Success in recovery means something different to everyone. You have many choices to make, including whether you want to stay on a maintenance dose of Suboxone or stop taking it. You should work closely with care providers who respect your wishes. They should provide education to help you fully understand your options.
There’s a pervasive stigma around taking medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD). However, for many people, tapering off of their medication isn’t a viable option. Clinical trials have shown that Suboxone is safe to take long-term. There’s also no limit to its effectiveness. For many individuals, staying on a maintenance dose offers the best chance of long-term recovery and improved quality of life, even if they wish to eventually reduce their medication. Working on self-compassion and setting realistic expectations can help you feel secure in your decisions. Hearing from your peers during group sessions can also help you see what’s possible.
“Tapering” doesn’t necessarily mean stopping Suboxone altogether — some people choose to taper to a lower dose. In this blog post, we’ll talk about the pros and cons of tapering off of Suboxone completely versus taking a maintenance dose and how to taper off of Suboxone safely.
Why would someone in OUD recovery decide to stop taking Suboxone?
There are many reasons why people may want to try to wean off Suboxone while they’re in recovery. The stigma of being in treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) is sometimes at the root of these views. For instance, some express that they want to fully leave this chapter of life behind them. Or they may not believe that they’re really “clean” if they’re taking MOUD. Some show a preference for MOUD that are easier to wean off of. The underlying belief, in many cases, is that continuing to take medication reflects an illness, defect, or moral weakness. Regardless of personal opinions, this is not the objective truth. Having a dependency on a medication is not the same thing as an addiction.
People who are in recovery should take an active role in their treatment decisions. This means they should be informed about the risks and benefits of each option. Care providers should also respect their decisions. That said, clinical evidence has shown that people who stop taking MOUD rarely maintain abstinence. They often face worse outcomes, including overdose.
What factors should I consider when making treatment decisions?
When deciding whether you should keep taking a maintenance dose of MOUD, there are a few things to consider. You should know that there are important differences between abstinence and rehabilitation. If you need to take medication to stay well and live a life you’re happy with, that doesn’t make your recovery any less valid than someone else’s. What’s important is that you meet your individual goals. You might compare this to taking medications for medical conditions that create dependence. People take medication in the long term for blood pressure, mental health conditions, and allergies. These can all create a chemical dependence. Still, the trade-off of health and wellness is well worth the commitment.
Here are a few more factors to keep in mind:
- Life goals — Your life goals and the types of support you’ll need to achieve them will be unique to you.
- Access to treatment — Access to a prescriber or a long-term recovery program that includes medication may be a determining factor.
- Long-term impact of treatments — You should get a clear understanding of how different approaches to recovery may affect you in the long term. For instance, those who don’t take MOUD are more likely to start using again. You can also get familiar with the clinical evidence of how different treatments affect people’s lives.
- Science of opioid addiction — Understanding the science of opioid addiction can help you make choices concerning recovery. Ending opioid use isn’t about having enough “willpower.” Genetic factors may make some people more vulnerable to opioid addiction. Long-term opioid use also changes your body chemistry. This may make it difficult or impossible to stop taking MOUD.
- Myth vs. fact — Gaining an awareness of the myths that are still going around in recovery communities can help you make treatment decisions based on facts and your own point of view. Many of the myths surrounding recovery are based on judgments or prejudice. Subscribing to these ideas is a personal choice. It’s good to learn about other alternatives that are rooted in truth and self-compassion.
What are the benefits of Suboxone maintenance?
The greatest benefit of long-term treatment is a lower chance of opioid use and overdose. People who take Suboxone are less likely to be hospitalized, seek emergency care, or receive a prescription for an opioid. The active ingredient, buprenorphine, remains effective even after decades of treatment. There’s no limit to how long a person may benefit from buprenorphine.
Some of the main reasons that Suboxone is preferred over other MOUD are its safety and the low risk of recreational use. Buprenorphine has a ceiling effect. This means that higher doses don’t cause increased euphoria or risk of death by overdose. It also blocks the effects of other opioids, making it harder to get high in general.
Buprenorphine is safer than other MOUD for a few other reasons. It has fewer drug interactions, and it’s safe for elderly people to take at typical doses. It’s also safe for people who have mild to moderate liver impairment and renal failure, even during dialysis.
How can I taper off of Suboxone safely?
Before tapering off of Suboxone, you should have an in-depth discussion with your care provider. While Suboxone is safe for long-term use, discontinuing it may be an option. If you decide with your provider that this is the best route for you, you will need clinical guidance through the process. Your provider will take your medical history and your current health into account to help you create a plan. It is not safe to try to taper off of Suboxone without the help of a provider.
Get comprehensive support to achieve your recovery goals at Groups
Choosing to seek addiction treatment is brave. You deserve to work with care providers and a community of peers who support your recovery goals and life goals. Building trust during your first days of treatment is very important. Take the time to fully explore your possibilities and choose goals that inspire you.
At Groups, we provide comprehensive treatment for the whole person, not just your OUD. This includes MOUD, one-on-one counseling, and peer support groups. We believe that with the right knowledge, tools, and support, anyone can find recovery and change their lives for the better.
Are you looking for a recovery program that includes access to Suboxone treatment? Give our Recovery Support Specialists a call today. We look forward to meeting you.
If Groups doesn’t offer treatment in your state, you can locate other treatment options here.
