How To Get Off Suboxone?

The opioid crisis continues to rage all over America. With so many people struggling with opioid abuse, administering effective treatment programs is more important than ever. One of the medications now being used to treat people suffering from opioid addiction is Suboxone. Suboxone is a drug that contains a semi-synthetic opioid called buprenorphine and an opiate blocker called naloxone.

Suboxone was created as a medicine to help people going through opiate withdrawal manage their symptoms better. A lot of times, opioid withdrawal can be very painful and this could cause some patients to relapse just to get over the pain. To avoid this from happening, taking Suboxone can help ease these withdrawal symptoms.

Suboxone Dependence

For some people, the use of Suboxone is necessary for them to gradually recover from opioid addiction. It will really depend on the patient’s individual situation if this is necessary. What is alarming, however, is that many former opioid users have become dependent on Suboxone.

What was supposed to be a temporary medication to gradually stop from taking opioids like OxyContin or heroin, have become a habit. In fact, there are some people who have been taking Suboxone for years and they find it impossible to stop taking the drug. Some patients even use it as a “maintenance drug” with the excuse that they do so to avoid relapsing.

Even if the effects of Suboxone are mild and the drug is considered to have a lower addiction potential compared to other opioids like heroin or oxycodone, it is important to keep in mind that the drug is not designed to be taken for an extended period of time. Suboxone still produces pleasurable effects, albeit mild, similar to other opioids. Because of this, some users still seek out the drug.

Getting Off Suboxone Use

If you believe that you have become dependent on Suboxone, getting off the drug is possible. Just like with any other drug, you can definitely overcome your Suboxone dependence. Here are 3 tips to keep in mind when trying to get off Suboxone.

1. Do not self-medicate

You are probably reading this article thinking that by researching online, you can effectively get off Suboxone by yourself. You’re not the first person who thinks that way. With so much information available online, many people would rather consult with “Dr. Google” and experiment with whatever they want to do. However, you have to keep in mind that dealing with medications is way different from making DIY art and crafts projects or learning how to bake through YouTube. Drugs such as Suboxone can critically affect your health. Therefore, you should not rely on online info to decide how you can effectively kick Suboxone out of your daily habit.

2. Consult with an addiction specialist

If you are already taking Suboxone, you are most likely doing so as a means to prevent opioid addiction. If you feel that you are taking more Suboxone drugs than you should and would like to stop, the best course of action is to consult with an addiction treatment specialist. Speak with the addiction doctor about your drug history to know how you can effectively get off the drug.

The addiction specialist will advise you regarding the right dosage so you can gradually taper off Suboxone. You may need to enter into a specialized treatment program so you can successfully stop using the drug.

3. Consider admitting yourself in a holistic addiction treatment program 

Since Suboxone is supposed to be a temporary drug treatment, finding yourself dependent on it could mean that you may need to go back to rehab. Giving up opioids and swapping them for Suboxone is like shifting from one addiction to another. You don’t want this to happen because the goal should be to be able to live a substance-free life.

If you feel that your Suboxone use is becoming a habit you cannot control, you may need to go through a holistic treatment program. Why holistic? Full recovery is not just about stopping drug use. It’s also about being able to live a sober life where you can find pleasure without drugs and alcohol. By undergoing a holistic addiction treatment program, you will also be introduced to sober activities that are fun, exciting, and productive.

Are you suffering from Suboxone dependence?

You can recover from Suboxone dependence. If you would like to get off Suboxone, you can call Anaheim Lighthouse today. Our addiction specialists are ready to assist you and provide you with the information you need to help you in your journey to recovery.