Subutex Withdrawal and Detox

Getting Support to Overcome MAT Dependency at Catalina

Many people turn to medication-assisted treatment using Subutex or Suboxone to ease their symptoms when withdrawing from more potent opioids like prescription pain relievers, fentanyl, and heroin. However, Subutex is not a permanent solution. At some time, clients will cease their use and go through Subutex withdrawal.

If you’ve found our resource, you may already be familiar with the difficulties of coming off Subutex safely and comfortably. But help can be found at Catalina Behavioral Health, and we’ll detail just what makes our approach so successful.

Subutex is just one method used to treat opioid addiction, but alternatives are available. Below, we’ll talk about what exactly Subutex is and its risks and benefits. We’ll also talk about what to expect during withdrawal, options for managing symptoms, and the next steps to take after detox with the support of Catalina!

What is Subutex?

Subutex is sold under many brand names. It is commonly used during medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to help individuals struggling with opioid addiction.

The drug contains buprenorphine, a component that’s made from thebaine, an opium extract. Despite being made from a derivative of opium, the way that Subutex works makes it less addictive than other opioids used to treat pain.

Medical professionals often prescribe naltrexone for the treatment of opioid withdrawal symptoms, however, Subutex is used for pregnant individuals and those with conditions that are not compatible with taking naltrexone. It can also be prescribed in instances where a client cannot take naltrexone because of the presence of opioids in their system or the need for pain medication.

What is Subutex Used for?

Subutex is often used as part of a comprehensive opioid treatment program in individuals with opioid use disorder. It can help manage some of the uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms associated with detoxing from opioids like morphine and heroin.

While Subutex can produce some physical dependence on its own because of its effects on the central nervous system, it does help individuals experiencing intense cravings. Quitting Subutex is also generally considered easier than quitting other opioids but additional support can be, and often is, required.

In addition to treating the symptoms of withdrawing from opioid dependence, Subutex is used to treat pain. Subutex provides relief for pain with moderate to severe intensity. It is sometimes prescribed to individuals with chronic pain because of the decreased risk of addiction.

Additionally, Subutex can be used to treat pain during the withdrawal process. This is important for individuals who have underlying pain or medical issues that might make the detox process harder. Furthermore, managing pain in a better way is an important part of the opioid recovery process.

What are the Risks of Using Subutex?

Subutex can be a useful tool for individuals with substance use disorder who may struggle with withdrawal symptoms or intense cravings when they quit. However, it’s not meant to be a permanent solution. At some time, Subutex usage should stop and at that time, clients typically go through Subutex withdrawal.

While there is a low risk of Subutex abuse, there is still a potential for addiction.

It’s also worth noting that while the side effects of Subutex might not be as intense as those associated with other opioids, there are still side effects. This includes difficulty concentrating, dry mouth, fatigue and drowsiness, muscle cramps and aches, headache, nausea, vomiting, constipation, fever, sweating, palpitations, tremors, sweating, fever, and an inability to sleep.

How Subutex is Used During Addiction Treatment

Subutex is typically used for treating opioid addiction in individuals who cannot take naltrexone. This includes women who are pregnant, as well as individuals who would not benefit from an opioid antagonist.

One of the major benefits of Subutex for addiction treatment is that it has a ceiling effect. Essentially, this means that you cannot feel more effects by increasing your Subutex dose. This means there is a decreased risk of Subutex addiction, as well as a lower risk of overdose or respiratory depression.

What is a Partial Opioid Agonist vs a Full Opioid Agonist?

Most potent opioids like prescription painkillers and heroin are full opioid agonists. They work solely with the opioid receptors found in the brain.

By contrast, Subutex is a partial opioid agonist. This means that while it does work to provide pain relief, it activates opioid receptors at a much lesser degree than full opioid agonists.

One of the benefits of Subutex being a partial opioid agonist is that it is less addictive than full agonists like methadone. It also does not block pain receptors like opioid antagonists like naltrexone do.

Additionally, because it activates the receptors to a lesser degree than opioid medication, Subutex withdrawal symptoms may be less intense. This is one reason Subutex is considered a useful tool to treat withdrawal symptoms in clients.

Methadone vs Subutex vs Naltrexone vs Suboxone

Several medications may be prescribed to help individuals going through the opioid withdrawal process. Each of these medications has a different purpose and works differently with the receptors in your brain.

• Methadone is a full opioid agonist. While it is an effective way to treat opioid cravings in individuals with opioid addiction, it also has a higher risk of addiction than some of the alternatives.
• Subutex contains only buprenorphine. This compound is a partial agonist with a lower risk of addiction. However, it still effectively treats opioid addiction.
• Naltrexone is only an antagonist. Opioid antagonists stop the opioid receptors in the brain from working. This means that even if an individual were to use an opioid drug after beginning naltrexone, they wouldn’t be able to feel the effects.
• Suboxone, by contrast, contains buprenorphine and naloxone. The naloxone found in suboxone is an opioid antagonist, so it works like naltrexone. The suboxone withdrawal timeline is similar to that of Subutex and there is also a lower risk of addiction.

The Risk of Addiction During Medication-Assisted Treatment

Medication-assisted addiction treatment does have its benefits, particularly for individuals who are experiencing intense withdrawal symptoms. While it will not treat opioid addiction on its own, treatment with Subutex or another similar drug effectively reduces symptoms.

