Recovery

Suboxone Withdrawal Symptoms: Timeline & How Long It Lasts

So, you’re thinking about detoxing from opioids, and you’ve heard about Suboxone withdrawal from people who have gone through substance abuse and addiction treatment programs.

Lots of addicts struggling with addiction to opioids go through medical detox in rehab treatment centers, where they use Suboxone to help ease the pain of withdrawal. It’s basically this medication that takes the edge off cravings and makes the whole process a bit more bearable.

In this post, we’ll break down what you can expect during Suboxone detox. We’ll talk about the timeline, those common withdrawal symptoms you might face, and some tips for getting through it. And hey, we’ll even touch on why ongoing support is key after detox.

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What is Suboxone?

Suboxone is a prescription medication that helps people who are addicted to opioids, like heroin, or prescription painkillers, like buprenorphine and naloxone. It’s kind of like a lighter version of methadone, and it works by attaching to the same spots in your brain where opioids do, but without giving you that same high.

So, during the treatment process, instead of craving the strong stuff, your body gets satisfied with the Suboxone, and it helps you slowly wean off the opioids without going through really intense withdrawal effects.

It’s not a magic cure, and you won’t be magically fixed when you come out of it. There’s so much work to do, but it can be a big help when you’re trying to get clean.

How is Suboxone Used for Opioid Addiction Treatment?

Okay, so a Suboxone treatment plan is basically a personalized roadmap for how you’ll use Suboxone during opioid detox. It’s like a custom-made plan just for you, and it’s not a one-size-fits-all kind of thing.

Here’s the lowdown:

First things first, your doctor will assess your situation. They’ll want to know your medical history, how long you’ve been using opioids, and what kind of opioids you’ve been using.
Then, they’ll create a personalized plan. This plan will outline the specific dosage of Suboxone you’ll take, how often you’ll take it, and how long you’ll be on the medication.
The plan will also include regular check-ups with your doctor. These check-ups are super important because they allow your doctor to monitor your progress, adjust your dosage if needed, and address any concerns you might have.

Think of it like this: your Suboxone treatment plan is your guide to recovery. It helps you stay on track, minimizes withdrawal symptoms, and gives you the support you need to break free from opioid addiction.

Can You Get Addicted to Suboxone During Detox?

The short answer is: It’s possible, but not very likely.

Here’s the thing: Suboxone is designed to be less euphoric than other opioids. It binds to those same receptors in your brain, but it doesn’t give you that same intense high. That’s why it can help you break free from stronger opioids without feeling like you’re missing out.

However, Suboxone can also be addictive. If you take it in higher doses than prescribed or misuse it, you could develop a dependence on it. That’s why it’s crucial to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and only take the prescribed amount.

Here are a few things that can reduce your risk of developing a Suboxone dependence:

Following your doctor’s instructions and stick to the prescribed dosage and schedule.
Attending regular check-ups allows your doctor to monitor your progress and adjust your dosage as needed.
Participating in therapy or counseling can help you address the underlying issues that contributed to your opioid addiction.

Remember, Suboxone is a tool to help you avoid relapse, not a replacement for a healthy lifestyle. By working closely with your doctor and following their guidance, you can use Suboxone safely and effectively to overcome opioid addiction.

It’s important to note that substance abuse can sometimes be a symptom of an underlying mental health disorder. This is known as dual diagnosis. If you’re struggling with mental health issues like depression, anxiety, or trauma, it’s crucial to address these concerns alongside your addiction treatment.

Suboxone Withdrawal Symptoms

Symptoms can vary during Suboxone withdrawal. It’s not a walk in the park, but it’s usually milder than opioid withdrawal. Still, it can be uncomfortable. Here’s what you might experience:

Physical symptoms: Think stuff like muscle aches, sweating, and feeling restless. You might also feel a bit nauseous or have trouble sleeping.
Psychological symptoms: You might feel irritable, anxious, or depressed.
Cravings: You might have strong cravings for Suboxone or other opioids.

The good news is that Suboxone withdrawal symptoms usually don’t last as long as opioid withdrawal. Most people start to feel better within a week or two.

Suboxone Withdrawal Timeline: How Long Do Symptoms Last?

