How Long Does Suboxone Stay in Your System?

Suboxone, a prescription medication for opioid addiction treatment, has gained attention and raised several misconceptions. By shedding light on the facts surrounding Suboxone, we can better grasp its benefits and limitations in combating opioid dependency. 

Comprising two active ingredients, Suboxone offers a unique approach to address withdrawal symptoms and cravings for opioids. It’s a medication used in medically-assisted treatment (MAT) in addiction recovery.

What is Suboxone?

Suboxone is a semi-synthetic opioid prescription medication that treats opioid addiction. Physicians usually prescribe it as part of a comprehensive treatment program that includes counseling and behavioral therapy.

It contains two active ingredients: buprenorphine and naloxone. These ingredients work together to help alleviate withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings for opioids.

Buprenorphine

Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, which means that it activates the same receptors in the brain as opioids but to a lesser degree. By activating these receptors, buprenorphine can help reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings for opioids without producing the same level of euphoria or respiratory depression as many opioids like heroin or prescription painkillers.

Naloxone

Naloxone, on the other hand, is an opioid antagonist, which means that it blocks the effects of opioids on the receptors in the brain. It keeps the effects of the drug to a minimum. Naloxone and buprenorphine together essentially “weans” a person off of opioids.

How Long Does Suboxone Stay in Your System?

In general, Suboxone can be detected in the body for several days after the last dose. Depending on several factors and the type of test being done, suboxone can be detected for varying timeframes:

• Saliva—ranging from several days to more than eight days
• Urine—up to two weeks
• Hair—up to three months

It is important to note that while you may detect Suboxone in the body for several days, the effects of the medication only last around 24 hours. Doctors typically prescribe Suboxone in daily doses.

What Affects How Long Suboxone Remains in Your System?

The length of time that Suboxone stays in the body can vary based on several factors, including:

• Individual metabolism
• Liver health
• Dosage
• Extended use

Why Does It Matter?

For many medications, it doesn’t entirely matter how long it stays in your system. However, because Suboxone is a semi-synthetic opioid, you need to be more in tune with your medication regimen. 

It does create mild effects on the body and mind that last roughly one day. Suboxone can increase the risk of overdose if it is misused or taken in combination with other drugs. It is crucial to take Suboxone precisely as a healthcare professional prescribes and avoid using it with other medications, drugs, or alcohol.

Perhaps most on the forefront of Suboxone takers’ minds is its appearance on job-mandated drug tests. There are methods to come off of Suboxone in those cases, and in cases of long travel or incarceration. However, always talk to your doctor about the best course of action, and don’t stop taking Suboxone cold-turkey.

Suboxone Myths and Misconceptions

Using Suboxone to treat opioid addiction can be surrounded by various myths and misconceptions. It's important to separate fact from fiction to understand the medication's benefits and limitations, and why you need to know how present it is in your body. Let's explore some common myths and truths associated with using Suboxone for opioid addiction treatment:

Myth 1: Suboxone Is Only A Short-Term Solution 

Truth: Suboxone can be used both in the short-term and long-term, depending on the individual's needs and treatment goals. Suboxone can be prescribed in two distinct treatment methods:

Maintenance Treatment

Maintenance treatment is used once opioid withdrawal symptoms have started. It can be broken into three stages:

• Induction—your doctor will introduce Suboxone to your system. This phase lasts approximately one week
• Stabilization—during this stage, the client no longer feels withdrawal symptoms. This phase lasts one to two months
• Maintenance—this is long-term treatment. Maintenance can last anywhere from a few months to a lifetime.

Detoxification Treatment

Detoxification treatment assists the transition from physical dependence on opioids to independence. It looks slightly different than maintenance treatment.

• Induction—your doctor will introduce Suboxone to your system, with two doses on the first day. This stage only lasts three days
• Dose reduction—Eventually, your doctor will take you off Suboxone, therefore opioids completely. Moderate period reduction lasts anywhere from 10-14 days, while short period reduction is roughly three days.

Suboxone can be an effective maintenance medication to help prevent relapse and sustain recovery. Healthcare professionals determine treatment duration through discussions tailored to each person's unique circumstances.

Myth 2: Suboxone Is Just Substituting One Addiction For Another 

Truth: Suboxone is a medication-assisted treatment that helps individuals manage their addiction and work towards recovery. 

Unlike illicit opioids, Suboxone is prescribed by healthcare professionals and taken under their supervision. It allows individuals to stabilize their lives, reduce withdrawal symptoms, and engage in counseling and behavioral therapies to address the underlying causes of addiction.

While Suboxone is an opioid, its composition minimizes the risk of addiction when used as directed. Under proper medical supervision, users gradually taper off the medication when ready to discontinue its use.

Myth 3: Suboxone Is The Only Treatment Needed For Recovery 

Truth: Suboxone is part of a comprehensive treatment approach for opioid addiction. 

It is most effective when combined with other interventions. They address addiction's psychological, social, and behavioral aspects, helping individuals develop coping skills, establish a support network, and make positive lifestyle changes.  Long-term success requires ongoing commitment, support, and a holistic approach to address all aspects of addiction.

Suboxone for Opioid Addiction

Suboxone can be an effective medication for treating opioid addiction, but it is essential to understand how long it stays in the body and its potential effects. 

If you are considering using Suboxone to treat your addiction, understanding the truths about using Suboxone as a treatment option can help you or your loved ones make informed decisions with healthcare professionals and seek support to overcome opioid addiction. 

Recover from Opioid Addiction with Sequoia Behavioral Health

Sequoia Behavioral Health offers a comprehensive process to assist individuals in their opioid addiction recovery, with a 30-day residential treatment program designed uniquely for each individual. This program involves group therapy sessions, small group recreational therapy, and daily one-on-one sessions with therapists to receive personalized treatment.

Sequoia recognizes that inpatient treatment is just the beginning and focuses on aftercare planning. We work with you to develop a plan for continued outpatient therapy, ensuring that you clearly understand the next steps forward upon completing the program. This thorough approach to recovery facilitates a successful transition and sets the foundation for long-term mental health and well-being.

Contact our team today to start your recovery journey.