What if Thanksgiving triggers cravings while you’re on Suboxone®?

Thanksgiving can bring up a lot of emotions, especially when you’re working hard to stay on track with your recovery, and you’re seeing people you maybe haven’t seen in a while or being around things you try to avoid. Even while taking Suboxone® (buprenorphine-naloxone), being around certain people, dealing with family stress, or getting out of your usual routine can bring up cravings. And that’s okay. You can’t always control what comes up during the holidays, but having a plan can help you feel more prepared to handle those moments.

Why Thanksgiving can bring on cravings, even on a steady dose

You might feel an old craving creep its way back during this time, even though your dose hasn’t changed. It can show up as a pull toward substances or habits that you’ve moved away from. Having cravings on Suboxone can happen, especially during stressful times like Thanksgiving. It’s something many people experience, and you don’t have to handle it on your own.

The holidays can mean seeing old friends, spending time in places you haven’t been in a while, or being around alcohol. Add in a busy house, changes to your routine, or a difficult family conversation, and it can feel like a lot to handle. Stress and other triggers can bring on cravings, even when you’ve been making progress in your recovery. Understanding how stress can affect cravings can help you feel more prepared.

Know that you don’t have to know exactly how Thanksgiving will go. Thinking through a few situations ahead of time can make things feel a little easier. Here are some ways to take care of yourself and stay on track with your recovery this holiday.

Keep your dose steady when your routine isn’t

Thanksgiving, especially if you travel for the holiday, can often mean a change in your routine. Dinner at an odd hour and a crowded house may make it harder to stick to your normal routine. But you can still stay on track with your Suboxone (buprenorphine-naloxone) treatment. A little planning ahead can help you keep your medication routine simple, even when the day doesn’t go as planned.

• Stick to your usual dose schedule. Try to take your Suboxone (buprenorphine-naloxone) at the same time each day, even if your holiday plans change. Setting a reminder on your phone can help you remember.
• Know what to do if you miss a dose. Take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and return to your normal schedule. Don’t take two doses to make up for one you missed.
• Check with your doctor before making changes. Don’t skip doses or change how much you take without talking to your doctor first. Stopping Suboxone (buprenorphine-naloxone) suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms.
• Enjoy your usual holiday foods. Unless your doctor has told you otherwise, you generally don’t need to change what you eat while taking Suboxone (buprenorphine-naloxone).

You don’t need a perfect schedule to stay on track. A few small steps can help you keep up with your medication, even when Thanksgiving arrives.

Plan your medication before the holiday

Take a look at your Suboxone (buprenorphine-naloxone) supply about a week before Thanksgiving, so you know exactly where you stand heading into the holiday.  It is best practice to inform your QuickMD doctor of any travel plans as early as possible.

If you’re running low, reach out to your QuickMD doctor early. Depending on your situation, we can send your prescription to your pharmacy the same day or have it delivered to your door in as little as two days, so a short supply doesn’t have to turn into a stressful one.

If you’re traveling

There’s no reason for travel plans to derail your Suboxone (buprenorphine-naloxone) treatment. Following these tips will help ensure smooth sailing:

• Let your doctor know before you go, particularly for a long trip or one across state lines. They may have specific advice for you.
• If you’re flying, keep your medication in your carry-on, in the pharmacy bottle or box with your name on the label. Checked bags get lost or delayed.
• For extra backup, consider carrying a copy of your prescription with you.
• Pack a few extra days’ worth in case a delay keeps you away longer than planned.

If you’re staying with family

If you’re staying with family or hosting Thanksgiving, there may be more people around than usual, including young children. Be sure to store your Suboxone (buprenorphine-naloxone) in a secure, locked place where children can’t see or reach it. Buprenorphine can cause serious breathing problems if a child accidentally takes it. Taking a moment to store your medication safely can help protect everyone in the home.

Alcohol at the table: why it’s a concern on Suboxone

If alcohol is at your Thanksgiving gathering, it’s important to remember that drinking while taking Suboxone (buprenorphine-naloxone) is not safe. Mixing alcohol with Suboxone (buprenorphine-naloxone) can slow your breathing to dangerous levels. You’ll also want to keep an eye out for prepared foods or treats that might contain alcohol. Being around alcohol during the holidays isn’t always easy, especially if others are drinking. It may help to think about how you’ll turn down a drink before you arrive. You don’t owe anyone an explanation, and it’s okay to put your health and recovery first.

What to do when a craving shows up

Dealing with family stress during Thanksgiving isn’t always easy, especially when certain conversations or situations bring up cravings. Having a plan before the gathering can help you feel better about the get-together. Here are a few things that may help:

• Step outside, go for a walk, or find a quiet place if things start to feel stressful.
• Have a friend, family member, or someone who supports your recovery ready to call or text if you need to talk.
• Cravings often come and go. Take a moment to let the feeling pass before deciding what to do next.
• Arrange your own ride and think about when you might want to head home. It’s okay to leave early if you need to.

When cravings keep breaking through, talk to your doctor

Cravings that keep returning give your doctor useful information about how treatment is going. If they show up often, or each one feels stronger than the last, book a visit with your QuickMD doctor. They can review your treatment plan to see if any changes are needed.

Counseling is also an option before or after the holiday, too. As a QuickMD MAT patient, you can book a 30-minute online session with a licensed counselor for just $19. Same-day appointments are often available, and counseling is available on holidays, too.

What to do if you use again over the holiday

If you use opioids, kratom, or 7-OH again over Thanksgiving, it doesn’t erase the progress you’ve made in recovery. What matters is getting the support you need to stay safe and move forward.

Having a relapse prevention plan can help you prepare. But if you do use again, here are a few important steps to take:

• Let your QuickMD doctor know what happened as soon as possible so they can help you decide what to do next. Don’t stop taking Suboxone (buprenorphine-naloxone) or change your dose without medical guidance.
• Using opioids again can lead to an overdose, even while taking Suboxone (buprenorphine-naloxone).
• Naloxone can reverse an opioid overdose and is available at many pharmacies without a prescription. You can also get a naloxone prescription through QuickMD. Having Narcan readily available is always recommended.

Using again doesn’t mean treatment has failed or that you have to start over. Your QuickMD doctor can help you figure out the next steps and continue working toward recovery.