While Subutex is a partial opioid agonist with a lower risk of addiction, it does still work with opioid receptors in the brain. It will not eliminate your physical dependence on opioids completely, which is why many people experience Subutex withdrawal symptoms when quitting.

It’s not uncommon for medical professionals to follow a tapering schedule. This means that they gradually lower the dose over time, helping negate some of those symptoms of withdrawal while still managing cravings. Proper treatment and support is also important during this time.

The Subutex Withdrawal Timeline

Subutex withdrawal usually starts within 24 hours of your last dose. Even though it is not as strong as other opioids, Subutex still produces withdrawal symptoms that are similar to what you’d experience after stopping other opioids.

The benefit of buprenorphine use is that these symptoms usually won’t be quite as severe. You can expect that Subutex withdrawal symptoms will peak around the third day. Most people who experience withdrawal symptoms from Subutex detox find that the symptoms subside around days 5-7, though they can last up to 10 days. Additionally, the Subutex withdrawal timeline can vary in length and intensity depending on the Subutex dosage and how long you’ve been using it.

It’s important to note that even after Subutex detox, it does not mean that you’ve healed from opioid dependence. You can experience cravings for years after using.

Additionally, without the right support and coping strategies, it is impossible to experience lasting recovery. That is where Catalina comes in. We can help you manage Subutex withdrawal symptoms and teach you skills for recovery so that your sobriety lasts.

Managing Subutex Withdrawal Symptoms

When you stop taking Subutex medication abruptly, there is a risk of mental and physical withdrawal symptoms. Some physical symptoms that you might experience include:

• Stomach cramps
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Yawning
• Muscle aches
• Muscle cramps
• Goosebumps or chills
• Fever
• Sweating

Often, the withdrawal symptoms of Subutex and other drugs in the same category are compared to having flu-like symptoms. The symptoms tend to be worse by the third day of detox and will taper off completely after ten days.

In addition to these physical symptoms, some people experience psychological symptoms as they withdraw from Subutex. Psychological symptoms include anxiety, insomnia, irritability, and mood swings.

Inpatient vs Outpatient Subutex Withdrawal

Many people try treating opioid dependence at home before considering inpatient therapy. This may be due in part to the associated costs of inpatient addiction treatment. However, drug and alcohol addiction is considered a qualifying medical condition and most insurance companies pay for inpatient rehab.

One of the major benefits of going through Subutex withdrawal at a facility like Catalina Behavioral Health is that it’s safer to detox under medical supervision. You’ll always have someone on hand to help manage withdrawal symptoms.

Additionally, there isn’t access to substances during inpatient treatment. This ensures you get through the most intense cravings associated with quitting. Additionally, you’ll learn skills to manage cravings once you return to your life.

Can I Detox from Subutex at Home?

While it is possible to detox from Subutex alone, it is hard to do without support. People often find the time during Subutex detox is hardest for managing cravings. If you have access to opioids, then it may be tempting to relapse.

Inpatient treatment also has other advantages. When you’re in treatment, you can focus on recovery instead of managing the stresses of day-to-day life. Additionally, inpatient treatment may focus on mental health- something that is incredibly important during recovery.

Expert Tips for Managing Subutex Withdrawal

Withdrawal is one of those processes that you must go through to get to sobriety on the other side. While your comfort can be managed using Subutex or another medication under the guidance of a professional, it’s still going to be hard.

For individuals detoxing at home, lying in the dark can help with headaches. You can also use a fan to negate symptoms like sweating and isolate to avoid conflict if you are irritable or having mood swings.

Following a tapering schedule can also be incredibly useful when managing Subutex withdrawal symptoms. This involves using less and less Subutex over time, with the hopes that when you do quit completely, the withdrawal symptoms are going to be minimal.

Finally, be sure that you have support in place when you take the steps to quit. Support from a family member, partner, or friend will go a long way if you aren’t sure you can make it through the detox process.

Beyond Detox: Taking the Next Steps

The treatment process doesn’t end once Subutex withdrawal symptoms have stopped. Going through detox and withdrawal is only the first step. This is one of the reasons that Subutex is only prescribed to individuals who are actively willing to seek treatment.

If you choose inpatient programs like the one at Catalina, then you may already have a start on these next steps. Often, clients attend individual and group therapy during detox. This improves mental health and encourages the development of skills that can be used to manage cravings and abstain from opioids following treatment.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Long-Term Sobriety

Cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the most effective treatment programs for addiction. This type of therapy focuses on finding the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

It can help with understanding your addiction and triggers so that you can recognize situations that might tempt you to use opioids again. Cognitive behavioral therapy can also help you learn coping skills to deal with these cravings.

Post-Treatment Social Support

Having a healthy support system in place is critical when you leave professional treatment programs like the one at Catalina. While in treatment, this is going to look like group therapy. After, you may be referred to treatment programs like Narcotics Anonymous or SMART Recovery.

These group settings offer critical social support that you’ll need during recovery. It gives individuals a safe place to talk about cravings and challenges during addiction with people who understand. Furthermore, these settings foster healthy relationships that addicts don’t always have if they use drugs within their social circle.

Reach Out Today and Detox Comfortably at Catalina

There is no reason to be uncomfortable while you go through the symptoms of Subutex withdrawal. At Catalina Behavioral Health, our treatment team of medical professionals will work with you to make the withdrawal process as comfortable as possible.

We’ll also guide you in developing the skills and putting the support that you need in place for long-term recovery. Please don’t hesitate to reach out today to get options for support!