- Suboxone withdrawal symptoms can be physical, emotional, and long-lasting, especially without a proper tapering plan.
- Medical detox and dual diagnosis support significantly improve safety and comfort during withdrawal.
Suboxone Withdrawal Symptoms: What You Need to Know
Suboxone can be helpful and even necessary. However, when it becomes time to stop, the fear of withdrawal can feel overwhelming. It is okay to feel uncertain. Just by asking the right question, you are already moving toward something better.
Suboxone has been a major part of opioid addiction treatment for years. It is one of the most widely used medications in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) because it helps reduce cravings and block the effects of opioids. But it is not without complications, especially when it comes time to taper or stop.
Suboxone is not a quick fix. It’s a tool. Like any tool, it works best with guidance, support, and a plan. That is where things can get complicated. People often expect an easy exit, but for some, withdrawal symptoms can make it feel like trading one problem for another.
Suboxone withdrawal is real. It might not always be as severe as withdrawal from heroin or fentanyl, but it can be uniquely difficult, especially emotionally. Knowing what symptoms to expect, how long they last, and when to ask for help can make a huge difference.
At Ocean Hills Recovery, we do not just help people quit. We help people heal. Ocean Hills Recovery offers evidence-based detox and treatment in Orange County, CA. We will help you move forward, with compassion, clarity, and care that never feels cold.
What Is Suboxone?
Suboxone is a combination of two medications: Buprenorphine and Naloxone. It was developed to treat opioid dependence and is commonly prescribed as part of medication-assisted treatment.
Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist. It activates the same receptors in the brain as drugs like heroin and oxycodone but at a much lower intensity. This helps reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings without producing the same high. Naloxone, on the other hand, is an opioid antagonist, which blocks or reverses the effects of opioids. It is included to deter misuse of the medication when it is used as an injection.
What Is Suboxone Used For?
Suboxone is primarily used for treating opioid use disorder. It is part of a larger treatment plan that may include therapy, lifestyle changes, and professional support.
Doctors may prescribe Suboxone during opioid detox to ease the discomfort of withdrawal or as maintenance therapy to help people stay off other opioids. Some stay on it for a few months, others for years. Every case is different.
While Suboxone can be life-saving, it is not a permanent solution for everyone. Eventually, many people want to stop using it, which brings us to the next phase.
Suboxone Side Effects and Long-Term Use
Like any medication, Suboxone comes with side effects. Most are manageable, but they should still be taken seriously, especially during long-term use.
Common Suboxone side effects include:
- Headache
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Sleep disturbances
- Dizziness
Over time, some people report emotional numbness or feeling “flat.” This may not be a direct effect of the drug itself but rather the result of prolonged suppression of opioid receptors in the brain. Others report difficulty coming off Suboxone even after years of use.
Suboxone is not a solution that would work for everyone. That is why a personalized plan for tapering is essential.
Symptoms of Suboxone Withdrawal
Stopping Suboxone, especially without a taper, can trigger a range of withdrawal symptoms. The severity and duration vary depending on how long you have been taking it, your dose, and your overall health.
While Suboxone withdrawal is generally considered milder than full opioid agonist withdrawal (like heroin or oxycodone), it can be longer-lasting. Here is what people often report:
Physical Symptoms:
- Muscle aches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Chills or hot flashes
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Sweating
Psychological and Emotional Symptoms:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Irritability
- Cravings
- Mood swings
- Brain fog
These symptoms do not always show up right away. Because of Buprenorphine’s long half-life, many people do not feel the peak of withdrawal until 48 to 72 hours after the last dose.
The Emotional Side of Withdrawal
There is a piece of withdrawal that does not always get enough attention and that is grief. For some, coming off Suboxone can stir up intense emotional reactions, not just anxiety or depression, but also a sense of loss.
That is because Suboxone represents stability. For many, it is the first thing that worked after years of struggling with opioid use. Letting it go can feel like stepping into the unknown. That fear is real, and it deserves to be named.
At Ocean Hills Recovery, we help clients explore these feelings without judgment. Emotions are not roadblocks, they are signals. Addressing them head-on builds emotional resilience and deepens long-term recovery.
