If you’re interested in learning about the best herbs for opiate withdrawal, you’ve just landed on an article that is going to BLOW YOUR MIND! Not only am I going to teach you step-by-step how to use the best herbal remedies for opiate withdrawal symptoms, but I’m also going to explain how these same herbs can be used to treat Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS).
And to really make this article complete, I’m going to provide you with tips for using these potent herbs for tapering off Suboxone, Subutex, methadone, hydrocodone, oxycodone, and other opioid drugs. Are you getting excited yet?! Because I sure am. I’ve been studying and using herbs for many years, and I am eager to share this knowledge with you.
The herbal remedies I’m about to reveal can help you GET YOUR LIFE BACK ON TRACK.
- You don’t have to be stuck on opiates anymore.
- You can decide right here and now to incorporate these POWERFUL HERBS into your overall opiate recovery treatment protocol.
- I’ll do my absolute best to provide you with an easy-to-use, HIGHLY EFFECTIVE PLAN for using the best herbs for opiate withdrawal, tapering, and PAWS…but the rest will be up to you.
I want you to know that I’ve been in your shoes.
Recovering from opiate addiction was the most difficult challenge I’ve ever faced. But I healed, and shortly after I made it my life’s mission and purpose to help others conquer their addictions once and for all.
I want to help you.
I know this website has the tips and strategies you need to get off opioids, and this article is just one of the many that can help. So, without further ado, I now present you with the best herbs for opiate withdrawal, tapering, and PAWS.
Best Herbs for Opiate Withdrawal, Tapering, and PAWS
Using herbs for opiate withdrawal symptoms has become very popular. The Top Opiate Withdrawal Supplement on the market contains a concentrated mixture of herbs, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that have been shown to be effective at reducing symptoms of acute withdrawal, tapering, and PAWS.
As I read posts in Facebook groups and online forums, I see many individuals writing about their experiences using herbal remedies for opiate addiction recovery. The information is spreading, as more and more opioid-users are benefiting from nature’s plentiful array of healing herbs. Whether you’re going through acute withdrawal, post-acute withdrawal, or tapering off opioids, the following list of herbs can be used to treat your symptoms naturally and effectively.
1. Herb Pharm Passion Flower
Passion flower is a beautiful flowering plant that has a long history of use among Native Americans in North America and European colonists. Throughout history as well as the present day, passion flower has been used to treat a number of health conditions. Presently, there are around 14 conditions passion flower has been used for, but for the purposes of this article, I will concentrate solely on how it can help ease symptoms of opiate withdrawal, tapering, and PAWS.
Passion flower has been shown to be helpful for:
- Insomnia
- Gastrointestinal (GI) upset due to narcotic drug withdrawal
- Opiate withdrawal
- Nervousness and excitability
- High blood pressure
- Pain relief
Note: Passion flower can effectively treat depression during opiate withdrawal, tapering, and PAWS.
Passion flower contains the monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors harmaline and harmine. Passion flower also contains several flavonoids that are MAO inhibitors, including apigenin, kaempferol, and quercetin. MAOs are enzymes that break down neurotransmitters and stop their messaging activity.
Therefore, taking this herb for opiate withdrawal, tapering, and PAWS can result in an abundance of the following mood-boosting chemicals in the brain:
- Serotonin – Makes you feel emotionally relaxed.
- Norepinephrine – Increases energy, fights fatigue, fights depression, helps the body respond to stress.
- Epinephrine – Increases energy, fights fatigue, fights depression, helps the body respond to stress.
- Dopamine – Responsible for feelings of pleasure and enjoyment in life.
Note: MAO inhibitor medications used to be commonly prescribed to treat depression. Due to their dangerous reactions with certain foods, they have been largely replaced by other types of antidepressants. Taking passion flower for opiate withdrawal, tapering, and PAWS depression is much safer because it can inhibit MAO enzymes without the unpleasant side effects of antidepressants.
Passion flower can also effectively treat anxiety and insomnia during opiate withdrawal
One of the most powerful herbs for opiate withdrawal, tapering, and PAWS, passion flower increases brain levels of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that acts as a “mental relaxant”. Anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) medications in the benzodiazepine class (Valium, Ativan, Klonopin, Librium, etc.) work directly on the brain’s GABA receptors, leading to the following effects:
- Reduces anxiety
- Muscle relaxant
- Helps one to fall and stay asleep
Note: These medications can be very beneficial for opiate withdrawal, however, do to their high potential for addiction, they should only be used for 3-4 days to ease the worst of the withdrawal symptoms. Also, I know it can be difficult to obtain benzos during opiate withdrawal. Fortunately, passion flower can be used as a natural alternative for treating anxiety and insomnia.
