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Suboxone Detox: Signs, Symptoms, and How to Taper Off

Key points:

  • Suboxone is a combination medication used to treat opioid dependence, comprised of buprenorphine and naloxone.
  • Despite its therapeutic benefits, Suboxone carries the risk of addiction and misuse, leading to physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms if not used as prescribed.
  • Weaning off Suboxone without treatment is not recommended due to the severity of withdrawal symptoms, complexity of tapering, increased risk of relapse, lack of support, and potential underlying issues.
  • Treatment options for Suboxone abuse and addiction include detoxification, residential treatment, family programs, discharge planning, and various therapeutic modalities like ACT, art therapy, CBT, and DBT.

Misuse and dependency:

Risk Factors:

Tolerance and withdrawal:

Combination with other substances:

Suboxone Quick Reference Chart

Drug Category
Opioid-based prescription medication
Commercial & Street Names
Bupes, boxes, oranges, subs
DEA Schedule
Schedule III
Administration
Sublingual, ingested

Is It Possible to Wean Off Suboxone Without Treatment?

Risk of withdrawal symptoms:

Suboxone withdrawal symptoms can be severe and include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle aches, anxiety, insomnia, and intense cravings. Without medical detox, managing these symptoms can be difficult and may lead to a relapse.

The complexity of tapering:

Tapering off Suboxone requires a gradual reduction in dosage over an extended period to minimize withdrawal symptoms. Developing an appropriate tapering plan tailored to your individual needs requires medical expertise and monitoring.

Increased risk of relapse:

Weaning off Suboxone without treatment may increase the risk of relapse, as you may struggle to cope with cravings and withdrawal symptoms on your own. Relapse can derail progress and make it harder to achieve sustained recovery.

Lack of support:

Formal treatment programs offer comprehensive support and resources, including counseling, therapy, and medication management, that can greatly enhance the likelihood of successful recovery.

Underlying issues and dual diagnosis:

Tapering off Suboxone may uncover underlying issues contributing to opioid dependence, such as mental health disorders or unresolved trauma. Without professional support, addressing these issues may be challenging and could hinder long-term recovery efforts.

What Are My Treatment Options for Suboxone Abuse and Addiction?

Levels of Care

Therapeutic Modalities

Frequently Asked Questions About Suboxone Detox and Treatment

What are the common withdrawal symptoms during Suboxone detox?

What is the difference between tapering off Suboxone and quitting cold turkey?

Is Suboxone detox covered by insurance?

Many insurance plans cover Suboxone detox and treatment, but the extent of coverage may vary depending on the specific plan and provider. It’s important to check with your insurance company to understand your coverage options and any associated costs or limitations.

What aftercare support and discharge planning are available following Suboxone detox?

Sources