The length of time to withdraw from Suboxone is a bit different for everyone, but here’s a general idea of what you might expect:

Early Withdrawal (Days 1-3): This is when you’ll likely experience the most intense symptoms. Think of things like muscle aches, sweating, insomnia, and those pesky cravings.
Middle Stage (Days 4-7): Things usually start to calm down a bit during this phase. You might still have some lingering symptoms, but they should be less severe.
Late Stage (Days 8-14): By this point, most people are feeling much better. You might still have some residual symptoms, like fatigue or mild cravings, but they should be manageable.

Important Note: This is just a general guideline. Some people may experience withdrawal symptoms for longer, while others may recover more quickly.

How to Cope With Suboxone Withdrawal Symptoms

Here are a few things that can help you manage Suboxone withdrawal:

Talk to your doctor: They can recommend medications or other strategies to help you cope.
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
Get enough rest: Try to get plenty of sleep, even if you have trouble sleeping.
Eat healthy: Focus on whole foods and avoid processed foods.
Distract yourself: Engage in activities that you enjoy, such as listening to music, spending time in nature, or spending time with loved ones.
Relaxation techniques: Try relaxation techniques like deep breathing, yoga, or meditation.
Support groups: Connecting with others who have gone through Suboxone withdrawal can be incredibly helpful.

Remember, you don’t have to go through this alone. Reach out to your doctor, therapist, or a support group for guidance and support.

What happens if you take opiates on Suboxone?

It’s not a good idea, and here’s why:

Suboxone contains naloxone. This stuff basically blocks the effects of other opioids, including heroin, prescription painkillers, and even other medications that contain opioids.

If you take opioids while on Suboxone, you might not get high. Instead, you could experience some unpleasant side effects like:

Vomiting
Nausea
Chills
Muscle aches
It can also make your opioid withdrawal symptoms worse.

It’s crucial to avoid using any other opioids while you’re on Suboxone. If you’re struggling with cravings or considering using opioids, talk to your doctor immediately. They can help you manage your cravings and stay on track with your recovery.

Does Suboxone help with pain?

Suboxone contains buprenorphine, which is an opioid itself. So, yes, it can relieve pain. But here’s the catch: It’s not meant for everyday pain relief. Suboxone is primarily used for treating opioid addiction. Using Suboxone for pain relief can increase your risk of side effects like constipation, nausea, and dizziness. And, just like any opioid, using Suboxone for pain relief can increase your risk of developing a dependence.

Find Effective Medication Administration with Stillwater’s Substance Abuse Treatment Program

Sobriety is a daily task.

If you’re wondering if rehab can get you sober, know that Stillwater Wellness Group can keep you sober!

You’ll find a supportive and compassionate environment where you can focus on your recovery. Our comprehensive treatment includes medication-assisted treatment with Suboxone, individual and group therapy, and ongoing support services.

Reach out to us today to learn more about how Stillwater can help you on your path to recovery.

Suboxone Withdrawal FAQs

What happens when you stop taking Suboxone?

When you stop taking Suboxone, your body goes through withdrawal. This can include symptoms like muscle aches, sweating, insomnia, nausea, and cravings. The severity and duration of withdrawal symptoms can vary depending on factors such as the dosage and duration of Suboxone use.

Why is Suboxone being discontinued?

Suboxone is not being discontinued. The manufacturer, Reckitt Benckiser, discontinued the tablet form of Suboxone in 2012 in favor of the film version, citing safety concerns regarding accidental pediatric exposure.

The film version of Suboxone is still available and widely used for the treatment of opioid addiction.

What is the timeline for Suboxone withdrawal?

Suboxone withdrawal typically follows a predictable timeline. The most intense symptoms usually occur within the first few days after stopping the medication. Symptoms gradually subside over the next week or two, with most people feeling significantly better within 10-14 days. However, some individuals may experience lingering withdrawal effects for a longer period.

What are the most common side effects of Suboxone?

Common side effects of Suboxone include nausea, constipation, headache, dizziness, and drowsiness. It’s important to discuss any side effects with your doctor.

Can Suboxone become addictive?

Yes, Suboxone can be addictive. It contains buprenorphine, an opioid, which can bind to opioid receptors in the brain and produce euphoric effects. While less potent than full opioid agonists, misuse or high doses of Suboxone can lead to dependence and withdrawal symptoms.

What can you replace Suboxone with?

Suboxone is an MAT for OUD combining buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist, and naloxone, an opioid antagonist. Other MATs for OUD include methadone, a full opioid agonist, naltrexone, an opioid antagonist, and Subutex, containing only buprenorphine.