Passion Flower for Opiate Withdrawal Study
Clonidine is currently the most widely prescribed medication in the treatment of opiate withdrawal. In a study from 2001, 65 opiate abusers were assigned randomly to two groups. One group received clonidine plus placebo, while the other group received clonidine plus passion flower extract. The maximum daily dose of clonidine was 0.8 mg in three divided doses, with a fixed daily dose of 60 drops of passion flower extract.
Results:
- Both protocols were equally effective in treating the physical symptoms of withdrawal.
- Researches observed that the passion flower + clonidine group showed a significant superiority over clonidine alone in the management of mental symptoms.
How to use Passion Flower for Opiate Withdrawal, Tapering, and PAWS
There are many ways to use passion flower for opiate withdrawal, tapering, and PAWS, including: capsules of dried herb, infusions, teas, liquid extracts, and tinctures. The study mentioned above used a total daily dose of 60 drops of passion flower extract. The most powerful way to take an herbal extract is in alcohol, which makes it a “tincture”.
To experience symptoms relief, all you have to do is buy a small bottle of passion flower tincture, squirt some drops into water or any other liquid (taking it straight tastes bad), and consume. My favorite product is Herb Pharm Passion Flower Extract
.
Directions: For tapering and PAWS, you might not need to take 60 drops per day. Everyone is different, however, and people might benefit from taking anywhere from 20-120 drops per day in 3-4 divided doses. 
2. Shen Nong’s Ginseng
The name ginseng refers to any of 11 different species of slow-growing perennial plants with fleshy roots. Ginseng contains many active substances. The substances thought to be most important are called ginsenosides. High-quality ginseng is unparalleled in its efficacy at neutralizing fatigue. This is due to its adaptogenic properties. Adaptogens are a class of plants/herbs that, when administered, result in stabilization of physiological functions and facilitation of homeostasis.
Normally, someone tapering off or going through cold-turkey opiate withdrawal can expect to suffer from a lack of energy for days, weeks, or even months in extreme cases. Many individuals have to work and/or take care of kids in addition to other responsibilities. The extreme fatigue from quitting opiates can be a major contributor to people getting back on opiates before their bodies recover.
Often they can’t just stop going to work and taking care of children because they don’t feel good. Thus, it can be easy to start using again…and the cycle continues. This is where adaptogenic herbs for opiate withdrawal, tapering, and PAWS can help.
Here are some amazing benefits for you to review, Adaptogens:
- Improve the health of your adrenal system.
- Help strengthen the body’s response to stress.
- Enhance the body’s ability to cope with anxiety and fight fatigue.
- Calm you down and boost your energy at the same time without overstimulating.
- Normalize body imbalances.
Note: Adaptogens promote the facilitation of homeostasis in the body. They’re called adaptogens because of their unique ability to “adapt” their function according to your body’s specific needs. Though the effects may initially be subtle and take time to make themselves felt, they’re real and undeniable.
*Adaptogens work a bit like a thermostat. When the thermostat senses that the room temperature is too high it brings it down; when the temperature is too low it brings it up.
How to use Ginseng for Opiate Withdrawal, Tapering, and PAWS
Ginseng is the quintessential adaptogenic herb. A randomized, double-blind study from 2010 showed that high doses of American ginseng over two months reduced cancer-related fatigue in patients more effectively than a placebo. Using this herb for opiate withdrawal, tapering, and PAWS can help to give you a much-needed energy boost in a way that nothing else can.
With this herb, you don’t want to just get the regular stuff sold at a health food store. You really need to use something that is VERY HIGH QUALITY. Shen Nong’s Ginseng is a premium extract that provides the body with a TON OF ENERGY, adaptability, health, and vitality.
Directions: To use this herb for opiate withdrawal, tapering, or PAWS, take 1-3 droppers as needed 2-3 times per day.
