Suboxone Taper Schedule: What to Expect and How It Works

Many patients receiving medication-assisted treatment (MAT) eventually ask about reducing or stopping Suboxone. A common question is whether there is a standard Suboxone taper schedule and how tapering should be done safely.

The short answer is that tapering off Suboxone is highly individualized. This article explains what a Suboxone taper schedule is, how it works, what factors influence the timeline, and why medical supervision is essential.

What Is a Suboxone Taper?

A Suboxone taper is a gradual reduction in dosage over time, designed to allow the body to adjust while minimizing withdrawal symptoms and cravings.

Unlike abrupt discontinuation, tapering helps stabilize brain chemistry and reduces the risk of relapse.

There is no single universal taper schedule that works for everyone.

Patients in Beersheba Springs, Cumberland City, Chattanooga, Cleveland, Dayton, Decatur, TN, trust Recovery Care of Columbia with telemedicine Suboxone treatment and Suboxone taper programs.

Why Choose Recovery Care of Columbia to Help With Your Suboxone Taper?

• Accredited by The Joint Commission
• Clinic owners in long-term recovery
• Over 100+ Google Reviews (from real patients)
• Recipient of Tennessee’s very first Virtual OBOT medical license
• Over 1000 patients served since 2021
• 2025 regional award winner for the “Best Substance Abuse Facility” by Best of Tennessee
• Same-day Suboxone prescriptions
• A kind and caring staff, some who are in recovery
• Overnight Suboxone delivery available in most areas (the pharmacy charges a delivery fee)
• A compassionate team of caring doctors, nurse practitioners, counselors, and administrators who genuinely care about your recovery.
• No clinic visits, ever. 100% online Suboxone treatment statewide
• Same-day appointments available every Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (based on availability)
• Evening appointments available every Monday and Wednesday until 9:00 PM

Our helpful staff is happy to answer any questions you may have. Call us or send us a text at (931) 548-3062, or message us securely using the Spruce Health mobile app.

Worried about starting online addiction treatment? Learn what to expect during your first Suboxone telemedicine appointment.

Is There a Standard Suboxone Taper Schedule?

There is no fixed or “one-size-fits-all” Suboxone taper schedule. The appropriate pace depends on several patient-specific factors, including:

• Length of time on Suboxone
• Current daily dose
• History of opioid use
• Stability in recovery
• Mental health conditions
• Support systems
• Risk of relapse

For some patients, tapering may take weeks. For others, it may take months or longer.

Common Phases of a Suboxone Taper

While tapering plans vary, many follow a similar general structure.

Phase 1: Stabilization

Before tapering begins, patients must be:

• Stable on their current dose
• Free from active cravings
• Not experiencing withdrawal symptoms
• Engaged in ongoing treatment and support

Tapering should not begin until stability is achieved.

Phase 2: Gradual Dose Reductions

Dose reductions are typically small and spaced out to allow adjustment.

Examples may include:

• Reducing by 2 mg increments at higher doses
• Reducing by 1 mg or less at lower doses
• Holding each dose for several weeks before the next reduction

As doses get lower, tapering usually slows down.

Phase 3: Low-Dose Taper and Discontinuation

The final phase is often the most challenging. Even small reductions can feel significant at low doses.

Providers may:

• Reduce doses very gradually
• Extend time between reductions
• Pause the taper if symptoms emerge

Some patients remain on low-dose maintenance long-term, which is medically appropriate and effective for many individuals.

Register Today—Feel Better Tomorrow

• Register for virtual Suboxone treatment with TennCare Medicaid
• Register for online Suboxone therapy using commercial insurance
• Schedule a virtual Suboxone doctor appointment as a self-pay patient
• Register as a returning patient
• Apply for our Sliding-Scale Program
• View insurance plans we accept and self-pay pricing
• We accept all TennCare Medicaid plans, including Amerigroup Community Care, BlueCare, United Healthcare Community Plan, and Wellpoint Community Care
• We accept all major health insurance plans, including BCBS, Cigna, Ambetter, and United Healthcare, as well as all TennCare Medicaid insurance: Amerigroup Community Care, BlueCare, United Healthcare Community Plan, and Wellpoint Community Care.

Experience a safe transition from hydrocodone, oxycodone, OxyContin, heroin, fentanyl, methadone, morphine, Kratom, 7-OH (7-Hydroxy-opioids), Tramadol, Opana, codeine, oxymorphone, Tramadol, Percocet, and other opioids.

Call or text us at (615) 927-7802 to speak to someone about our telemedicine Suboxone program. You can also message us securely on the Spruce Health mobile app.

What Are Common Suboxone Withdrawal Symptoms During a Taper?

Even with a careful taper schedule, mild symptoms may occur, such as:

• Fatigue
• Sleep disturbances
• Anxiety
• Muscle aches
• Gastrointestinal discomfort

A slow, medically supervised taper significantly reduces the severity of these symptoms.

Why Tapering Too Quickly Is Risky

Tapering Suboxone too fast can lead to:

• Intense withdrawal symptoms
• Return of opioid cravings
• Increased relapse risk
• Loss of treatment progress

Research shows that longer, slower tapers are associated with better outcomes, especially for patients with a history of relapse.

Is Long-Term Suboxone Treatment Okay?

Yes. Long-term or even indefinite Suboxone treatment is considered safe, evidence-based, and appropriate for many patients.

Tapering is a personal decision and should be based on:

• Recovery stability
• Quality of life
• Risk assessment
• Patient goals—not pressure or stigma

Suboxone Tapering at Recovery Care of Columbia

At Recovery Care of Columbia, Suboxone taper schedules are customized, not standardized. Our providers work closely with patients to determine if and when tapering is appropriate and to design a plan that prioritizes safety, comfort, and long-term recovery success.

Tapering is always optional and never rushed.

Key Takeaways

• There is no universal Suboxone taper schedule
• Tapers should be slow, gradual, and medically supervised
• Faster tapers increase withdrawal and relapse risk
• Long-term Suboxone treatment is safe and effective
• The right timeline depends on the individual patient

Register for telemedicine Suboxone treatment using your TennCare Medicaid, commercial insurance, or choose a payment plan. (A sliding-scale program is also available) Click here if you’re a returning patient.

Addiction-Related Articles

• Suboxone Withdrawal: What to Expect and Solutions for Managing It
• How to Taper Off Kratom: A Complete Guide for Tennessee Residents
• How Long Should I Stay on Suboxone?

External Resources

• Kratom/7-OH/7-hydroxymitragynine addiction is another opioid addiction-related issue facing Tennessean’s, thanks to it being readily available and unregulated. Learn more about Kratom addiction and virtual treatment options in Tennessee.
• DEA.gov – Opioid Addiction Resources
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | CDC.gov
• National Institute on Drug Abuse
• National Center on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare