By We Level Up | Author Giselle Leung, PharmD, BCGP | Editorial Policy | Research Policy

Suboxone is an FDA-approved medication used to treat opioid addiction or opioid use disorder. It contains a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine reduces opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms, while naloxone blocks the effects of opioids.

When you’re ready to stop taking Suboxone, you’ll need to go through detox. This allows your body to rid itself of the drug. Detox can be uncomfortable, but there are ways to manage symptoms. As long as you are determined to succeed, your healthcare provider will guide you and develop a personalized treatment plan to reduce your Suboxone dose gradually over time.

Key Takeaways

• Suboxone detox is the gradual removal of buprenorphine/naloxone from the body, which typically lasts 7-14 days but can vary based on individual factors.
• Tapering Suboxone under medical supervision allows for better management of withdrawal symptoms.
• Common withdrawal symptoms are muscle aches, sweating, nausea, insomnia, anxiety, and cravings, which peak within the first 72 hours and gradually subside.
• A personalized tapering plan, medications to alleviate symptoms, and a comprehensive aftercare plan are essential for managing withdrawal and maintaining long-term recovery.

Suboxone Detox Overview

Suboxone detox is the gradual removal of buprenorphine/naloxone from your body. It usually involves tapering the dose over 2 weeks or more. Buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist, is one of the active ingredients in Suboxone. It binds to opioid receptors, reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with opioid addiction. The other active ingredient, naloxone, works to antagonize opioid effects.

Common withdrawal symptoms, similar to those in opioid withdrawal, include:

Your healthcare provider may prescribe other medications to alleviate these symptoms. They’ll also monitor your progress and adjust the tapering schedule as needed.

Importance of Medical Supervision

Undergoing Suboxone detox under medical supervision is critical. Attempting to quit “cold turkey” or without professional guidance can be dangerous and increase the risk of relapse. A healthcare provider will monitor your health for adverse effects and address any concerns that you may have regarding detox.

Suboxone Detox Timeline

Days 1-3

The first few days after stopping Suboxone are typically the most challenging. You may experience withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, sweating, and muscle aches. These symptoms usually peak around day 3 and can be managed with over-the-counter medications and supportive care from your healthcare provider.

Days 4-7

By day 4, the worst of the physical withdrawal symptoms should have subsided. You may still experience lingering symptoms like fatigue, irritability, and cravings. It’s important to be focused on your recovery goals and engage in activities to manage stress and maintain motivation.

Days 8-14

During the second week of Suboxone detox, most physical symptoms will have dissipated. Nonetheless, psychological symptoms, such as depression and cravings, may persist. This is a critical time to continue working closely with your healthcare provider and support system to address any emotional challenges and prevent relapse.

Beyond 14 Days

After 14 days, Suboxone should be fully eliminated from your body. You may still experience some residual symptoms and cravings, but these will continue to improve with time. It’s essential to have a comprehensive aftercare plan, which may include ongoing therapy, support groups, and relapse prevention strategies to maintain long-term recovery.

Work closely with your healthcare provider to create a personalized plan that meets your unique needs.

Suboxone Withdrawal Symptoms

Suboxone withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on factors like your dosage and duration of use. You may experience physical and psychological symptoms as your body adjusts to the absence of the drug.

These symptoms typically peak within the first 72 hours after your last dose. They gradually subside over the following days and weeks. Most physical symptoms diminish by day 7, but psychological symptoms and cravings may persist for longer.

Everyone’s experience with Suboxone withdrawal is unique. Your symptoms may differ in intensity and duration compared to others. This variability underscores the importance of having a personalized detox plan tailored to your needs.

To manage withdrawal symptoms effectively, your healthcare provider may adjust your tapering schedule, prescribe medications to alleviate specific symptoms, and suggest coping strategies. Staying hydrated, maintaining a balanced diet, and engaging in gentle exercise are effective self-care strategies.

Remember, detoxing from Suboxone is a significant milestone in your recovery. Stay focused on your goals and lean on your support network during this challenging but transformative process.

Suboxone Precipitated Withdrawal

Suboxone precipitated withdrawal is a rapid and intense onset of withdrawal symptoms that can occur when a person physically dependent on opioids takes Suboxone too soon after their last use of opioids. This can happen if Suboxone is brought before the opioids have entirely cleared from the body or if the person is not in a state of withdrawal when they take Suboxone.

