How I Help my Patients Quit Suboxone: Doctor's Secrets

Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) is a prescription medication for the treatment of opioid use disorder and opioid dependence. This video pertains to Suboxone prescribed by a doctor for the treatment of a medical condition.
When prescribed correctly, Suboxone is life-saving. When used as prescribed, it is safe and effective.
However, not everyone wishes to take Suboxone for the rest of their life. Once you've sorted out your life and achieved stability, it is reasonable to consider tapering.
Quitting Suboxone is not easy. If you're unprepared, you're likely to fail. In today's video, Dr. McGeachy explains the factors that influence success and talks about his strategy for tapering patients off Suboxone.
This video should not be construed as medical advice for any particular individual. Speak with your own doctor before you stop taking any medication.
If you or someone you love is suffering from problematic drug or alcohol use or addiction and is seeking treatment, contact us today.
northtampaexecutivehealth.com/
We are here to help.
North Tampa Executive Health Clinic is directed by Dr. Jack McGeachy. He provides confidential and comfortable addiction treatments and therapy for opioid and alcohol use disorders. We are a clinic, not a rehab or detox, meaning that each patient is cared for one-on-one by a medical doctor, in contrast to other treatment programs. Book your in-office appointment in the Tampa office or via video conferencing today.
00:00 Prologue
03:16 Expectations
05:05 Motivation
08:17 Preparation
11:25 Tapering
14:56 Withdrawal Care
19:39 Post-Care
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Copyright Jack McGeachy, MD 2024.

[@duallylicensed145]

GREATEST ADVICE FROM A DOCTOR EVER!! ESPECIALLY THE SUPPORT, FINANCIAL AND EMOTIONAL SUPPORT N3ED FOR DETOXING! That's been my biggest hurdles 😔😭😔

[@markthomas4083]

Great video Dr. I appreciate the thoroughness involved about this Rx. I currently take two 8mg tablets a day. I have ran out of these life savers in the past. Rapid withdrawal is a major problem that I don’t recommend. My detox was sneaky, I was unaware that Suboxone would provide a detox. My feelings during a detox include: anxiety, irritability, major fatigue, anger, feeling of total isolation and no appetite. I was able to continue w my script after three days off it. No desire to try weaning to a lower dose.

[@funguy101986]

I have a feeling I'll be reaching out to you in the future. I've been on suboxone for a long time. While I'm somewhat privately ashamed of it, it allowed me to get my life together, and i have done amazing ever since! Thank you for the in-depth breakdown.

[@user-ns4tj5cs7t]

Likewise fun guy.

[@whocares4464]

Lol I'm feeling this comment! Sub have really helped me a bunch, most people don't know I'm on it and the ones I've talked to about it have no idea about it at all or have a bad opinion of it! It's time for me to get off of this med and I'm tapering down and have a plan because the coin has turned and seems the negatives are outweighing the positives so it's time to do this! Got my plan and everything in place

[@b.c.731]

Quit because u don't want all your money and time going to a clinic. You dont want to be handcuffed to the clinic. Call in, gotta ask to go out of town to enjoy yourself. Gotta be back by a certain time. Your a prisoner to the clinic. You want you life back.

[@brannonmcclure6970]

The clinic is my medicine for my choice to use powerful opiates. It’s part of it. You can leave anytime.

[@Rickybobby427xyz]

So idk. The clinic I go to my insurance covers. I’ve gone from 16-6 months. I’ve only been tapering a few months. When I tried this with methadone I only ever went up. Heroin same thing Xanax same thing I just always ended up taking more. I hate subs so much I hate the constant headaches. I hate the anxiety the mental effects. I’d like to just be clean. I hate subs

[@pitbullgirlxo]

I’ve never had to go to a clinic for mine. Been on it 10 years. I used to have to go to my psychiatrist in person once a month, then it switched to every 3 months, since Covid it’s been every 3 months over the phone. And I just pick up my monthly amount at the pharmacy at Walmart each month. we don’t have suboxone clinics here in Houston tx where I live, (or Ive never seen any or known anyone to go to one) only methadone clinics!

[@jamesreid343]

I just want to say, your videos are amazing mate. Im over in Northern Ireland and currently on suboxone moved over from 100mg methadone now im on 16mg suboxone. Im going to start getting off but im scared so its comforting watching this. Thanks Doc :)

[@bellab8412]

Can I ask how you went with the switch? I've been on methadone for too long and am trying to make the decision wether to switch to suboxone or just keep reducing on methadone.

