Suboxone Detox: Symptoms, Withdrawal, and Timeline

Suboxone Detox: Symptoms, Withdrawal, and Timeline

• Mandy Sandhu
• 28 Jun 2024

Suboxone detox is a crucial step for individuals battling opioid addiction through medical detox but it shouldn’t be undertaken without professional supervision. In this guide, we’ll provide detailed information on what Suboxone is, its side effects, and what to expect during its detox process. By understanding the symptoms, withdrawal timeline, and effective management strategies, you’ll navigate this challenging yet essential phase of recovery.

What is Suboxone? 

Suboxone is a medication used for an opioid treatment program that combines buprenorphine and naloxone as its active ingredients. It can be swallowed as a pill or melted under the tongue as a strip of film. It can also be implanted under the skin for six months. 

Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist. It activates the same opioid receptors in the brain that opioids like heroin and prescription painkillers do but to a lesser extent. This particular trait of the drug helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing the same intense euphoria or sedation.

Naloxone, on the other hand, is added in to avoid any potential misuse. If someone were to crush and inject suboxone, the naloxone component can block the effects of opioids and precipitate withdrawal symptoms. This effect promotes the safe use of the drug. However, it’s important to note that while suboxone has this effect, detoxing with it should only be done under the guidance of a medical detox expert or qualified medical professional. 

Like any other medical detox method, it’s not a standalone solution. Rather, it’s best combined with other drug addiction treatment options, such as counselling and other evidence-based therapies, to manage mental, emotional, and physical withdrawal symptoms and improve the treatment outcome.

Image source: Canva

Is Suboxone Addictive? 

While suboxone is less addictive than methadone, this doesn’t mean it’s impossible. When paired with other dangerous medications or new to opioids, people can get addicted to suboxone.

Signs you’re taking too much suboxone:

• Poor coordination, limpness, or weakness
• Slurred speech
• Problems with thinking
• Blurred vision
• Shallow breathing
• Extreme drowsiness
• Nausea
• Pain in the upper stomach
• A pounding heartbeat
• Itching
• Loss of appetite

Suboxone Withdrawal Symptoms 

Taking suboxone for long can cause physical withdrawal symptoms such as:

• Flu-like symptoms: Includes fever, chills, sweating, runny nose, and muscle aches
• Sleep disturbances: Disrupted sleep patterns, leading to insomnia or excessive sleepiness
• Pain sensations: Increased sensitivity to pain or heightened perception of pain
• Physical sensations: Tingling sensations, restlessness, or a feeling of “pins and needles” in extremities
• Digestive issues: Digestive disturbances like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps become common during suboxone withdrawal.

Psychological suboxone withdrawal symptoms can include mood swings, anxiety, irritability, agitation, and depression. When prescribed by a medical detox expert, people who use suboxone for substance abuse treatment won’t have to worry about side effects. Those who abuse it can experience serious risks.

Related: The Dangers of Detoxing at Home

How Long Does Suboxone Withdrawal Last?

The symptoms of suboxone withdrawal can last a month. It’s important to note, however, that the severity and suboxone withdrawal timeline can vary widely depending on a lot of factors, such as the duration of use, dosage, if there was any alcohol or other drug use, and the presence of any concurrent mental health disorders. 

Withdrawal symptoms from suboxone addiction can more likely have the following timeline:

First 72 Hours	The initial withdrawal phase (the first 72 hours) causes the following physical symptoms: Chills Fever Headaches Gastrointestinal problems Insomnia Muscle aches Nausea and vomiting Sweating
After the First Week	Physical symptoms may continue, accompanied by psychological symptoms such as: Anxiety Mood swings Agitation Difficulty concentrating Cravings for Suboxone or other opioids
After Two Weeks	Individuals may start experiencing symptoms of depression, including: Feelings of sadness or hopelessness Loss of interest in activities Fatigue or low-energy Changes in appetite or weight Trouble with memory or decision-making
After One Month	Can lead to persistent depression and intensified drug cravings

The one-month period is particularly challenging for individuals in recovery. Individuals must have strong support systems, access to counselling or therapy, and coping strategies to navigate these ongoing challenges.

Image source: Canva

How to Manage Suboxone Withdrawal Symptoms 

Like opioid addiction, managing suboxone withdrawal symptoms effectively requires the support of detox experts and healthcare providers in a medical detox program. Getting assistance from medical professionals, such as those from Freedom From Addiction, ensures a safe and tailored treatment plan. This personalized approach includes medical supervision and medications that can alleviate withdrawal symptoms.

Beyond initial withdrawal, professionals offer continued support through counselling, therapy, and support groups. This ongoing care is crucial for addressing the psychological aspects of suboxone withdrawal, helping patients build coping strategies, and maintaining long-term recovery.

Find Support in Freedom From Addiction 

Get the support you or your loved one needs to overcome addiction and start the journey to long-term sobriety. At Freedom From Addiction, we offer personalized treatment plans using evidence-based therapies to ensure we determine the underlying causes of addiction. 

Our team recognizes the importance of individuality in addiction treatment. We don’t just stick with general treatments—we incorporate holistic methods into our treatment plans to support our patients’ overall well-being. 

This comprehensive approach not only helps individuals overcome their addiction but also equips them with coping strategies to prevent relapse and maintain a healthy, fulfilling life in recovery.

Ready to start your journey to sobriety? Connect with us at Freedom From Addiction to start.