Suboxone is a medication frequently prescribed to assist individuals recovering from opioid addiction. While it can be an effective tool for many, the process of discontinuation can be challenging. It’s important to seek professional medical help for getting off of Suboxone in a healthy way that doesn’t sabotage recovery.
What is Suboxone?
Suboxone is a combination of two medications, buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist that alleviates withdrawal symptoms and cravings without producing the full effects of stronger opioids. Buprenorphine interacts with opioid receptors, reducing withdrawal symptoms by partially activating these receptors. Naloxone blocks the effects of opioids, to help prevent relapsing for those with opioid or opiate use disorder.
This dual-action medication is typically used as part of a complete treatment plan, which often includes counseling and support. Suboxone is prescribed to help individuals transition off more potent opioids and to stabilize their lives during recovery. While some individuals may require long-term use of Suboxone, others may wish to discontinue it. It is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before making any changes to an existing treatment plan.
Suboxone Withdrawal Symptoms
When discontinuing Suboxone, some people may experience withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can vary in intensity and duration based on several factors, including the individual’s body chemistry, the length of time on Suboxone, and the dosage taken.
Suboxone alleviates opioid withdrawal symptoms, making it an important part of medication-assisted treatment. However, this means that withdrawal symptoms for it can emulate opioid withdrawal symptoms quite closely.
- Physical symptoms: These may include enlarged pupils, muscle aches, stomach cramps, sweating, runny nose and eyes, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue.
- Psychological symptoms: Anxiety, depression, irritability, and insomnia are common.
- Cravings: A resurgence of cravings for opioids may occur, leading to potential relapse if not handled properly. It is crucial to have medical supervision in managing drug cravings, as healthcare professionals experienced in addiction medicine can provide a tailored withdrawal plan to effectively control these cravings during the detoxification process.
It is essential to recognize these symptoms early and have a withdrawal management plan to address them as part of the process to get off Suboxone without relapsing into opiate use. The typical advice given by medical professionals is to taper off Suboxone gradually. This prevents relapsing into opioid use (to alleviate pain or ease cravings) and may help ease the recovery process.
Suboxone Withdrawal Timeline
The withdrawal timeline for Suboxone can vary depending on individual factors, such as Suboxone dosage and duration of use. Certain phases of withdrawal may last much longer than others, and symptoms of one may linger even when a person has moved on to the next stage of recovery.
Here is a general outline of what to expect:
- Early withdrawal symptoms (up to three days after last dose): During this initial phase, mild symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, and difficulty sleeping may begin to appear. Recognizing them as part of the process can help you prepare mentally and emotionally.
- Peak withdrawal symptoms (up to seven days after last dose): This is often the most challenging phase, as symptoms can intensify significantly. You may experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle aches, and sweating. These peak symptoms can be quite uncomfortable, but they typically reach their worst around this time before gradually starting to subside.
- Late withdrawal symptoms (dependent on dosage and addiction level): As you move past the peak phase, symptoms may start to diminish. However, some individuals continue to experience psychological effects such as depression, anxiety, and insomnia. It’s important to remain patient and continue utilizing coping strategies during this period, which may last for several days.
Understanding this timeline can help you anticipate and manage the various stages of withdrawal, making the process more manageable. Physical symptoms of Suboxone withdrawal can linger up to 20 days after the last use, or the individual may experience psychological symptoms of withdrawal.
How to Cope with Suboxone Withdrawal
Coping with Suboxone withdrawal can be daunting, but various strategies can ease the process. Here are some methods to consider:
- Medical Supervision: If Suboxone is part of a medically-assisted treatment plan for addiction, it’s important to strategize ending your usage with them. They can provide insight into what suboxone withdrawal symptoms to watch out for in the process.
- Tapering Off: Instead of stopping Suboxone abruptly, gradually reducing the dosage can help lessen withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor can help create a tapering schedule.
- Hydration and Nutrition: Staying well-hydrated and consuming a balanced diet can help your body recover. Take care to consume nutritiously dense food even if you are suffering from nausea.
- Resting: Whenever you can have time, invest in periods of concentrated rest. This can assist the body’s healing process from addiction.
- Maintain Addiction Treatment Efforts: Engaging with support groups or therapy can foster a sense of community during this challenging time. Withdrawal from Suboxone is a trying time. It’s important to make sure you’re not set up to relapse into opioid addiction just to relieve symptoms.
- Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Techniques such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises can help manage anxiety and promote relaxation. These techniques are particularly beneficial in managing stress and anxiety during drug abuse, helping individuals stay centered and focused while navigating the challenges of withdrawal.
Although it may be difficult, having a personalized plan in place can significantly impact the overall experience of Suboxone withdrawal.
Heal From Addiction at 449 Recovery
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Dr. Warren Taff MD, graduated from the University of Birmingham, England School of Medicine, with a BA from Rutgers University. He then went on to UCLA School of Public Health in Los Angeles Health and Human Services and received an MPH. He also attended an internship in internal medicine, with the Veterans Administration. Dr. Taff’s residency includes General Psychiatry at USC, with elective residencies at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney, Australia, and Royal College of Psychiatry. Board certifications include American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Dr. Taff has extensive experience in both psychiatry and addiction medicine, extending from 1979 to present. He has held professional titles that include Chief of Staff and Medical Directorship in both hospitals and private sectors.