Detoxing From Suboxone - Tips and Advice

Suboxone is the commercial product name of a combination of two drugs called Buprenorphine and Naloxone. Suboxonewas developed for the treatment of addiction to drugs such as heroin, hydrocodone, OxyContin, Codeine, Fentanyl, and Morphine. Suboxone acts in a twofold manner. In the case of Buprenorphine, it has an agonist effect while Naloxone works as an antagonist that competes with and blocks the effects of other opioids in the system. What this means is that an addict who takes Suboxone will have his cravings "met" by the Buprenorphine part of the cocktail while at the same time avoiding withdrawal symptoms due to the effect of the Naloxone. Suboxone is prescribed by psychiatrist and drug addiction specialists. Recommended doses are between two milligrams and eight milligrams, with a maximum dosage of twenty-four milligrams per one day.

TIP: Download the complete guide to detox.

People who undergo drug addiction treatment consisting of Suboxone affirm having a great quality of life. One of the most important reasons for administering Suboxone is that since it is sold in pill form and sold in pharmacies like any other medicine the stigma of being associated with hard drug addiction is left out of the picture. But this is precisely where the danger of Suboxone makes its presence known. Because it's relative ease of procurement and low social stigma Suboxone dependency is not unheard of.

Patients who have had a prolonged addiction to opioids are most likely to abuse their Suboxone prescription. Deaths have been attributed to Suboxone abuse. The most common adverse effects of Suboxone abuse are the following:

1. Nausea
2. Vomiting
3. Muscle Pain and Cramps
4. Watery Eyes
5. Diarrhea
6. Fever
7. Insomnia
8. Increased Perspiration
9. Depression
10. Somnolence
11. Difficulty Speaking
12. Increased Blood Pressure
13. Diminished Memory
14. Apathy
15. Inability to Manage Emotional Responses
16. Diminished Libido
17. Abnormal Responses to Stress

Suboxone abuse and subsequent withdrawal can be just as harmful as that of the harsher drugs that led to the Suboxone prescription in the first place which is why I am going to give you some tips to detox from Suboxone if you find yourself in that predicament.
 

1. Kratom
   Kratom is a plant that belongs to the same family of the coffee plant. It has been used for thousands of years in Southeast Asia as a tea. Kratom is actually one of the least used Suboxone detox remedies but is surprisingly effective. This plant is very effective at easing symptoms of withdrawal without being an opiate. Kratom is rather an opioid agonist which means that it can mimic the effects of the opioid.
    
2. Passion Flower
   This herb is a common treatment for insomnia and anxiety. Passionflower activates the production of Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid or GABA. GABA is a chief inhibitory neurotransmitter of the central nervous system, and its principal role is reducing neuron excitability which makes it a wonderful tool in the process of detoxing the body from the harmful effects presented by Suboxone abuse.
    
3. DLPA
   DLPA is a supplement containing both D and L Phenylalanine. This essential amino acid is reputed for having great analgesic and antidepressant effects. The L component of DLPA is converted into L-tyrosine which is in turn synthesized into dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. DLPA can have a marked increase in your body's production of endorphins which make it a great way to treat anxiety and depression related to Suboxone abuse.
    
4. Ginseng
   Ginseng can be used to treat fatigue and nausea caused by withdrawal from Suboxone. Ginseng can also stabilize several physiological functions as well as boost the immune system.
    
5. Ginger
   Ginger is a root that is often used to treat gastrointestinal disorders. In the case of a Suboxone detox, it can help in alleviating nausea and stomach cramps that are commonly associated with opioid withdrawal.
    
6. Valerian Root
   This herb is used worldwide to treat insomnia and other sleeping disorders. For a Suboxone detox, valerian root can provide relief by reducing anxiety and inhibiting stress-related nerve impulses. Valeric acids found as components of the essential oils of the herb along with other semi-volatile compounds are believed to have some affinity for GABAA receptor, a class of receptors on which benzodiazepines are known to act.
    
7. VitaminC
   In high enough doses Vitamin C has been shown to block the neuromodulatory response of opioid receptors in the brain as well as inhibiting metalloenzymes and increasing endorphin levels.
    
8. Magnesium
   Magnesium is intricately tied to the production of Adenosine Triphosphate which can have the effect of increasing serotonin production.
    
9. Water
   As always with all manner of detox plans it is of supreme importance to stay hydrated. Water will help your body flush out any harmful waste products as well as aid in balancing metabolic functions.
    
10. Exercise
    Exercising is a great weapon in the fight against Suboxone withdrawal. First of all physical activity increases the body's natural levels of endorphins. Sweating profusely is also an effective way to flush out toxins and harmful waste products from your body. Try going for a brisk walk if you are feeling too weak to practice higher intensity exercise. The key here is to get your body to produce as many natural endorphins as possible as this will enable you to cope with pain and anxiety in a more efficient manner.
     
11. Stay Social
    Maintaining your social ties during this trying period can do wonders to help you deal with the elevated stress related to withdrawal symptoms. Make time for your family and friends and attempt to participate in relaxing activities or hobbies. Communicate with your loved ones; ask them for support during your recovery. Look for support groups and experienced therapists. Detoxing from such addicting substances can be extremely difficult and painful, and there is absolutely no reason why you should do it on your own.
     

References:

1. Blum, Kenneth, et al. "Withdrawal from buprenorphine/naloxone and maintenance with a natural dopaminergic agonist: A cautionary note." Journal of addiction research & therapy 4.2 (2013).
    
2. Daniulaityte, Raminta, et al. ""Sub is a weird drug:" A web‐based study of lay attitudes about use of buprenorphine to self‐treat opioid withdrawal symptoms." The American journal on addictions 24.5 (2015): 403-409.
    
3. Bell, James, et al. "A pilot study of buprenorphine–naloxone combination tablet (Suboxone®) in treatment of opioid dependence." Drug and Alcohol Review 23.3 (2004): 311-317.
    
4. O'connor, Patrick G., and Thomas R. Kosten. "Rapid and ultrarapid opioid detoxification techniques." Jama 279.3 (1998): 229-234.