Suboxone is a long-acting partial opioid antagonist. For this reason, the onset of Suboxone withdrawal symptoms is typically delayed. Withdrawal symptoms also tend to last longer than they do in those who stop taking short-acting opioid drugs only. So, how long does Suboxone withdrawal last? Southern Pines Recovery can help. We are an outpatient detox center in Georgia, proud to act as a resource for people overcoming addiction in their loved ones.
Summary: Acute suboxone withdrawal usually lasts about 10 days, but factors like dosage and how long you took it can make a difference. Treatment can help you get through Suboxone withdrawal.
How Long Does Suboxone Withdrawal Last?
Physical symptoms of Suboxone withdrawal will usually start within the first 24 hours after your last time taking it and tend to last for around 10 days. Other symptoms, like drug cravings and depression, may last longer. It is critical that you are in contact with your treatment team at this time. You should have recovery resources to turn to, as the risk of relapse can be higher for those who have persistent drug cravings after stopping Suboxone.
There’s always an important caveat when we answer the question “How long does suboxone withdrawal last?” which is that it varies from person to person. There are a few factors that tend to impact the length of Suboxone withdrawal. For example, dosage and how long you’ve taken Suboxone for. People who take Suboxone for longer or in higher doses are more likely to have acute withdrawal symptoms for a little longer. It is essential to remember that they will not last forever.
Outpatient Detox for Suboxone Withdrawal
Although Suboxone can be used during the detox process for people getting off of other opioid drugs, it can cause withdrawal symptoms itself. Outpatient detox makes it possible to get off of Suboxone without inpatient hospitalization. You can sleep and live at home while getting outpatient detox services at our center during the week. Some people even work or go to school while going through suboxone detox with us.
Our outpatient detox center provides emotional support, medical monitoring, and treatment (e.g., non-habit-forming medications as needed) for symptoms. On your first two days of treatment, you’ll have three hour-long assessments each. People generally attend daily appointments for 1-3 weeks total. This does not mean your work is over. While we will not pressure you, Southern Pines Recovery can provide referrals to therapists, treatment centers, and other resources to support your long-term recovery as needed.
Who we Serve
No matter why you use Suboxone, you may need help through the detox process. We work with people from all walks of life. Some people, like those in certain professions, will have specific treatment needs. We offer specialized resources for:
If you work for a hospital, are an employer, or would like to refer someone to us, don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re here to help.
Suboxone withdrawal symptoms: physical vs. psychological
A side-by-side reference distinguishing the physical and psychological symptoms of Suboxone withdrawal — when each appears, how long each lasts, and what helps manage each type.
| Factor | Physical symptoms | Psychological symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| When they appear Onset timing |
Within the first 24 hours after the last Suboxone dose — delayed compared to short-acting opioids due to Suboxone’s long half-life and its sustained action in the body after the last dose. | Often emerge alongside physical symptoms but can continue or intensify after physical symptoms have largely resolved — sometimes persisting for weeks or months into the recovery period. |
| When they peak Most intense period |
First 72 hours Physical symptoms are typically at their worst within the first three days after the last dose — making this the highest-risk window for discomfort-driven relapse and the period when daily clinical support matters most. |
Variable timeline Psychological symptoms may peak alongside physical ones or emerge more prominently after the physical phase ends — particularly depression and cravings, which can intensify once the distraction of acute physical symptoms has resolved. |
| Common symptoms | Headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle aches, chills, fever, sweating, insomnia, fatigue, and dilated pupils — the physical withdrawal signature of partial opioid agonist discontinuation. | Depression, mood swings, drug cravings, and difficulty concentrating — symptoms that reflect the brain’s adjustment to functioning without Suboxone after a period of dependence on the medication. |
| How long they last Duration |
~10 days for most people Acute physical symptoms typically resolve within about 10 days — though higher doses and longer duration of use can extend this timeline for some individuals. |
Weeks to months Psychological symptoms — particularly depression and cravings — can persist well beyond the acute physical phase and represent the primary relapse risk during longer-term recovery from Suboxone dependence. |
| What helps Management approach |
Medical monitoring, tapering under clinical guidance, and non-habit-forming medications as appropriate — all available through Southern Pines Recovery’s daily outpatient detox program without requiring inpatient hospitalization. | Therapy & ongoing support Individual therapy, peer support, and aftercare resources address the psychological symptoms that outlast detox. Southern Pines provides referrals to therapists and treatment centers as part of the transition out of outpatient detox. |
Source: Southern Pines Recovery — How Long Does Suboxone Withdrawal Last?