How Long Do Suboxone Withdrawal Symptoms Last?
The timeline can be broken down into several phases:
Early Stage (6–48 hours):
- Minor discomfort begins. Anxiety and restlessness may start.
Peak Stage (2–5 days):
- Most severe physical symptoms. Cravings can intensify.
Subacute Stage (1–2 weeks):
- Physical symptoms start to fade, but emotional symptoms may persist.
Post-Acute Withdrawal (weeks to months):
- Also known as PAWS. Lingering psychological symptoms like depression or trouble sleeping can remain.
While this may sound daunting, proper support can significantly reduce discomfort. Professional medical detox helps manage symptoms safely and allows the brain and body to stabilize.
Tapering vs. Quitting Cold Turkey
Tapering, reducing the dose slowly over time, is the most advised method of discontinuing Suboxone. Quitting cold turkey will precipitate worse withdrawal symptoms, which can slow progress and enhance the possibility of relapse.
In a controlled environment such as Ocean Hills Recovery treatment facilities, tapering can be gradual and controlled. Our treatment team evaluates your requirements and creates a program according to your goals and status. This lessens the physical effect as well as the emotional strain.
Tapering also allows time for you to re-strengthen the coping mechanisms you will use in life outside of Suboxone.
Suboxone and Dual Diagnosis
Most people who take Suboxone also struggle with mental illness such as depression, PTSD, or anxiety. Such co-occurring disorders can worsen withdrawal when left untreated.
That is why dual diagnosis treatment is so important. At Ocean Hills Recovery, our clinical staff works interdisciplinary to make sure emotional health is on the recovery agenda from the very first day. We do not separate addiction from emotional health. We address the entire person.
If you are quitting Suboxone or helping someone who is, having this layer in the back of your mind can make the experience more tangible and relatable.
Why Medical Detox Matters
Suboxone withdrawal may be challenging to do without professional help. Some people believe that since Suboxone is not as strong as heroin, quitting alone must be safe. However, withdrawal is not merely about pain, it is also about health complications that may happen when it is not supervised.
If not professionally treated, symptoms of insomnia, anxiety, and depression can trigger relapse. Relapse following a period of abstinence is linked to a higher risk of overdose.
At Ocean Hills Recovery, our detox programs offer:
- 24/7 medical monitoring
- Management of symptoms using non-addictive medication
- Emotional and psychological support
- A comfortable, home-like setting
Our staff recognizes that every person has their own story, their own timeframe, and their own needs. We do not force our clients into one-size-fits-all programs, we meet you where you are.
Life After Suboxone
Stopping Suboxone use is not the end, but a new beginning. What happens next is just as crucial as the method by which you get there. After detox, Ocean Hills Recovery offers Residential/Inpatient treatment and Partial Hospitalization programs to aid in long-term recovery.
This is where the actual recovery work begins. Therapy, peer support, lifestyle modification, and sometimes more medication are all part of it.
When our clients leave our addiction treatment facilities , they do not do so empty-handed. They leave with techniques, tools, and a community that genuinely cares.
Reach Out Today, Even If You Are Unsure
You do not need to have everything figured out to take the first step. Whether you are thinking about stopping Suboxone or just want to know what your options are, we are here to talk.
Contact Ocean Hills Recovery today. Let’s take the next step together with care, clarity, and confidence.
FAQs
- What is Suboxone used for?
Suboxone is used to treat opioid use disorder by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms. It’s commonly part of a larger medication-assisted treatment plan. - What are common Suboxone side effects?
Side effects include nausea, headache, constipation, fatigue, and sleep problems. Some people also report feeling emotionally blunted over time. - When do Suboxone withdrawal symptoms start?
Symptoms often begin 24 to 72 hours after the last dose due to Suboxone’s long half-life. - How long do Suboxone withdrawal symptoms last?
Physical symptoms may resolve in a week, but psychological symptoms like depression and anxiety can last weeks or longer. - Can Ocean Hills Recovery help with Suboxone detox?
Yes. We offer personalized, medically supervised detox with compassionate care to support your safety and long-term recovery.
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