Everything You Need to Know About Suboxone Detox Treatment
Opioid addiction and abuse in the U.S. has risen dramatically since the early 2000s. Addiction to prescription opioids has also increased the use of heroin, and overdose death rates continue to climb (1). The misuse of opioid drugs, including certain prescription painkillers, has managed to devastate entire communities, and many medical facilities and opioid treatment centers are overwhelmed by the number of patients struggling with addiction to particular drug use (2).
Because opioid addiction is so severe, doctors and scientists created a class of medications to help block opioid cravings and prevent relapse. Unfortunately, these drugs, like Suboxone, can also be abused. They come with their own risks of addiction and side effects.
What is Suboxone?
Suboxone is a prescription medication and is considered a partial opioid agonist. The drug impacts the same opioid receptors in the brain that are active when someone abuses an opioid or opiate-derivative drug (3).
Suboxone works by partially binding to opioid receptors in the brain. The medication helps reduce cravings and reduces the severity and duration of opioid withdrawal symptoms. Its ingredients include Naloxone and Buprenorphine which help healthcare providers to deal with opioid dependence (4) (5) (6).
While a person won’t experience an intense high when they use Suboxone, people may still engage in drug abuse for this purpose. Mostly, Suboxone is obtained on the black market and is often misused as a way to prevent severe heroin withdrawals and withdrawal symptoms from other opioid drugs.
Suboxone comes in many forms, but the most common types of prescription Suboxone are tablets, sublingual strips that dissolve, or Suboxone stamps. People who buy Suboxone on the street sometimes refer to the drug as “subs.”
Users will crush the tablets and dissolve the powder into an injectable liquid. With the stamps, users sometimes put several stamps at once under the tongue or dissolve the stamps in a fluid and then inject the mixture.
Most people who abuse Suboxone are those who are not in for opioid addiction treatment. Instead, they obtain the drugs illegally and then use them to prevent withdrawals when they can’t get heroin or other powerful opioid medications. But in some cases, people who take Suboxone legally will become addicted to the medicine. They may “doctor shop” or buy the drugs illegally online or on the black market.
In other cases, people who want to experience an opioid high, but don’t want to use more powerful opioid drugs obtain Suboxone for this purpose. People who have no tolerance to opioids can get high off prescription Suboxone and become addicted.
Abusing Suboxone this way can also increase the chances of a person turning to more powerful opioid drugs or heroin to feed their drug addiction.
What Is a Detox for Suboxone Like?
The signs and symptoms of Suboxone abuse are incredibly similar to those present in opioid and heroin addiction. Also, the withdrawal process and detox symptoms associated with Suboxone share many similarities with the detox process that happens during opioid withdrawals.
Detox is a process where the body attempts to clear itself of harmful chemicals and substances. When someone is dependent on drugs and addicted to them, their body will develop a tolerance for the drugs. When this happens, the body will go into a sort of shock when the person stops taking the substances, because they are unable to function without the chemicals in their system, physically and mentally.
In substance use disorder, the body has become used to operating with the drugs in its system. Detox is what happens when the body attempts to return to a healthy and natural state of functioning by metabolizing the chemicals until they are gone.
When someone attempts detoxification from Suboxone, they experience a range of symptoms that can vary in severity and duration. A person’s overall physical health, weight, metabolism, and the length and severity of their addiction all influence the detox program.
Symptoms of Suboxone Withdrawal
The following symptoms may occur with suboxone withdrawal:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Headaches, runny nose and muscle aches
- Insomnia and fatigue
- Irritability, anxiety
- Depression and other mental health disorders
- Intense drug cravings
- Fever, sweating, and chills
- Trouble concentrating
How Long Will Detox From Suboxone Last?
The detox timeline can vary from patient to patient, and physical symptoms of withdrawal tend to peak the quickest and then subside before psychological symptoms begin. Some people may experience withdrawals from Suboxone for up to one month.
In severe cases, patients can struggle with lingering emotional symptoms of withdrawal, including anxiety, depression, and cravings to use the drug. Relapse prevention programs and ongoing care are critical to helping patients so that their suboxone withdrawal timeline doesn’t get stretched.
What Are the Treatment Options for Suboxone Detox?
People in recovery from opioids and heroin can significantly benefit from temporary Suboxone use. For these patients, Suboxone is only given for a set period before the patient is gradually tapered off the drug so that they can live completely sober from substances. This medication-assisted treatment based on a tapering regimen enhances the treatment program’s effectiveness.
But when Suboxone becomes the object of addiction, using medications to wean a patient off even a partial opioid agonist like Suboxone no longer serves a therapeutic purpose.
For people in recovery from Suboxone, treatment options for recovery and detox won’t include opioid replacement medications of any kind. Treatment will instead include a highly detailed, customized treatment plan free of replacement medications; however, patients may be prescribed medication to lessen the severity of specific withdrawal symptoms and other mental health complications.
