOWS is a temporary condition in which babies experience mild withdrawal after birth. Symptoms usually appear within a few days and resolve in 1–2 weeks with medical support.

What's the difference between NAS and NOWS?

Both describe newborn withdrawal, but NOWS is specific to opioid exposure, while NAS may refer to withdrawal from other substances as well.

Can I breastfeed while taking Suboxone?

Usually yes. Only tiny amounts of buprenorphine pass into breast milk, and breastfeeding can actually help reduce NOWS severity.

What are the side effects of Suboxone during pregnancy?

Most patients tolerate Suboxone well. Possible side effects include mild nausea, headache, or constipation, which usually improve over time.

Can I deliver vaginally while on Suboxone?

Yes. Suboxone does not interfere with your ability to deliver vaginally or with pain management during labor. Always inform your care team about your medication.

How long does NOWS last?

Most babies recover within one to two weeks, though some require brief observation or supportive care in the hospital.

What if I relapse during pregnancy?

You're not alone. Relapse can happen. CleanSlate offers immediate support, medication adjustments, and therapy to help you regain stability safely.

Is Subutex safer than Suboxone during pregnancy?

Both are safe. Some providers may prescribe Subutex (buprenorphine without naloxone) during pregnancy, though Suboxone is increasingly supported by research as safe and effective.

Can Suboxone be started late in pregnancy?

Yes. It's never too late to start treatment. Even beginning MAT in the third trimester can improve outcomes and reduce NOWS.

Can Suboxone affect labor pain management?

It can slightly reduce the effectiveness of some pain medications, so your medical team may adjust your labor plan accordingly. Always inform your doctors about your treatment.

How does CleanSlate coordinate with my OB-GYN?

CleanSlate works closely with your prenatal care provider to ensure safe dosing, fetal monitoring, and delivery planning. Collaboration is central to our care model.

Can I take Suboxone while breastfeeding?

Yes. It's considered compatible with breastfeeding, and most infants show no adverse effects.

Why choose CleanSlate for OUD treatment during pregnancy?

Because you deserve compassionate, evidence-based care. CleanSlate offers outpatient Suboxone treatment, behavioral therapy, prenatal coordination, and long-term support to keep you and your baby safe—before, during, and after birth.

What is the best treatment for opioid use disorder in pregnancy?

The safest and most effective treatment is medication-assisted treatment (MAT) with Suboxone or buprenorphine-only medication, combined with behavioral therapy and prenatal care.

Can you switch from methadone to Suboxone during pregnancy?

Yes, but only under close medical supervision. Transitioning improperly can cause withdrawal for both mother and baby.

Can Suboxone help prevent NOWS?

Yes. Studies show babies born to mothers on Suboxone have milder and shorter NOWS symptoms than those exposed to methadone or illicit opioids.

Does Suboxone cause birth defects?

No. Studies show no increased risk of birth defects in babies exposed to Suboxone during pregnancy compared to the general population.

Can Suboxone cause miscarriage?

No. In fact, staying on treatment helps prevent miscarriage by stabilizing maternal health and avoiding dangerous withdrawal.

What happens to babies after birth if the mother takes Suboxone?

Babies may be monitored for NOWS symptoms such as fussiness, tremors, or difficulty feeding—but these are temporary and resolve with care.

Will my baby go through withdrawal if I take Suboxone?

Possibly, but symptoms are generally mild and short-lived. Medical teams are experienced in managing this safely.

Does Suboxone affect breastfeeding or milk supply?

No. Suboxone does not reduce milk production, and breastfeeding is often encouraged.

Can I take other medications with Suboxone while pregnant?

Always consult your provider. Certain medications, like benzodiazepines or sleep aids, can be dangerous when combined with opioids.

What should I avoid while on Suboxone during pregnancy?

Avoid alcohol, benzodiazepines, stimulants, and tobacco. These substances increase the risk of complications for you and your baby.

How long should I stay on Suboxone after giving birth?

There's no fixed timeline. Many women continue treatment for months or years. Staying on Suboxone postpartum helps prevent relapse during this high-risk period.

What are the signs of opioid withdrawal in pregnancy?

Symptoms include cramping, sweating, anxiety, insomnia, and nausea. Withdrawal should never be managed alone—seek medical help immediately.

What's the first step to start treatment at CleanSlate?

Call (833) 505-4673 or schedule an appointment online. You'll meet with a provider for an evaluation and a same-day start to treatment in most cases.