Call Southern Pines Recovery for Outpatient Detox in Georgia
Southern Pines Recovery is a trusted outpatient detox center in Georgia. As the only outpatient detox center in a 100-mile radius, we help people get off of substances safely and successfully without inpatient hospitalization. We accept most forms of insurance. You can check on your coverage for outpatient detox online using our Insurance Verification form or call us at 706-534-2567. Whether you have a question like “how long does suboxone withdrawal last?” or are ready to start the admissions process, our team is here to help.
FAQs
What is Suboxone?
Suboxone is a type of medication that is used to treat opioid use disorder. It contains a mixture of buprenorphine and naloxone, both of which play different roles. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid antagonist that curbs cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Naloxone prevents and deters misuse of opioid drugs; it is added to lower the likelihood of misuse.
What helps suboxone withdrawal symptoms?
People going through Suboxone withdrawal may benefit from tapering, which involves slowly reducing their dose over several weeks or months, depending on their starting dose, until the person is no longer taking the drug. Some non-habit-forming medications can also be prescribed to ease withdrawal symptoms. It’s important that a person has guidance from a healthcare professional during this process so that they can get personalized guidance and appropriate medical care during Suboxone withdrawal.
What is a typical suboxone withdrawal timeline?
Most of the time, Suboxone withdrawal symptoms start within about 24 hours after your last dose. They peak (are at their worst) in the first 72 hours and usually start to dissipate after that.
What are the physical and mental symptoms of suboxone withdrawal?
Physical symptoms of Suboxone withdrawal tend to include:
- Headaches
- Gastrointestinal problems (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)
- Dilated pupils
- Chills
- Fever
- Insomnia
- Muscle aches
- Fatigue
- Sweating
Mental symptoms of Suboxone withdrawal often include:
- Depression
- Mood swings
- Drug cravings
- Trouble focusing
Physical symptoms typically go away first. Symptoms like depression can extend into the post-acute withdrawal period. Having support matters. Therapy can be helpful for people going through challenges like feelings of depression or psychological cravings after they quit.
What are the side effects of Suboxone?
Suboxone is an important medication treatment with real medical uses, but that does not mean it is without risks. People can experience a range of side effects from taking Suboxone. For example:
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Blurred vision
- Trouble concentrating
- Withdrawal symptoms
- Nausea, vomiting, or constipation
- Headaches
- Back or body pain
- Trouble sleeping
- Increased sweating
- Feeling drunk or like your balance is off
People can experience severe side effects other than withdrawal, such as dangerously slowed breathing, liver problems, allergic reactions, problems with teeth or gums, and high levels of serotonin in the body.
When should I seek immediate medical attention for a person taking Suboxone?
You should seek medical attention for yourself or your loved one right away if you notice lightheadedness, confusion, loss of coordination, allergic reactions, extreme weakness, weak or shallow breathing, breathing that stops during sleep, or any other severe symptoms.
Can people overdose on Suboxone?
Yes. Although it is rare, you can overdose on Suboxone, especially if you abuse it, do not have an existing tolerance to opioid drugs, or are using other substances simultaneously.
What if I mix Suboxone with other substances?
Mixing Suboxone with other drugs can make serious complications, like overdose and death, more likely. We help people who use multiple substances. If you use Suboxone alongside another substance, like alcohol, it is important to be honest with your medical team so that they can support and treat you appropriately.
Resources
https://www.samhsa.gov/substance-use/treatment/options/buprenorphine