[@X0.X0]

I love this topic & approach!!! This Dr. CARES!!!!!❤ PLEASE KEEP MAKING VIDS LIKE THIS!!!! ❤❤❤❤

[@user-tx1qw3nw4i]

My Substance Use Education class and I just discovered your channel... Thanks for making such informative videos! Myself and others will definitely be learning from them so keep it up!

[@ChrisfromGeorgia]

Hello Dr. Jack. I’ve been on Methadone for a long time (second time around since 3 year’s without.) My opioid ordeal started when I was 13 (TBI.) I’m 46 now, but the pain is still real. That being said, I tried Suboxone, but it caused me to break out in hives! Just thinking of the smell/taste of it makes me ill. Anyways, have you ever experienced this in your practice? Btw, I’m a new subscriber and really enjoy your channel and nonjudgmental approach. Thank you🙂

[@pehoser8911]

Dear DocI just "found" your channel and I have never ever had such great explaining I'm watching your channel here in Germany and I have the feeling there are no doctors that have such an in-depth knowledge … please keep your great work explaining on KZbin .....wish to find a doc like you seem to be… people be very very thankful !!!!!!! Send you my regards and a very very big thank you for the work you do!🙏🫶

[@designedbymiinc85]

Great detailed Informationen ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@winterfreshification]

if you do a slow taper the process isnt even that bad. usually can cut down to 6-8mg if you are stabilized higher than that pretty quickly. then just cut down very slowly until down to .25mg then start skipping days until you no longer feel necessary

[@leonidtodorovski635]

😂😂😂 if it was that easy !!!

[@winterfreshification]

ya its always easier to say then live with the slow tapered withdrawal. But its way better then cold turkey off opioids thats for sure. But i found if i listened to my body and took it slow enough the withdrawals from tapering were minimal. @@leonidtodorovski635

[@_Roasted_Marshmallow]

@@leonidtodorovski635every recovery is different and it all starts in your mind. Someone with a small addiction can have more trouble getting clean than the heaviest user if the heaviest user is fully ready to take on the withdrawal

[@rickp3753]

​@@leonidtodorovski635I tapered off in November of 2022. Insomnia was challenging, but it wasn't too hard! Time was on my side and i knew it. I quit smoking 7 months ago and now I'm REALLY FREE😂

[@TenaRoberto]

Let me tell you I have been on Suboxone since 2007 mostly and my two attempts to get off of it or for the wrong reasons and I have destroyed my life those two times. One of the main reasons was acceptance into 12-step programs that claim you're not sober. We need more doctors like you in the community wish I was closer.

[@psychedelicartistry]

All these for a month: 16 to 12 12 to 10 10 to 8 8 to 6 6 to 5 5 to 4 4 to 3 3 to 2 2 to 1.5 1.5 to 1 1 to .75 .75 to .5 .5 to .25 .25 to .125 Jump after a month on .125.

[@TylerChristoher]

I appreciate you describing for people how it is. It helps me explain it to my parents. Love your stuff dude I like your style

[@user-ns4tj5cs7t]

Best advice ever heard on the topic. Been on since Suboxone came out. Especially can relate to the train analogy. Do u treat patients out of state by chance?

[@mattconroy3918]

Awesome stuff wish I watched this before kinda, Last night was the worst but a shower 3 x /hr for 8 hours helped. Only thing I could do. A video on vitamins and things to help restore body or stimulate the dopemine to reset.

[@brannonmcclure6970]

Quit taking Suboxone for five days. On the sixth day take Dilaudid. You can take the Dilaudid as a new replacement; or, a taper dose. Ask your doctor how.👨‍🎓

[@brannonmcclure6970]

I don’t want to quit opiates. It seems like; never. I already asked my provider for HP Dilaudid shot twice a day. I think I would do well on it. Especially if I change my living conditions; staying with family because they don’t inspire me to make my way.👨‍🎓♾️🧑‍🎨

[@kennethgrimes5494]

Thanks Doc for trying to help us all,how I got to this point was a back injury about 10 years or so ago was on pain pills for a long time when it got to where i no longer needed them for back pain i got sick as a dog anddint know what was going on with me until i found out i was addicted to pain meds freind gave me a strip and i was fine for a couple of days so i went to see a doctor and thats been ten or eleven years ago now and its time to taper off this stuff now too.

