24/7 Support Line - Call Now
Free Insurance Verification
Verify your treatment coverage

How to Deal with Suboxone Withdrawal

Suboxone is normally used to help patients withdrawing from heroin addiction. This drug may provide relief from heroin cravings which assist in making recovery possible. Withdrawal symptoms from heroin are especially savage and many times, heroin addicts will return to using because of the side effects. Medical professionals determine the proper dosage of Suboxone allowing individuals to build up resistance to the temptation to use again. If you are ready to kick the habit, so to speak, and wondering how to deal with Suboxone withdrawal, call better addiction care at (800) 429-7690 to discuss your treatment options today.

4 Minute Read | Published Sep 14 2023 | Updated Mar 06 2024 Expert Verified
Emma Collins
Written by
Ashley Bayliss
Reviewed by
Emma Collins
Written by
Ashley Bayliss
Reviewed by

Becoming Familiar with How to Deal with Suboxone Withdrawal

While Suboxone may help heroin addicts get off the heroin (and other opiates), it is also abused by some people. There is a dark side to this medication. While it may help people, Suboxone addiction is a very real problem. Individuals who have become addicted to this drug, must check into a detox facility and get help. For the best result possible, one must enter a rehab program following the detox period.

According to The New York Times, this blockbuster drug is one that most people have never heard of. In 2012, Suboxone sales surpassed both Viagra and Adderall, generating about one and a half billion dollars (that is billion – with a “b”).  This boost in sales is fueled by the exploding opioid abuse crisis in this country, which has not improved since then.

How to Deal with Suboxone Withdrawal

Unfortunately, the Suboxone withdrawal length may persist for as long a month. Symptoms may include:

  • Depression
  • Irritability
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Headaches and muscle aches
  • Anxiety
  • Chills
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Insomnia
  • Lethargy
  • Fever
  • Intense cravings for drugs
  • Digestive issues
  • Sweating

Suboxone Withdrawal Length

As with any other type of substance, the severity of withdrawal symptoms will depend upon the individual, how long they have been using, and how much (and how often) they use. The physical effects will generally subside after one month. However, psychological dependence may still remain. As such, a rehabilitation program is suggested in order to work on the psychological side of the addiction and to assure you are armed with the tools necessary to remain sober.

The first seventy-two hours will be the worst and most intense symptoms that you will experience. Always remember that when you are going through the most savage of symptoms.

After one week of discontinuation of Suboxone, symptoms will subside a bit and the person will experience insomnia, body aches, and mood swings. After the second week, the biggest hurdle is depression. Once you have made it through the first month, depression will persist as well as cravings. For this reason, you should find a rehab center and stay there for as long as you need to.

While people may claim they have the right Suboxone withdrawal remedy, everyone is different and one size does not fit all. Tapering is something you may try at home – if that is the route you are taking. The right amount of tapering is needed to be successful. Talk to you doctor. And, perhaps, assign someone who cares about you to be your “dispenser” since you may not be the best one to dole out your own smaller doses. Someone who is not a drug addict is a good choice.

Remember that in this country, the most common form of treatment is based on the concept of abstinence. But, many in the scientific community and at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration) disagree. It is a fact that of all people trying to come off opiates using the abstinence model – over 90% of them will relapse. The best way for how to deal with Suboxone withdrawal, is to check yourself into a detox program and let the professionals do their jobs. There are no magic Suboxone withdrawal remedies. You must do the work and put in the time.

If you or a loved one needs help with how to deal with Suboxone withdrawal, please call better addiction care at (800) 429-7690 for help locating a treatment center. The professional addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery. Addiction need not run your life – claim it back today by picking up the phone.

Resources

bullet The New York Times
"Addiction Treatment With a Dark Side"
Retrieved on July 05, 2017
bullet Huffpost
"Science Be Damned: Americans Prefer Broken Method Of Heroin Treatment, Survey Finds"
Retrieved on July 05, 2017

Before you go...

Download our comprehensive eBook now for insights, strategies, and real-life stories to guide your journey to recovery.