Mark Leeds, D.O.
Mark Leeds, D.O.
Cold Turkey Suboxone: Navigating the Perils of Abrupt Buprenorphine Cessation.
Cold Turkey Suboxone: Navigating the Perils of Abrupt Buprenorphine Cessation.
Cold Turkey Suboxone: Navigating the Perils of Abrupt Buprenorphine Cessation.
Tuesday 9th July 2024
Quitting Suboxone cold turkey is risky. Learn about safer alternatives and expert advice from Dr Mark Leeds on managing buprenorphine cessation.
3 minutes
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Mark Leeds, D.O.
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Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Sobriety Toolkit
Family Recovery from Addiction
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Episode Overview
- Quitting Suboxone cold turkey poses significant risks.
- A gradual tapering approach is generally recommended.
- Medical supervision is crucial during the cessation process.
- Medications like Luce Myra can help manage withdrawal symptoms.
- Therapeutic approaches can complement medication in managing withdrawal.
Quitting Suboxone cold turkey can be a challenging and potentially dangerous process.
Mark Leeds, D.O., an osteopathic physician with extensive experience in addiction treatment, tackles the thorny issue of quitting Suboxone cold turkey in this enlightening episode. Suboxone, a medication used to treat opioid dependence, can cause severe withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly. Dr Leeds highlights the risks involved, including intense cravings and muscle aches, and underscores why a gradual tapering approach is generally recommended by addiction medicine specialists.
Tapering allows the body to adjust slowly to decreasing doses, making the transition smoother and less painful. Dr Leeds also discusses the critical support needed during this phase of treatment. Even with a slow taper, many patients reach a challenging point at very low doses where discontinuation feels abrupt. It's at this stage that having medical supervision becomes crucial.
He explains how medications like Luce Myra can help manage withdrawal symptoms, and how therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioural therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and physical therapies like massage or acupuncture can complement the process. The episode also delves into new strategies for Suboxone discontinuation, including long-acting injectable medications like Sublocade or Brixotti. These options might help avoid the discomfort associated with quitting cold turkey.
Dr Leeds addresses common misconceptions about Suboxone, emphasising that concerns about addiction are generally unfounded when the medication is used as prescribed. Suboxone's role in treating opioid use disorder is critical and should not be understated. By the end of the episode, you'll understand why quitting Suboxone cold turkey is risky and how a medically supervised tapering plan can provide a safer path to recovery.
Whether you're considering stopping Suboxone yourself or supporting someone who is, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice. Are you ready to learn about safer alternatives to quitting Suboxone cold turkey? Tune in to hear Dr Leeds' expert advice on navigating this challenging journey.