For individuals in opioid addiction recovery, Suboxone has long been a vital tool in the recovery process. However, in some clinics, the journey stops there—patients are kept on high doses of Suboxone indefinitely, often without a clear exit strategy.
At North Dayton Addiction & Recovery, where we treat patients throughout Ohio and Indiana via telemedicine, our mission is different. We specialize in getting patients off Suboxone at a pace that is both safe and effective, but is also nonthreatening. Under the guidance of Medical Director Dr. Paul Kolodzik, the clinic has pioneered a unique microdosing protocol to help patients taper off Suboxone completely. The result: freedom from dependency while avoiding the withdrawal symptoms often associated with tapering.
And this approach is effective for patients who have been in recovery with Suboxone for just a few years, or for a decade. Dr. Kolodzik has been successful achieving comfortable and safe dose reductions and eventual medication discontinuation in patients with wide variations in both dosing and lengths of recovery.
A New Approach to Tapering: Microdosing with Precision
The cornerstone of Dr. Kolodzik’s approach is the medically accepted microdosing protocol he has used to help 100’s of patients to get off Suboxone. This method offers patients even on a relatively high Suboxone dose. This has included starting doses up to 16 mg — offering patients the opportunity for incremental dose reductions over the course of about a year, sometimes a little more, sometimes less. Each reduction is carefully calculated to ensure the process is as seamless as possible, with minimal disruption to the patient’s physical and emotional well-being. Often, this approach is complemented with “comfort” medications which are used to nearly completely avoid withdrawal symptoms.
And avoiding withdrawal symptoms is key to the program’s success. By implementing small, strategic dose reductions and closely monitoring patients, Dr. Kolodzik and his team provide a personalized experience that allows patients to transition off Suboxone at a pace that’s right for them.
The following is an example of this strategy:
- A patient transfers care from a clinic that has had the patient on 12 or 16 mg “for years”. Sometimes patients will come to our clinic at a little bit lower dose of just 8 mg., often where they have been ‘stuck” for a while. Often, this lack of previous further reduction is a result of the previous provider being resistant to lowering the patient’s dose further. Why? That provider does not want to “lose” a patient, and the income of providing care to that patient.
- After a collaborative discussion with Dr. Kolodzik, a plan is put together to reduce dosing about 2 mg every two to three months until the dose reaches four or six milligrams. This pace is adjusted on an ongoing basis in a collaborative manner depending on the patient’s specific situation, i.e. patient response to a previous reduction, patients stress levels, etc.
- All ongoing care is supported with counseling by both Dr. Kolodzik and North Dayton Addiction & Recovery’s team of licensed recovery counselors.
- At about 4 mg, the pace of dosing reduction is slowed to about a single milligram every two to three months.
- Once a daily dose of 1 mg is reached, the next step is to go to .5 mg per day. And then sometimes, .5mg just every other day. Occasionally, a very low dose will be continued for a number of months for a patient who feels he or she needs some “insurance” for a longer period of time.
- Then the medication is successfully withdrawn with close ongoing monitoring for up to several additional months.
- Throughout this process adjustments to dosing and timeline are individually tailored to the patient’s needs.
Why Microdosing Matters
In many traditional Suboxone clinics, patients are kept on high doses indefinitely, creating a cycle of dependency that serves the clinic’s financial interests more than the patient’s recovery. By maintaining patients on Suboxone long-term, some clinics ensure a steady stream of paying clients, but they fail to address the ultimate goal of recovery: independence from medication.
Dr. Kolodzik’s approach is different. With decades of experience in emergency medicine and addiction treatment, he understands the importance of providing a clear path for the patient to end medication dependency. His microdosing protocol empowers patients to take control of their recovery, offering a realistic, achievable alternative to indefinite high dose Suboxone maintenance.
Success Stories
The results speak for themselves. Patients at North Dayton Addiction & Recovery have consistently reported successful outcomes with the microdosing protocol, some describing it as “life-changing”. Many who were once hesitant to taper have found the process surprisingly manageable, thanks to the individualized care and attention provided by Dr. Kolodzik and his team.
One patient shared, “I never thought I could come off Suboxone without a lot of discomfort and uncertainty. Dr. Kolodzik’s program made it possible. The gradual microdosing tapering process was comfortable and exactly what I needed. Now, I’m finally free.”
Many of Dr. Kolodzik’s previous patients, now off Suboxone, are happy to provide a reference regarding their tapering experience. We often put these “ex-patients” in touch with inquiring patients who are considering microdosing tapering treatment at North Dayton Addiction & Recovery. These discussions nearly always result in a new patient joining our practice.
Why Choose North Dayton Addiction & Recovery?
For patients seeking a different kind of recovery—one that prioritizes true independence—North Dayton Addiction & Recovery is a trusted partner. The clinic’s patient-centered approach ensures that every individual receives a tailored plan designed to meet their unique needs and goals. The microdosing protocol isn’t just about getting patients off Suboxone; it’s about helping them achieve permanent independence from medication dependency.
Take the First Step Toward Medication Freedom
If you’re ready to end Suboxone dependency and take control of your recovery, North Dayton Addiction & Recovery is here to help. Dr. Kolodzik’s microdosing protocol offers a safe, effective way to taper off Suboxone without the fear of withdrawal symptoms. Don’t settle for a clinic that prioritizes profit over your progress. Choose a partner that’s committed to your long-term success.
Contact North Dayton Addiction & Recovery today to learn more about the microdosing protocol and begin your journey toward true independence. Your recovery ending in freedom form medication can start here.
About Dr. Paul Kolodzik
Dr. Paul Kolodzik is a board-certified physician with extensive experience in addiction medicine and emergency medicine. As the Medical Director of North Dayton Addiction & Recovery, along with his team of counselors, he brings a compassionate and evidence-based approach to all aspects of care provided by his clinic. Dr. Kolodzik’s dedication to helping patients achieve lasting recovery has made him a trusted provider of recovery care throughout Ohio & Indiana. His clinic provides telemedicine services throughout these two states for patients seeking incremental reductions in Suboxone dosing. Dr. Kolodzik’s passion is supporting patients and who are seeking to safely and comfortably end their long-term dependence on Suboxone.
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