Getting off of suboxone

Unfortunately this information over 20 years old for the latest publication. My question and I apologize for my lack of addiction medicine knowledge, is what about your SUD that got you here? Will going off Suboxone potential cause a relapse?

I have a 36 yr old son who has been on Suboxone for about 10 years. He is currently on 3 mg. We need info on how to go about getting off this medication . He lives in Pennsylvania. Does anyone have any help for us? Doctors are willing to prescribe the meds but don’t seem as helpful when you want to get off of it. Thank you

Laura G.

Hi @buckhout324, welcome. I moved your question to this existing discussion:
- Getting off of suboxone https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/suboxone/

I did this so you can connect with fellow members like @clutch @alh123 @pcinoregon @michellemeans1952 @jenatsky.

As you likely know, tapering off Suboxone can be an uncomfortable and lengthy process. I'm really sorry to hear that your son is not being guided on how to taper by his prescribing doctor. I wonder if this article might provide a helpful starting place as you gather information:
- How to Taper Off Suboxone https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/suboxone-addiction/suboxone-taper/

Laura, may I ask, was your son using Suboxone to taper off stronger opioids and now wishes to also removed the dependence on Subonxone? Do you live close to your son? How are you doing?

Yes he was put on Suboxone to relieve the addiction to opioids. My husband and I live in New Jersey about 1 and 1/2 hrs from him. I wish we knew that Suboxone was addictive also but that is water under the bridge. He has tried to drop to 2mg but it was so difficult. Thanks for your response! I really appreciate it. We are doing okay but this has always been a worry for us.

Has anyone considered an inpatient facility to wean off of Suboxone? Any info would be helpful. Thank you

Suboxone has never given me pain relief. Was given it for opioid withdrawal I take a third of a 2mg every other day. No matter what I can’t go below. The restless leg syndrome is unbearable
A good friend of mine who worked for SAMHSA suggested that while the world is in a tailspin and it’s helping what is the need to get off. I never crave opioids. The major issue for me other than cost (psychiatrist doesn’t accept insurance for suboxone scripts) is that my tongue is a mess from taking it sublingual

@leh09, I too, am on Suboxone, 1/2 of an 8-2mg. tablet. What problems are you having under your tongue from the medication? Also, since on the Suboxone, have you had a need for an opioid for real pain relief? Suboxone doesn’t provide any relief for me either and I fear the day when/if I am in real need. Thoughts?