Suboxone is a medication used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to support individuals transitioning from opioid addiction. However, it is possible to become addicted to Suboxone and detoxing from it can be uncomfortable due to withdrawal symptoms which may vary in severity and length depending on the addiction’s history. Recovery from Suboxone can be aided by behavioral therapy, holistic therapy, peer support and aftercare. Cliffside Malibu provides an individualized treatment plan for clients that includes medically supervised detoxification, residential treatment, day treatment and outpatient services as well as evidence-based treatments, family therapy and holistic therapies all in a luxurious setting.

What is Detoxing from Suboxone Like?

According to their website, Suboxone is a prescription medicine used to treat adults who are addicted to and dependent on opioid drugs. This can mean either prescription or illegal drugs. Suboxone is used as part of a complete treatment program that also includes counseling and behavioral therapy. Even though Suboxone is used as a means to transition people off of opioid addiction, an addiction to Suboxone itself may occur. Detoxing from Suboxone is the final stage in medication-assisted treatment and can at times be uncomfortable.

Understanding Medication-Assisted Treatment

For individuals suffering from an addiction to opioids, their bodies and brains have become rewired to require the drugs. In fact, since so much dopamine is being provided by the drugs, the body may stop producing its own natural opioids. When someone decides to become sober and abstains from opioids, severe withdrawal symptoms can occur until the body is able to fully readjust.

Suboxone is comprised of two medications, buprenorphine, and naloxone. Buprenorphine is an opioid medication, while naloxone blocks the effects of opioids in the body. In medication-assisted treatment, the body is still able to receive low doses of the opioid with the buprenorphine while it readjusts, while not being able to get high with the naloxone. This process can take weeks or months, depending on the addiction.

Medication-Assisted Detox

For people who just need help through the detox process and don’t require long-term medication-assisted treatment, there are also medicated detox options with an on-site addictionologist. The addictionologist can provide clients with medications needed to get them through the initial uncomfortable detox phase. Medication-assisted detox can be offered to people detoxing from any substance, including methamphetamines or alcohol. No matter the substance, detox can be made comfortable so that people aren’t afraid of it. This simple fact can be the difference between whether or not someone gets the help they so desperately need.

Suboxone Withdrawal Symptoms

Since Suboxone is a partial opioid, the withdrawal symptoms a person may experience are very similar to other opioids. Some people experience all of the symptoms listed below, while others may only experience some. It all depends on the length and severity of the addiction and how dependent on the drug the body has become.

When someone is detoxing from Suboxone, they may experience some of the following withdrawal symptoms:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Headaches
  • Muscle aches
  • Sweating
  • Headache
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Insomnia
  • Anxiety
  • Irritability
  • Intense drug cravings

Detoxing From Suboxone Timeline

Detoxing from Suboxone will be a different experience for everybody. The length and severity of the addiction can help determine the length and severity of the detox process. The longer an individual has been addicted, the longer it may take to fully detox. Alternatively, some people may only experience withdrawal symptoms for a week or two. While there is no blanket answer for how long it takes to detox from Suboxone, a guideline is:

  • 1-4 days: Physical symptoms are peaking. These can be debilitating or uncomfortable, but the discomfort should pass after a few days.
  • 7 days: People who are a week into detoxing from Suboxone may still feel muscle aches, may have difficulty sleeping or experience mood swings.
  • 2-4 weeks: At this point, most of the physical symptoms should subside and a person will begin experiencing psychological symptoms. These symptoms include anxiety, depression or intense drug cravings. It is important for people to work with a medical professional or therapist to help manage these symptoms.

Detoxing from Suboxone and Recovery

If someone developed a Suboxone addiction while initially trying to recover from a larger opioid addiction, it is important to remember that there are alternatives to Suboxone. Some other treatment methods include:

  • Behavioral therapy. In order to manage cravings, triggers and prevent relapse, behavioral therapy is extremely important. In this type of therapy, people can learn important tools and healthy coping mechanisms to live free of opioid dependency.
  • Holistic therapy. There are many types of holistic therapies that are beneficial to addiction recovery. They can include meditation, exercise, and massage therapy. They offer clients a healthy way to cope with stress and aid relaxation.
  • Peer support. There’s nothing more comforting than being able to relate to someone when you’re going through a hard time, and this includes addiction. Being able to confide in others who are going through the same process can facilitate long-term recovery and sobriety.
  • Aftercare. Addiction isn’t “cured” the second that treatment ends, in fact, finishing treatment is only a starting point. Keeping up with aftercare therapy and support is extremely important, especially in early recovery.

About Cliffside Malibu

While Suboxone is a helpful tool for people experiencing severe opioid addiction, it still runs the risk of addiction itself. Luckily, there are ways to overcome an addiction to Suboxone and live free from addiction to opioids.

Since no two addictions are the same, Cliffside Malibu offers an individualized treatment plan for each and every client. We are committed to providing the best care possible through. A continuum of care including medically supervised detox, residential treatment, day treatment, and outpatient services. Our program includes evidence-based treatment, family therapy, and holistic therapy. Created for individuals suffering from addiction, our programs are structured to provide a supportive environment in order to maintain sobriety.

In addition to world-class treatment, Cliffside Malibu offers luxury accommodations, a serene environment, five-star dining, and plentiful amenities. We understand that addiction treatment is a rigorous process. Therefore, we provide for your comfort and relaxation at every turn, allowing you to rejuvenate, to meet the demands of treatment with your greatest energy and attention.

For more information on Cliffside Malibu, visit cliffsidemalibu.com