How to handle Suboxone Withdrawal after Treatment?

Updated on December 17, 2020

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Suboxone is a prescribed medication, which is primarily used for treating opioid addiction. If you intake it as the doctor has prescribed, then it can eradicate the infatuation of the substance effectively. 

In addition, the medication can also diminish your opioid craving and prevent relapsing of the same. However, in essence, Suboxone, too, contains a small amount of opioid substance. Thus, in some cases, you might experience the Suboxone withdrawal symptoms as well. 

Signs of Suboxone Withdrawal 

The common signs and symptoms of Suboxone withdrawal are –

  • Stomach cramps 
  • Constipation or diarrhea 
  • Teary eyes 
  • Muscle pain and aching 
  • Chills 
  • Sweating 
  • Twitching or tremors 
  • Restlessness 
  • Anxiety 
  • Runny nose 
  • Vomiting or nausea 
  • Irritability and depression 
  • Cravings for opioid 
  • Having concentration difficulties 

The severity of the symptoms of Suboxone withdrawal can vary on the treatment procedure and your overall health. However, in most cases, it usually goes away within only one month

How to Handle It?

There are several ways that can help you to treat Suboxone withdrawal without having to deal with any consequences. The following are some of them. 

  • Relaxation Techniques: You may find it a little bit difficult to relax your nerves, especially when you are dealing with Suboxone withdrawal. Thus, you can try out meditation to calm your nerves and subdue the severity of anxiety. Moreover, you can also try to listen to your favorite music to forget about the other aspects of your life. It might prevent you from getting agitated frequently. 
  • Talk with a Physical Therapist: In some cases, Suboxone withdrawal can affect the muscles of your hands and legs and cause spasms. It, in turn, can cause moderate to extreme pain. So, if you want to deal with this issue, then you can talk to a physical therapist. He/she will help you to learn a few techniques that might assist you in reversing the spasm and lead a pain-free lifestyle. 
  • Join a Support Group: Honestly, you are not the only one who is dealing with the issue of Suboxone withdrawal. There are many people out there who are going through the same. So, if you wish to support them and feel supported, then you can also join an NA (Narcotics Anonymous) meeting. Here, you can hear about the story of others, experience proper encouragement, and be a part of the friendly community.
  • Exercising: Like meditating, exercising, too, can help you to calm down your nerves. Thus, if you do work out regularly, then you will not get distressed or depressed too easily. Moreover, it can help you to improve your body’s blood circulation system perfectly. Therefore, the frequency of muscle spasms and migraines will be reduced as well. Lastly, by exercising daily, you can also maintain your overall BMI rate and subdue your issue of restlessness. 
  • Find Something Else to Focus On: As mentioned before, the symptoms of Suboxone withdrawal usually stays prevalent for around four weeks. Therefore, it will be better for you if you can find anything else to focus on for the time being. For example, you can start binge-watching TV shows or read a new book. If you have a hobby, like playing the guitar or drawing, then you can do the same as well. 
  • Avoid Dehydration: While dealing with Suboxone withdrawal, it becomes crucial for almost everyone to avoid dehydration at any cost. Thus, you will need to drink more clear fluid, such as water, to uplift your condition and keep yourself well-hydrated. Otherwise, you might get constipated. Various indigestion-based issues might occur during this period as well. To be safe, you will need to drink at least three liters of water on a daily basis. Additionally, you will also need to avoid carbonated drinks. They might upset your stomach, cause diarrhea, and affect your digestive system. 
  • Maintain Diet: If you are usually a foodie and like to try out different food items, then you will have to restrict yourself in this aspect as well. For example, you will need to avoid all the fast foods that you used to gobble before. Instead, you will have to consume more vitamin-enriched food items, such as oats, carrots, cantaloupe, etc. Furthermore, you can also eat cucumber, as it has a decent amount of water and, thus, can keep you hydrated through and through. Eating avocadoes and other nuts might help you to maintain your digestive system. 

Handling the aftereffects of Suboxone withdrawal can be quite tricky for anyone. However, if you are usually health-conscious and follow the aforementioned tips, then you will not have to worry about anything. Just be sure to eat healthy foods and follow a wholesome routine to reduce the symptoms of the issue. However, if you are feeling really sick, then be sure to get prompt treatment as quickly as possible.