A: The answer to this is as unique as each patient and as such, there is no “right” answer. Each person’s recovery journey is as individualized as they are themselves. For some individuals it can take years, or they may remain on the program indefinitely. Methadone and buprenorphine/naloxone, when taken as prescribed, are safe and effective medications. The Opioid Agonist program is a voluntary program and a patient can choose to stop the program at any time. This decision should be discussed with the physician so a process can be put in place to determine a safe rate that the patient should “taper” from the program to avoid the effects of unnecessary withdrawal.
It should be pointed out that most people who are most successful at coming off treatment with long term abstinence from drug use show three important characteristics:
• Stabilization: abstinence from drug use for more than 1 year.
• Signs of functional stability: steady employment, less legal or financial difficulties, repaired relationships.
• Consultation with physician to “taper” doses.