Butrans Patches Withdrawal and Detox

BuTrans is a powerful prescription pain medication that can be categorised as an opioid. The drug is typically prescribed for the management of severe pain when non-opioid pain medication like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can’t help.

While BuTrans may be useful if you’re experiencing constant severe pain, using the drug for an extended period of time has its downsides. For example, BuTrans is a highly addictive painkiller. This is due to the opioid element of the drug; even if used according to prescription, there is still a high risk of developing an addiction to BuTrans.

Aside from the risk of addiction, BuTrans (being a long-acting opioid drug) can put you at risk of suffering a potentially fatal overdose if used contrary to prescription.

If you or a loved one have been using BuTrans for a long time and experience withdrawal symptoms whenever you fail to take a dose, start regaining control of your life by getting in touch with a confidential addiction treatment clinic today.

BuTrans Withdrawal: What Is It?

BuTrans withdrawal occurs when you have developed a physical dependence or addiction to the drug. Withdrawal symptoms will likely manifest in the event you try to suddenly quit or simply delay in taking a fresh dose.

BuTrans withdrawal symptoms can vary in severity, depending on the level of your addiction. If your addiction has been present for some time, withdrawal symptoms will likely be more uncomfortable in comparison to someone whose BuTrans addiction has been short-lived. Other factors can also influence the severity of withdrawal symptoms, such as your physiology, how much of the drug was being taken, and if you were combining the use of BuTrans with other substances.

BuTrans withdrawal isn’t usually life-threatening, but the symptoms can be if medical treatment isn’t provided to minimise their effects. The most prevalent complication from experiencing BuTrans withdrawal symptoms is the high likelihood of suffering a relapse. This can inadvertently lead to an accidental and possibly fatal overdose, especially if your detoxification has significantly progressed.

It’s, for this reason, it is strongly recommended that the withdrawal process is carried out in a specialised detox centre, under the watchful eyes of medical professionals. This is the best and safest way to avoid suffering a relapse or any other long-term health complications during recovery.

During BuTrans withdrawal, you could experience vomiting and diarrhoea, which could lead to dangerous levels of dehydration, as well as aspiration. Cardiac arrhythmias and severe depression are also not uncommon amongst recovering BuTrans addicts.

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Causes of BuTrans Withdrawal

Like other opioids, the regular use of BuTrans can eventually lead to physical dependence. Repeated use or abuse will result in your body adapting to the influence of BuTrans and depending on the drug to function optimally. In such circumstances, when BuTrans levels in the bloodstream begin to subside, the human system will be thrown off-balance and will lead to experience intense cravings for the drug.

The addictive nature of the opioid contents of BuTrans is what eventually results in addiction if you use it for an extended period of time or contrary to prescription. The addictiveness of the drug will be further intensified if you combine it with other central nervous system depressants, such as alcohol.

BuTrans Withdrawal Timeline

The duration of BuTrans withdrawal isn’t set in stone, as individuals with varying levels of addiction will experience it differently. Generally speaking, after quitting BuTrans, the withdrawal will likely progress in the following manner:

24 to 72 hours: Usually, BuTrans withdrawal symptoms will peak in severity 72 hours after the last dose. Once that time period elapses, the intensity of symptoms will slowly begin to reduce. Symptoms experienced during this period can include profuse sweating, diarrhoea, watery eyes, nausea, dilated pupils, and restlessness.

Week 1: After the first week of quitting BuTrans, you could continue to experience physical cramps and other body aches. Insomnia may also occur alongside bouts of anxiety or depression.

Week 2: After two weeks have passed, your discomfort and pain will likely continue, but be less severe. Depression and an extreme loss of motivation will likely persist.

Week 3 to 4: By the fourth week, the most prominent of your physical withdrawal symptoms should have passed. However, intense drug cravings and depression may still occur. During this period, you need to be carefully supervised, as a relapse could occur, which might prove to be fatal.

BuTrans Withdrawal: Symptoms and Effects

During withdrawal, a variety of physical and psychological symptoms will occur. These can vary in intensity and severity, with some being uncomfortable and others being extremely painful. It’s best if you are admitted to an inpatient addiction clinic for the duration of withdrawal so that medication can be prescribed to help minimise the discomfort of the symptoms.