3. Keter Wellness Mucuna L-Dopa 20%
Mucuna pruriens, also known as “velvet bean” and other less common names, is a tropical legume native to Africa and Asia. It contains levodopa (L-dopa), which converts to the chemical dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that promotes enjoyment and interest in life. It also increases mental focus, motivation, and feelings of pleasure. Addiction destroys the pleasure/reward center in the brain.
That’s one of the reasons why opiate withdrawal, tapering, and PAWS are so hard to deal with…the dopamine deficiency can cause anhedonia (inability to feel pleasure) and other psychological symptoms. Fortunately, mucuna can help re-supply your brain with this neurotransmitter that is essential to opiate addiction treatment.
Taking this herb for opiate withdrawal, tapering, and PAWS can provide the following benefits:
- Treats insomnia and deepens sleep
- Reverses depression
- Powerful mood-booster
- Helps the body respond to stress and fatigue
- Decreases opioid cravings
Note: In a study from 2010, it was concluded that mucuna pruriens helps in reducing psychological stress.
How to use Mucuna Pruriens for Opiate Withdrawal, Tapering, and PAWS
This is one of the best herbs for opiate withdrawal, tapering, and PAWS. Keter Wellness Mucuna L-Dopa 20%
is a very good product that is affordable, while also containing a very high percentage of L-Dopa in each capsule.
Directions: For acute opiate withdrawal, tapering, and PAWS, take 2-4 capsules 2-3 times per day. This herb should be taken on an empty stomach at least 45 minutes before meals.
4. New Chapter Ginger Force
Ginger is one of the best herbs for opiate withdrawal, tapering, and PAWS. I added ginger to this list because of its superior ability to ease gastric distress and relieve pain. In Peru, ginger is sliced in hot water as a remedy for stomach aches. Studies have shown ginger to be useful in the treatment of nausea and vomiting.
Ginger also has phytochemicals called gingerols, which are structurally similar to the COX-2 inhibitors in Advil and other NSAIDs. In two clinical studies involving patients who responded to conventional drugs and those who didn’t, physicians found that 75% of arthritis patients and 100% of patients with muscular discomfort experienced relief of pain and/or swelling.
Directions: To use this herb for opiate withdrawal, tapering, and PAWS, take 2-4 capsules of New Chapter Ginger Force
per day, and feel free to use more if that’s not doing the trick. 
5. Ye Sheng Reishi Mushroom
Reishi mushroom has been revered as perhaps the most sought-after and valuable adaptogen in Traditional Chinese Medicine for over 2,000 years. Along with ginseng and many others herbs, reishi is known as a “tonic herb”. Tonic herbs are substances considered so fundamental and important to overall health, vitality, and quality of life that they are encouraged to be taken daily for their numerous benefits, sick or not.
Whereas ginseng is more known for it’s energy-enhancing and fatigue-fighting benefits, reishi also comes with its own unique abilities. Since it’s an adaptogen, it can certainly increase natural energy, however, what I love most about this mushroom is reishi’s ability to enhance mood. Reishi is a powerful “Shen tonic”, which translates loosely to an herb that “nourishes the spirit”.
Here is a list of some popular reishi benefits:
- Helps to conquer depression.
- Calms the mind and induces a state of relaxed focus.
- Boosts the immune system.
- Improves cardiovascular function.
- Accelerates the clearance of drugs and chemicals that the liver stores.
- Relaxes the nervous system.
Note: A multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in China. 5.4 grams of reishi daily was administered for 8 weeks, resulting in a reduction of fatigue.
How to use Reishi for Opiate Withdrawal, Tapering, and PAWS
Though it’s not extremely beneficial during the acute withdrawal phase, this is one of the best herbs for tapering and PAWS. Reishi has truly changed my life. This stuff makes me totally euphoric. When I take it, I feel relaxed, blissed out, and connected to the whole universe. I’ve taken a ton of different supplements, and this is one I will be using daily for the rest of my life. I simply cannot recommend it enough.
Directions: Take 3 capsules of Ye Sheng Reishi Mushroom two times per day on an empty stomach with a full glass of water. Reishi and other tonic herbs usually need to be taken daily for a few days to a week before the most significant benefits manifest. But once they do, you are in for quite a pleasant surprise! Enjoy 🙂
6. Gaia Herbs Kava Kava Root
Kava kava, also known simply as kava, is a plant that is native to the Western Pacific. Kava is widely consumed throughout Pacific Ocean cultures of Polynesia for its sedative (calming) and anesthetic (painkilling) properties. Kava has the rare ability to induce relaxation while simultaneously improving mental clarity and cognitive function.