Suboxone Withdrawal Symptoms
Suboxone is a medication commonly used to treat opioid addiction by reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings. However, it’s essential to understand that Suboxone itself can lead to withdrawal symptoms when it is discontinued, especially if it’s not tapered gradually under medical supervision.
Suboxone withdrawal symptoms can include flu-like symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle aches, chills, and fever.
Individuals may also experience:
- Mood swings
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Intense cravings for opioids (7)
The severity and duration of these symptoms can vary depending on factors like the individual’s dose, how long they’ve been using Suboxone and their overall health. Managing Suboxone withdrawal typically involves a gradual tapering process, where the dose is slowly reduced over time to minimize the intensity of withdrawal symptoms.
Medical supervision is key during this phase to ensure safety and provide support. Additionally, counseling and therapy can help individuals address the psychological aspects of withdrawal and develop coping strategies for cravings and emotional challenges.
It’s important to approach Suboxone withdrawal with a well-structured plan and professional guidance to increase the chances of a successful transition to sobriety.
Coping With Suboxone Withdrawal Symptoms
Coping with Suboxone withdrawal symptoms can be a challenging yet essential step for individuals seeking to discontinue the medication after using it to manage opioid addiction.
The duration and intensity of these symptoms can vary based on factors such as the individual’s dosage, the duration of Suboxone use, and their overall health.
To cope with Suboxone withdrawal, it is essential to seek guidance from a medical professional or addiction specialist who can create a tailored tapering plan to gradually reduce the dose, minimizing the severity of withdrawal symptoms. Supportive therapies and counseling can help individuals address the psychological aspects of withdrawal, develop effective coping strategies, and manage cravings.
Engaging in healthy lifestyle practices can also contribute to a smoother withdrawal process. These include:
- Regular exercise
- Proper nutrition
- Relaxation techniques
Support from friends and family or participation in support groups can provide encouragement and a sense of community during this challenging time. Managing Suboxone withdrawal symptoms requires a combination of medical guidance, therapeutic support, and self-care strategies to ensure a safe and successful transition to sobriety.
How to Detox From Suboxone at Home: Is It a Safe Option?
Attempting to detox from Suboxone without medical supervision can be risky, as withdrawal symptoms can be intense and challenging to manage without professional guidance. While some individuals may choose to detox at home due to privacy or convenience reasons, it’s essential to recognize the potential dangers involved.
Suddenly detoxing from Suboxone can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anxiety, and cravings for opioids, which can be distressing and uncomfortable. For those considering detoxing from Suboxone, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider or addiction specialist to create a safe and effective tapering plan.
This plan involves gradually reducing the Suboxone dosage under medical supervision, which can significantly reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms and increase the likelihood of a successful detox. Medical supervision during the process can also ensure that any complications or medical emergencies are promptly addressed.
Managing Drug Addiction without Medication
Managing drug addiction without medication is a challenging but achievable process that many individuals pursue as part of their recovery. This approach, often referred to as “abstinence-based” or “non-medication-assisted treatment,” relies on psychological, behavioral, and social strategies to overcome addiction.
One of the central components of this approach is counseling and therapy, which can help individuals:
- Understand the root causes of their addiction
- Develop coping skills
- Address the emotional and psychological aspects of substance abuse
Support groups, such as 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA), provide a sense of community and accountability, offering a platform for individuals to share their experiences and receive guidance from others in recovery. Lifestyle changes also play a large role in managing addiction without medication.
This includes adopting a healthier routine that incorporates exercise, proper nutrition, and stress management techniques. Building a strong support system of friends and family who encourage sobriety can be instrumental in maintaining recovery.
While medication-assisted treatment (MAT) may be necessary or preferred for some individuals, managing addiction without medication is a viable and successful option for many, offering a pathway to lasting sobriety through a holistic and comprehensive approach to recovery (8).
Why Is It Important for People to Get Help for Medical Detox?
Therapeutic intervention under the supervision of qualified healthcare providers is critical for recovery from any substance abuse. Patients who receive medical attention for Suboxone addiction are given the best chances of recovery. They have access to a team of medical professionals who can create treatment plans that consider all aspects of their addiction and how to achieve and maintain sobriety.
Medical intervention also puts patients in contact with therapists and counselors who can assist them with their ongoing recovery and healthcare.
If you or a loved one are addicted to opioids or opioid replacement medications, it’s important to explore treatment facilities that are capable of treating opioid use disorder. Call Zinnia Health at (855) 430-9439 to learn more.
Citations
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448203/
- https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/prescription-opioids
- https://archives.nida.nih.gov/publications/effective-treatments-opioid-addiction
- https://www.samhsa.gov/medications-substance-use-disorders
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5855417/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459126/
- https://www.samhsa.gov/medications-substance-use-disorders/medications-counseling-related-conditions/buprenorphine
- https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/treatment
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