Starting Suboxone detox can feel intimidating, but it’s a crucial step toward breaking free from opioid dependency.
Understanding how detox works—and why it’s done under medical supervision—can make the journey easier and give you the confidence to take that next step toward recovery. If you’re unsure about what to expect or why it’s necessary, this guide will walk you through the process and help you begin your plan for a brighter, healthier future.
What Is Suboxone?
Opioid drugs–such as heroin, fentanyl, and oxycodone–are so addictive because the body quickly develops a strong physical dependency on them once they are misused. This dependency triggers intense cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making it especially challenging to overcome without additional support.
Suboxone is one medication designed to make the process easier. It contains buprenorphine, a partial opioid that essentially convinces the body that it’s receiving a full dose of an opioid, while reducing any sense of a “high” feeling, as well as cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Suboxone also contains naloxone, which when taken as prescribed has no real effect on the user. However, if Suboxone is abused, naloxone can create severe withdrawal effects to prevent misuse.
With these safeguards in place, Suboxone is an FDA-approved treatment for opioid addiction. However, it still needs to be used as prescribed under the care of a medical team, as the medication still carries a low to moderate risk of dependency–especially if it is misused or taken for an extended period. Suboxone detox programs can help manage this risk and promote a more thorough recovery.
Why Suboxone Detox Is Necessary
Suboxone is often prescribed to make opioid detox safer, more comfortable, and more effective. And with proper medical care, many may be prescribed Suboxone indefinitely until they have successfully managed recovery from an opioid addiction.
Despite these benefits, it’s important to remember that Suboxone is still a partial opioid. While it may not produce the same euphoric or “high” feelings as more addictive opiates, the body can still become dependent on it. As a result, quitting Suboxone “cold turkey” can lead to challenging withdrawal symptoms that trigger a relapse.
People who feel ready to stop using Suboxone as part of their recovery process should work with a qualified treatment program. These programs are led by addiction recovery specialists who understand how to safely taper individuals off of the drug with a reduced risk of withdrawal symptoms.
The Suboxone Detox Process at Her Harbor Recovery Center
As a comprehensive Women’s drug detox center in Fresno, CA, Her Harbor Recovery Center is fully equipped to help with Suboxone detoxification.
This luxury, private facility offers both residential and outpatient programs to cater to the individual needs of clients. Staffed by caring specialists, this team takes a compassionate, personalized approach to ensure a smooth and safe detox experience. At the same time, guests have access to a wide range of top-tier amenities so that they can focus on their well-being within a comfortable, tranquil environment.
After intake, medical staff carefully observes clients to fully understand the parameters of the dependency and what is required for stabilization. Next, the team will carefully taper off–or gradually decrease–doses of Suboxone, all while simultaneously monitoring and treating withdrawal symptoms.
Once the drug has been fully tapered off and withdrawal symptoms have dissipated, clients can expect to progress to other relevant stages of the Her Harbor holistic recovery program–such as counseling, trauma-informed yoga and breathwork, and peer support.
How Long Does It Take to Detox from Suboxone?
The Suboxone detox timeline can vary from person to person based on the severity of the original opioid dependency and length of medication use. In many cases, people can expect the detox process to take between one and two weeks. Additional detox and recovery may be necessary if the body hasn’t fully stabilized after the drug has been completely tapered and eliminated from the system.
What to Expect During Suboxone Detox
Suboxone detox begins as soon as one enters their recovery program of choice. Withdrawal symptoms typically begin about 1-3 days after the last full dose of Suboxone is taken and the effects of the drug wear off.
Due to its unique design, Suboxone produces significantly less intense withdrawal symptoms than other opiates but is still associated with nausea, anxiety, aches, mood instability, and restlessness. Withdrawal symptoms are at their most intense between the first 3 to 7 days of detox.
During this time, withdrawal symptoms are being carefully managed by a medical team, making sure to minimize the client’s discomfort as much as possible while the Suboxone doses are tapered down.
By the second week, the worst of the withdrawal symptoms will have subsided. And by the third week, these physical effects may no longer even be noticeable.
Keep in mind that the psychological impact of the dependency may linger well after the physical symptoms have been successfully managed. For this reason, it’s critical for those detoxing from Suboxone to seek continued counseling and therapeutic support as part of an ongoing recovery program.
Transitioning to Long-Term Recovery
Transitioning to a long-term addiction recovery plan is critical after the initial phase of Suboxone detox. While detoxification rids the body of its physical dependence on Suboxone, the psychological and emotional effects will likely still require care. Addressing these elements can help one better understand the full impact of the dependency and develop healthy coping mechanisms that minimize the risk of relapse.
At Her Harbor Recovery, we understand that full healing goes beyond the physical detox process. That’s why our team is committed to providing ongoing support through individualized therapeutic programs. Our specialists are ready to serve the unique needs of each client through different forms of therapy–such as CBT, psychodrama therapy, dual diagnosis therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). We also supplement these approaches with trauma-informed yoga, breathwork, experiential therapy, and other forms of holistic therapy.
Long-term recovery at Her Harbor also often involves peer support–which can be found through group therapy or 12-step programs.
Why Choose Her Harbor Recovery Center for Suboxone Detox?
Her Harbor Recovery Center stands out as a leading place to detox from Suboxone, as it provides a safe, women-only environment that fosters comfort and security. Our programs are tailored specifically to address the unique challenges faced in recovery, combining medical care with personalized therapies and holistic wellness.
With trauma-informed care and a supportive, distraction-free setting, clients receive individualized detox plans and ongoing support for long-term recovery. Her Harbor ensures that every woman is met with compassion, expertise, and a community of like-minded individuals dedicated to their healing journey.
Taking the First Step Toward Recovery
If you or a loved one are ready to begin the journey to lasting opioid addiction recovery, Her Harbor Recovery Center is here to help. Our team offers compassionate, personalized care to support you and your long-term goals in a safe, women-only environment. To learn more about our amenities at our Fresno, CA addiction recovery center or find out how to detox from Suboxone, call (559) 481-8318 to speak to one of our experts.
Haley Sample is a dedicated and experienced registered nurse with a robust background in healthcare and leadership. Her professional journey includes significant contributions to various medical institutions, showcasing her expertise and commitment to patient care. Her leadership skills, marketing acumen, and dedication to patient care make her a valuable asset in the healthcare industry.