[@brannonmcclure6970]

Imodium? Opiates or abstinence are the only two options for opiate addiction curing.

[@CookingAndDogs]

Im on day 5. Doc says 4 - 6 weeks!!! FML

[@GardenHood]

Hope your doing well man! Starting the withdrawing now on dsy 3. Anxiety is n understatement

[@rodbradford5631]

I'm on 11 days without Suboxone and it's been quiet a feat!! Somebody suggested taking kratom to help with the effects of the withdrawal and it helps me sleep and I believe I'm on the road to victory

[@_Roasted_Marshmallow]

I basically microdosed subs till I was about a week off the 30s. I think that really helped me the best, but my recovery isn’t your recovery. Everyone is different

[@bellab8412]

I lasted 4 months of withdrawals when I came off methadone then stupidly gave up and went back on it. It was sending me nutty. I'm wondering is there much of a difference with the tapering and then the withdrawals between suboxone and methadone?

[@KyleTO7]

Suboxone withdrawal can normally last months. Methadone and things like oxycontin withdrawal is around 3 days to a week. If you're feeling withdrawal for 4 months from a drug that only takes a week(max) to be back to normal then you might wanna check out some other factors that could be causing it(if u got nothing to do all day yhe withdrawal will be noticeable but if you're busy it will be less noticeable). Motivation is key. Supplements like NAC , ormus minerals will help with withdrawal. Lots of healthy food, water and cannabis can help to. U must treat the mind tho/be ready or the process will take longer. Things always take longer when bored. I hope you're doing well 🙏.

[@atw98]

​@KyleTO7 The half life of methadone is 3 days how can withdrawal from it only last the time it stays in your system. You sure you're not trying to explain heroin withdrawal? All clinical evidence contradicts your questionable statement. Methadone will stay in your system for a month or more depending on the dose you jump off. Even when stopping methadone from 1 miligram you'll have withdrawal for more then 2 weeks, requiring other medications. And be uncomfortable for more than a month. Don't make comments on addiction pretending you have any idea for some ego trip. Especially when any doctor, patient or a simple google search will give you the correct information.

[@ellen9925]

The real show starts AFTER the acute withdrawal for me and stays around a very long time

[@just_peachy6582]

can you elaborate a little, im really scared to start my tapper, i can't imagine what comes after paws , im hoping its a free happy and healthy life

[@TheMark5977]

​@@just_peachy6582Post acute withdrawal syndrome PAWS is what she's talking about. Age, amount and length of use dictates the severity of acute and post acute symptoms. Dont be afraid of paws. You will face some similar symptoms insomnia etc but to a much lesser degree as compared to acute as time passes. Once through the acute phase you've done the hardest physical part. I've struggled with opiate/opioid addiction for 40 plus years. I also have a couple of diploma's and have worked in addiction treatment for over 20 years. This isn't any type of medical advice. I only wanted to establish my credibility and hopefully assuage your fears. Best of luck to you. And freedom does await. The happiness is up to you.

[@Diyer2023]

@@just_peachy6582 So I used to be on 8mg. I’m down to 1/8th of a film. I tapered over a year or two. I highly recommend going slowly. At a pace that suits you. I’m lucky enough to have my husband helping me and holding on to my meds and giving me what’s needed ( kind of out of sight out of mind mentality). If you have someone you trust that can help you I would also recommend that. Unfortunately once you’re at such a low dose it’s time to start taking r every other day, then every two days and cut out until your at taking it 0 days a week. I’m currently stuck at the 1/8th and having a hard time going to every other day. But I’m so tempted to just stop cold Turkey and suck it up because I’m sick of it.

[@Diyer2023]

@@just_peachy6582I never recognized BAD symptoms by tapering just the occasional restlessness at night. I noticed the days I was busiest the easier it was for me to relax at night. Also comfort meds are a thing. Like Zofran for nausea, clonidine for WD, even MAYBE a muscle relaxer like cyclobenzaprine for restlessness

[@richbockmann9751]

There is no such thing as a Free Lunch.

[@brannonmcclure6970]

I don’t want to quit opiates. It seems like; never. I already asked my provider for HP Dilaudid shot twice a day. I think I would do well on it. Especially if I change my living conditions; staying with family because they don’t inspire me to make my way.👨‍🎓♾️🧑‍🎨