When someone is ready to start their recovery from opioid addiction, Suboxone—a medication that combines buprenorphine and naloxone—can be a life-saving tool. It’s used to treat opioid addiction, reduce drug cravings, and help prevent relapse. But eventually, many individuals reach the point where they want to stop taking Suboxone. That’s when the question arises: How long does Suboxone withdrawal last?
Understanding the Suboxone withdrawal timeline, symptoms, and treatment options can help you or your loved one make informed, empowered decisions.
What Is Suboxone and Why Is It Used?
Suboxone is a long-acting medication used to treat opioid use disorder. The buprenorphine component binds to opioid receptors, reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings. The naloxone component blocks the euphoric effects of other opioids, acting as a safeguard against misuse.
Because Suboxone works differently than other opioids, it helps people slowly regain control of their lives. However, physical dependence can still occur with long-term use, even if the medication is used as prescribed.
What Causes Suboxone Withdrawal?
When someone starts quitting Suboxone, the body must adjust to functioning without the medication. This adjustment period results in Suboxone withdrawal symptoms, which are similar to opioid withdrawal, but may be milder or longer-lasting due to Suboxone’s long-acting nature.
Withdrawal occurs as the brain’s opioid receptors adapt to the absence of buprenorphine. Even though Suboxone helps people overcome opioid addiction, stopping it—especially cold turkey—can bring on physical symptoms, psychological symptoms, and intense drug cravings.
How Long Does Suboxone Withdrawal Last?
The withdrawal process varies for each individual based on factors such as dosage, length of use, overall health, and whether or not medical supervision is involved.
However, Suboxone withdrawal may follow a standard timeline. Here is a closer look at what to expect at each stage of withdrawal.
6–12 Hours After the Last Dose
People who have been taking Suboxone regularly may start feeling mild withdrawal symptoms within hours after the last dose, especially if their dose was low. Early symptoms can include anxiety, runny nose, muscle aches, sweating, and stomach cramps.
Treatment and support can help people navigate acute withdrawal without relapsing and develop a plan to complete detox.
Days 1–3: Peak of Acute Withdrawal
The most physical symptoms of withdrawal typically peak within the first 72 hours. These symptoms include:
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Muscle pain, abdominal pain, body aches
- Trouble sleeping, insomnia
- Mood swings, irritability, depression
This is often the most challenging stage, and where medical supervision can make a significant difference.
Days 4–7: Gradual Decline in Physical Discomfort
While physical symptoms begin to fade, mental symptoms may increase. Ongoing symptoms might include:
- Fatigue, low motivation
- Persistent anxiety or depression
- Drug cravings may intensify
Ongoing treatment can help people manage their symptoms and stay on track as the detox process continues.
Week 2: Lingering Psychological Symptoms
Around two weeks after stopping Suboxone, many people experience mostly psychological symptoms, such as:
- Anxiety, depression
- Cravings
- Sleep issues
The body is adjusting, but the brain’s chemical balance is still in flux. Treatment and support continue to be essential as people adjust to life without Suboxone.
Several Weeks to Months: Post-Acute Withdrawal Symptoms (PAWS)
Some individuals experience suboxone withdrawal symptoms long after the acute phase. This is known as Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS).
Symptoms of PAWS can include:
- Emotional instability
- Low energy
- Sleep disturbances
- Irritability
This phase can last several weeks or even months, depending on the individual. Continuing treatment is essential so that people can safely manage their symptoms and develop strategies to prevent relapse for life.
Common Suboxone Withdrawal Symptoms
Understanding the range of symptoms of Suboxone withdrawal can help you or a loved one know what to expect.
Physical withdrawal symptoms may include:
- Muscle aches
- Abdominal pain
- Body aches
- Runny nose
- Nausea, vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Chills, sweating
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
Psychological symptoms of withdrawal can include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Drug cravings
- Trouble concentrating
Everyone’s experience is unique. Some may only face mild discomfort, while others may struggle with both physical and mental symptoms.
Is It Safe to Quit Suboxone Cold Turkey?
Stopping Suboxone cold turkey is not recommended, especially for those with a history of opioid addiction. Suddenly stopping the medication can lead to intense withdrawal symptoms, cravings, and an increased risk of relapse.
