Table of Contents

Going Into Inpatient Rehab to Get Off Suboxone

Suboxone (a blend of naloxone and buprenorphine) burst on the addiction treatment scene in 2002 when it acquired FDA approval for treating opioid addiction. Between 2006 and 2010 prescriptions for Suboxone skyrocketed, nearly quintupling from 40 million dosage units in 2006 to 190 million dosage units in 2010, according to data provided by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Currently 23,000 physicians are approved to prescribe Suboxone for treating opioid addiction in the U.S.

But what happens if the treatment becomes the new addiction? Abuse of Suboxone, also a member of the opioid family, has ratcheted up as well, resulting in Suboxone dependency. Although many of the individuals who wind up dependent on the opioid have undergone addiction treatment, a need for rehab to get off this is likely the next stage in the treatment journey.

The Use of Suboxone for Treating Opioid Addiction

Suboxone is a key player in medication assisted treatment (MAT) programs across the country. The drug has been shown to be highly effective in easing the symptoms of withdrawal and cravings during treatment for opioid dependency. Suboxone is an opioid receptor antagonist, blocking the euphoric effects of heroin, oxycodone, hydrocodone, and other opioids, and is considered safer than methadone as a long-term maintenance drug.

Suboxone can be very useful in tapering an individual off of opioids, while helping to prevent relapse. It also has the potential to stop an overdose by blocking the effects of an opiate or opioid on the brains. A clinical support program may be prescribed for a short duration, or for a several years depending on each individual’s specific needs. Suboxone is usually prescribed in sublingual form, and is commonly referred to as “subs.” While many who have used the opioid as a maintenance drug for years attest to their ability to move forward in life while avoiding relapse back to heroin or other opioids, some have found themselves abusing it, leading to the need for rehab to get off the substance.

Suboxone Dependency Explained

The fact is that Suboxone is an opioid, so there is a high potential that the substance can become abused by pairing its use with alcohol or benzodiazepines. In some cases, this substance might be used to stretch out the time between heroin doses, reducing the withdrawal symptoms between them. In other cases, individuals can snort the pill form or dissolve the film strips and inject the drug. If a physician is not closely monitoring their patient’s use of Suboxone, addiction can occur.

Call for a Free Confidential Assessment

(866) 644-7911

Suboxone Detox Timeline

When an individual becomes chemically addicted to this opioid he or she will experience the same types of symptoms as any opioid when trying to withdraw from it. The symptoms will appear, once the chemical dependency has been established, between daily dosing, a sign that tolerance has increased and the body is requiring more of it.

When discontinuing Suboxone use, detox and withdrawal symptoms will ensue within 24 hours of the last dose. The first phase of withdrawal in the most intense and lasts 24-72 hours. Symptoms include:

Nausea
Restlessness and malaise
Diarrhea
Sweating
Chills and/or fever
Dilated pupils
Watery eyes

How long does it take to detox from suboxone completely? During the first week of detox individuals can expect to experience insomnia, mood swings, achy joints and muscle cramps. After the first week most of the physical symptoms of withdrawal have subsided, but psychological symptoms, including depression, irritability, and cravings, will linger for weeks.

The Best Way to Get Off Suboxone

The Treatment Specialist provides treatment resources to help get off Suboxone. Our compassionate specialists understand the challenges posed by transitioning from opiates to a long-term maintenance drug such as this one, and will locate the best Suboxone rehab for your specific needs. A rehab for this dependency will monitor and smooth the transition through the detox phase.

Many rehabs utilize holistic therapies to enhance relaxation and stress reduction, as well as mitigate symptoms, during detox and into the treatment phase of the rehab program. Using holistic methods may reduce the need for MAT, allowing the individual to be truly clean and sober. Call to connect to a treatment center today for a free confidential assessment as well as a free insurance benefit review, call to connect at (866) 644-7911.