Suboxone is a prescription drug used during a medical drug detox from opioids. It helps reduce the severity of typical withdrawal symptoms including opioid cravings. Although it has been proven to be an effective alternative to methadone, there are some downsides. Suboxone itself can be addictive if misused.
Suboxone Addiction
In 2002, the FDA originally approved Suboxone to help patients detox from heroin and other opioids in an attempt to help combat the opioid epidemic, but in some cases, patients become addicted to Suboxone instead.
Suboxone addiction is almost always the result of patients searching for an easier way to detox. They’re lured to the drug by promises of milder withdrawal symptoms and a shorter withdrawal period. Unfortunately, this shortcut can lead to its own problems. They wind up starting with heroin, make a detour at methadone, and stop at Suboxone. The prevalence of Suboxone addiction has also increased in recent years because unlike methadone, doctors can prescribe Suboxone. Patients may easily become addicted to the Suboxone medication and this can result in painful withdrawal symptoms. Often, the only way to finally get off all opioids is with Suboxone detox treatment.
Suboxone Withdrawal
Like with other drugs of abuse, a detox from Suboxone is accompanied by its own set of withdrawal symptoms that can range from mild to more severe depending on the addiction. Made up of two powerful narcotics, it often yields the same withdrawal symptoms as the drugs it’s meant to treat.
Suboxone withdrawal symptoms include, but are not limited to:
- Crippling joint and muscle pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Anxiety and paranoia
- Weakness and restlessness
- Headaches
- Excessive sweating
- Fever
- Insomnia
Physical symptoms may last a week or so; whereas, psychological symptoms can last a lot longer. Because of the uncomfortable symptoms from detoxing off Suboxone, some people may relapse if they try to go about this process on their own. The best way to stop Suboxone withdrawal from becoming a part of an endless cycle of detox and relapse is to detox from Suboxone with professional supervision.
Suboxone Detox in South Florida
To rid patients of the hold that opioids have on their life, our drug rehab in Palm Beach, Florida provides a safe detox off Suboxone in a controlled and comfortable environment.
At Behavioral Health of the Palm Beaches, we start by conducting a thorough physical evaluation to assess the patient’s addiction as well as any potential issues during detox. Using our research and expertise, we will determine a plan to administer a safe and effective medical detox from Suboxone. During their Suboxone detox program, patients will be under the constant care and supervision of trained medical personnel. These staff members will carefully monitor withdrawal symptoms and will do their best to help mitigate symptoms. With compassionate caretakers, patients can also count on our staff for moral support. Once their detox from Suboxone is complete, patients will transition into one of our other programs to continue their journey to long-term sobriety.
If you are struggling with an opiate addiction and need help getting clean, a safe detox is the first step towards complete recovery. Contact us today for more information on our Suboxone detox program in South Florida.
