Treatment for drug addiction often involves a medication withdrawal plan (known as a taper) wherein the dosage is gradually reduced so that the body can slowly readjust and heal itself. Consumption of drugs, whether recreationally or in the form of painkillers and other medications, can quickly lead to chemical dependence and addiction. If you or a loved one is struggling with drug addiction, Coalition Recovery can develop a drug taper program personalized to your unique needs.
Drug tapering is often the recommended course of action in addiction treatment, as opposed to a cold turkey detox. Once the body develops a tolerance to the substance, it craves more of it, even to function properly. Slowly tapering off drugs reduces the severity of withdrawal symptoms and can help individuals build a strong foundation for lasting recovery. To learn more about drug tapering and addiction treatment, contact us today at 888.707.2873.
How Long Does It Take to Taper off Drugs?
Depending on the client’s medical history and usage patterns, a drug tapering schedule may last anywhere from a few weeks to several months.
Based on how long the individual may have been using drugs, and the level of chemical dependence, the doctor may suggest a “slow” or “fast” drug taper, as follows:
Fastest Taper
The dosage is reduced by 10-20% daily and is recommended for those who have been using opiates only for a short period of time.
Fast Taper
The dosage is reduced by 10-20% weekly.
Slow Taper
The dosage is reduced by 5-20% monthly. This is the most commonly prescribed course of treatment.
Slowest Taper
The dosage is used by 2-10% bimonthly. This is a long-term treatment plan prescribed in certain cases that might last for several months or years.
Although the reduction in dosage may vary from person to person, drug tapering is a proven method for addiction recovery and healing.
What to Expect in a Drug Taper
During the drug taper, you may experience some or all of the following:
- Regular monitoring of the pulse, blood pressure, and other vital signs for any positive/negative changes; alongside regular blood/urine sample tests to check for the presence of substances.
- Other medications to help with withdrawal symptoms, insomnia, mood swings, anxiety, and the like.
- Alternative therapies and holistic options to help with pain management and address mental health concerns and underlying issues.
- Adherence to a strict schedule.
Sticking to a routine is very important in the recovery process. If you need to suddenly alter your medication or make lifestyle changes, consult your healthcare provider.
Dangers of Quitting Cold Turkey
In most cases, quitting on one’s own can lead to challenges. Quitting cold turkey is also not recommended for the following reasons:
- The body’s dependence on the drug might be so intense that without it, it cannot perform the usual daily functions.
- Nausea, vomiting, impaired coordination, diarrhea, difficulty in breathing, and other side effects have been commonly reported.
- In fact, the side effects from withdrawal might be extremely severe, leading to seizures and coma in certain cases.
- Without efficient pain-management strategies, the individual has a high chance of relapsing.
Drug microdosing, where the individual takes a very small amount of the drug as part of recreational or medicinal use, is also not a recommended course of action, as it has no proven health benefits and involves the consumption of illegal substances.
Thus, instead of suddenly stopping the use of opioids or opiates, it is always best to slowly reduce the dosage and taper off drugs in a safe and supportive clinical environment.
Safely Taper Off Drugs with Coalition Recovery
At Coalition Recovery, we ensure that our clients can detox safely and heal from their addiction in a comfortable environment.
To make the recovery journey as smooth as possible, our stellar staff comprising the best doctors, therapists, and healthcare experts work with each client to come up with a customized treatment plan, with a strong focus on aftercare planning and comprehensive support.
If you are looking for a drug tapering program near you, contact us at 888.707.2873 and get help right away.