If you’ve been struggling to quit suboxone and can’t seem to find a way out, don’t worry yourself. Quitting suboxone is a difficult decision to make, but one that can be life-saving. A lack of options and the stigma around addiction often make it hard for many people to stop using even when they want to get better. But there are ways to get off suboxone without adding more drugs or interventions into your life while dealing with both the physical and mental effects of withdrawal.
1. Use a Detox Program
Getting off Suboxone and other drugs and chemicals is always best left up to medical professionals or detox facilities. Many people who try to quit using on their end relapse due to the intense withdrawal symptoms they experience while trying to detox on their own, while others can’t get themselves back on track without help. Whether you choose in-patient or outpatient treatment, a professional can help you safely withdraw from suboxone while dealing with the mental and physical side effects associated with withdrawal. Since suboxone is an opioid, you may experience some of the following withdrawal symptoms after quitting:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Cramping, sweating, and tremors
- Restlessness or irritability
2. Take Cold Showers
Cold showers can help with both the physical and mental symptoms of withdrawal from suboxone, as well as help you become more energized\u2014a big benefit when you’re going through drug withdrawal. For example, cold showers have been shown to reduce the amount of pain a person feels during certain surgeries, which can also help reduce pain associated with methadone withdrawal. Taking cold showers can also help you feel more energized by helping to reduce your body’s sensitivity to pain since cold water has been shown to reduce the number of natural painkillers called endorphins in your body. Not only will taking cold showers help you to feel better physically, but it can also help with your mental state by giving you a much-needed distraction from the intense Suboxone withdrawal symptoms that plague you.
3. Exercise
Exercise is one of the most effective ways to deal with Suboxone withdrawal since it both distracts you from the negative effects of quitting and gives you a natural high that helps to reduce or eliminate cravings. By exercising, you release endorphins into your bloodstream, which are natural hormones that create a sense of wellbeing\u2014you can think of them as your body’s natural painkiller. A regular workout program will help boost your endorphin levels and reduce the negative feelings that can come with quitting suboxone. Providing an endorphin high by exercising also means that you’re less likely to experience cravings, which can make quitting suboxone easier. Even small bursts of activity like walking around the block every day throughout the day can help you break free of narcotic withdrawal.
4. Consider Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) can help you deal with the emotional side effects of Suboxone withdrawal, like depression. CBT is often recommended for people suffering from anxiety or depression after taking meds like suboxone, which helps them learn the skills they need to cope with their emotions and behaviors. CBT can help you both understand your eating habits and behavior patterns and appreciate different coping strategies like exercise or meditation. As an added benefit, increased mindfulness can help you to look at withdrawal symptoms differently, which can help you to decide if Suboxone treatment is the right option for you.
5. Find a Good Support Group
Since Suboxone withdrawal is out of your control, having a good support group in place can help you get through the process and come out on top. While taking the bus to work every day or living by yourself can seem like a safe and warm way to withdraw from drugs, you may feel alone and overwhelm by the intense withdrawal symptoms. Having a local support group that meets up weekly and can give you an outlet and company helps make the experience easier. The group will also help everyone through the process since talking about your experiences can help keep withdrawal symptoms under control. If you can’t find an in-person group, there are many forums online that specialize in helping people untangle themselves from suboxone and other drugs. By talking with other people that have been through the same experiences, you’ll not only find solace and support, but you can get tips to help increase your chances of success.
Conclusion
While quitting using suboxone can be overwhelming, you need not beat yourself up when things don’t work out. Some people may relate to the physical and mental effects of quitting suboxone when they feel forced into doing so, but these negative associations should not define you. Just because the withdrawal process is difficult doesn’t mean that you can’t overcome it in a healthy and lasting way.
Do you need assistance in quitting using suboxone? We can help. Call us today at 772-266-5320 to find out about treatment options.
