Suboxone is a medication prescribed to patients who are addicted to opiates. It has two active ingredients: buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine works by inhibiting opioid receptors, thereby reducing a person’s urges. Naloxone works by binding to opioid receptors and tricking the brain into thinking it still has access to opiates, thereby suppressing a person’s symptoms.
Suboxone, in and of itself, is an opioid. This is why Suboxone therapy withdrawal can be just as challenging as opiate withdrawal itself. What you decide to do can make the difference between suffering a relapse and getting closer to sobriety.
If you are going through Suboxone withdrawal and you want to mitigate the symptoms associated with it, a psychiatrist can provide the help that you need.
Symptoms of Suboxone Withdrawal
Withdrawal from Suboxone therapy can produce the following symptoms:
- Anxiety
- Body aches
- Depression
- Digestive Issues
- Headaches
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Lethargy
- Powerful drug cravings
Experiencing these symptoms has driven many to abuse Suboxone. Misusing Suboxone is all too common and can have the same unpleasant side effects as the misuse of opiates.
How A Psychiatrist Can Help
Suboxone withdrawal produces symptoms that usually manifest three days after the last dose, and that can last up to five weeks. Stopping Suboxone therapy cold turkey is, therefore, highly discouraged.
Patients undergoing treatment for suboxone withdrawal usually begin a rehabilitation program that includes therapy sessions to help maintain long-term sobriety. Mental health issues typically coexist with drug addictions, and treatment is required to address them as well. Treatment plans are individualized, based on the results of a comprehensive evaluation.
Your psychiatrist will usually prescribe the taper method, which involves decreasing your Suboxone dosage gradually, by a milligram each day to prevent your brain from producing a panic reaction to the inadequate intake of the drug.
In conjunction with the taper method, your psychiatrist can provide counseling and support during your withdrawal period and recommend peer support groups where you can get the rest of the motivation you need.
Finding a Highly Qualified Psychiatrist in NYC and Southbury, CT
At Psy-Visions, our very own Dr. Mark Stracks is committed to delivering the highest possible caliber of treatment for a wide range of mental health conditions, substance abuse and addiction, and Suboxone withdrawal.
Dr. Mark Stracks is a highly experienced psychiatrist known for his calm and comforting demeanor. He is the expert that you need to guide you through safely withdrawing from Suboxone and successfully avoiding relapse. During your initial appointment, he will get to know you and devise an appropriate treatment plan that will help you achieve long-term sobriety.
If you have questions about our services or you want to schedule an appointment with Dr. Stracks, please call (718) 887-2918 to contact our New York office or (203) 405-1745 to contact our Connecticut office or use our online request form. We also offer Telepsychiatry service, which allows you to remotely connect with Dr. Stracks for your treatment appointments.
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