Suboxone Withdrawal Symptoms, Timeline, and Detox Treatment Options
The opioid epidemic has spiraled out of control in recent years. Opioid overdose deaths now surpass historic peak death rates from HIV, gun violence, and motor vehicle accidents. Several drugs have been approved to help users safely withdraw from opioids to live a healthy, fulfilling future. One such drug is Suboxone.
Although this drug can offer support under certain circumstances throughout the recovery process, there are some concerns about Suboxone abuse and Suboxone withdrawal symptoms.
Suboxone’s main active ingredient is an opioid, which is why this drug is a Schedule III controlled substance. This ingredient helps users wean themselves off more potent opioids. However, there are instances where Suboxone abuse develops.
Here’s what you need to know about the Suboxone withdrawal period and how to get the help you deserve.
What Are the Symptoms of Suboxone Withdrawal?
The effects of buprenorphine are considered mild compared to other highly addictive opioids, such as morphine or heroin. However, the individuals who take Suboxone are already vulnerable to opioid addiction. This vulnerability is something to consider.
Buprenorphine is more potent than many other opioids, but it is also a partial opioid agonist. This means it blocks other opioids from binding to receptors in the central nervous system.
The addition of naloxone helps reverse symptoms of an opioid overdose, making Suboxone a safer option than other opioids administered within a tapering plan.
Suboxone is used to better cope with withdrawal symptoms before the user takes another dose of the opioid of their choice. So, the ongoing use of Suboxone could encourage someone to continue using opioids. Data shows that buprenorphine is effective for approximately one-half to two-thirds of the opiate abuser population.
When abused for long periods, Suboxone withdrawal symptoms may develop.
Research shows that Suboxone withdrawal symptoms may develop following any dose and most often include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Flu-like symptoms
- Diarrhea
Typically, the higher the dose, the more significant the symptoms are. Also, effects can worsen with other central nervous system depressants, like alcohol or benzodiazepines. In this case, combined drug use is dangerous and can even be life-threatening.
If you continue using various substances, or mixing Suboxone with other central nervous system depressants, complications can be greater than those associated with withdrawal. This combination is a slippery slope and without treatment, the consequences could be fatal, especially when alcohol is involved.
If you mix Suboxone with alcohol, antidepressants, benzodiazepines, sedatives, or tranquilizers, you can overdose or die.
As reported by the FDA, Suboxone may not be right for you if you have one of several pre-existing health conditions, such as lung issues or have experienced a brain injury. If you have a history of alcoholism or experience hallucinations, this needs to be brought to your physician’s attention.
What Causes Suboxone Withdrawal?
Suboxone is often a drug that’s taken for long periods. If you have stopped using other opioids and now take Suboxone, if you were to quit cold turkey, you would likely experience Suboxone withdrawal symptoms.
It is important to note that, unlike other opioids, Suboxone has a ceiling effect. This means that when given to users who have taken opioids before, you will not experience an increase in effects once you go past a specific dosage.
Taking higher and higher doses will not alter your experience or produce a more significant effect.
Research shows that Suboxone is effective, but it can also lead to physical dependence. Since this drug occupies opioid receptors, sudden cessation can produce withdrawal symptoms.
To better understand Suboxone withdrawal symptoms, it’s essential to discover how this drug works. To do so, we must break down each component’s mechanism of action.
- Buprenorphine is an opiate partial agonist
- Naloxone only works if opiates are present in your body
Buprenorphine is a long-acting partial agonist that targets the mu-opioid receptor. In Suboxone, the ratio of buprenorphine to naloxone is 4:1. Buprenorphine is also available without naloxone and is prescribed for pain management.
The concept behind Suboxone is that when used as prescribed, it is seen as a medication, not a substance. Like many prescription drugs, when the substance is abused and used in a way that isn’t directed, issues arise.
How you administer Suboxone makes a difference in how your body reacts.
Injecting Suboxone may cause severe withdrawal symptoms, including pain, cramps, vomiting, sleep problems, cravings, and anxiety.
How Long Does Suboxone Withdrawal Take?