Dr. Rick Michael Wesley Sloan, MD

Center Medical Director – CleanSlate Centers

Call (833) 505-4673

New Patients: Schedule Now

About Dr. Sloan

Dr. Rick Michael Wesley Sloan is a board-certified Family Medicine physician and addiction medicine leader who currently serves as a Center Medical Director at CleanSlate Centers. With more than two decades of clinical and executive experience across family medicine, urgent care, and addiction treatment, Dr. Sloan brings deep operational knowledge and frontline clinical expertise to outpatient substance use disorder care.

Throughout his career, Dr. Sloan has held senior medical leadership roles across Arizona and the Southwest, overseeing multidisciplinary teams and delivering evidence-based treatment for opioid and alcohol use disorders. His background spans both nonprofit and for-profit healthcare settings, with a consistent focus on access, safety, and continuity of care.

Education & Training

Doctor of Medicine: University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver, CO
Residency: Family Medicine

St. Joseph’s Family Medicine Residency Program
Chief Resident (2004–2005)

Undergraduate Education:

B.S. in Biology, Summa Cum Laude, Adams State College

Professional Experience

Dr. Sloan’s career includes extensive leadership and clinical roles, such as:

Center Medical Director / Addiction Medicine Provider – CleanSlate Centers
Chief Medical Officer / Medical Director – Crossroads Inc. and AMF Addiction
Medical Director – Compassionate Care Centers (Addiction Medicine)
Chief Medical Officer – We Care Urgent Care / Palo Verde Family Medicine
Medical Director, Clinical Services – Advantage Urgent Care
Family Medicine & Addiction Provider – Gila River Medical Health Corporation
Interim Medical Director, Inpatient Services – Gila River Health

This breadth of experience informs a practical, systems-oriented approach to addiction treatment and clinical leadership.

Board Certification, Licensure & Credentials

Board Certified: American Board of Family Medicine
Board Eligible: American Board of Addiction Medicine
Medical Licensure:

Arizona Physician License
New Mexico Medical Doctor License

DEA & Buprenorphine Waiver: Active

Areas of Clinical Focus

At CleanSlate, Dr. Sloan focuses on outpatient addiction medicine, including:

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder
Alcohol use disorder treatment
Integration of addiction care into primary and urgent care settings
Management of complex, co-occurring medical and behavioral health conditions
Clinical quality, safety, and regulatory compliance

Honors, Service & Academic Contributions

Member, Arizona Governor’s Substance Abuse Task Force
Recipient, Indian Health Service Scholarship (Medical School)
Recipient, Cherokee Nation Academic Scholarship
Recipient, American Indian Graduate Center Scholarship
Former President, Beta Beta Beta Honor Society

Dr. Sloan has also delivered academic presentations and conducted research on topics including depression treatment and infectious disease.

Locations

Dr. Sloan provides medical leadership and addiction treatment services through CleanSlate Centers.

Call (833) 505-4673

Schedule Online

Profile & Clinical Leadership

As a Center Medical Director at CleanSlate, Dr. Sloan provides clinical oversight and leadership for outpatient addiction treatment services, supporting high-quality, patient-centered care aligned with CleanSlate’s evidence-based standards. He works closely with physicians, advanced practice providers, behavioral health clinicians, and operations teams to ensure timely access to treatment and consistent clinical quality.

Prior to joining CleanSlate, Dr. Sloan served in multiple senior leadership roles, including Chief Medical Officer and Medical Director for addiction treatment organizations and urgent care systems across Arizona. His experience includes overseeing addiction medicine programs, supervising clinical staff, and integrating medication-assisted treatment into broader medical settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Working With Dr. Sloan

What is Dr. Sloan’s role at CleanSlate?

Dr. Sloan serves as a Center Medical Director, providing clinical leadership and overseeing outpatient addiction treatment services.

What types of treatment does he specialize in?

His work focuses on medication-assisted treatment for opioid and alcohol use disorders, integrated with comprehensive medical care.

How can referral partners connect with Dr. Sloan’s team?

Referral partners can contact CleanSlate directly to coordinate timely access to care and continuity of treatment.

Does Dr. Sloan treat patients directly?

Yes. In addition to leadership responsibilities, Dr. Sloan provides addiction medicine care in an outpatient setting.

Does CleanSlate offer buprenorphine treatment?

Yes. CleanSlate provides office-based buprenorphine treatment as part of its evidence-based approach to opioid use disorder.