Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) is a prescription medication utilized for managing opioid use disorder (OUD).

Although it does not create psychoactive effects, Suboxone is still classified as an opioid and a Schedule III prescription medication. This indicates that although it has a recognized medical application, it could lead to physical or psychological dependence and you will face withdrawal from Suboxone if you attempt to stop it abruptly, also known as ‘cold turkey’, especially after using it for an extended period.

At Gratitude Lodge, we offer personalized treatment for withdrawals from Suboxone at our comfortable and serene detox centers. If you or a loved one is looking to detox from Suboxone, here’s everything you should know about the withdrawal and rehab process.

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What Is Suboxone?

Suboxone is a drug used in an opioid treatment plan along with behavioral therapy and counseling. It incorporates buprenorphine and naloxone as its active components.

Suboxone helps alleviate withdrawal symptoms when discontinuing opioids and for a prolonged duration afterward. Suboxone can be placed under the tongue (sublingual) or between the gum and cheek (buccal), where it dissolves orally.

Buprenorphine acts as a partial agonist for opioids. It stimulates the same opioid receptors in the brain as opioids such as heroin and prescription pain medications but to a reduced degree. This specific characteristic of the medication aids in alleviating cravings and withdrawal symptoms without causing the same level of intense euphoria or sedation.

Naloxone, conversely, is included to prevent any possible abuse. If an individual crushes and injects Suboxone, the naloxone part can counteract the effects of opioids and trigger withdrawal symptoms. This effect encourages the safe utilization of the drug.

Nonetheless, it is crucial to emphasize that Suboxone detox must only occur under the supervision of a medical detox specialist or a qualified healthcare provider.

What Is Suboxone Withdrawal Like?

When someone stops using Suboxone after a long period, they might experience Suboxone withdrawal accompanied by uncomfortable physical and psychological symptoms. These usually begin 12 to 24 hours after the final dose and reach their maximum intensity around 3 to 4 days later.

What are the Symptoms of Withdrawal from Suboxone?

Although many physical side effects of stopping Suboxone diminish within 7 to 10 days, certain psychological issues such as depression, fatigue, and drug cravings may last for as long as 30 days. The seriousness is determined by the dosage and duration of Suboxone therapy.

Moreover, if Suboxone was being used for opioid addiction treatment, the withdrawal symptoms should be milder than those faced previously.

Common withdrawal symptoms of Suboxone include:

• Irritability
• Sweating
• Nausea
• Fever
• Depression
• Vomiting
• Chills
• Headaches
• Indigestion
• Lethargy
• Digestive distress
• Muscle aches/Body Aches
• Anxiety
• Concentration difficulties
• Insomnia
• Drug cravings
• Headache

Suboxone Withdrawal Timeline

The timeline for Suboxone withdrawal varies somewhat from the withdrawal process of other opioids. Suboxone is an opioid with a prolonged duration of action, indicating that withdrawal symptoms may not show up for several days.

Withdrawal usually starts two to four days after stopping Suboxone, reaches its maximum intensity between days three and five, and generally subsides within a week. At times, psychological symptoms may persist for up to a month. This might involve depression and a lack of feeling joy.

Acute Withdrawal Phase

• Usually persists for 4 to 10 days after getting off Suboxone.
• Symptoms reach their maximum around 72 hours and consist of muscle pain, inability to sleep, and nausea.
• The desire for opioids is strong during this phase.

Early Withdrawal Phase

• Continues for 2 to 4 weeks following the conclusion of the acute phase.
• Milder physical symptoms such as shivering and abdominal cramps.
• Intense psychological urges and fluctuations in mood continue.

Extended Withdrawal Phase

• Can continue for weeks to months following the cessation of Suboxone.
• Symptoms primarily involve psychological aspects such as anxiety, depression, and sleeplessness.
• Triggers and cravings present significant relapse dangers during this stage.
• This month-long timeframe is especially difficult for those in recovery. People need robust support networks, access to counseling or therapy, and coping mechanisms to manage these continual symptoms.

Why Does Suboxone Abuse Cause Withdrawal?

