Conquering Suboxone Shaming: Dr. Mark Leeds on Overcoming Stigma and Finding Your Path to Recovery
Surround yourself by people who support you in your goals to be successful in recovery. You may have heard that your success is partly defined by the people who you allow to get close to you.
Ever felt judged for your medication or dosage while battling opioid addiction? Dr. Mark Leeds, a seasoned osteopathic physician, tackles this pressing issue head-on in this episode. Suboxone, a medication often used to treat opioid addiction, can come with a heavy dose of stigma. Dr. Leeds dives into the reality of 'Suboxone shaming' and 'dose shaming', where individuals feel embarrassed or judged for their treatment choices.
He stresses the importance of finding the right dosage that works for you, emphasizing that it's not a one-size-fits-all situation. Working closely with a doctor to tailor your treatment plan is crucial to avoid relapse and ensure long-term recovery success. Dr. Leeds also sheds light on the dangers of using Kratom, a plant-based drug some turn to for opioid withdrawal, warning that it can lead to its own set of addiction problems and even overdose.
Abruptly quitting Suboxone without medical guidance is another pitfall he advises against. On the topic of dealing with shaming, Dr. Leeds offers practical advice: surround yourself with supportive people and distance yourself from toxic influences. If you face bullying at work, open up a dialogue with your employer to address it. Recovery is a journey, and having a strong support system is key to navigating the ups and downs.
Tune in to this insightful episode to learn more about overcoming stigma and finding your path to recovery.