Physical symptoms of Suboxone withdrawal typically develop within 24 hours after the last dose and generally worsen over the next 72 hours. Suboxone withdrawal symptoms will typically subside after one month. However, psychological dependence may remain, which we address in more detail below.
When physical dependence develops, you can expect the worst Suboxone withdrawal symptoms within the first 72 hours. At this point, symptoms will typically subside. Over the next week, you may experience body aches, mood swings, and insomnia.
These symptoms may continue into the following week when symptoms of depression are most common. For up to a month, cravings and depression may be apparent. Withdrawal symptoms differ for each individual.
Some may no longer experience Suboxone withdrawal symptoms after the first week or two. Others may experience post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). In this case, subtle symptoms can last for months, even years. These symptoms are often like those associated with mood disorders, such as anxiety, mood swings, and poor sleep.
Psychological dependence can make Suboxone withdrawal a more complicated process. In many cases, this is the basis of PAWS. Researchers continue to investigate whether or not chronic drug use causes permanent changes in the brain. This complex concept often involves the brain’s dopamine system and reward pathways.
The psychological challenges associated with Suboxone withdrawal are not necessarily triggered by withdrawal itself. Once you withdraw from Suboxone and other substances of abuse, this can cause mental health issues to resurface.
When you were using, symptoms of anxiety or depression were likely muted. Once substances no longer numb these symptoms, they can be overwhelming.
Picking up the pieces can be tough, but Suboxone withdrawal is the first step towards a productive, healthy future. When you’re sober and in ongoing treatment, you can work toward goals, including mending relationships.
How To Safely Manage Suboxone Withdrawal and Detox
Based on how Suboxone affects the body and brain, taking this substance can result in dependence without addiction. However, the link between Suboxone, dependence, and addiction differs for each user — especially when someone suffers from a pre-existing opioid addiction.
To complete the Suboxone withdrawal process, it’s recommended that you seek a tapering plan under the guidance of a health professional. Taking this step will lessen the severity of Suboxone withdrawal symptoms.
If dependence is apparent, you should not abruptly stop using Suboxone. On average, Suboxone tapering schedules take place over seven to 28 days.
For some, a slow, flexible tapering schedule is ideal. Doses can be adjusted if uncomfortable symptoms arise.
Researchers have also studied the potential benefits of a short taper. This study found that a seven-day taper was just as effective in treating opioid addiction, showcasing that there’s no advantage in prolonging taper duration.
What works best for one user may not be ideal for the next. An expert facility will help you determine the best course of action based on your circumstances. Not only will you gain access to quality treatment and ongoing support, but you’ll also often benefit from the type of guidance that ensures optimal success.
When using Suboxone to reduce withdrawal symptoms associated with other opioids, such as heroin, it’s important to consider a long-term treatment plan.
Suboxone can reduce cravings and heroin withdrawal symptoms, but it does not decrease the probability of relapse following detoxification. To ensure long-term recovery, a more comprehensive treatment plan is likely needed.
A wide range of holistic treatment options is available, including behavioral treatment, individual therapy, group therapy, family counseling, and more.
When you seek the assistance of a leading substance abuse and mental health facility, you will access evidence-based treatment options, many of which offer a unique approach. There are plenty of treatment options, from art therapy to meditation, adventure therapy to equine-assisted psychotherapy, ensuring an individualized approach.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
As someone in recovery, it is important to focus on ongoing support to prevent future relapse and ensure long-term success. Although Suboxone withdrawal rarely leads to severe complications, it is often associated with ongoing opioid abuse, which is incredibly complex and challenging to overcome on your own.
Talk therapy and other forms of evidence-based treatment options are your best bet to overcome the psychological components of addiction.
Suboxone withdrawal will help you physically overcome your dependence on opioids and other substances, but this is just the beginning.
Whether you need help identifying your triggers or developing more sustainable coping strategies, a professional facility will help you set and achieve goals on your road to recovery.
Remember that not beginning the Suboxone withdrawal process when you’re dependent on several substances of abuse could mean life and death. Do not gamble with your life; help is available.
Take the next step toward a brighter, more fulfilling future today. Contact Zinnia Health today to explore your treatment options.
Related Articles