How to Successfully Taper off Suboxone (+Timeline)

How to Taper off Suboxone

Opioid addiction is notoriously difficult to treat. This is due to the intensity of the withdrawal symptoms. However, certain medications are available that blunt the effects of withdrawing from opioids. One of these medications is suboxone. This article explains how to successfully taper off Suboxone and the timeline for the same.

Suboxone is a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone. Both substances have different effects on opioid receptors in the brain. Buprenorphine is a “partial opioid agonist,” meaning, like drugs of abuse, it partially activates opioid receptors in the brain. However, its effect is very limited, so it is difficult for addicts to use buprenorphine to get high.

Nonetheless, injecting buprenorphine alone can result in a high, which is why naloxone is added. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist, meaning it blocks the effects of opioids. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, if suboxone is injected, the naloxone aspect will cause an addict to enter withdrawal immediately rather than experiencing any possible high from the buprenorphine. This makes suboxone a relatively safe substance.

Ceiling Effect of Buprenorphine

One reason suboxone is so successful in treating opioid addiction is that it has a “ceiling effect.” This means that, as the dose increases, there is less and less of an effect on the body. So, even if an addict takes multiple doses of suboxone, they will not experience any more relief than what they do with the smallest dose. This makes it very difficult to abuse suboxone and reduces the chances of relapse.

How to Taper off Suboxone?

Even though Suboxone is an effective medication for addiction treatment, it can create physical and psychological dependence. Addiction to Suboxone can cause serious problems if not taken seriously. Withdrawing from suboxone requires a methodical plan and treatment program.

It is best not to quit it cold turkey, or extreme withdrawal symptoms can occur. Like many drug and alcohol addictions, suboxone addiction is best treated with a tapering program to limit the intensity of the withdrawal symptoms.

Like substance abuse treatment for other drug addictions, quitting suboxone can be supported by enrolling in a detox program or other treatment center. That way, addicts can follow a tapering schedule under the guidance of a treatment professional and medical supervision.
It is also important for withdrawing addicts to have access to counseling and the social support system that residential treatment programs provide. This is because the most dangerous side effect of withdrawing from suboxone is the high possibility of relapse on more serious opioids.

Suboxone Withdrawal Timeline

Suboxone withdrawal has many symptoms, such as mood swings, depression, insomnia, and difficulty concentrating. The intensity and length of the withdrawal period depend on how long it has been taken and in what doses. Most people will experience the most intense withdrawal symptoms after 24-72 hours without the drug.

It is important to get professional help when tapering off Suboxone. A doctor or treatment professional can help create a timeline for the taper, so the addict knows how much to take and when to reduce the dose. Generally, the taper should start with 10-20 percent reductions in dosage every four to seven days; however, this is completely dependent on individual tolerance levels.

Suboxone is generally withdrawn over the course of 7 to 28 days. Studies on the efficacy of short-term vs. long-term tapering schedules conflict. However, whether an addict follows a 7-day or a 28-day taper, the withdrawal will generally progress along similar lines.

After Approximately 3 Days

Suboxone withdrawal symptoms begin. These symptoms include muscle aches and pains, sweating, and chills. During withdrawal, digestive issues are common. Addicts can experience stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting. They might also experience tremors, twitching, teary eyes, runny nose, and gooseflesh. Psychological symptoms include restlessness and anxiety.

Between Days 3 and 5

Physical symptoms peak. At this point, most of the drug has left the body. As a result, the body and brain go into full-blown withdrawal. The physical symptoms will peak. Don’t worry! After this, things will begin to improve every day!

After 1 Week

After 7 days, most of the physical symptoms have begun to disappear. Certain minor physical symptoms, such as body aches and pains, may linger past this point. However, many psychological symptoms and cravings associated with withdrawal will remain.

1 Week to 1 Month

After the physical withdrawal has ended, addicts are generally beset by psychological symptoms. This can manifest as anxiety, depression, insomnia, and dramatic mood swings. Cravings for opioids can continue to plague the addict, though, after one month, the frequency and intensity of the cravings usually begin to subside. Even after one month, however, it is common for addicts to experience mild anhedonia, which is a condition where pleasure and happiness feel out of reach.

After 1 Month

After 1 month, withdrawal symptoms continue to disappear. However, at this point, the chances of relapse are at their highest. Ultimately, relapse is the most dangerous symptom of suboxone withdrawal, as suddenly returning to a drug of choice, such as heroin or oxycodone, can lead to overdose and/or death. This is why proper buprenorphine treatment is essential for a successful suboxone taper.

After Tapering off of Suboxone

Over the long term, there is always the potential for another relapse with an opioid drug. While taking suboxone can enable an addict to withdraw more gently and greatly increases the chances of recovery, it is important for addicts to remain involved in a recovery program. This can mean being active in a 12-step program such as Narcotics Anonymous or living in a sober home.

That way, recovery professionals can monitor you and answer your questions as you work on yourself and build a new sober life from the ground up. Ultimately, withdrawing from suboxone takes a very short period of time, but recovering from opioid addiction and dealing with the psychological effects of opioid withdrawal is a lifelong process.

What is Opioid Use Disorder?

Opioid use disorder is a mental health condition in which an individual has difficulty controlling their use of opioids, such as heroin or prescription painkillers. It is characterized by compulsive drug-seeking and using behaviors despite harmful consequences.
Symptoms of opioid use disorder include tolerance to the substance, withdrawal symptoms when not taking the drug, increased amounts taken over time, and an inability to control the use of opioids. People suffering from opioid use disorder often struggle to meet their obligations at work or school, have problems with relationships, engage in risky behaviors, and experience physical health problems due to drug use. It is important to note that opioid use disorder is treatable and can be managed through medication.

Finding Treatment

If you or someone you know is struggling with suboxone addiction, it’s important to know that there are resources available to help. One option to consider is sober living in Los Angeles, CA. Sober living provides a structured and supportive environment that promotes healing and long-term recovery. In a sober living house, individuals can receive support and guidance from trained professionals and develop the skills and tools they need to maintain sobriety. For those in the Los Angeles area, sober living in Los Angeles, CA can be an effective way to rebuild their lives and achieve a brighter future. Remember, recovery is a journey, and seeking help is the first step towards a better life. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, consider the support and resources available through sober living in Los Angeles, CA.