How Long Does Suboxone Stay in Your System?

If you're under treatment with Suboxone, you may be wondering how long Suboxone will stay in your system. Will it be detectable in a drug test? Should you stop taking it before certain events or activities where drug tests could be required? These are important questions that need to be answered.

Like most medications, Suboxone can be detected in the body in varying amounts of time depending on different factors. You must understand how long Suboxone will stay in your system so you can plan accordingly and avoid unexpected results from a drug test.

We'll start by understanding what Suboxone is and how it works.

Suboxone: How Does It Work? Understanding the opioid effect is essential for understanding how Suboxone works. The opioid effect occurs when a drug activates a pain-blocking receptor in your brain, causing pain perception to change and release that mimics pleasure. Opioids are drugs derived from opium, a natural substance in certain plants. These opioids are highly addictive and can cause significant physical and psychological dependence. Synthetic opioids such as Fentanyl can cause the same effects but are often times more potent and dangerous. 

Suboxone is a prescription medication used to help treat opioid addiction by blocking the effects of opioids on the brain. It has two ingredients: buprenorphineand naloxone. Buprenorphine helps reduce cravings for opioids, while naloxone blocks the effects of opioids on the brain.

Suboxone is typically prescribed to individuals abusing opioids for an extended period or with a severe addiction. It can also help people transition from short-term to long-term treatment. It should be used in addition to counseling and other forms of therapy, not as a stand-alone treatment.

The Half-Life of Suboxone  

Half-life refers to the time it takes for a drug to be reduced by half. It is essential to understand how long Suboxone stays in your system because it will help you determine how much time needs to pass before it's totally eliminated from your body.

Since Suboxone is composed of two ingredients, each has its own half-life. Buprenorphine has a half-life of 24 to 42 hours, while naloxone's half-life is between 2 and 12 hours.

The reason why Suboxone is an effective treatment for opioid addiction is that it lingers longer than dangerous opioids like heroin and morphine. It means it can be taken less frequently than other opioids, reducing the chances of relapse.

Factors That Influence How Long Suboxone Remains in Your System 

Different factors can influence how long Suboxone will stay in your system. These include:

• Health - Your overall health can affect how quickly your body processes and eliminates medications. For example, if your liver or kidneys are not functioning correctly, it could take longer for Suboxone to be eliminated from your body.

• Age - Age can also affect how long Suboxone stays in your system. In general, older individuals tend to have slower metabolisms which can result in the drug taking longer to be processed and eliminated.

• Genetics - It can affect how quickly your body metabolizes and eliminates Suboxone. Individuals with a particular genetic variation may process Suboxone more slowly than others, resulting in it staying in the system for longer.

• Body Composition - Individuals with higher body fat tend to metabolize drugs slower than those with lower body fat.

How Long Does Suboxone Stay in Your Saliva?

Suboxone can be detected within minutes of consumption and can still be seen for up to three days in your saliva. Saliva testing is used in certain situations, such as workplace drug tests.

How Long Does Suboxone Stay in Your Urine?  

Urine testing is the most common form of drug testing. If you were to be tested for Suboxone, it is detectable in urine for up to 6 days. This detection window may extend depending on individual factors.

How Long Does Suboxone Stay in Your Blood

Suboxone enters the bloodstream through a tablet or film placed under your tongue or through a film held between your cheek and gums.

Buprenorphine in Suboxone takes 30 minutes to 3.5 hours to reach peak blood concentration after being absorbed into your blood. However, you can feel the effects on your body and brain for up to 72 hours.

Though Suboxone blood testing is uncommon, it can be detected in your blood for at least two days.

How Long Does Suboxone Stay in Your Hair?

It is uncommon to test hair samples for residues of Suboxone. However, this test can identify chemicals in hair from approximately a week after the last time you took it and up to 3 months later.

Can You Detox From Suboxone Faster?  

While it is possible to speed up the detoxing process from Suboxone, you should not attempt it without medical supervision. Detoxification can be dangerous and uncomfortable, so it's vital to get professional help when going through this process.

Your doctor can advise you on how to reduce your dosage or come off Suboxone completely. They can also refer you to a rehab facility or specialist detox treatment program if necessary.

However, whatever your reasons for taking a drug test, you should never attempt to stop Suboxone abruptly. Going cold turkey can lead to serious health complications, so you must follow your doctor's advice when detoxing from Suboxone.

Getting Help for Suboxone Addiction 

Addiction is a severe condition and should not be taken lightly. If you think you may have an addiction to Suboxone, it is crucial to seek professional help as soon as possible.

Numerous treatment options are available for those struggling with opioid addiction, including residential programs, outpatient treatment programs, and medication-assisted treatment (MAT). To find the best treatment plan for you, visit SuboxoneDoctor.com to get in touch with a certified addiction specialist.

We can provide the support and resources you need to reclaim your life and get back on track. Contact us today for more information.