Opioid tolerance (decreased efficacy of the drug with exposure) and subsequent dependence associated with chronic opioid usage is a growing concern which necessitates safe and effective opioid tapering and weaning strategies. Safety concerns, inadequate analgesia, adverse effects, misuse and noncompliance are some of the reasons for tapering off opioids. Opioid tapering is largely an individualized process with the rate tailored to patient tolerability. Opioid taper practices vary greatly between different institutions. No single protocol is applicable to all patients and, frequently, a given strategy needs to be tailored to individual needs.