myOpioidRecoveryTeam

Several medications and treatments can help manage Suboxone withdrawal symptoms under medical supervision. It's important to note that attempting to detox alone can be dangerous and medical… read more

Several medications and treatments can help manage Suboxone withdrawal symptoms under medical supervision. It's important to note that attempting to detox alone can be dangerous and medical supervision is strongly recommended.

Common medications that may help include:
• Clonidine or lofexidine - helps reduce anxiety, sweating, and stomach issues
• Mirtazapine - an antidepressant that can help with anxiety, sleep, and stomach problems
• Over-the-counter medications like bismuth subsalicylate for stomach discomfort Additional comfort measures include:
• Using heating pads or warm baths for muscle cramps
• Getting plenty of rest
• Practicing stress reduction through breathing or meditation
• Avoiding certain foods that may upset your stomach (fried foods, spicy dishes, dairy)
• Staying hydrated

Remember that your tolerance will be lower after detox, making overdose risk higher if relapse occurs. This is why supervised medical detox is the safest approach.

myOpioidRecoveryTeam

Short-term side effects of opioid use include
• Slowed breathing and respiratory depression
• Drowsiness and confusion
• Low blood pressure
• Lightheadedness or fainting
• Poor coordination… read more

Short-term side effects of opioid use include:
• Slowed breathing and respiratory depression
• Drowsiness and confusion
• Low blood pressure
• Lightheadedness or fainting
• Poor coordination increasing risk of falls
• Digestive issues like constipation

These effects can occur even at prescribed doses, and respiratory depression can be life-threatening at higher doses. Long-term effects and behavioral changes include:
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Altered eating habits
• Weight changes
• Impaired decision-making
• Reduced participation in usual activities
• Difficulty fulfilling work/school responsibilities
• Social withdrawal
• Development of tolerance requiring higher doses
• Physical dependence leading to withdrawal symptoms if stopped

Withdrawal symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, muscle aches, anxiety, sweating, chills, and stomach cramps. These typically peak around 72 hours after stopping opioids.

myOpioidRecoveryTeam

How can I safely taper my methadone treatment?

Tapering methadone should always be done under close medical supervision at your clinic. The healthcare team will work with you to slowly decrease your… read more

How can I safely taper my methadone treatment?

Tapering methadone should always be done under close medical supervision at your clinic. The healthcare team will work with you to slowly decrease your dose over time while monitoring how you respond. This gradual approach helps minimize withdrawal symptoms and maintains stability in your recovery.

Key things to remember during tapering:
• Stay consistent with your clinic visits
• Be honest with your healthcare team about any withdrawal symptoms
• Continue participating in counseling and behavioral therapy
• Don't try to adjust doses on your own The length of tapering varies for each person - there's no set timeline. Some people may need long-term maintenance treatment, which is completely normal and acceptable. The most important thing is to work closely with your treatment team to find the right balance that supports your recovery goals while managing any withdrawal symptoms or cravings that may emerge during the tapering process.

myOpioidRecoveryTeam

Chronic pain affects many people in recovery from opioid use disorder. It's important to know that there are several non-opioid strategies that can help manage pain effectively while maintaining… read more

Chronic pain affects many people in recovery from opioid use disorder. It's important to know that there are several non-opioid strategies that can help manage pain effectively while maintaining recovery.

Here are several proven pain management approaches:
• Physical therapy and targeted exercise programs
• Massage therapy
• Rest, ice, and heat therapy
• Over-the-counter medications like NSAIDs or acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• Lidocaine patches for localized pain relief Working with your healthcare team is essential, as they can help develop a comprehensive pain management plan that doesn't compromise your recovery. Some people may benefit from medications like methadone or buprenorphine, which can help address both pain management and recovery needs simultaneously.

Remember that chronic pain and opioid recovery can affect each other, so it's important to be open with your healthcare providers about both conditions to receive the most appropriate care.