Cultures throughout the Pacific have a great respect for kava and hold it in the highest regard. These Pacific cultures frequently hold kava ceremonies, which often accompany important political, religious, and social functions.
Many individuals have used this herb for opiate withdrawal, tapering, and PAWS. The active ingredients in kava are known as kavalactones.
These substances induce effects similar to alcohol, such as:
- Relaxation
- Talkativeness
- Euphoria
The kavalactones in kava contain the following properties:
- Anxiolytic (anti-anxiety)
- Analgesic (painkilling)
- Muscle Relaxing
- Anticonvulsant (anti-seizure)
How to use Kava Kava for Opiate Withdrawal, Tapering, and PAWS
Using kava for opiate withdrawal is very simple. You can use kava tea, kava capsules, kava tinctures, kava extracts, etc. A great product is Gaia Herbs Kava Kava Root. It’s a very reputable company with extremely high-quality products. I’ve used it several times, and I give it my stamp of approval.
Directions: To use kava for opiate withdrawal, tapering, and PAWS, take 1-2 capsules three times per day.
More Amazing Herbs for Opiate Withdrawal, Tapering, and PAWS
If I were to continue going into this much detail on the rest of the herbs for opiate withdrawal, tapering, and PAWS, this would be long enough to turn into an Ebook! Thus, I will be giving much shorter descriptions from here on out. I will provide brief information as to what symptoms these herbs can treat, and link to my favorite brands and products for your convenience.
Here are some more awesome herbal remedies:
- 7. Organic India Tulsi Tea
– A powerful adaptogen herb that calms the nervous system, uplifts mood, energizes the body, is soothing and relaxing, and is abundant in antioxidants. - 8. Spring Dragon Longevity Tea – A delicious tea comprised of the extracts of five premier tonic herbs, which has been infused into premium grade gynostemma leaves. Japanese studies have indicated that gynostemma has a double-direction influence on the central nervous system. Thus, if you have anxiety it will calm you down, and if you are fatigued it will restore your energy.
- 9. Great Adaptor – An extremely high-quality adaptogenic formula that contains a combination of seven tonic herbs. This product can help the body respond to the stress induced by coming off opioids, and it’s one of the best formulas you can get for the price.
- 10. Herb Pharm Valerian Root – This perennial herb that is native to Europe can lessen anxiety, nervous restlessness, and insomnia due to it affecting GABA receptor activity in a similar action to passion flower.
- 11. Herb Pharm Lemon Balm – A member of the mint family that is considered a calming herb. It was used as far back as the Middle Ages to reduce stress and anxiety, promote sleep, improve appetite, and ease pain and discomfort from indigestion.
- 12. Traditional Medicinals Chamomile Tea – A sedative herb tea that calms the nervous system, relaxes muscles, treats insomnia, boosts immunity, calms muscle spasms, and soothes stomach aches.
- 13. Herb Pharm Hops – This is a powerful nervine (calms the nerves), and is often used in combination with valerian in herbal sleep formulas.
- 14. Herb Pharm Motherwort – Motherwort “gladdens the heart” and relaxes the nervous system, resulting in a big mood-boost, and relief of nervous debility and spasm. Higher doses of this herb can act as a sedative to improve sleep, while smaller doses during the day can give energy by reducing debilitating anxiety.
- 15. Planetary Herbals Full Spectrum Ashwagandha – A popular adaptogen used in both Ayurvedic and Chinese herbalism. This herb can help the body respond to physiological and psychological stress from opiate withdrawal, tapering, and PAWS.
– A powerful adaptogen herb that calms the nervous system, uplifts mood, energizes the body, is soothing and relaxing, and is abundant in antioxidants.
Motherwort “gladdens the heart” and relaxes the nervous system, resulting in a big mood-boost, and relief of nervous debility and spasm. Higher doses of this herb can act as a sedative to improve sleep, while smaller doses during the day can give energy by reducing debilitating anxiety.
So Many Herbal Remedies For Opiate Withdrawal!