Suboxone blocks the brain receptors that desire opioids, without stimulating these receptors to produce a “high.” By blocking opioid receptors, the brain is prevented from sending signals that trigger withdrawal symptoms and cravings for opioids.

However, if the drug is abruptly discontinued, the brain cannot immediately adjust to the lack of Suboxone, and withdrawal symptoms manifest that are typical of opioid withdrawal.

What Is Detox for Suboxone Like?

To prevent withdrawal symptoms from Suboxone, collaborate with a medical professional to gradually decrease your dosage. Generally, Suboxone tapering plans span from 7 to 28 days.

Numerous individuals try to self-taper without medical oversight, leading to low success rates and the dangers of unmonitored withdrawal symptoms.

Medication Treatment for Withdrawal

Lucemyra (lofexidine hydrochloride) is the first non-opioid drug sanctioned by the FDA to address withdrawal symptoms. Lucemyra functions by decreasing the secretion of norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter thought to be involved in withdrawal symptoms.

Since it lacks an opioid agonist, Lucemyra treatment can start right after the final dose of Suboxone. It is presently authorized to treat healthy adults for a maximum of 14 days after stopping opioids.

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What Happens After Suboxone Detox?

An essential factor in sustaining long-term sobriety is long-term therapy and aftercare. Without them, staying abstinent will be difficult.

Based on the client’s experiences prior to and during addiction, along with their future objectives, the therapeutic options included in a personalized treatment plan can differ significantly from one individual to another.

Individual Therapy

Regular sessions with a therapist one-on-one can create a supportive environment for the client during their recovery journey. In this setting, one can address previous problems and current obstacles, while also overseeing treatment objectives.

Group Therapy Meetings

Regularly gathering with others who are also striving for sobriety can offer a significant support network during treatment and in the subsequent months and years.

Peer Support or 12-Step Meetings

The 12-Step framework has been advantageous for the lives of countless individuals, and numerous treatment programs integrate this philosophy and group meeting format into their treatment. This not only gives clients encouraging assistance in recovery but also supplies them with a mobile therapy alternative that will aid them in moving toward independent sobriety.

Alternative Treatments

Creative therapies, nutrition-based therapies, physical activities, and others can serve as valuable complements to the conventional therapies previously discussed. These are selected according to a client’s preferences and required areas. For instance, individuals may choose adventure and sports therapy, which involves outdoor exploration with a group to engage with nature and push their boundaries.

Holistic Therapies

Holistic therapies can be customized to align with the personality and preferences of the person. A few well-liked choices are yoga, meditation, drumming, hypnotherapy, acupuncture, and others.

Aftercare

Recovery doesn’t conclude when rehabilitation is complete. Instead, this early stage of recovery serves merely as a foundation, and individuals who most effectively sustain long-term sobriety are those who continue to participate in treatment for years after moving to independent living. This may involve proceeding with the therapies previously mentioned.

Suboxone Addiction Treatment at Gratitude Lodge

If you or someone dear to you is thinking about detoxing from Suboxone, Gratitude Lodge is here to assist.

Our caring team is prepared to address your inquiries, talk about your requirements, and assist you in beginning your journey to recovery. At our specialized facilities, you’ll encounter more than merely a treatment program – you’ll uncover a community committed to your health and recovery.

We offer various treatment options that will help you on your withdrawal journey, such as:

• Residential/Inpatient Rehab
• Outpatient Rehab
• Sober Living
• Group Therapy
• Holistic Therapy
• Meditation & Mindfulness
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)

Consider enrolling in our personalized inpatient or outpatient programs to recover from Suboxone withdrawals. Our all-encompassing services tackle root problems and foster the development of positive new routines.

Together, we can help you get a fresh start. Contact us today at 844-576-0144.

Sources

1. https://www.samhsa.gov/substance-use/treatment/options/buprenorphine
2. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2021/022410s042lbl.pdf
3. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-non-opioid-treatment-management-opioid-withdrawal-symptoms-adults#:~:text=FDA%20News%20Release-,FDA%20approves%20the%20first%20non%2Dopioid%20treatment%20for%20management,opioid%20withdrawal%20symptoms%20in%20adults.
4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22514846/