Starting Suboxone Treatment: A Day-by-Day Breakdown of Week 1
Starting Suboxone treatment can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re not sure what to expect.
If you’ve been wondering:
“Will I go into withdrawal?”
“How long until I feel normal again?”
“What’s the first week really like?”
You’re not alone. This article walks you through what it’s actually like to start Suboxone, day by day.
💡 Fast Facts
Suboxone = Buprenorphine + Naloxone
Works by reducing cravings + blocking opioids
Can be started via telemedicine in Tennessee
Medicaid and commercial insurance accepted
📅 Day 1: The Decision and First Dose
You’ve made the call. You’re ready to stop the cycle.
Before you take your first Suboxone dose, you need to be in mild to moderate opioid withdrawal — usually 12 to 24 hours after your last use. This is called induction.
Common withdrawal symptoms at induction:
Runny nose, yawning, anxiety, stomach cramps, sweats, goosebumps
Once withdrawal symptoms kick in, your provider will guide you through your first dose (usually 2–4mg). Within 30–60 minutes of starting Suboxone treatment, most people feel significant relief.
Expect:
Cravings to drop quickly
A “settled” body feeling
Some fatigue or nausea
Avoid:
Starting too early (can trigger precipitated withdrawal)
Mixing with benzos or alcohol
📅 Day 2–3: Stabilizing Your Dose
Your body is adjusting. You might still feel tired, but the worst is behind you.
Your provider may slightly adjust your dose to find your therapeutic range — most patients land between 8–16mg per day.
Pro Tip: Drink water first, then place the film/tablet under your tongue. Don’t talk or swallow for 10 minutes.
Expect:
Improved sleep
Fading chills and sweats
Sharper thinking
Watch for:
Mild headaches or dry mouth (usually temporary)
📅 Day 4–5: Emotional Clarity Returns
Most physical symptoms are gone. But now, feelings start to return — and that can be intense.
You may feel emotional, reflective, even overwhelmed. That’s not a sign of failure — it’s a sign of healing.
Expect:
More energy and motivation
Increased appetite
Possible waves of sadness or anxiety
❤️ This is normal. You’re not broken — you’re healing.
📅 Day 6–7: Settling into Your New Routine
By the end of the week of starting Suboxone treatment, you’ll feel the difference. Suboxone is doing its job. You’re not chasing pills or waiting to feel “okay.” You wake up stable.
This is the beginning of long-term recovery.
Start building your support system:
Begin therapy or counseling (if you haven’t already)
Explore online or local recovery groups
Stick to your dose and daily rhythm
Celebrate small wins: better sleep, clear thinking, showing up for life
🔄 What Happens After the First Week?
The first few days of starting Suboxone treatment may be the hardest — but now you’ve got momentum.
“I felt like I had a second chance. I didn’t need to chase the next dose anymore. I could just breathe.”
— Patient at Recovery Care of Columbia
Suboxone treatment is more than medication. It’s a foundation for rebuilding your life.
✅ Ready to Start?
We offer 100% telemedicine Suboxone treatment throughout Tennessee — from the comfort of your home.
👉 Register with Medicaid
👉 Register with Commercial Insurance
👉 Register as Self-Pay
📚 Related Resources
- Learn more about how buprenorphine (Suboxone) works from SAMHSA, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration