Suboxone is a medication used to treat opioid use disorder (OUD) as a partial opioid agonist. It combines buprenorphine and naloxone, usually in film or tablet form. This helps reduce withdrawal symptoms and blocks opioid receptors, which lowers the risk of relapse.
While Suboxone is used to treat opioid withdrawal, the medication itself can be physically habit-forming. People who take Suboxone for an extended period will have withdrawal symptoms if they stop taking it cold turkey.
In this article, you will learn:
- What causes Suboxone withdrawal
- Common symptoms of Suboxone withdrawal
- How long Suboxone withdrawal lasts
- How to cope with the withdrawal symptoms
What are the Symptoms of Suboxone Withdrawal?
Buprenorphine is stronger than several other opioids, yet it functions as a partial opioid agonist. This means it prevents other opioids from attaching to receptors in the central nervous system.
The use of naloxone helps reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. This makes Suboxone a safer option than other opioids for tapering.
When someone uses Suboxone, which contains buprenorphine and naloxone to treat opioid addiction, stopping it can cause withdrawal symptoms. This happens as the body adjusts. These symptoms usually begin within 12 to 24 hours after the final dose and reach their peak around 3 to 4 days later.
Common symptoms of Suboxone withdrawal include:
- Anxious or irritable
- Intense cravings for the drug
- Sneezing or runny nose
- Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
- Nausea and abdominal cramping
- Muscle aches
- Diarrhea or vomiting
- Severe sweats and chills
Ongoing Withdrawal Symptoms
Many physical symptoms usually improve within 7 to 10 days. However, some psychological issues like depression, tiredness, and drug cravings can last up to 30 days. The intensity varies based on dosage and duration of Suboxone use.
Lowering Suboxone doses slowly with medical help at a detox center can reduce withdrawal symptoms. This approach can make the symptoms less intense and shorter in duration.
How Long Does Suboxone Withdrawal Last?
A complete withdrawal from Suboxone typically lasts between two and six months. While the process can be lengthy, it follows a recognizable timeline with several stages. Below is an example timeline for Suboxone withdrawal.
Suboxone Withdrawal Timeline
- Days 1-7: During this period, physical signs like irritability and previously mentioned risks may arise. If needed, healthcare providers may recommend medications to help alleviate these symptoms.
- Weeks 2-3: During these weeks, you might begin to notice psychological symptoms, particularly an increase in anxiety.
- Weeks 4-6: Following the initial three weeks, feelings of depression and a decrease in motivation can occur. Therapy sessions are usually necessary to help manage these issues.
- Months 2-3 and beyond: Following the initial two to three months, the chance of relapse increases. Cravings can persist even after several months of being sober, highlighting the need for counseling and support during recovery.
Tips to Help Make Suboxone Treatment Easy to Manage
Going through Suboxone detox can be both mentally taxing and physically tiring. It can also affect your mental well-being.
The detox process can be even harder if you are away from your family and friends in treatment. However, there are helpful strategies that can help you navigate the detox journey more effectively.
Regularly Consult with Your Doctor and Therapist
While undergoing treatment for substance abuse, it is essential to communicate your concerns with your doctor and therapist. Sharing the challenges you face, particularly regarding Suboxone withdrawal, allows them to tailor your treatment more effectively.
Addiction treatment centers provide different programs and personalized plans. These are designed to help reduce Suboxone use slowly. They also help manage withdrawal symptoms during detox.
Connect with Peer and Family Support Systems
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms from Suboxone can be more challenging and uncomfortable if you feel isolated during this process. It is helpful to join peer support groups in rehab or connect with your family if you are in outpatient care. Having supportive individuals who have faith in you can make a significant difference.
Engage in Hobbies or Interests that you Enjoy
Participating in various activities can help distract you from Suboxone withdrawal symptoms and cravings for other drugs. While these activities may only offer short-term relief, they can still be beneficial. Whether it’s fishing or practicing meditation, there are numerous hobbies you can explore to fill your day. These pursuits can help occupy your time and prevent negative thinking.
Exercise Regularly
Engaging in daily exercise is always a positive choice. Numerous studies have shown that physical activity enhances our mental well-being. To keep workouts interesting, consider incorporating active recovery exercises, such as dancing or participating in sports. Many treatment facilities offer areas designed for physical activities.
When to Contact Your Doctor
For individuals in recovery, maintaining ongoing support is crucial to avoid relapse and achieve lasting success. Withdrawal from Suboxone usually does not cause serious problems. However, it is often connected to ongoing opioid misuse. This issue can be complex and challenging to handle on your own.
Engaging in talk therapy and other proven treatment methods is essential for addressing the mental aspects of addiction so you can avoid relapse while detoxing.
Going through Suboxone withdrawal will help you physically break free from your dependence on opioids and other drugs. However, this is just the beginning.
If you need help understanding your triggers, a treatment center can assist you. They can also help you find better ways to cope. This support can guide you in setting and achieving your recovery goals.
Remember that delaying the Suboxone withdrawal process when you depend on multiple substances can be very serious. Do not take chances with your health; support is available.
Palm City Wellness Can Help.
At Palm City Wellness, we offer addiction treatment programs specifically created to help you stop using Suboxone. Our treatment plans focus on particular withdrawal timelines and tackle challenges that self-medication cannot resolve. We are dedicated to supporting you through this process.
References:
- National Institutes of Health: Withdrawal Management
- United States Department of Justice: Buprenorphine: Potential for Abuse