Do I have to be in withdrawal before starting Suboxone?
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The first phase of treatment with buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone) is the induction and stabilization phase. It’s important that patients have mild-to-moderate withdrawal symptoms prior to induction… otherwise, buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone)—a partial opioid—will remove full opioids (e.g. heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone, methadone) from receptors in the brain, resulting in precipitated withdrawal (unpleasant and dangerous).
At Bicycle Health, our providers and health coaches will work with you to determine how long it will take to reach mild-to-moderate withdrawal, as well as provide robust psychosocial and physical supports throughout the induction and stabilization phase.