If you’ve used suboxone in order to fight an opiate addiction but have now found yourself struggling with withdrawal, use these tips for Suboxone detox.
The Surgeon General recently announced that 1 in 7 Americans will face substance addiction at some point in their lives.
While many people turn to Suboxone for managing their opiate addiction, some find that the withdrawal process is just as hard (if not harder) than getting off heroin or prescription painkillers.
Suboxone detox can be challenging, but recovery is possible. Let’s get into what you need to know.
When Does Suboxone Become a Problem?
At one point, Suboxone was considered somewhat of a “miracle cure” for treating opiate addiction.
In recent years, however, Suboxone has become its own problematic epidemic, with a high percentage of people abusing the substance.
Some experts believe that taking Suboxone instead of another illicit opiate is like trading one illegal drug for another. They believe that you are still physically dependent on the substance and, therefore, ignoring the root of the problems that caused addiction.
When does Suboxone become a problem? It certainly becomes an issue if you regularly use Suboxone and no longer have an adequate supply. You may turn right back to your drug of choice to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
You might also spend a great deal of time, money, and energy trying to obtain Suboxone and even “conceal” your use around others.
Finally, using any mind-altering substance can undoubtedly impact your well-being. If you’re taking Suboxone but feeling miserable all the time, you certainly may have a problem.
What Are the Typical Suboxone Withdrawal Symptoms?
Just like other opiates, Suboxone can become highly addicting, and you can quickly become tolerant to its effects.
There’s both a physical and psychological component to this addiction. With that in mind, individuals receiving Suboxone detox may initially experience symptoms of:
- Fever or cold-like symptoms
- Nausea or vomiting
- Body or muscle aches
- Insomnia
- Irritability and anger
- Anxiety
- Depression and sadness
- Intensified cravings for Suboxone or other substances
The intensity of these symptoms depends on the individual’s physical and mental health. It will also depend on whether or not they are using other substances, such as stimulants, benzodiazepines, or alcohol.
How Long Do Symptoms Last?
Suboxone detox is typically about one week, though each individual timeline varies.
The symptoms tend to peak within the first 72 hours of withdrawal. This is when people are most likely to experience the physical withdrawal discomfort.
After about one week of discontinuation, symptoms subside to general pains and aches, and the individual may still have mood swings, appetite, and sleep problems.
After the second week, depression tends to be the biggest problem. You may feel irritable, hopeless, and frustrated with yourself and your addiction. You may also have a high desire to go back and use.
These feelings can persist within the first month. For this reason, most individuals are recommended to admit into professional treatment (for more on that, click here!).
Research shows that post-acute withdrawal syndrome can last for several months to up to a year. This is not meant to scare you! Rather, it’s just to provide information that it’s normal to experience physical and mental symptoms after detox has ended.
What Does Suboxone Detox Provide?
Suboxone detox provides a safe and structured living environment for people struggling with acute intoxication and addiction.
As we know, relapsing back into addiction is very common. While detox isn’t a cure for relapse, it can certainly help.
For most, detox represents the first step towards sustained recovery. You will have access to a multidisciplinary team of medical and clinical staff observing you 24/7.
Even though opioid detox is not life-threatening on its own, there can always be complications. This is especially true if you’re using other drugs or have serious physical or mental health issues.
Detox will also provide you with appropriate referrals for aftercare. It’s important to note that detox alone is not an actual substitute for treatment.
Treatment provides all the coping skills and relapse prevention techniques you need to flourish in the real world. Detox, on the other hand, represents the place for stabilization and critical care.
How to Find the Right Detox Center
Even though it’s possible to quit cold-turkey on your own, it’s not usually a good idea. Having the support and supervision from medical professionals will naturally make your process more comfortable.
Finding the right Suboxone detox can take some time and research. Not all facilities are created equally!
With that in mind, you will want to determine your payment method. Some detox centers are publicly-funded (meaning anyone can walk in for free). Most, however, do require fees and reimbursements.
Check with your insurance provider to determine if you can receive coverage for Suboxone detox and addiction treatment. Today, almost all insurance plans provide some coverage, though you may still need to pay a deductible.
You may also have the option for private pay, scholarships, and sliding scale. It doesn’t hurt to contact a few different facilities and see what kinds of payment plans they have to offer.
Finally, don’t just go off a website! Call and speak to the center’s admissions team. Get a feel for their personalities and what they have to offer you.
This is your life, after all. You deserve to be in good hands. You also deserve to have a comfortable and meaningful stay – no matter where you go.
Final Thoughts on Suboxone Detox
If you or someone you love is struggling with suboxone addiction, hope and recovery are always available. Reach out for support today, and start your journey towards a happy, sustained life.
Are you interested in more tips for improving your health and well-being? Be sure to check out our blog today!