Suboxone detox can be done at home, but an outpatient facility like Suboxone Treatment Clinic can make the process much more comfortable. At the same time, following detox from Suboxone, you need to have trusted professionals in place who can guide you to a recovery plan that will work for you and help you maintain long-term sobriety. Detoxing off Suboxone after you’ve already gone through detox from other substances is just one more step on your road to a new way of living.
Suboxone is an opiate narcotic containing buprenorphine and naloxone. It’s often used in place of methadone as a means to help those detoxing from:
- Vicodin
- Lortab
- Codeine
- Morphine
- OxyContin
- Percocet
- Methadone
- Fentanyl
- Heroin
But both methadone and Suboxone are high-level opiates, they have the high potential for dependency and abuse, leading to opiate detox. One of the most difficult aspects of Suboxone treatment is that you have to take it for a long period of time after the suspension of other opiates.
This sets your body up to develop dependency issues that must then be addressed by a gradual, slow, measured reduction of the drug to achieve sobriety. Having an educated professional to provide experienced support gives the process of detox from Suboxone the greatest hope for success. Come to one of your local Suboxone clinics to get the support you need.
How to Tell When You Need Suboxone Detox
Addictive behaviors have much in common regardless of the substance being abused. Suboxone addiction can be harder to detect than others, however, due to its use for helping addicts detoxing from other substances.
Behaviors that might indicate a need for seeking help to determine how to detox from Suboxone include:
- Loss of enjoyment or interest in normal activities or hobbies
- Constant sleepiness or insomnia
- Lying about whereabouts, finances or other activities and subsequent manipulation
- Stealing money to obtain drugs
- Shopping around for extra prescriptions
- Reduction in the ability to maintain responsibilities regarding work, school or family
- Obsessive thinking, especially about the drug and the next scheduled dosage
Addiction encompasses not only physical dependence but also the psychological need for the drug. Compulsive or obsessive thinking about the drug and its effects indicates the need for detoxing off Suboxone. Denial of the addiction and obvious consequences of that condition often signal the psychological dependence associated with addiction.
Withdrawal Symptoms of Detox from Suboxone
Although it’s worse during the first 72 hours after Suboxone has left your body, withdrawal symptoms can persist in one form or another for up to one month during your Suboxone detox. This contributes to the high chance of a relapse. Pain Physicians of NY have the knowledge and experience to monitor, support, and treat addiction issues in the most effective process possible.
Withdrawal symptoms to be aware of include:
- Intense anxiety
- Stomach problems including diarrhea, nausea and vomiting
- Cravings
- Itching
- Chest palpitations
- Headaches and body aches
- Insomnia and lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Restless leg syndrome
- Concentration difficulties
These symptoms vary in intensity, depending on the length of time you’ve used Suboxone, along with your previous drug use history. While your local Suboxone doctor may work to gradually reduce your dosage, it may be determined that complete cessation of the drug is the best treatment procedure. Understanding other drug detox treatment options benefits you as you go through the recovery process.
Suboxone Detox Methods
Because use of Suboxone use often follows other opiate addictions, when Suboxone itself becomes the source of your dependency, other therapies work best to foster recovery and eventual sobriety. It’s beneficial to find addiction treatment centers and professionals who are:
- Experienced in substance abuse treatment
- Able to provide a comprehensive, individualized treatment plan that takes into account your situation and any concurrent conditions
- Cognizant of all extenuating circumstances and issues surrounding your drug use
- Able to provide alternative therapies to help with recovery
- Capable of providing long-term support through outpatient rehab Other therapies can benefit recovering addicts.
- These include:
- Personal therapy to reframe cues and triggers so you can deal with any underlying depression, anxiety or other continuing results of drug use
- Individual case management to help coordinate the myriad of possible options available
- Support group sessions for understanding the addiction and recovery process
- Recovery meetings for communal support and accountability
- Other appropriate and available alternative therapies, such as art, food, animal-assisted and exercise programs
- Holistic options such as meditation, massage and nature-focused programs
- Long-term support and follow-up from detoxing off Suboxone
It’s possible to return to a healthy lifestyle and body after detoxing off Suboxone with the appropriate help and support from your physician, family and community. As overwhelming as it may seem initially, the step towards Suboxone detox, treatment and recovery can begin the road to sobriety and a drug-free life.