How long does it take to become physically dependent on Suboxone?
Question by sickdope: How long does it take to become physically dependent on Suboxone?
So I got prescribed 8mg/day of Suboxone on September fifth to ease withdrawing from a relatively mild and short term addiction to prescription opiates. Consistent with standard protocols for outpatient Suboxone treatment, my doctor wants me to continue with this dosage schedule for at least a few months.
A little history. This is actually the second time I’ve been on the Bupe. The first was about four years ago when I used it to kick a serious three year heroin habit. That time I employed a strategy where I discontinued use after about two weeks – after I’d beaten the physical dependency on H, but before developing one for the Sub (It was a flippin’ miracle. Seriously, no withdrawals from either. Complete freedom after three years of absolute hell. In my ignorant and unlettered opinion this should be the way this medication is administered. Screw swapping addictions).
So now, after four years sans dependency, I find myself in a similar situation and am once again not taking the Sub as prescribed. After the first four days of treatment I went cold turkey for seven days with no ill effects. Since then – about three weeks – I’ve been popping 8mgs every three or four days, honestly just to catch a light buzz. I’m obviously flirting with disaster, but I’d like a little light on how dangerous my coquetry actually may be. Sub has got an absolutely insane half-life – 37 hours – so I’m thinking an interval of 72 to 96 hours may well fall in a dependence developing range. Anyone have an informed opinion on this? And please, hold off on any moralizing about my misuse/abuse of drugs. I totally get it. I’m a self-destructive douche and my very existence is an affront to honest, decent and hardworking people everywhere. Just stick to the physiology if you would.
Best answer:
Answer by LoneRanger
You sound very Intelligent, and you were wise to only stay on the sub for a very short time, but now, you are playing with a hot match. i can’t answer your question because of the way you are dosing, but basically with the long half life and stacking effect you are at about 2 mg’s a day (taking an 8mg every 3-4 days). So it sounds like you’ve been on it about a month now…one month is usually about the cut off point for whether or not you are going to have post acute withdrawal. I’d say taper off the sub in the next week and be done with it.
if you stay of the sub another month or two i would bet you will suffer PAWS for at least 6 months.
www.subsux.com
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