When Suboxone is taken, it attaches to the same brain receptors that opioids do, but it does not produce the same euphoria or sedation. Instead, it helps to manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings for opioids. However, suppose Suboxone is taken too soon after the last use of opioids. In that case, it can cause the remaining opioids in the body to be displaced from the receptors and rapidly precipitate withdrawal symptoms.

Precipitated withdrawal and Suboxone can be more severe and intense than regular withdrawal, and it can happen very quickly within minutes of taking Suboxone. Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle aches and pains, anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, sweating, and chills.

It’s critical to wait until a person is in a state of withdrawal before starting treatment with Suboxone. Healthcare providers will assess and screen for recent opioid use before prescribing Suboxone. Furthermore, healthcare providers can monitor the individual’s symptoms and adjust the dose of Suboxone as needed to minimize the risk of precipitated withdrawal.

How To Stop Suboxone Withdrawals?

Stopping Suboxone use abruptly or without proper medical supervision can result in withdrawal symptoms. If you are experiencing Suboxone withdrawal symptoms, seeking medical help is critical. By seeking medical help when stopping Suboxone, individuals can receive support and guidance from healthcare providers experienced in treating opioid addiction. Medically-assisted Suboxone detox can help minimize the following risks:

• The severity of withdrawal symptoms.
• Reduces the risk of relapse.
• Ensuring a safe and successful recovery.

Suboxone Statistics

The below statistics suggest that Suboxone is increasingly being used as a treatment option for opioid addiction in the United States. However, there are also issues about the potential for medication misuse and diversion.

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What Does Suboxone Withdrawal Feel Like?

Can you withdrawal from Suboxone? Unfortunately, yes. It is hard to avoid withdrawal symptoms from Suboxone. Withdrawal from Suboxone looks a bit different from most withdrawal processes. Many addicts mistake initial endorphin drops for withdrawal. However, withdrawal does not begin until addicts start tapering off dosages. How long are withdrawals from Suboxone? Withdrawal can take as long as 72 hours, and the whole process can last up to a month.

Many Suboxone withdrawal symptoms mimic those of other drugs, especially opioids. How long do Suboxone withdrawal symptoms last? You will experience the worst physical and psychological symptoms within 72 hours after withdrawal. Psychologically, you may experience resurgent symptoms such as anxiety, agitation, and insomnia. These can continue for days or even weeks after beginning the detox process.

What are withdrawal symptoms of Suboxone? Other symptoms of Suboxone withdrawal include the following:

During the first week of withdrawal, your physical symptoms will decrease, but you may still experience anxiety and mood swings. Within two weeks, the worst physical and psychological symptoms will reduce dramatically.

What helps with withdrawal from Suboxone? Turning to medical professionals for help during detox is essential to ensure you are comfortable and not relapse.

At We Level Up Suboxone withdrawal help, we perform a complete intake assessment of your physical and mental health. This allows us to understand your addiction and any co-occurring mental health disorders you may struggle with. Using this information, we can put together a personalized treatment plan that can help you with the worst of the Suboxone withdrawal symptoms and allow you to begin your path toward healing.

Many professionals believe it is best to wait to administer Suboxone until someone with an opioid addiction has begun showing signs of withdrawal. Still, some doctors offer micro-dosing options early in recovery. Suboxone has a low to moderate risk of altering your brain chemistry and function, but this risk increases when you use it for extended lengths of time than prescribed or inject or snort it.

Some of the signs of a Suboxone addiction include the following:

There can also be side effects of long-term use of Suboxone. These are:

• Cardiovascular system damage.
• Sleeping problems.
• Dental issues.
• Excessive weight loss.
• Chronic constipation.
• Stomach bleeding.

Suboxone has a ceiling, which means that increasing the dose past a certain level no longer increases its effects. Therefore, it is not common for people to overdose on Suboxone. Still, there are instances when this may be a concern. Suboxone overdose includes the following signs and symptoms:

• Low blood pressure.
• Respiratory distress.
• Pinpoint pupils.
• Loss of consciousness.
• Coma.

How long does it take to withdrawal from Suboxone? Several factors and individual requirements determine the timeline. If you have an addiction to Suboxone, the best thing you can do is to seek professional help. At We Level Up, we offer treatment for Suboxone misuse, beginning with the Suboxone detox process we offer at our state-of-the-art facilities.

