What is it Like to Take Suboxone?

I’ve Been Taking Suboxone for Many Years

I wanted to be careful writing this article. I don’t wish to sway anyone using my opinion about taking Suboxone. However, some people have a stigma when it comes to Suboxone that is based on misinformation. I’ve had doctors and pharmacists tell me Suboxone is a terrible solution for opioid addiction.

Sadly, they were wrong. Or maybe “misinformed” is a better choice of words. They were merely repeating something they’d been told instead of researching the facts.

Is Suboxone the Only Solution for Opioid Addiction?

Suboxone isn’t the solution for everyone who suffers from opioid addiction. But, it is the best solution for most of us right now. As you’ll learn below, Suboxone has a lot in common with the many opioids people are addicted to. However, there’s a lot more to Suboxone than its medical classification. It was engineered with the purpose of helping people. And, help it does.

Thanks to addiction treatment centers in Tennessee like Nashville Addiction Clinic and Recovery Care of Columbia, people are able to transition away from harmful opioids like fentanyl and heroin and function normally without suffering weeks or months of opioid withdrawal.

Some people claim Suboxone is like switching from one pill to another pill. While there may be a sliver of truth in that statement, there’s a whole lot to learn about the differences. For one, Suboxone was engineered differently than other opioids. For example, Suboxone is not a great solution for pain relief, although it does help. Suboxone attaches to the brain very differently than normal opioids. More about this is listed below.

Without Suboxone, I wouldn’t be here. My wife would have become a widow and my son and daughter fatherless.

Before making any decisions about Suboxone, please, continue reading. Suboxone is helping save tens of thousands of lives and keeping families whole. Alone, Suboxone is not the solution. In fact, I can say with complete confidence that Suboxone saved my life, therapy changed my life. Suboxone treatment without therapy is simply incomplete.

Suboxone opens the door to much-needed therapy at a time when someone is usually suffering through weeks or months of withdrawal.

I have taken Suboxone for many years and would not be alive today without it. Suboxone was the last thing I tried and the only thing that worked.

If you or someone you know is addicted to opioids, please, get help. There’s no scenario where people who are addicted to opioids suddenly gain control of their addiction and stop using or abusing drugs. It takes lots of help to get someone clean, and it usually starts with Suboxone.

Nashville Addiction Clinic and Recovery Care of Columbia both offer virtual Suboxone treatment programs that can be done from the comfort of home. You can even skip the trip to the pharmacy by having your Suboxone mailed to you.

Make the decision to get help and let a highly trusted team of professionals do what they do best — help people put an end to their opioid addiction.

Register for Virtual Suboxone Treatment at Recovery Care of Columbia

Register for Online Suboxone Treatment at Nashville Addiction Clinic

Get the Facts (and the Opinions of a Thirteen-Year Addict)

Under each bold heading below you’ll see two sections:

• The Facts: This section will have facts I’ve gathered from the web like DEA.gov and SAMHSA, which are both trusted resources for anything related to opioid addiction and drug abuse.
• My Experience: This section will provide my personal experience on the topic. Not only have I been clean and sober for over ten years, I have helped over two thousand people with their opioid addiction. My recovery experience changed my life, all for the best. The best way I could share this experience is by helping others do the same. In 2017 I opened my first addiction treatment center in Tennessee, and have opened two more since that time. Helping others in recovery is my life now, and I wouldn’t change it for anything.

What is Suboxone?
The Facts: Suboxone is a medication used to treat opioid addiction. It combines two active ingredients: buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, meaning it activates opioid receptors in the brain but to a lesser extent than full agonists like heroin or morphine. This helps reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings without producing the same high. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist, which helps prevent misuse of the medication by blocking the effects of other opioids.

Suboxone is typically used as part of a comprehensive treatment program that includes counseling and behavioral therapy. It can help people transition off more dangerous opioids and manage their addiction in a safer, more controlled manner.

My Experience: Thank goodness a friend recommended I try Suboxone ten years ago. I started Suboxone on January 9, 2014, and have not touched a drug since. I would not have survived without it. It was the only thing that allowed me to function normally after thirteen years of abusing drugs. My body needed something inside it to retain balance and control. Suboxone has done exactly that. I feel “normal” again. What is Suboxone? It’s a lifesaver.

Why Take Suboxone?
The Facts: People take Suboxone primarily to manage opioid addiction and dependency. Here’s why it’s used:

Treatment of Opioid Addiction

• Reduction of Withdrawal Symptoms: Suboxone helps alleviate the withdrawal symptoms associated with stopping opioid use, such as pain, nausea, and anxiety. This makes it easier for individuals to transition away from more dangerous opioids.
• Decreased Cravings: It helps reduce cravings for opioids, which can be a significant barrier to recovery.

Safer Alternative

• Partial Agonist Effect: Buprenorphine, one of the components of Suboxone, is a partial opioid agonist. This means it activates opioid receptors but does so less intensely than full agonists like heroin or morphine. This reduces the risk of misuse and addiction compared to full opioids.
• Naloxone Inclusion: Naloxone, the other component, is an opioid antagonist that helps prevent misuse of the medication. It blocks the effects of other opioids, reducing the risk of overdose and discouraging abuse.

