Suboxone Detox Time

Suboxone is a medication for the treatment of opiate addiction. The medication, which is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, comes in a wafer form and is dissolved under the tongue. People who are taking Suboxone to control their cravings for opiates are able to function normally, which allows them to remain active in everyday life such as work and family functions. Suboxone is used in rehab centers as well as private practice. Doctors go through specific training to become certified to administer Suboxone.
Although suboxone is highly effective in eliminating withdrawal symptoms, once the patient has completely detoxed and is ready to stop the suboxone, there is another detox period needed for the suboxone cessation. Understanding that detox period, which can last two to three weeks, and its severity can help you achieve a successful detox and recovery process.

History and Use

• The first suboxone treatment program in America was developed by a Dr. David McDowell. McDowell worked at Columbia University when he reported the program's initial success rate of 88 percent which was astounding compared with other opiate addiction treatment success rates.
  For people addicted to opiates, which include heroin, Oxycontin, Vicodin, and morphine, suboxone can be a lifesaver. While suboxone treatment isn't right for every addict, for many it can be the difference between a productive happy life and one mired in ongoing drug addiction.
  Before suboxone came on the market the only treatment for opiate addiction was to go to a rehab or hospital setting or sign up for a methadone clinic, which meant daily trips to the clinic. People found it difficult to work and support families when they had to spend so much time traveling to and from the methadone clinic or going into residential rehab.
  Suboxone is administered through prescription and can be handled in the comfort and privacy of your personal physician's office. Some doctors want to see their patients weekly; others see them monthly or every few months.

Side Effects

• Like many other medications on the market, suboxone carries the potential for side effects and abuse. Some of the more common side effects while going through a suboxone program include drowsiness, nausea or vomiting and respiratory depression.
  There are some common adverse reactions to the use of suboxone even when taken as directed. Those include headaches, itching skin, dry mouth and low blood pressure. For men, urinating can become difficult.

Cautions

• The switch from the drug of choice to suboxone must made while the patient is in moderate withdrawal. Otherwise, rapid onset withdrawal symptoms can occur and can become severe.
  If suboxone is abused, especially when combined with other drugs including alcohol, falling asleep while under the influence can be extremely dangerous and serious respiratory problems can occur including death.

Stopping

• Although suboxone can be a life-changing medication for the treatment of opiate addiction, when the time comes to stop taking suboxone, the patient will go through a detox period and withdrawals. The withdrawal period for suboxone can actually be longer than it is for heroin but is much less severe. The decision on when to stop a suboxone treatment program should be made by the patient and doctor together.

Detoxing

• When the time comes to detox off of a suboxone regime, the withdrawal of suboxone should be done under a doctor's care and supervision. The dosage will be reduced over a period of time to prevent a severe withdrawal reaction or a serious cravings for opiates, which can lead to a relapse.
  As the medication is slowly reduced, the patient may experience withdrawal symptoms that have been described by former opiate addicts as similar to a heroin withdrawal but much more mild. Typical withdrawal symptoms may include anxiety, nausea, diarrhea and muscle cramps. The physical withdrawal period can be up to two or three weeks.