Home Remedies for Suboxone Withdrawal

How long does withdrawal last from Suboxone? It depends on several factors and the health status of the patient. Before doing any home treatment, it is best to consult your doctor to avoid complications. While there is no substitute for medical treatment for Suboxone withdrawal, some home remedies may help alleviate symptoms and provide some relief during the withdrawal process. Here are a few examples:

• Hydration: It is crucial to stay hydrated during Suboxone withdrawal, as symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea can cause dehydration. Drinking plenty of water, electrolyte-rich sports drinks, or coconut water can help to replenish electrolytes and fluids.
• Hot Baths or Showers: Hot baths can help soothe muscle aches and relieve symptoms such as chills and sweats.
• Exercise: Engaging in light activities such as walking, yoga, or stretching can help to boost mood, alleviate anxiety, and reduce muscle aches.
• Balanced Diet: A healthy and balanced diet rich in nutrients can help support the body’s recovery process during withdrawal. Fruits, lean protein, vegetables, and whole grains can give the body the necessary healing nutrients.
• Herbal Remedies: Some herbal remedies, such as chamomile tea, lavender oil, and valerian root, may help to promote relaxation, improve sleep, and reduce anxiety.

How to detox from Suboxone at home? While these home remedies may help to alleviate symptoms during Suboxone withdrawal, they should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment. Working with a healthcare provider to create an individualized tapering plan is the safest and most effective way to discontinue Suboxone use.

Suboxone is a prescription drug that helps treat opioid addiction. If you do not take Suboxone as prescribed, however, you can become addicted to it. Detoxing is the first step in getting sober for those struggling with an addiction to this medication. At We Level Up, we can offer inpatient treatment and support for patients seeking Suboxone detox treatment.

Rapid Suboxone Detox

The rapid detox Suboxone treatment process uses Vivitrol therapy. Vivitrol is a brand name for naltrexone, a fast-acting medicine for people detoxifying from opioid or alcohol dependency. It acts by blocking the influence of opioids, decreasing cravings, and reducing a person’s need for the drugs. Naltrexone is also much less addictive than Suboxone, which makes it an excellent alternative treatment option.

Your personally-tailored care and treatment can include the controlled administration of Vivitrol, and it also provides sedation. You will still experience the side effects of Suboxone withdrawal, but as you are sedated and under expert medical care, you will find them much easier to deal with, and of course, you will have people close to you to help you every step of the way.

Can you die from withdrawal from Suboxone? While rare, it is still possible when further complications from the withdrawal symptoms arise. For most individuals in recovery, the use of Suboxone is temporary. Drug use will eventually be tapered to make way for total sobriety. Suboxone rapid detox process should be done slowly and accurately, allowing plateaus to accommodate the individual’s experience and stability.

Suboxone Withdrawal Treatment

How long for Suboxone withdrawal to subside? The severity and timeline of Suboxone withdrawal symptoms can be impacted by various factors, including the individual’s physical and mental health, age, and whether they have any underlying medical or psychiatric conditions.

How to ease withdrawal symptoms from Suboxone? Suboxone withdrawal treatment typically involves a combination of medication and supportive care to help manage withdrawal symptoms and promote recovery. Here are some common approaches to Suboxone withdrawal treatment:

• Medication-Assisted Treatment: Medications such as Clonidine for Suboxone withdrawal, benzodiazepines, and non-opioid pain relievers may be prescribed to help manage the physical symptoms of Suboxone withdrawal. Moreover, medications such as buprenorphine or methadone may be part of a medication-assisted treatment program to help ease withdrawal symptoms and reduce the risk of relapse.
• Behavioral Therapy: Behavioral therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or contingency management, can help individuals develop coping strategies to manage triggers and cravings and learn new ways to manage stress and other emotional issues that may contribute to drug use.
• Supportive Care: Supportive care, such as nutritional support, hydration, and sleep management, can help individuals manage the physical symptoms of withdrawal and promote overall health and well-being during the detoxification process.
• Residential or Inpatient Treatment: Depending on the severity of the addiction and the individual’s needs, residential or inpatient treatment programs may be recommended to provide comprehensive care and support for addiction recovery.

Suboxone withdrawal can be a challenging process, and it’s essential to seek the guidance and support of a healthcare professional to ensure safe and successful detoxification.