Stabilization and Recovery

• Controlled Dosing: By providing a stable level of opioids in the system, Suboxone helps individuals maintain stability and focus on other aspects of their recovery, such as therapy and lifestyle changes.
• Support for Behavioral Therapy: It is often used in conjunction with counseling and behavioral therapies to address the psychological and social aspects of addiction.

Improvement of Quality of Life

• Reduced Risk of Overdose: Suboxone’s partial agonist properties and naloxone’s opioid-blocking effects reduce the risk of overdose compared to using full opioids.
• Better Daily Functioning: By managing cravings and withdrawal symptoms, individuals can improve their overall functioning and quality of life, including work and personal relationships.

Suboxone is part of a broader treatment approach that typically includes medical supervision, counseling, and support services to address addiction comprehensively.

My Experience: Six weeks after leaving inpatient treatment I was clean. And I felt the very worst I have ever felt in my life. I was in constant withdrawal and couldn’t function normally. I couldn’t think, eat, or sleep. I felt like I weighed 500 lbs, could barely move, and my drug cravings were through the roof. I went back to my pain doctor and begged for relief. He gave me a fraction of the dose I was taking two months prior. I took all ninety pills in only six days. I was quickly spiraling right back into my old shitty, drug-addicted life and had failed just six weeks after leaving inpatient treatment. What was left for me? Suboxone saved my life, my family, and so much more.

Suboxone without therapy is only half the solution. Suboxone saved my life, but therapy changed my life. Therapy is made possible due to Suboxone relieving someone from weeks or even months of withdrawal. Suboxone opened the door and made therapy possible. Therapy sessions are where I learned the reasons behind my desire to use drugs.

Where Can I Get Suboxone?

The Facts: Suboxone can be obtained only through the supervision of a healthcare provider who has a DEA waiver for prescribing Suboxone:

• Doctors and Specialists: You’ll need a prescription from a healthcare provider, often a doctor or addiction specialist, who is authorized to prescribe it. They will evaluate your situation, discuss treatment options, and determine if Suboxone is appropriate for you.
• Substance Abuse Clinics: Many clinics that specialize in addiction treatment have programs specifically for prescribing Suboxone as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
• Online Addiction Treatment Centers: Some telemedicine services and online platforms offer consultations and prescriptions for medications like Suboxone.

It’s crucial to use Suboxone under medical supervision to ensure it’s part of a complete treatment strategy for opioid dependence.

My Experience: Thanks to online addiction treatment centers like Nashville Addiction Clinic and Recovery Care of Columbia you can start a Suboxone treatment program with therapy from home. These clinics have developed their whole program around virtual Suboxone treatment. That means you’ll participate in a comprehensive addiction treatment program using your cell phone or computer. You can have Suboxone medications sent to your local pharmacy or have Suboxone shipped to your door.

How Do I Find a Suboxone Clinic?

Finding a reputable online Suboxone clinic involves several steps to ensure you’re getting safe and effective treatment:

• Research and Verify Credentials: Look for clinics or telemedicine services that are accredited and licensed to provide addiction treatment. They should have licensed healthcare professionals, such as doctors or addiction specialists, who are authorized to prescribe Suboxone.
• Check Reviews and Ratings: Read reviews from other patients and check ratings on reputable healthcare review sites. This can give you insight into the quality of care and patient experiences.
• Consult with Your Primary Care Provider: If you have a primary care physician, they may be able to recommend a trusted online clinic or telemedicine service.
• Use Professional Associations: Organizations such as the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) or the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) may have resources or directories for finding accredited addiction treatment services.
• Search Online: Use search terms like “online Suboxone clinics” or “telemedicine for Suboxone” to find services. Make sure to verify their legitimacy and look for any red flags like lack of transparency or overly aggressive marketing.
• Ensure Compliance with Regulations: Confirm that the clinic adheres to federal and state regulations for prescribing Suboxone. For example, in the U.S., providers must be certified by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and adhere to the Drug Addiction Treatment Act (DATA) of 2000.

The Facts:

My Experience: If you live in Tennessee, I highly recommend Nashville Addiction Clinic or Recovery Care of Columbia. Either one will provide you with excellent virtual addiction treatment using Suboxone. Both clinics can provide you with outstanding addiction treatment no matter where you live in Tennessee. And, both Nashville Addiction Clinic and Recovery Care of Columbia are considered the highest-rated clinics in Tennessee by TennCare. They have earned the TennCare “BeSMART” accreditation, which means they provide the most thorough, compliant addiction treatment in the state.

Do Suboxone Clinics Accept Insurance? If So, Which Carriers?

The Facts: Check if the clinic accepts your insurance or offers payment plans. Some services may be covered by insurance or offer financial assistance.

My Experience: When I first started taking Suboxone In January 2014 it wasn’t yet covered by my insurance plan. Treatment for opioid addiction is now covered by most insurance companies as part of their mental health services. Even better, Suboxone clinics like Recovery Care of Columbia and Nashville Addiction Clinic provide VIRTUAL Suboxone programs you can start today from the comfort of home. You can even have your Suboxone medications delivered to your door and avoid the trip the your local pharmacy.