Instead, tapering under medical supervision is the safest approach. A healthcare provider can help reduce the dose slowly, allowing your body time to adjust and ease withdrawal symptoms.
Why Medical Supervision Matters
A medically supervised detox program provides a controlled environment where professionals monitor your symptoms and offer treatments to reduce discomfort.
Benefits of medical detox and supervision include:
- Access to sleep aids and other medications
- 24/7 support to manage anxiety, nausea, or muscle pain
- Emotional support from a compassionate treatment team
- Help preventing relapse
- Ongoing care to support early recovery
Comprehensive detox and treatment facilities provide access to a range of holistic therapies designed to help people treat opioid addiction effectively and compassionately.
How to Ease Suboxone Withdrawal Symptoms
While Suboxone withdrawal generally fades with time, there are ways to ease withdrawal symptoms and reduce the intensity of the experience.
Here is an overview of the steps you can take to ease Suboxone withdrawal symptoms.
Seek Professional Help
Enrolling in a treatment program gives you the best chance of success. Providers may prescribe other medications to reduce discomfort or manage mental symptoms.
Join Support Groups
Connecting with others facing similar struggles through support groups can reduce isolation and boost motivation during early recovery.
Nutrition and Hydration
Staying hydrated and eating nourishing meals helps your body heal.
Rest and Gentle Movement
Even though muscle pain and fatigue are common, light exercise like walking or yoga can improve mood and circulation.
Therapy and Counseling
Speaking with a mental health professional can help you process psychological symptoms like depression, anxiety, or trauma.
How Long Does Suboxone Withdrawal Last Compared to Other Opioids?
Because Suboxone is a long-acting medication, the withdrawal timeline is often longer than other opioids like heroin or oxycodone. While heroin withdrawal might peak in 1–2 days and resolve within a week, Suboxone withdrawal can last several weeks or more.
This extended process is not a sign of failure—it’s a natural response to stopping a medication that’s meant to linger in the body to reduce harm.
Tapering programs can help to reduce withdrawal symptoms and help people stay on track. Tapering allows your body to adjust gradually, reducing the severity of withdrawal. A healthcare provider will help customize a tapering plan based on your current dose, history, and any co-occurring substance use disorder or mental health issues.
Find Treatment and Support
Suboxone withdrawal can be challenging, but having the right support and treatment can help you manage your symptoms and stay on track. If you or a loved one is ready to take that first step, reach out to the specialists at First Step Behavioral Health. Explore our holistic treatment and recovery support programs, ask questions, or schedule an intake appointment by contacting our team today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can Suboxone withdrawal be life-threatening?
Suboxone withdrawal is generally not life-threatening, especially when compared to withdrawal from substances like alcohol or benzodiazepines. However, it can be extremely uncomfortable and, without support, may lead to relapse or risky behaviors. This is why professional support is strongly recommended during the process.
2. Does everyone experience Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) after stopping Suboxone?
Not everyone develops PAWS. Factors such as duration of Suboxone use, individual brain chemistry, mental health history, and whether the taper was medically supervised can all influence the likelihood and severity of lingering symptoms.
3. Are there natural remedies that help with Suboxone withdrawal?
Some people find relief with natural approaches like hydration, herbal teas (e.g., chamomile for sleep), magnesium supplements for muscle cramps, and mindfulness practices. However, these should be seen as complementary and not a replacement for medical support or professional treatment.
4. Can you still attend work or school during Suboxone withdrawal?
This depends on the severity of symptoms. Some people can function with mild symptoms, especially during a slow taper. Others may need to take time off during the acute phase. Planning ahead with your employer, school, or support system can make this transition more manageable.
5. What should I do if I relapse during Suboxone withdrawal?
Relapse is not a failure—it’s a sign that additional support may be needed. Contact your healthcare provider, treatment center, or sponsor immediately. You may benefit from re-entering a structured program or adjusting your treatment approach.
6. How long should someone stay on Suboxone before tapering off?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Some individuals may be on Suboxone for months, others for years. The right time to taper is a personal decision made with your treatment provider, based on stability in recovery, mental health readiness, and risk of relapse.
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