I’ve provided you with a list of 15 of my absolute favorite herbal remedies for opiate withdrawal, tapering, and PAWS. The best way to get benefits is to use different herbs to treat all of the common symptoms from coming off opioids. The most common symptoms treated by these herbs are: anxiety, insomnia, depression, restless legs, fatigue, nausea, sore muscles, etc.
Though we are all human, different herbs work for different people. Our individual biochemistry will dictate which herbal remedies we respond to the best. That being said, learning about herbs and trying them out on yourself can be a lifelong passion. I hope you’ve learned some helpful herbs for opiate withdrawal, tapering, and PAWS. Click here now to view my best home detox program.
If you have any questions on using these herbs for opiate withdrawal, tapering, and PAWS, please feel warmly welcome to post them in the comment box below. Take care and best of luck to you! 🙂
you know the last time I quit I didn’t know if my pain problem had got any better or not. I had been on fentanyl 100 microgram patches and when I started off the patches I was so numb I had not felt the wind in 7 years. when I felt the wind I was startled. suboxone had been out only 2 years no one I knew had even heard of it. I cold turkey suffered pure hell I had a blanket around me freezing to death sitting on my front porch it was 90 degrees out my neighbor saw me sitting on the porch and he knew what I was doing and he said he shook his head and said poor son of a bitch. looks like a man that had suffered that much would remember that and never start back. but a addict always forgets. it’s 1 o clock I’ll tell you all more tomorrow it’s getting late.
Thank you Mr. Matt Finch, thank you for everything you are doing for the people, who is in this difficult situation!
You are a very positive, amazing person!
Excellent information here!! I really like the herbal approach verse taking more meds… Thanks Matt, keep the info coming. There is a lot of us out here trying to correct a path we dont want to be on.
Dear Matt,
and visitors in need of guidance. Let me start by saying this is truly an amazing place (you must be tired of hearing this?:) that has changed my life (small potatoes – kratom – but it sure didn’t feel that way. I have been thinking a lot about what ppl on on heavier stuff must be going trough… Although at a certain point I used so much, I don’t think anyone would believe me. Or rightfully call me an idiot:). Anyway, I’m seeing a psychiatrist and I mentioned ashwaganda. Examine.com which is the best source around for unbiased – strictly scientifically based – info on supplements is positive about the ability Ashwaganda has to lower anxiety. But the doc said something about seriously stimulating the thyroid. Like + 50/60 procent more output. (which is mentioned on examine as well). He told me this can cause anxiety. He didn’t do a in depth study but rather a quick search on his lap top.
any thoughts on this?
Hi Matt should I get more than one herb to help me get off opiates ? Which of them are the best 3 or 4 to use? I have been reading about this and I need to get clean from pills so without too much cost at once what are the best ? If I don’t do something I am going to die. Could u let me know best ones because I’m not sure which are thank you.
I was wondering the same thing and if all these are to be taken together or if you’re supposed to try sjuat some to begin with idk either. All though all the information he gave on them was quite helpful I am just wondering are you supposed to buy them all and take them as it states or alternate between them if we could get a response it would be a tremendously big grateful amount of help. Thank you Matt and hey Renee good luck to you and anyone else reading this hoping to get better and do better. My thoughts and prayers will be with y’all ♥️
Hi Matt, just want to thank you for taking the time and enormous effort it must have taken to put this together. I’m going to try for my third time to STOP oxy addiction. I’m so mad at myself because I stopped for a month and now I’m right back at it. A large part is chronic pain but I’m hopeful that if I get this crap out of my system, I can find another way to deal with the pain. Doctors have been prescribing pain pills to me for 20 years now due to an error in my 3 back surgeries. Now I’m afraid to ask them for help because their only alternative is another surgery and I’m not doing that. I found this today and I have some of the things you mentioned in the top 6. I need someone to talk to sometime about this because my addiction is well hidden except from myself. Where do I get that online? Anyways thank you again. You’ve given me great hope for success this time.
Hi Matt , Just watched Johann Hari’s Tedtalk. It made me cry and cry . “the opposite of addiction is connection…” If only I could go to the supplement store and buy or ‘add to cart’ on Amazon , some “connection” . I know I could stay quit.
Not having much of it is 90% of why I’ve used. The other 10% has been for intense chronic physical pain. Damn, I can’t stop crying.