Here are a few insurance companies that provide excellent coverage for opioid addiction treatment, as well as cover all or most of the Suboxone prescription costs:

TennCare
Medicaid (TennCare)
Amerigroup Medicaid Insurance
BlueCare BCBS Medicaid Insurance
United Healthcare Community Plan Medicaid
Wellpoint Medicaid Insurance

Commercial Health Insurance
Aetna
Anthem
Ascension
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Cigna
Commercial BlueCross Blue Shield Network P and S
Humana
Oscar
United Healthcare

Can Suboxone Cause Withdrawal Symptoms?

The Facts: Suboxone is designed to help manage withdrawal symptoms from opioids, but it can itself cause withdrawal symptoms, particularly if not used as directed. Here’s how it works and what to consider:

• Buprenorphine (one component of Suboxone): Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist. It can help ease withdrawal symptoms and cravings, but if you suddenly stop taking it or if it’s not dosed properly, you might experience withdrawal symptoms.
• Naloxone (the other component of Suboxone): Naloxone is included to prevent misuse. It has a strong opioid-blocking effect, which can precipitate withdrawal if taken inappropriately, especially if there are other opioids in your system.

Common Withdrawal Symptoms
If Suboxone is stopped abruptly or not used correctly, withdrawal symptoms may include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Muscle aches and pains
• Anxiety and depression
• Insomnia
• Runny nose and yawning

Managing Withdrawal:

Gradual Tapering: Your healthcare provider will usually taper down the dose of Suboxone gradually to minimize withdrawal symptoms. This process should be managed by a medical professional.

Monitoring and Support: Regular check-ins with your healthcare provider can help manage any potential withdrawal symptoms and adjust the treatment plan as needed.

My Experience: Suboxone is unlike any opioid I have ever taken. I felt a little euphoric when I first started taking it, but that ended after a few days. I feel clear-headed, alert, and sharp when taking Suboxone. I eat, sleep, exercise, and function as normally as I did before I took my first opioid back in 2000. I take half a tablet in the morning and another half in the afternoon. I don’t suffer any withdrawal symptoms, I have ZERO cravings, and sometimes forget to take it.

Three years ago I tested myself. I stopped taking Suboxone for three days, knowing I could take it at any time. I felt completely normal for two days. On day three, I started to feel uncomfortable. By the end of the day I chose to take it again. In less than 20 minutes I felt completely normal again.

If you’re planning to stop taking Suboxone, you need to discuss it with your addiction doctor. He or she will institute a “Suboxone Taper”, and gradually ween you off of it. Having helped many people do a Suboxone taper, I know that at the very end of the taper, it’s likely to feel mildly uncomfortable for 2–3 days and then feel normal again.

When I was taking oxycodone and OxyContin I was high as a kite, often falling asleep mid-conversation while talking to someone. I would have to take another oxycodone pill about every thirty minutes to avoid extreme cravings and withdrawals.

Suboxone is a “partial agonist”. The best way to explain this is by comparing Suboxone to other opioids:

• Regular (pain relieving) opioids completely cover the Mu receptor in the brain, effectively blocking all pain signals from reaching the brain.
• Suboxone “partially” covers the Mu receptor in the brain, leaving room for “normal” signals to reach the brain. Like I said, I feel normal while taking Suboxone. Not “high” or euphoric like I did with regular opioids.

How Long Does Suboxone Stay in Your System?

The Facts: Suboxone can remain in your system for a significant period, which depends on various factors including your metabolism, dosage, frequency of use, and overall health. Here’s a general breakdown:

Half-Life

• Buprenorphine (the partial opioid agonist in Suboxone) has a half-life of approximately 24 to 42 hours. This means that after this time, half of the drug is eliminated from your body.
• Naloxone (the opioid antagonist in Suboxone) has a shorter half-life, around 2 to 12 hours.

Duration in the Body

• Urine: Suboxone can be detected in urine for up to 7–10 days after the last dose, depending on various factors.
• Blood: In blood tests, it might be detectable for 1 to 3 days.
• Saliva: It can be detected in saliva for about 2–3 days.
• Hair: Suboxone can be detected in hair for several months, as hair tests can reveal drug use over a longer period.

Factors Influencing Detection Time

• Metabolism: Individuals with faster metabolisms may process and eliminate the drug more quickly.
• Dosage and Frequency: Higher doses and more frequent use can lead to longer detection times.
• Overall Health: Liver function, kidney function, and other health factors can affect how long Suboxone stays in your system.

My Experience: As noted above, I started feeling mild withdrawal symptoms at the beginning of day three of not taking Suboxone. If you are ready to stop taking Suboxone, it is strongly recommended that you do not try this on your own. Speak with your Suboxone doctor and request a taper. There’s a scientific method to calculating the drop in dosage that will help minimize any discomfort associated with tapering off Suboxone.

Topics Covered in this article:
How long does Suboxone stay in your system?
Suboxone clinic
Suboxone withdrawal symptoms