Symptoms of BuTrans withdrawal

Most people fail to complete the detox process of addiction treatment because they suffer a relapse in the hope of escaping the discomfort of withdrawal symptoms. However, a relapse will only provide a temporary reprieve. The most effective way to actually negotiate withdrawal is to complete the detox process and get past the withdrawal symptoms permanently.

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Physical symptoms of BuTrans withdrawal

Physical symptoms of BuTrans withdrawal will affect various parts of your body. However, the symptoms can be effectively managed and minimised if you’re being cared for at an addiction centre. Some of the more common symptoms include:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Headaches
  • Muscle aches
  • Digestive distress
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Profuse sweating

Psychological symptoms of BuTrans withdrawal

Aside from physical withdrawal symptoms, you could also experience psychological withdrawal symptoms such as:

  • Insomnia
  • Lethargy
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Irritability
  • Drug cravings
  • Difficulty Concentrating

Psychological withdrawal symptoms might last longer than physical ones if not properly managed and can lead to long-term mental health complications. To avoid this, get in touch with a professional addiction treatment facility today to discover what treatment options are available to best help you make a full recovery.

Effects of BuTrans withdrawal

If not properly managed, BuTrans withdrawal can lead to extreme short and long-term side effects. These include anxiety, depression, aggression, nausea, vomiting, trouble concentrating, goose bumps, diarrhoea, muscle aches, fever, insomnia, cravings, and irritability. Therefore, don’t try to beat withdrawal on your own. Instead, seek professional help as soon as possible to ensure a quick and uncomplicated recovery.

BuTrans Detoxification

General practice and experience have shown that there’s more than one path to fully achieving complete detox from BuTrans. Commonly, a tapering process is recommended to minimise the severity of withdrawal symptoms.

The option of a rapid detox procedure is also available. This attempts to help you get through the detox process as quickly as possible, experiencing only minimal withdrawal symptoms. If successful, such a programme can help you fully accomplish detox in as little as three days. However, there are many who believe that not only is a rapid detox ineffectual in the long run, but it might also be dangerous.

If your BuTrans addiction is severe, an inpatient detox facility is recommended for treatment. An outpatient treatment facility will be better suited to patients with less of an addiction and for those who will likely experience less severe withdrawal symptoms. However, there is also the option of combining treatment on an inpatient and outpatient basis for both convenience and effectiveness. For instance, you can use an inpatient facility during the initial and more crucial stages of detox and then progress to outpatient treatment thereafter.

BuTrans abuse: Detox process

You‘ll first undergo an intake process, during which the severity of your addiction – as well as the state of your health – will be determined. Based on this information, the treatment centre will then recommend an appropriate course of detox & rehab to deal with your condition. During the intake process, it’s vital that you offer honest and accurate information, especially regarding whether you were abusing any other substances alongside BuTrans, as well if you’ve been previously diagnosed with any physical or mental health issues.

The process of tapering your BuTrans dose will involve sequentially reducing how much you use over a predetermined period of time until you are completely weaned off the drug. You could also be provided medication during detox to ease the withdrawal symptoms.

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BuTrans detoxification timeline

Abruptly quitting an opioid drug such as BuTrans will likely lead to the sudden emergence of certain symptoms. These will pass in time, whereas others (especially those of a psychological nature) may linger for a while longer. For instance, intense cravings will begin within hours of quitting and can continue for the entire duration of your detoxification.

BuTrans detoxification timeline can include the following stages:

Within 12 hours, you may begin to experience cravings, muscle aches, as well as anxiety, insomnia, runny nose, and sweating.

During the first two to three days, symptoms may intensify and you’ll experience vomiting, diarrhoea, increased blood pressure, goose bumps, abdominal cramps, dilated pupils and racing heart rate.

Within a week, most of the more severe symptoms should have eased off, but those of a psychological nature (and their subsequent effects) will likely still remain.

Treatment methods and options

BuTrans withdrawal may not be life-threatening, but it can lead to a variety of mental and physical complications if not properly managed. By receiving addiction treatment at a BuTrans detox centre, the acute symptoms of withdrawal can be minimised and the chances of ensuring long-term recovery improved.

