Subutex Detox

Background of Subutex as a Drug

Medical detoxes may feature a few different medications. These medications may ease withdrawal symptoms, including cravings, act as a disincentive by changing how your body reacts to drugs and alcohol, or otherwise fight against physical dependence. Your need for Subutex detox will depend on whether it is being used as a taper from other opiates (or opioids) or whether you intend to fully detox from Subutex itself.

Medications like these help users with severe addictions and withdrawal symptoms. Medical detox is common with alcohol and opioids, two substances that can cause life-threatening withdrawals. Subutex is one of the most common medications used for medical detox.

Subutex is an FDA-approved medication that addiction clinics use to treat withdrawal symptoms. Subutex is considered less risky than methadone as a withdrawal treatment, as it is less likely to lead to physical dependence.

Subutex for Withdrawal Symptoms

Drug and alcohol withdrawal symptoms range from mild to life-threatening. They can be a bit uncomfortable, moderately painful, or even fatal. And it’s hard to predict how our bodies will react to the absence of alcohol or drugs after we’ve become dependent on them.

That is one reason why we typically recommend a monitored medical detox. In addition to providing a safe and comfortable detox environment, this allows us to monitor your progress and health and ease your withdrawal symptoms.

How Does Subutex Ease Withdrawals?

Currently, the most effective treatment for the opioid epidemic is opioid replacement therapy. Subutex contains buprenorphine, a semi-synthetic opioid. In medical detoxes, doses of Subutex are traditionally taken orally.

Tablets of Subutex rapidly dissolve or melt and absorb quickly into the bloodstream. Typically, clients experience a major improvement in withdrawal symptoms within half an hour of taking a dose of Subutex.

Because it enters the bloodstream quickly and mimics the effects of other opioids, Subutex tricks the brain into thinking that it got what it wanted. It binds to the same receptors in the brain that opioids like heroin and prescription pain relievers do.

But while it activates the same receptors as these more addictive drugs, it doesn’t result in a high or euphoria. This low and supervised dose satisfies the drug cravings and eases the symptoms of physical dependence.

For some people, Subutex reduces the very worst of the withdrawal symptoms. For others, Subutex can eliminate all opioid withdrawals symptoms entirely. With your withdrawal symptoms either greatly reduced or eliminated, it becomes easier to focus on your recovery.

But what happens when you become dependent on Subutex? Any opioid replacement, including Subutex, is not made for long-term use, unsupervised use, or misuse.

Becoming Dependent on Subutex

It’s hard to imagine that medication meant to help us overcome our addictions could also be addictive. But some withdrawal medications, including Subutex, are addictive when misused. Subutex has the potential for abuse and addiction if used incorrectly.  

When it is professionally prescribed and supervised, the risk of addiction is mitigated. When it is misused, a Subutex detox may become necessary. And misuse can mean a few different things, not just the method of use.

Misusing a drug is not limited to chewing, smoking, snorting, or injecting it instead of swallowing it. Taking higher or more frequent doses than you are supposed to and mixing medications with other drugs or alcohol (unless you have been cleared to do so) also constitute misuse.  

When taken as advised, the risk of addiction is low. The best way to avoid needing a Subutex detox is to avoid misusing it. But for some, that is easier said than done. And we are here to help you through what happens next.

Inpatient vs. Outpatient Subutex Detox

Tapering off Subutex is safer than cold turkey quitting. This can be safely done at home, but a medically supervised detox for Subutex under a dedicated medical team in an accredited facility is always the safest choice.

But how do you know when you need to detox from Subutex? Withdrawal symptoms are typically the first sign that your body has replaced one dependence with another. Some of the most common Subutex withdrawal symptoms include:

• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Insomnia and general restlessness
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

Because Subutex contains a partial opioid, its withdrawal symptoms are similar to those of drugs like oxycontin and heroin. However, they are typically less severe. And they are generally considered less severe and less dangerous than the symptoms associated with methadone.

While withdrawal symptoms and other unwanted side effects of Subutex are far more likely with misuse, they can occasionally occur during medication-assisted treatment, too. But when used in the appropriate setting, it is far less likely and far less severe.

Withdrawal symptoms sparked by medical, supervised use of Subutex can be eased by tapering off the substance.

Post-Detox: When Medication-Assisted Treatment Ends

Long-term recovery from Subutex and other substances will likely require more than detox. Those who transition into longer-term treatment following detox have better outcomes, including not only reduced drug use but also reduced HIV risk, and fewer relapses.

Minimizing drug cravings and other withdrawal symptoms makes it possible to function normally, which includes participating in treatments, as well as returning to work, school, and other daily activities when the time comes.

After completing a customized detox program, there are several potential paths you can follow. We offer inpatient treatments, long-term rehab stays, and intensive outpatient care to help our clients through each stage of recovery.

After our more formal treatment programs, we also offer the option of what we call aftercare. Aftercare includes alumni programs and peers support groups to help with long-term maintenance and relapse prevention.

Where to Start

Our treatments start with a comprehensive evaluation. During an evaluation, we get to know you and your addiction better so that we can determine the best treatment method for you. Whether you need full-time, residential care, or part-time outpatient guidance, we are here for you.

Each of our customized treatment programs takes a holistic approach to recovery, treating the mind, body, and spirit in unison. We help you work toward improvements in every aspect of life because relapse can stem from any area that is out of balance.

Balance and harmony are necessary for long-term recovery. While balance focuses on our relationship with ourselves and who we are, harmony focuses on our relationship with the world around us. True peace of mind starts here.

Treatment Methods Featured at The Discovery House

In each of our programs, we employ both traditional treatment methods and creative, holistic treatment methods. Some of the more traditional methods include various therapies in individual, group, or family settings.

Some of the more creative methods include art therapy, music therapy, yoga, spiritual outings, and mindfulness training. Participating in a well-rounded series of treatments helps ensure that all of your needs are met – body, mind, and soul.

We also offer remedies like anger management therapy, stress reduction training, and meditation for those who may benefit from spending additional time on their mental health. For example, clients suffering from mood disorders or recovering from trauma may benefit from additional time in these types of settings.

Rediscovering Your Life at The Discovery House

If you’re ready to rediscover your life, we’re here to help walk you through the steps. Our programs are always customized and always confidential. And our initial calls are confidential, too. Call us today at 818-452-1676 to learn more.