Opioid abuse continues to be a huge problem within the United States. In 2019, drug overdose deaths climbed to 70,630, a rise of over 4% from 2018.
If you have experienced problems with opioid addiction in your past, or know someone who has, you can be assured you are not alone in this fight.
There are people all around the world who take Suboxone to help them through opioid withdrawal symptoms. Many are wondering how to get off Suboxone.
If you are asking these same questions too, then you can get the answers you need from the professionals at ReAlign Detox.
Suboxone dependence happens more often than you might think, and you will need help through the process.
Do you want some clarity about the signs of Suboxone addiction and tips on how to be free from Suboxone permanently? Then keep reading!
What Is Suboxone?
Suboxone is a prescription medication typically used to combat opioid addiction. Suboxone minimizes opioid cravings, which is a huge factor in preventing relapse.
Suboxone works by binding to your opioid receptors, and dimming the brightness for your cravings so to speak.
Some people take Suboxone for months or even years after they have stopped using opioids. Suboxone is not something you simply take for 2 weeks and move on from.
Suboxone Dependence
The physical dependence on a medication happens when your body becomes used to a drug, so then more of it is needed to get the same effect. Meaning your body is physically dependent on taking this medication to function.
When you have Suboxone dependence, you will have increased cravings and experience withdrawal symptoms you stop taking it. This can ultimately lead to drug-seeking behavior.
You can be physically dependent on medication without being addicted, but this usually signifies that addiction is just around the bend.
Suboxone Addiction
Addiction is when you have a physical and psychological dependence on alcohol, drugs, or a certain behavior.
Suboxone addiction and opioid addiction are not the same. It’s really not as common to become addicted to Suboxone as it is to opioids.
But the fact remains addictive behaviors lead people to seek out larger doses of Suboxone, usually by buying it off the streets.
If you take Suboxone without the advice of a doctor or knowledge of dosages, it can lead you to have an accidental overdose.
Suboxone Withdrawl Symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms from Suboxone do not happen right away. Symptoms take longer to appear because Suboxone stays in the body for a longer time frame than opioids do. Suboxone withdrawal symptoms are very much like the symptoms of opioid withdrawal.
Suboxone withdrawal symptoms include:
- Cravings that are sometimes severe
- Nausea and vomiting
- Chills and flu-like symptoms
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Feeling agitated and restless
- Headaches
You must have a plan in place that will help you cope with the challenges that go along with Suboxone withdrawals.
Here are some steps you need to take to ensure your plan is in place:
Talk to your doctor and come up with a plan that you both agree on. That may include prescription medications to help manage your symptoms.
Prepare yourself for the physical effects of withdrawal. Make sure you have plenty of water and electrolytes to keep yourself hydrated. Have a pile of distractions ready to go such as movies, books, or the internet.
Get your support system in place. Family members, partners, friends are invaluable to have by your side during this time.
Consider an addiction support group.
Daily physical activity such as walking, swimming, or yoga will help keep your mind off cravings and negative thoughts.
Getting Off Suboxone
If you stop Suboxone just like that, you are going to starting feeling very sick, very fast.
So there is no choice! Find a doctor to stop taking Suboxone SAFELY!
Your doctor will come up with a treatment plan to help you taper off Suboxone slowly and safely. Treatment plans are individual, but no more than a 25% reduction of your daily dose is recommended.
The length of your tapering plan may vary based upon if you:
- Reduce your dosage on a daily
- Reduce your dosage every 2-3 days
Whichever one you do will ultimately determine the length of time it takes you to taper off Suboxone. Some people can taper off in 7 days, while others may take 30 days or longer.
Suboxone is very difficult to get off of for a variety of reasons. First, the withdrawal symptoms are very difficult to handle.
Finding Support Systems
Getting sober after addiction is a huge accomplishment, and you have just diverted your life path away from addiction. But at the same time, you also will be experiencing significant physical discomfort.
You will need support! Like regular counseling, medical treatment, and support systems to keep yourself on track with getting off Suboxone. There are treatment facilities that offer support for Suboxone dependency.
Luxury or “resort-style” treatment centers provide residential addiction treatment programs along with top-tier amenities. If you have the money to spend, this might be an option for you.
Executive treatment centers are geared towards business professionals. If you need treatment, but also have to stay connected, this option could work.
Standard treatment centers offer residential inpatient services, as well as outpatient addiction treatment suited to your needs. These programs do not have fancy amenities, but they do have the affordability and support to meet your needs.
You should also look into what community resources are available in your area. Meetings, support groups, community centers, or your local church are amazing networks to tap into.
How to Get Off Suboxone With Support
It is a long journey to get off Suboxone, but definitely not an impossible one. With the right support, over time you will be able to achieve your goals.
You must be under the care of a medical provider while you taper down your dosage!
If you want to know how to get off Suboxone and have all the support you need, then contact ReAlign Detox today.
We have confidential 24-hour phone support available so you can get help anytime you need it.
You can contact us via our contact form here, call 866-218-8120, or email: [email protected]