At some point in your journey, whether it’s with MAT or another long-term medication, you might find yourself facing a new kind of step: tapering. It’s a word that can feel intimidating at first, but it doesn’t have to be. I wanted to take a few minutes to break it down in real terms, because understanding it can make all the difference.
Tapering just means gradually lowering your dose of a medication over time, in a safe, controlled, & medically supervised way. It’s not something you just “try on your own” or jump into without support. It takes planning, patience, & the right team by your side.
While we talk about tapering a lot in MAT (Medication-Assisted Treatment), this isn’t just a “recovery thing.” Tapering is a very common method & is often recommended for a variety of medications, including (but not limited to):
- Opioids
- Benzodiazepines (like Xanax or Ativan)
- Antidepressants (yes, even SSRIs!)
- Stimulants (ADHD meds, etc.)
- Sleep medications
- Even non-controlled meds like certain mood stabilizers or anti-anxiety prescriptions
If you’ve been on a medication long-term, tapering might be something that comes up eventually. But it should never feel rushed or forced.
Here at Grasonville Health Services, we focus on collaborative care. We want you to feel in control, even if you’re working toward letting go of something. Whether you want to know every detail or prefer to take a step back and trust the process, we’ll walk with you through it.
Being open & honest – with your counselors & with yourself is so important. There might be times where you realize you need to slow down or even pause a taper for a bit. That’s okay. There is no one-size-fits-all taper. Your journey is yours, and we respect that.
✅ Things to Remember:
Tapering should never be rushed You should never feel judged. Support matters, every step of the way.
If you’re someone working through opioid use disorder (OUD) & you’re considering your next step, please know: we’re here. No pressure, no judgment – just honest conversations, guidance, & compassion when you’re ready. ❤️ Even if you’re looking for a more traditional route, we can offer our guidance & help with finding what you’re looking for. I can say with 100% certainty that everyone truly cares here.
& if this blog post has you thinking about a different kinds of medication (like antidepressants, benzos, or others), just a friendly reminder: ALWAYS talk to your prescribing provider before altering any dose or stopping your meds. That’s not just a disclaimer, it’s how you stay safe.
If you’ve got questions, comments, or concerns, we’re always here to listen and help however we can.
📍 Grasonville Health Services
⏰ Open Monday – Friday from 5:30 AM to 12:30 PM
🚶♂️ Walk-ins welcome – no appointment needed
