Suboxone is a medical aid that medical professionals prescribe to help people end an opioid addiction. While it can be effective, people often abuse it. Many individuals develop a dependency on Suboxone, making it difficult to end use. While recovery from a Suboxone addiction is possible, it requires people to complete a Suboxone withdrawal first at a substance use treatment center.
Typical Timeline for a Suboxone Withdrawal
It’s normal to want to know exactly how long a withdrawal from Suboxone might take. Many people who have a Suboxone dependency have already been through an opioid detox once, which is where the dependency developed. A Suboxone withdrawal typically lasts for just two weeks, but lingering symptoms can go on for a month or more.
Just a few hours after the last dose of Suboxone, withdrawal symptoms can occur. The exact time frame will depend on how much Suboxone the person has been consuming and in what intervals. Typically, the first 72 hours are the hardest part of the withdrawal process.
After the first 72 hours, some physical symptoms may still linger. After about a week, however, most physical symptoms are gone entirely. At that point, only psychological symptoms remain. After two weeks, depression is likely, although many individuals are ready to move on with their recovery at this point.
Suboxone Withdrawal Physical Symptoms
Although Suboxone has a legitimate medical purpose, addiction and dependence still happen. As a result, individuals should expect some physical withdrawal symptoms as they detox from Suboxone.
Gastrointestinal problems are among the most common symptoms. Many people report nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, and indigestion. It’s also common to experience headaches, muscle aches, either a fever or chills and drowsiness. Dehydration is likely, since many people sweat profusely during this phase.
Psychological Symptoms from Suboxone Withdrawal
A lot of the people planning a detox from Suboxone worry the most about physical symptoms of withdrawal. While you might experience physical symptoms first, it’s the psychological symptoms that will last the longest. From the outset, many people report anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Irritability and drastic mood swings are also common.
Roughly two weeks into the withdrawal, many individuals feel like their symptoms are gone altogether. However, depression can strike at any point. It’s normal to feel very low, and sometimes even suicidal thoughts are possible. If you’re in a supportive environment, you can get treatment and encouragement during this challenging time.
The Need for Supervision During Suboxone Withdrawal
During a detox, even those individuals with the best intentions need support. Supervision is key, because some withdrawal symptoms can be severe. Many rehab centers, including Crestview Recovery, refer clients to a trusted partner facility where they can carry out their detoxes in a safe, reliable environment.
Some people will need emergency medical facilities. Others may need medication to deal with harsh or unexpected symptoms. While detox is necessary, there’s no need to suffer. Medical professionals can make the process safer and easier.
How Crestview Recovery Can Assist After Your Suboxone Withdrawal
After your Suboxone withdrawal is complete, you can start to make real progress on your lasting recovery. The best place to do exactly that is at a rehabilitation center like Crestview Recovery. A variety of rehab programs is available, including extended care, partial hospitalization programs, intensive outpatient rehab, and aftercare options. Through each of these programs, you’ll find multiple treatment options that include:
Family Therapy
Family therapy focuses on helping individuals and their families heal from addiction. In this type of therapy, family members work together to address issues related to the addiction, such as communication patterns, problem-solving strategies, and how to cope with changes in the family dynamic.
Trauma Therapy
Trauma therapy helps individuals who have experienced trauma to address their feelings and reactions. Trauma-focused therapies can help individuals work through their traumas, which may be contributing to their substance use.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Dual diagnosis treatment addresses both an addiction to drugs or alcohol and any co-occurring mental health disorders. This type of treatment focuses on helping individuals with addiction understand the relationship between their substance use disorder and other mental health conditions they may be experiencing, such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, or bipolar disorder.
Life Skills Rehab
Life skills rehab focuses on teaching individuals in recovery the life skills necessary to develop and maintain healthy lifestyle habits and behaviors. These skills may include budgeting communication, job skills, self-care, problem-solving, nutrition, stress management, and coping strategies for managing relapse triggers.
Mindfulness Meditation Therapy
Mindfulness meditation therapy helps individuals in recovery become more aware of their thoughts and emotions. Mindfulness meditation encourages individuals to observe their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors without judgment. This type of therapy helps those in recovery cultivate self-awareness which can lead to better decision-making and improved overall well-being.
Get the Help You Need Today From Our Suboxone Detox Center in Portland
Completing a Suboxone withdrawal might be the start of your recovery journey. Then, you can choose a rehab program at Crestview Recovery in Portland, Oregon. Call 866.262.0531 and take back control over your health, your happiness, and your sobriety.
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.