A gradual tapering process to wean addicts off the drug is often effective and less painful, especially if supported by a medically assisted detox. During the tapering process, the following therapy and treatment options may be provided to guide you towards making a full recovery:

  • Outpatient withdrawal treatment: An outpatient programme can be immensely helpful for both long and short-term recovery efforts. Many people prefer outpatient programmes because they get to return home each day, once treatment complete. However, an outpatient programme is best suited for recovering addicts whose addiction isn’t that severe, as their withdrawal symptoms won’t necessarily require round-the-clock supervision.
  • Inpatient programmes: This is the most effective treatment programme for individuals with a severe addiction, as you’ll be cared for in a controlled environment where stressors and triggers that normally influence you to abuse drugs will be absent. You’ll also have access to 24/7 medical care to help manage your withdrawal symptoms and general wellbeing. Treatment will take place at a live-in treatment facility, where you’ll attend therapy groups, individual counselling, 12-step meetings, and participate in a variety of healthy recovery activities.
  • Partial hospitalisation programmes: This is a form of outpatient treatment that provides medical support and therapy for the duration of your treatment programme.
  • Dual diagnosis programmes: These are for addicts who may have a co-occurring mental disorder alongside their addiction issues. For such individuals, it’s best that the co-occurring mental disorder is treated alongside the BuTrans addiction in order to guarantee a full recovery, as well as reduce the chances of a possible relapse.
  • 12-step programmes: An example of such is Narcotics Anonymous, which offers peer support and helps prevent relapse. These programmes can benefit a recovering addict during and after treatment (as part of aftercare).

Besides the range of therapy mentioned above, medication can also be used to facilitate the recovery process. Withdrawing from BuTrans could require the use of certain medications to treat withdrawal symptoms and minimise discomfort. Examples of such medication include:

  • Naltrexone can be used to minimise chances of a relapse by blocking the effects of BuTrans.
  • Clonidine may be utilised to minimise withdrawal symptoms like sweating, cramping, anxiety, and muscle discomfort.
  • Benzodiazepines could be administered to help with insomnia and anxiety.
  • Over the counter medication might also be applied to treat nausea and diarrhoea.
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Finding the right treatment

When seeking the right treatment for BuTrans addiction, it’s important to know what you’re looking for, so you can get professional assistance that can actually help. To select the appropriate treatment, you need to take the following into consideration:

  • Would you prefer an inpatient or outpatient setting?
  • Would you like to receive addiction treatment close to home or even abroad?
  • Would you prefer to continue working whilst receiving treatment?
  • Will your insurance policy cover the cost of treatment?
  • Is the treatment programme affordable?
  • Does the treatment facility have experience helping people with your unique type of addiction?

BuTrans addiction doesn’t have to be a lifetime burden and you can get professional help with making a full recovery.

Find the best residential BuTrans recovery centre

For the most effective results, it’s best to be admitted to an inpatient treatment centre, where you’ll have access to 24/7 medical care from professionals. In such an environment, you’ll be protected from triggers and stressors that might cause you to abuse BuTrans. Also, your condition will be monitored round-the-clock and medical assistance provided as needed to reduce health risks and dangers brought on by withdrawal.

Home detox for BuTrans abusers: How safe is it?

Certain individuals prefer the idea of quitting BuTrans by detoxing ‘cold turkey’ at home. We strongly advise against this, as such an approach to detox poses a variety of dangers. If improperly cared for, BuTrans withdrawal symptoms can lead to long-term health complications. Also, by detoxing at home, you won’t have access to immediate medical help and you might not be properly prepared for the onset of withdrawal symptoms. Furthermore, detoxing at home greatly increases your chances of suffering a relapse, as you’ll still have easy access to substances of abuse.

Self-detoxification from BuTrans

Specific reasons why detoxing from BuTrans at home could be harmful include:

  • The inconsistency of symptoms: Withdrawal symptoms can unpredictably fluctuate, leaving you overwhelmed and vulnerable to health dangers.
  • Self-medication during withdrawal can do more harm than good, as you could end up abusing other drugs and substances in an unhealthy manner.
  • Risk of relapse is greatly increased during self-detox, as there’s no one to stop you from indulging your cravings.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are there side-effects?

Using BuTrans for longer than prescribed (or in higher doses than advised) can lead to a range of side effects. The most dangerous are developing a physical dependence and addiction. A fatal overdose is also a possibility.

