Quitting Suboxone cold turkey can be a difficult and dangerous process, but it is possible. If you are thinking of quitting Suboxone, it is important to understand the risks and talk to your doctor about how to detox from the drug safely. Quitting cold turkey can lead to painful and lengthy withdrawal symptoms and other medical complications, so it is important to take precautions if you decide to go this route. There are safe detox programs available that can help you taper off Suboxone slowly and avoid these dangers. Talk to a medical professional before making any decisions about quitting Suboxone.
Can You Quit Suboxone Cold Turkey?
This medication is prescribed to help patients have some control over their opioid addiction while preventing withdrawal symptoms. It contains buprenorphine, an opiate medication, and naloxone, which blocks the effects of other opioids and helps prevent abuse. Suboxone has been helpful for some people who have been dependent on opiates, including fentanyl, Percocet, and oxycodone, but therapy might be relatively long-term. Because it contains an opioid, Suboxone may also be habit-forming.
So, can you quit Suboxone cold turkey? Many people who try to get off Suboxone on their own find it difficult because of the length and severity of the withdrawal symptoms. Quitting Suboxone cold turkey is not recommended as it can lead to dangerous withdrawal symptoms such as:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Sweating
- Lethargy
- Sleep problems
- Severe agitation and drug cravings
Suboxone should only be discontinued under the care of a medical professional who can provide you with the best medically-assisted Suboxone detoxification based on your unique health needs. If you are struggling with an addiction to Suboxone, please reach out for help from a board-certified addiction professional.
The Fear of Withdrawal Makes Quitting Suboxone Cold Turkey a Challenge
The effects of opioid dependence are unpredictable. Whether people need prescription opiates to control pain or use them recreationally, they will find themselves dependent after tolerance develops. This means the drug’s effects are diminished, and patients need more and more to relieve pain. Once patients become physically dependent, the withdrawal will set in if they stop taking the drug. The pain and fear surrounding withdrawal keep many people in the cycle of using or abusing the drug. Fortunately, there’s an effective alternative to quitting Suboxone cold turkey that could eliminate the fear of withdrawal.
In general, when we talk about detoxing from opioids, it refers to getting rid of the drugs in your system. And for most people who have an addiction, going “cold turkey” — or quitting abruptly — isn’t recommended because of the painful withdrawal symptoms that can occur. Waismann Method® offers a medically-assisted rapid detoxification process that can help you break the physical bonds of opioid dependence in a safe and effective way so that you can focus on your recovery. Instead of substituting one addictive drug for another, our unique approach helps rid your body of opiates while you are comfortably sedated in a private, accredited hospital. Most importantly, our detoxification methods are highly successful, with nearly a 100% detox success rate. When you’re ready to take the first step on the road to recovery, we’re here to help.
The Dangers of Getting Off Suboxone Cold Turkey
If you’re discontinuing your use of Suboxone without medical intervention, it’s important to be aware of the potential dangers. Cold turkey withdrawal from Suboxone can lead to several uncomfortable and potentially dangerous symptoms, including:
- Sleepless nights
- Diarrhea
- Nausea with vomiting
- Extreme anxiety
- Relapse
Tapering off or undergoing Suboxone rapid detox under medical supervision can help avoid these dangers and make the process of quitting safer and more comfortable.
Factors that Influence Your Ability to Quit Suboxone Cold Turkey
Some people are so desperate to get off Suboxone that they believe quitting cold turkey is the best and easiest option. However, the reality is that it’s not easier. Stopping Suboxone cold turkey without medical assistance leaves you vulnerable to uncomfortable and debilitating withdrawal symptoms that just may trigger you to start using again. How severe these symptoms are and how quickly they will subside depend on a number of factors. Before you attempt quitting Suboxone cold turkey, you need to be aware of these factors, which can include but are not limited to the following:
The Length of Time the Drug Has Been Taken
The longer you have taken the drug, the harder the withdrawal process might be. Someone that has been on Suboxone for a couple of months will likely have an easier time than someone who has been on it for years.
When you take a drug daily for an extended period, your body becomes reliant upon it in order to function. Suboxone helps chemically lower pain levels, compromising your body’s ability to fight the pain caused by the withdrawal process. It’s recommended that people who have taken an opioid like Suboxone for an extended period should undergo a medical detox program.
Daily Dosage
Just as how long you’ve been using Suboxone affects your success rate of getting off Suboxone cold turkey, how much of this drug you’ve taken on a daily basis also affects your ability to quit. Suboxone can be taken transdermally (applied to the skin), orally (pill form), or using injections. The dose tends to range from 4 mg/1 mg buprenorphine/naloxone to 24 mg/6 mg buprenorphine/naloxone daily. The oral form dosage typically ranges from 1 mg to 16 mg. People who have been taking lower doses of Suboxone may find it easier to stop taking it than those who’ve been taking the maximum amount.
Personal Physiology
No two profiles are the same. People have different medical conditions, age, weight, and other factors that can influence symptoms. Some individuals may experience very painful symptoms for an extended time, while others can have very minimal symptoms for a shorter amount of time. Your unique physiology and your nervous system play a significant role in how you react while coming off Suboxone.
Emotional Status
Individuals with a high level of anxiety or depressive disorders might find that these disorders intensify the symptoms, making the withdrawal process tough. If you have been diagnosed with a mental health disorder or suspect you may have one, we do not recommend quitting Suboxone cold turkey.
NOTE: It’s not recommended to attempt to come off Suboxone on your own unless you have discussed it with your prescribing physician and are emotionally prepared and medically cleared to endure the withdrawal symptoms that may be in store.
Cold Turkey vs. Medical Detox: Which Is Better?
There are two main ways to detox from Suboxone: cold turkey and medically-assisted detox. Cold turkey involves quitting the drug suddenly, without tapering down or getting any medical assistance. A medical detox, such as rapid detoxification, on the other hand, allows you to get through the withdrawal in a hospital under sedation while overseen by medical professionals.
Although cold turkey may seem like the most straightforward option, it is actually the more dangerous choice. This is because Suboxone has a long half-life, meaning it stays in your system for a long time. If you try to quit without the proper medical supervision, you are allowing your body and mind to be placed in a state of chemical chaos.
Your body has become physically dependent on the drug, and when you try to quit cold turkey, you may experience much more pain and health risks than you should. That’s why it is always recommended to follow your doctor’s advice or an inpatient medical detoxification. This way, you can minimize the withdrawal symptoms and risks as much as possible.
While there is no completely painless way to detox from Suboxone, medical detox is by far the safest and most effective option.
Waismann Method® Can Eliminate the Fear and Pain of Quitting Suboxone
Quitting Suboxone doesn’t have to be a long or painful process. Our trusted team of medical professionals knows that you’ve suffered enough already. We are here to make detoxification as safe, effective, and comfortable as possible.
By undergoing a rapid Suboxone detox, you are able to get through the acute withdrawal while sleeping under sedation. After a few days in the hospital, you have the opportunity to receive additional support at our exclusive Domus Retreat, where we will provide you with around-the-clock assistance and care.
If you or someone you know wants to become free of Suboxone dependence, the experts at Waismann Method® are here for you! Don’t put yourself through the unnecessary pain of quitting Suboxone cold turkey. Contact us today so we can get started on helping you achieve your goals. It’s time for you to take control of your life, and we are here to help you every step of the way.
