Suboxone is a medication used to treat opioid use disorder. It can alleviate withdrawal symptoms, improve treatment outcomes, reduce the potential for relapse, and save lives. However, when people start Suboxone for opioid addiction treatment, they might not fully realize that coming off it can present their own set of challenges. 

In this article, we’ll look into real stories from Reddit users who have experienced Suboxone withdrawal themselves to get insight into what to expect while detoxing. You will learn:

• Why Suboxone withdrawal occurs
• What symptoms are common
• How long withdrawal can last
• How to cope

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction or need support at any stage of your recovery, please contact our team at Moving Mountains Recovery today!

Understanding Suboxone Withdrawal

Suboxone works by partially stimulating opioid receptors in the brain through buprenorphine, its primary ingredient. Buprenorphine binds to the same opioid receptors as drugs like heroin or prescription painkillers, but it doesn’t produce the intense high associated with these drugs. Instead, it provides a controlled, milder effect that helps manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms for people recovering from opioid addiction.

Over time, however, the body becomes accustomed to the presence of buprenorphine.

With long-term Suboxone use, the brain’s opioid receptors become less sensitive and may even decrease in number as a response to continuous stimulation by buprenorphine. This is a form of tolerance, where the body needs a stable level of buprenorphine just to feel normal, rather than euphoric or “high.” When Suboxone is suddenly reduced or stopped, these receptors are left without sufficient stimulation, leading to withdrawal symptoms.

Common symptoms of Suboxone withdrawal are: 

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Muscle aches
• Sweating
• Chills
• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Insomnia
• Yawning
• Runny nose
• Dilated pupils
• Cravings

What Reddit Users Say About Suboxone Withdrawal

There are hundreds and hundreds of posts on Reddit from people asking other users about their experiences with quitting Suboxone. 

In one thread, a Suboxone user who quit the medication cold turkey turned to Reddit after still feeling sick after 25 days. OwnPassion 2616 wrote: “I quit Suboxone cold turkey from 8 mg daily (4 years) about 25 days ago. I’m still feeling somewhat uncomfortable, but fatigue and lack of sleep are the symptoms bothering me the most. Can anyone tell me how long it took them to feel better? Also, any advice on treatment of my current symptoms? Thank you.”

The thread features over 375 comments with users sharing their experiences and advice.

Ksants87 says, “I felt like crap for well over 3 months and even though a lot of the symptoms had subsided I still felt off for a total of 6 months. I came off of a 4mg a day dose and it was like nothing I’ve ever experienced.”

Msnipe81015 wrote: “About 6 weeks for me. Try to get some exercise when you are on a peak. I noticed it came in waves slowly less and less so. I recall caffeine would precipitate it and make me feel worse. I was also on 8mg for several years.”

Some users who were also enduring withdrawal at the time commented, relating to the original poster’s struggle. PoundFunny1671 wrote: “I’m on day 40 and i still wake up feeling dope sick. It sucks. Idk how long it’s going to last. After giving myself an hour after I wake up im okay and can carry on through the day but I dread waking up every single morning.”

Healthcare professionals weighed in, too, with streetMD saying, “Subs save lives when on them. Subs ruin lives coming off. I am a detox nurse and very few patients are told about the long hellish ride getting off subs if you don’t take 12-18 months to taper.” The user also notes that experiencing withdrawal symptoms for up to 60 days isn’t abnormal. 

Despite recalling uncomfortable, challenging, and long-lasting experiences with Suboxone withdrawal, users aren’t hesitant to encourage the next person that they can make it through it, no matter how bad it gets. They also suggest ways to cope. Dr_Flyinghobbit suggested, “I would try talking to a therapist, do some meditation (meditation can come in various forms, just walking and hearing music/podcast you like can have a meditative effect), and try to have healthy diet habits (eat “healthy “, eat three times a day etc).” They note that these were the things that helped them through withdrawal the most.

In another thread, Otf4life81 says, “Mental strength, positivity and determination. Your body is resilient, it’s getting sick in order to heal itself. It won’t last for ever. You can DO it. Other is hot baths, distractions (walks, music), hot baths. I was taking 3 a day due to body sore senses.”

How Long Does Suboxone Withdrawal Last?

Unfortunately, Reddit users and healthcare professionals alike agree that Suboxone withdrawal can last an exceptionally long time–sometimes several months depending on the dose you’ve been taking and how long you’ve been taking it.

On Reddit, users who were taking higher doses of Suboxone or those who were taking it for longer periods of time experienced more severe and longer-lasting withdrawal symptoms. However, other factors can affect the duration of withdrawal as well, such as whether or not you taper off Suboxone slowly or quit cold turkey.

Withdrawal symptoms usually start within 1-3 days after the last dose, depending on the person’s metabolism and dosage. Initial symptoms often include anxiety, sweating, muscle aches, and restlessness.

Symptoms typically peak around days 3-7, with increased intensity. This phase may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, chills, and intense cravings. Anxiety and irritability can also be pronounced.

The most severe symptoms generally subside within a month, but for some, symptoms like insomnia, mood fluctuations, and cravings can linger for several weeks to a few months. This is sometimes called post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS), where emotional and psychological symptoms take longer to stabilize.

Coping With Suboxone Withdrawal: Tapering and More

It’s important to speak with a healthcare provider before stopping Suboxone. Reddit user Kimmybbbyeah gives great advice, saying, “Do not use substances like Benzos or kratom to get off. They’ll just cause more harm than good.”

Instead, your healthcare provider may suggest a tapering schedule, during which your dose of Suboxone is gradually reduced until you can stop taking it without severe withdrawal symptoms. Tapering schedules can vary but may involve dose reductions of 10-25% every 1-2 weeks, depending on the person’s tolerance and withdrawal response. A slower taper is often recommended for those who have been on Suboxone for a long time or are on higher doses.

Symptom-specific medications, such as clonidine or imodium, can be suggested or prescribed by your healthcare provider.

There are also self-care practices you can do for symptom relief. A Reddit user whose profile was deleted shared additional information that can help people cope with Suboxone withdrawal: 

“Exercise, for me, is the most effective way at managing the depression and anxiety that comes with sub withdrawal. Saunas as well, as that will help detox the drug quicker and make you feel great!

Next is meditation. Finding at least 15 minutes per day (I do 30-40 minutes) to sit quietly without any distractions is crucial…I am more calm, peaceful, and better able to manage stress when I’m meditating regularly.

The basics: plenty of water, fresh veggies, plenty of protein and low to no sugar foods. My hot flashes and sweats decrease dramatically when I abstain from sugar during my taper and withdrawal. Plenty of sunlight to get that vitamin D pumping, socializing with supportive people, and good sleep hygiene will help get you through this challenging situation. Challenging, but not impossible at all!”

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