Depending on an individual’s physiology, other side effects may include: anxiety, depression, aggression, nausea, vomiting, trouble concentrating, goose bumps, diarrhoea, muscle aches, fever, insomnia, cravings, and irritability

How long do BuTrans withdrawal symptoms last?

The duration of BuTrans withdrawal symptoms can vary from one person to the next. Factors that contribute to determining how long BuTrans withdrawal symptoms last include: physiology; the dose frequently abused; longevity of BuTrans abuse; and whether other substances were used alongside BuTrans. Generally speaking, withdrawal symptoms can last for three to five weeks.

Do symptoms and their duration vary from person to person?

Yes. The duration and type of BuTrans withdrawal symptoms will vary from person to person. Determining factors include: your physiology; the dosage frequently abused; longevity of BuTrans abuse; and whether other substances were abused alongside BuTrans.

How long does BuTrans withdrawal last?

Generally speaking, BuTrans withdrawal can last anywhere between three to five weeks.

Can I get help for BuTrans addiction?

Yes. There are a variety of addiction treatment centres available in the UK (and abroad) that can help you with your addiction. Depending on the unique circumstances of your addiction, such treatment facilities will recommend the best possible course of treatment to help you make a full recovery.

Are there any home remedies for getting clean safely?

There are home remedies for detoxing, but they aren’t highly recommended. This is because such home remedies only care for the physical (and not psychological) aspect of your addiction. Furthermore, home remedies are limited in how much care they can provide – especially if your withdrawal symptoms are severe. It will be far safer to place yourself under the care of an inpatient programme, where a medically assisted detox and proper rehab can be provided.

How long does it take to detox from BuTrans?

The detoxification process starts as soon as you are accepted into the detox programme and can last even more than a month, depending on the severity of your dependence.

What are the types of BuTrans withdrawal?

BuTrans withdrawal can be acute or severe.

What are BuTrans patches used for?

BuTrans patches are a strong prescription pain medicine, used for managing and easing constant pain.

What happens during stimulant detox?

In the initial stages of the detox treatment, you’ll be put through an intake process, during which the severity of your addiction – as well as the state of your general health – will be determined. A medically assisted detox can then be applied to help you safely and effectively overcome your addiction. This will involve a team of medical professionals supervising your condition round-the-clock and providing medical assistance whenever you need it. A tapering process may also be used during medically assisted detox to significantly minimise your withdrawal symptoms. The controlled tapering or weaning off the drug will reduce the likelihood – as well as severity – of withdrawal symptoms.

Why should I enter a stimulant detox programme?

Detox is a crucial first step in beating substance addiction. Without completing a detox programme, making a full recovery and avoiding relapse is nigh on impossible. Also, withdrawal symptoms during detox can be painful and lead to further health complications if not properly managed. Therefore, it is in your interests to enter a stimulant detox programme, where your withdrawal symptoms will be effectively managed by a team of medical professionals.

What is BuTrans withdrawal?

BuTrans withdrawal occurs when you have developed a physical dependence or addiction to the drug. The withdrawal symptoms will likely manifest in the event you try to suddenly quit or simply delay taking a fresh dose.

BuTrans withdrawal symptoms can vary in severity, depending on the level of your addiction. If your addiction has been present for a long time, withdrawal symptoms will likely be more uncomfortable in comparison to someone whose BuTrans addiction has been relatively short-lived. Other factors that influence the severity of withdrawal symptoms include your physiology, how much of the drug was being taken, and if you were combining the use of BuTrans with other substances.

How do BuTrans patches work?

BuTrans patches operate by using a transdermal system that lets you absorb the medication through your skin over a period of time. It is very similar to how a nicotine patch works.

How do I use BuTrans patches?

By simply placing the patch on your skin, you’ll begin to absorb the medication into your system gradually over a period of time, consequently enjoying relief from pain.

How long does buprenorphine withdrawal last?

The duration of Buprenorphine withdrawal symptoms can vary between individuals. Factors that contribute to determining how long Buprenorphine withdrawal symptoms last include: physiology; the dose frequently abused; the longevity of Buprenorphine abuse; and whether other substances were used alongside Buprenorphine. Generally speaking, withdrawal symptoms can last for three to five weeks.

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