Addiction Treatment Center
Taciturn man leaning against curtains considering suboxone withdrawal symptoms
By BrightView
Published: May 2, 2023
Updated: June 4, 2024

Today, Suboxone is one of the leading medications used in opioid addiction treatment. Suboxone is a brand name of a buprenorphine/naloxone medication. Other brand names include Sublocade, Brixadi, and Subutex.

While treating a substance use disorder with a prescription drug may seem counter-intuitive, Suboxone is one of the safest ways to overcome opioid addiction.

At the same time, when a person stops taking Suboxone, they may experience adverse effects. Understanding Suboxone withdrawal symptoms can help people weigh their treatment options and determine what’s right for them.

If you or someone you love is ready to learn more about addiction treatment programs, call BrightView now. Our outpatient clinics nationwide provide medically assisted treatment (MAT), and we accept Medicare and Medicaid coverage. Call us now at 888.501.9865 to speak with our intake specialists and learn how we can help you change your life.

What Is Medicine for Addiction Treatment for Opioid Recovery?

When someone takes opioids long-term, their brain chemistry changes. They develop a dependence that can lead to intense withdrawal symptoms whenever they reduce their intake or stop taking the drug. These symptoms often persist or reoccur for several months after someone stops using drugs. To ease discomfort, individuals may resume using opioids or other substances, delaying recovery.

Doctors have prescribed Suboxone for the past two decades to ease opioid withdrawal symptoms and lower the risk of relapse. This medication contains two active ingredients: buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine works by attaching to the same receptors in the brain as opioids but only partially activates them. It provides a similar effect to opioids but with lower intensity and less risk of overdose or dependency. Naloxone, on the other hand, blocks the effects of opioids and can quickly reverse an opioid overdose.

When taken as prescribed, Suboxone can help individuals with opioid addiction to manage their cravings and withdrawal symptoms, allowing them to focus on their recovery and ultimately break the cycle of addiction. Medical providers often use Suboxone in comprehensive treatment plans that include counseling and behavioral therapy.

Understanding Suboxone Withdrawal Symptoms

Suboxone has a lower potential for misuse compared to other opioid medications, as naloxone causes unpleasant effects if crushed and injected or snorted. Suboxone is safe for long-term use and can help individuals gradually wean off prescription and illicit opioids.

However, when someone stops taking Suboxone, they can experience withdrawal symptoms. Like any medication, their brain and body must readjust, leading to uncomfortable effects. Withdrawal symptoms may include:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Headaches
  • Muscle and body aches
  • Insomnia
  • Lethargy
  • Digestive distress
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Irritability
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Sweating
  • Headache

The first 72 hours of Suboxone detox are the most difficult. However, these withdrawal symptoms are much less intense than those associated with heroin or prescription opioid withdrawal. A professional treatment program can gradually reduce a person’s dosage to minimize the risk of experiencing Suboxone withdrawal symptoms.

Start Outpatient Treatment Today

For many people, Suboxone provides the support needed to recover from opioid addiction. While on Suboxone, individuals may receive mental health treatment and manage their overall health for successful recovery.

While it is possible to experience Suboxone withdrawal, the positive effects outweigh continued opioid addiction. If you or someone you love is ready to learn more about the benefits of treatment with Suboxone, get in touch with a local addiction treatment center.

Learn More About Addiction Treatment at BrightView

At BrightView, we understand that access to treatment is the key to short- and long-term recovery. That’s why we take walk-in appointments and treat those without insurance. We prescribe and dispense Suboxone on-site to get you and your loved ones on the path to recovery.

Call today and feel better tomorrow with treatment at BrightView. We can help you get started with recovery in under four hours. Call us now at 888.501.9865 or visit us online to learn more about our treatment programs.