Overview of Suboxone
Suboxone medication is used to treat a patient who suffers from opioid addiction. Suboxone consists of two ingredients including the medication naloxone and the opioid buprenorphine. The combination of these two substances reduces the cravings that occur from addiction to drugs such as codeine, oxycodone, heroin, and fentanyl.
When you or a loved one are going through withdrawal and detoxification from opioids, Suboxone is used to manage those symptoms that occur. After detox is done, you will typically continue to use the medicine to curb your cravings, which make it easier to stop using the drugs altogether.
Side Effects of Suboxone
Like most drugs, there is a chance for side effects to happen when you take them. Usually, the side effects are not life-threatening or dangerous and will go away after a few days of taking the medication. The side effects can include:
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Muscle pain
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Headaches
- Fever
- Fatigue
When Suboxone is taken in combination with Benzodiazepines or alcohol, there can be more serious side effects. For example, in some cases a patient will have an allergic reaction when taking this medication that causes swelling in the throat or difficulty breathing. If you take Suboxone in large doses or for a prolonged period, it can result in a coma or liver damage. There are worse scenarios where you can overdose from taking too much of this drug.
Suboxone Withdrawal Symptoms
- Difficulty concentrating
- Headache
- Sweating
- Fever or chills
- Cravings
- Nausea and vomiting
- Anxiety, depression, and irritability
- Muscle/body aches
- Indigestion
- Insomnia or drowsiness
Timeline of Suboxone Withdrawal
For most people, the Suboxone withdrawal symptoms will subside within at least one month, but psychological and mental dependence can last for much longer unless treated properly. The first 72 hours of Suboxone withdrawal tend to be the worst and most uncomfortable for you, and where most of the symptoms will occur.
After the first week of quitting Suboxone, the symptoms will decrease and become milder and include minor aches and pains in the body, mood swings and insomnia. The biggest symptom that occurs after the second week is depression and after the first month, you may still experience depression and intense cravings.
- 72 hours: Physical symptoms will be the most intense
- 1 week: Bodily aches and pains, insomnia, and mood swings
- 2 weeks: Depression
- 1 month: Depression and cravings
The variables that determine the extent of Suboxone withdrawal symptoms depends on the how long you have been using Suboxone, how long since the last dose was taken, medical history or previous drug use, if withdrawal symptoms have just begun or tapering off, and if you have quit “cold turkey” or have the help of a medical provider.
The most successful option for getting through your Suboxone withdrawal is to contact Inland Detox for the best rehab for drug addiction. We will help you through the difficult detox symptoms that occur and help you to cope with the uncomfortable effects.
Coping with Suboxone Withdrawal Symptoms
There are many coping strategies that can be helpful when dealing with the Suboxone withdrawals that come with the drug use. These are similar coping methods that work when you are feeling stressed, overwhelmed or have the same feelings that cause you to use drugs or alcohol in the first place.
Coping Methods
Some techniques that you can use in your everyday life that can help with the symptoms of withdrawal from Suboxone include:
1. Relaxation time or other hobbies
Making time to relax is essential in maintaining recovery and getting sober. Finding a hobby that you find appealing will make the times where Suboxone withdrawals are uncomfortable, easier to deal with.
2. Social activity
Spending time with your friends and family can help you with the emotional support that is necessary for your mental health.
3. Adapting to the Situation
Understanding the reality of the situation and accepting that withdrawal is part of the process will help to get through the withdrawals. Changing your mindset to a more positive one with a better outlook can make the recovery process much easier.
Effectiveness of Suboxone
A study showed that the effectiveness of Suboxone worked well in treating the withdrawal symptoms of opioid use during the induction phase of treatment for opioid dependence.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAHMSA) recommends the use of Suboxone as the primary method for treating an opioid or other prescription drug addiction. Though, it is only appropriate for induction in people who are dependent on short-acting opioids such as morphine, heroin, codeine, or oxycodone (RoxyBond or Roxicodone)
However, Buprenorphine is recommended for you if you are dependent on other opioids that are long acting such as methadone.
Addiction to Suboxone
Although, Suboxone can be effective in treating an opioid addiction, it also can be abused and continued to be used when it is no longer needed. It can become addictive as well if it is not taken properly and as directed. As an opioid antagonist, Suboxone can produce similar withdrawal symptoms to an opioid withdrawal.
There are extreme cases where misusing Suboxone can cause serious side effects such as death or a coma in patients. There are many other signs that could suggest that you are addicted to this medication that are listed below.
Symptoms of Addiction to Suboxone
- Nausea
- Unpredictable mood swings
- Muscle aches
- Fever
- Headaches
- Insomnia
Treatment Help and Recovery for Suboxone Addiction at Inland Detox
Inland Detox is a luxury, premier drug and alcohol addiction rehab center that offers comprehensive care to help guide our clients through their recovery. We understand how hard it is to go through the struggles of addiction and it is our mission to make it as comfortable as possible for our clients.
Our highly, medically trained therapists and counselors are available around the clock for our clients, ensuring that they receive the best care possible for their drug rehab. We provide addiction information as well as counseling and other addiction services from our health care team. Even if your Suboxone withdrawal symptoms are not severe, it will still be beneficial to have the staff at our rehab center available to help you cope with the symptoms that occur.
Before you are admitted to our drug and alcohol rehab, you will be medically reviewed to determine your eligibility and what type of treatment will be best for your recovery and sober living.
If you or someone you know needs help overcoming addiction, please call us at our treatment center at (888)739-8296 or visit our website. Do not wait, for there is hope. Our approach to each client is unique. We offer not only a luxurious environment for our clients to feel comfortable in, but we also focus tremendously on aftercare planning.