Inpatient Suboxone Detox Treatment

Inpatient treatment is the best option for those detoxing from Suboxone and subsequent therapies to end their addiction. At We Level Up, we can offer access to a supportive environment and medical assistance as you detox. Our inpatient program allows you to remove yourself from your regular environment, which may not be conducive to healing. You will be able to have medical detox as well as medication-assisted treatment. These options can help you avoid intense cravings that can cause you to relapse.

How to detox off Suboxone? The Suboxone detox protocol involves a medically supervised detoxification process to manage the withdrawal symptoms associated with Suboxone discontinuation. Even low-dose Suboxone withdrawal should not be taken lightly to avoid further complications. The following are the steps on how do you detox off of Suboxone:

• Medical Assessment: The first step in treating Suboxone withdrawal is a comprehensive medical assessment that evaluates the patient’s health status, substance use history, and any co-occurring mental or physical health conditions. This information helps the healthcare team develop an individualized treatment plan.
• Medication-Assisted Treatment: Medications such as Clonidine and Gabapentin for Suboxone withdrawal when the risks of seizure arise. Benzodiazepines and non-opioid pain relievers may be prescribed to help manage the physical symptoms of Suboxone withdrawal. Additionally, medications such as buprenorphine or methadone may be part of a medication-assisted treatment program to help ease withdrawal symptoms and reduce the risk of relapse.
• Supportive Care: Supportive care, such as nutritional support, hydration, and sleep management, can help individuals manage the physical symptoms of withdrawal and promote overall health and well-being during the detoxification process.
• Behavioral Therapy: Behavioral therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or contingency management, can help individuals develop coping strategies to manage triggers and cravings and learn new ways to manage stress and other emotional issues that may contribute to drug use.
• Follow-Up Care: After completing the Suboxone detox protocol, individuals should receive ongoing care and support to help maintain their recovery. This may include continuing medication-assisted treatment, engaging in individual or group therapy, and attending support groups such as 12-step programs.

Suboxone Detox Centers Near Me

To find a “Suboxone detox near me,” you can follow these steps:

• Check with Your Insurance Provider: Contact your insurance provider to find out if they cover Suboxone detox treatment and if there are any facilities in your area that they work with. If your insurance plan covers the cost of treatment, it can be a helpful way to narrow down your options and find a facility that is covered by your plan.
• Use Online Directories: Online directories of addiction treatment centers, such as SAMHSA’s Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator, can help you find Suboxone detox centers near you. These directories provide detailed information about the facilities, such as their location, contact information, and the types of treatment they offer.
• Ask for Referrals: Contact your primary care physician, mental health provider, or other healthcare professionals to ask for recommendations for Suboxone detox centers in your area. You can also ask friends, family members, or support group members with addiction treatment experience for referrals. Many Suboxone withdrawal stories are successful when assisted medically.
• Research the Facilities: Once you have a list of potential Suboxone detox centers, research each facility to learn more about their approach to treatment, their qualifications and experience, and their success rates. You can also read rehab reviews from other clients, patients, or families who have received treatment.
• Contact the Facilities: Contact the Suboxone detox centers you are interested in to learn more about their treatment programs, insurance coverage, and availability. Ask questions about their approach to treatment, the qualifications of their staff, and the types of therapy and support they offer.

Start Suboxone Detox

If you have an addiction to Suboxone and want to get help, choosing a facility that offers a Suboxone detox program is essential. At We Level Up, we can provide a safe and supportive environment where you can undergo treatment.

We will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that can treat the addiction and any co-occurring mental health disorder you have.

There is no reason to struggle through addiction on your own. By turning to experts at We Level Up, you can get the help you need. Contact We Level Up today to learn more about the treatment we can offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

While Suboxone withdrawal can be challenging, there are ways to manage symptoms. Here are answers to some common questions.

How Long Do Opiates Stay in Your System? How Long Do Opiates Stay in Urine, Blood, & Body?

Suboxone withdrawal how long? And how do opioids stay in your system? Watch the below video to understand the effects of drug dependency, the general timeline, and how to get help. Get FREE addiction treatment insurance check – https://welevelup.com/rehab-insurance/ If you or a loved one is struggling with opiates addiction or other substance use disorder(s), call for a FREE consultation 24/7 at (561) 678-0917