I love that Ted Talk! Connection is wonderful, and people also need to correct the brain chemistry that drug addiction messes up. It’s a bio/psycho/social disorder and the connection part takes care of the psycho and social aspect, but it’s still important to eat the right nutrition and take the right supplements at least for the first couple of months after quitting opiates. I got that sense of connection with the drugs and it’s so much better to have healthy human connections and relationships. They really are key to a healthy and happy, fulfilling life. Thanks for writing in and talking about this wonderful Ted Talk. I think everyone should watch it.
Going to add a link for any readers that are interested:
Ted Talk Link>>
Hello!
In regards to the calm support supplement — if there are ingredients in the blend that I know for certain I do don’t do well with, should I still give it a try?
Thanks!
Hi Talia,
What ingredients do you speak of and how do they affect you negatively? I’d like to know more to better answer this question.
Hello
Am new here and wondering,how effective is your herb medicine…?
is it possible to taper off an 90mg. average of methadone after 27years
Paul , hi Matt here I’m going threw the exact thing right now ! 90 mg a day for 23 years and I’m a CPP ! My back is self fusing it’s so bad ! Being forced to taper!
How did it go for you , how slow or fast did you taper !
Did these herbs help ?
Appreciate ANY INFO brother
Thanks Matt
I’m so glad you mentioned methadone because I was on 110 mg for about a year and over the past 3 to 4 years I’m finally down to 20 and I’ll be at 15 next month.
I watched Joe rogan’s Podcast with the mushroom man and that’s when I became interested in herbal remedies for opiate withdrawal because lion’s mane has done so well for me. It’s helped me with depression and just anything cognitive and honestly I have more energy too.
That’s when I became interested in methadone withdrawal & mushroom supplements because by the end of the year I will be off methadone and I know I’m gonna need something to help with the acute withdrawal symptoms.
Thanks so much for this article. When I get off completely by the end of this year I’ll post back and let you guys know how I’m doing.
No ones recovery looks the same, and falling down is ok just get back up and keep going until you get it right. At least that’s what worked for me.
I used kratom and came off methadone no problem..
Hi Annonymous…..I am now down to 15mg with the go slow taper. Really did not start struggling till now so am staying on 15mg for a month. I have been on Methadone 23 years after hit and run and 10 surgeries. Severe pain led me here. You can do it. Matt has given a forum for everything you need to know. You will begin to feel and connect again. Trust me, you can do it.
ITS NOT THE WITHDRAWL THAT YOU NEED HELP ITS THE CHANGING OF THE BRAIN CHEMISTRY THAT YOU NEED HELP WITH SO THAT YOUR BRAIN NO LONGER TELLS YOU THAT YOU NEED THE DRUG . I HEARD THAT INTERVENUS C HELP YOUR BRAIN CHEMISTRY BUT DONT KNOW HOW TO GET IT BUT IF YOU COULD SUGGEST SOMETHING FOR THAT YOU WOULD REALLY BE HELPING ALL. LOVE YOUR SUGGESTIONS
Matt,
I am confused. Liposomal Vit. C or Sodium Ascorbate Powder?
I tried crystalline calcium ascorbate vit. c powder today. Says non acidic, but ohhh, my stomach and gas pains. Can’t do that all day. Are the Liposomal capsules ok or do you need the powder?
Hello All,
I have a long standing addiction to heroin. I have been slamming it for years and a lot of it. I want nothing more than to get clean. Does kratom and these other products work with IV heroin use? I have kind of gleaned that it works great for other opiates, but haven’t seen anything on heroin. I tried weening myself off using percocet, lortab (narco), morphine, and roxy. None of it helped even the slightest. I am beginning to think that I will never get clean. The area that I live in is very anti-addiction and in order to receive help, they send you to jail to detox for ninety six hours. I do not want to go back to jail, even though I’d be leaving clean.
Mitragyna Speciosa , Hirsuta or Kratom works. I was 15 years messed up iv heroin and every other drug . I’m clean now 5. Also took a lot of kava and california poppie for anxiety and night terrors of the PTSD involved in being so strung out. I still use herbs Medicinal or because of stress or even relaxing . This is a great article, I would live to add to it!
