Suboxone is given as a medication to treat opiate addiction. It contains a combination of naloxone (an opioid antagonist) and buprenorphine (a partial opioid agonist). It blocks opiate effects on the patient’s body which helps during the withdrawal process.
Suboxone is effective in aiding recovery from opiate addiction and is usually taken for extended periods. However, even with its effectiveness, Suboxone can be addictive too. If the patient uses it for a long time and suddenly stops its usage, withdrawal can occur. Suboxone has the same withdrawal effects as other opioids if stopped abruptly (cold turkey).
Suboxone Withdrawal Symptoms
Suboxone Symptoms of withdrawal include:
• Muscle and Body Aches
• Insomnia
• Lethargy
• Flu or cold-like symptoms, like a runny nose or watery eyes
• Drug cravings
• Digestive distress
• Anxiety, Irritability, and Depression
• Sweating
• Fever or chills and headache
• Concentration difficulties
• Nausea and Vomiting
How Long Does Suboxone Withdrawal Last?
The suboxone withdrawal symptoms may be mild to severe and may last about one month. However, this might differ depending on;
• The duration of use
• The average dosage taken
• Opioid addiction and tolerance
• If the person mixed Suboxone with alcohol or other drugs
• Medical conditions, including mental health disorders
Most physical symptoms of withdrawal will decrease after, although psychological cravings can remain. The symptoms are the most terrible in the first 72 hours of withdrawal.
It is when most physical symptoms are experienced. Symptoms normally subside in the first week to general body pains and aches along with mood swings and insomnia. Then, depression becomes the biggest symptom after the second week.
After one month, patients are likely to be still experiencing strong dependence and depression. It is the most delicate time after withdrawing Suboxone use. Users have a high possibility of relapse. Generally, the withdrawal symptoms pattern is like this:
• 72 hours: the user experiences the worst physical symptoms
• One week: aches and pains in the body, followed by mood swings and insomnia,
• Two weeks: Depression
• One month: Intense Cravings and depression
Although the significant physical symptoms will end after a month after withdrawal, psychological symptoms may continue for several months.
The drug is long-acting, which means that withdrawal symptoms can delay. In addition, suboxone
symptoms last for an extended period than other opioids.
Because of this possible prolonged withdrawal, it is vital for people who have withdrawn Suboxone to stay in touch with a medical professional to avoid relapse.
Complications From Suboxone Withdrawal
Quitting an addiction without being under medical supervision can result in various complications. You can reduce psychological and physical complications if you decide on medical detox rather than doing it alone.
Medical detox provides oversight from qualified doctors and therapists. It guarantees that the person does not suffer health complications.
In addition, many people who try to go “cold turkey” to stop an addiction have a high probability of relapse. A relapse can be very risky, especially if Suboxone has been completely flushed from their systems.
If they take a dose, they used to take to feel high again, and it can lead to overdose quickly. The body is not tolerant of the drug any longer.
Dealing with Suboxone Withdrawal Symptoms
Dealing with the stress of suboxone withdrawal can be challenging. However, there are various coping strategies available for any kind of stress. Avoid maladaptive behaviors, like alcohol or drug use. People
who occupy themselves in positive coping behaviors and things that help with suboxone withdrawal maintain recovery better.
Apart from medications, some Suboxone withdrawal coping mechanisms include social activity,
relaxation time or hobbies, and adapting to the situation. For the symptoms to reduce, you should taper off Suboxone gradually under the supervision and guidance of a health professional. It involves
decreasing the Suboxone dosage slowly over a few weeks or months until the person is no longer taking the drug. In addition, some other medications, like clonidine, might reduce the symptoms.
Rapid detox (withdrawal above three days) can better minimize withdrawal symptoms. However, the evidence to show this is very little. Thus, rapid detox might even be dangerous.
Medical Assisted Therapy
The use of Suboxone for the majority of people in recovery is short-term. Suboxone use finally gets tapered to provide a way for total recovery from addiction. The process should be in a gradual and measured way.
However, if Suboxone becomes an addiction, its use does not positively serve the person any longer. Therefore, a new recovery path that does not include any kind of opioid medications should be planned. This should involve guidance from drug abuse treatment professionals.
Comprehensive treatment that entails medical care to address detox and related withdrawal symptoms plus therapeutic intervention can be enough without medication.
Summary
Suboxone withdrawal without medical assistance can be lengthy, challenging, and uncomfortable. However, a withdrawal treatment program with medical help can assist you through the process of coming off Suboxone with major relief from withdrawal symptoms. If you want to withdraw from
Suboxone, or any other opiate, seek medical advice from a professional. You will get help to decide the best way to detox and if you need to use medications during your treatment.
As it is with any substance addiction, relapse can happen. However, if you experience a relapse, it
doesn’t mean that you cannot try suboxone treatment again. Users are required to stay in contact with medical professionals even after treatment is over. Getting counseling and joining group therapy can help deal with any potential cravings that still hang on after the treatment.
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