I have a ton of herbs, supplements and prescriptions as you saw in my msg. I am so terrified of the WD symptoms that I have, when you get down to it, 160-200mg Contin (oxy) built up over 12 years is scary to DT from because I’m unable to taper. If I take 15mg oxy, a lower dose, it is completely ineffective and doesn’t help my WD much less achieve pain relief so what’s the point. A total waste in my opinion not to take minimum effective dose and I am sick. Rather cold turkey off high dose.
I spent six months digging and acquired everything that may help. Hoping there is no redundancy or no over thinking this mess with overkill. 21 days no methadone, next is high dose oxy. Since I am free of methadone I wonder if I should do a very fast methadone taper after I eat my last oxy. In a week or ten days. Start DT aids towards end of methadone taper then jump off and fully implement detox protocol with all I got. Your take Matt??
Full respect is you do that! Jumped off high dose methadone a couple of times (did geographicals in the middle of no-where) and just f’n did it. Full warrior power!
Day 12 of a subbie withdrawal… Weak but feeling stronger. Eating good, yoga, beach, sun, rest.
Bradley… Full-Power my brother!!!
No way!!! Methadone stays in your body way too long I got off methadone by taking a suboxone and putting my body into an instant withdrawl. Stayed on suboxone until all methadone was withdrawl were gone… Then took Kratom to step off the suboxone… and Done.
hi, my oxy habit is over 600mg a day.. i live in china too was on this for.three years and prior other stuff.. hope u can email me
Thank you for this article! Very informative & I concur with much of what you said. I am not too skilled w/Chinese herbs but bet those will all work too.
some chinese herbs do help. but its not well know in the states how many kinds they have. i live in china for 8 years now.. i doubt anyone here can compare to my truth.. i down play the things i say
true , i saw many statistics from pelnty of studies by western universities assesing results of clinical trials of various chinese herb BLENDS ,i saw at least 3 blends , all from china and the results ,some of them compared in results with methadone.crazy
John,
No worries! It’s taken care of.
Mary
OAS Recovery
Specialist
Hi Matt, I recently found your program and see it as a God-send. I am working through the full course but my timetable got moved up on me. Long story there. I am truly dedicated to getting off Suboxone and now am working on my (prescribed) Xanax. I am about to order some supplements and am hoping you can let me know what you think. I’m tapering off Subs and just got to 4mg/24h. The Xanax is a whole other situation and I know you deal with opiates. For the Sub taper I am getting:Calm Support, Solgar DLPA and L-Tyrosine, Herb Pharm Passionflower extract, and NatureWise 5-HTP. Is that a decent starting place? I’d appreciate your feedback. Thank-You for all you are doing. I believe you are helping many people. I’d like to see you advocate for treatment reform. Your approach is really much better and will help more people get and stay off opiates. There is such a need at this time!
All the Best,
John
John that is so awesome to hear!! Glad you are working through the course and coming up with a plan. Also, congrats on getting down to 4 mg! Well done my friend. Your supplements sound like an awesome stack to me, but make sure to ask your healthcare provider if this is right for your situation. And as far as the treatment reform…that’s funny you mention it because I’m about to start a pilot program with an Intensive Outpatient Program where I will teach them how to incorporate holistic methods into their program.
After this happens and we see the results, I will have something to work with and can take this system to treatment programs across the nation. It’s time to do that, and you saying it to me is just more validation. Thanks so much John. All my best to you.
Thanks Matt! I am down to 6mg/day.I don’t know how I ended up putting 4mg. Still,that’s down from 12-16mgs/day! I am so glad to hear you are getting the chance to introduce your method of treatment! People who tell me about their experience with what’s available now (around here), don’t have much good to say. They feel as though they treated with no respect and are “talked down” to. Also,it’s a “one size fits all” approach. They receive no help with tapering other than with Methadone or Suboxone. Once on Suboxone,they are on it for life! Like any disease,treatment should be tailored to the patient (client),I believe. I also feel a person should be involved in the treatment plan for them and in implementing it. The current approach sets up a counteractive relationship between counselor and client for the most part.It has limited success,at best. Your approach deals with the Fear of withdrawal and gives people options (and Hope)! You also deal with PAWS which is so important but not addressed well at this time if even acknowledged. Rather than babble on.let me just say,you have much to offer that is very needed! I encourage you to move forward in your endeavor! Thank-You for all you do Matt!
Cats claw is very good as well.
Can you tell me when you start taking these? Can they be taken while you are still on the opiates to get them in your system?
Many people take them starting when they begin a taper protocol, which could get them into your system with the intent of reducing symptoms.
Hi Matt, thanks for your blogs and website, etc. I’ve tried most of the herbs you recommend here and I have found them helpful. I’m surprised you don’t mention the most powerful one ever, it’s been used probably for centuries, that is Black Seed. The ground powder will knock you out. A gram is calming, a tablespoon will knock out the restless legs and will help you get some sleep. The oil is no where near as strong as the ground seed powder or the whole seeds. Also the straight over the counter hemp oil is soothing to the nervous system and medical cannabis high CBD/ CBN tincture is very helpful.
Great stuff Jack. I actually learned about black seed a few months ago but haven’t written an article on it. I did send an email out to my list telling them about this discovery though, along with the supplement agmitine sultfate. And I wrote another article on cannabis talking about CBD and THC as well. Thanks for the input! Wishing you the best my friend. 🙂
Hey Matt, I see you recommend Gaia Java here. I am wondering if it is as good or maybe better that top extracts 70% kava that you have also recommended? Any info here would be helpful, thanks.
Thank you for all of the info! Im definitely going to stock up on these herbs and some calm support….a little background on me, I have been on Suboxone for over two years, actually just had a baby on it…he had only mild withdrawal symptoms thank the lord. I am just desperate to get off of this stuff im in the process of tapering but am scared to death of the jump off coming up…..first of all im nursing and my baby will NOT drink formula….which of these herbs I wonder will be sad for breastfeeding? ? I know from the past that I will struggle with major anxiety, insomnia and restless leg….I just dont know what to do 🙁
Hi Mary!
Glad the info was beneficial for you. 🙂 And so happy to hear your baby had mild symptoms rather than severe ones. Many herbs and other supplements are contraindicated while breast-feeding, so it’s necessary to ask your health-care provider about which ones are safe for you.
I wish you the absolute best of luck Mary. And hopefully that baby of yours will switch to formula so you can take a wider range of supplements that may be useful for reducing withdrawal symptoms.
Hi Matt,I read your articles a lot. There is so much out there, and I feel like I could spend a small fortune at the vitamin shop! If you had very little funds, what method would you use? For acute and PAWS? I’m 27 years old and have detoxed more times than I like to admit. I always seem to get through detox,it’s the aftermath for me. Main compliant is low energy and depression. I’ve been to outpatient re habs and they always do an antidepressant. I always give them time, but I never like them. I feel doped out. I could go on for days, but wont! Thank you
I hear ya Brittney…as I spend a good amount of money each month on high quality herbs and other nutrients. To answer your question, if I were going through acute withdrawal, I would use mega-doses of Vitamin C to get through it, then for the PAWS, I would use Calm Support and DLPA. I cannot give medical advice, so please ask your health care provider what you should take, and best of luck to you!!!
I have been on suboxone for 5 years and recently began seeing a new doctor who significantly lowered my dosage. I was running out before my next appointment and the feeling of misery is hard to describe. Worse than any regular opiate. I tried to be admitted for detox at a local hospital (the insurance I have isn’t very popular so I didn’t have many options) anyway, they said they would see me in the ER than admit me for 5-7 days and gently detox me. Well I pack my bags, get there, than told they DO NOT detox off suboxone because it is a drug USED for detox. What a joke. I recently developed an interest in natural herbs and their medicinal properties. I researched the ones that would help. I never dreamed in a million years that it would be this easy. The symptoms of withdrawal are barely there if at all. Iv’e purchased herbs for teas that I drink. One for the daytime and on for sleep. Garcinia Cambogia, Ashwagandaha, Cinnamon and hawthorn berries for day. Lavender, Passion Flower, Kava Kava, Cats Claw, and Chamomile for night. I add Hibiscus to to both to aid in the detox. I have also experimented with other Pre-made teas that work well also, such as Yogis detox and Bedtime tea. I always thought holistic practice would be a pale imitation of the man made stuff my doctor gave me. I could not have been more wrong. I will probably never use prescription drugs again.
Matt, hello your story brings back hope to me,I’m wondering if I’ve missed your reply? I absolutely can’t continue wasting my life on subutex, I want to try the SA and other supplements long term, I would but am confused what to buy. The study said vitamin C,E & beta-carotene? What do I buy for the SA detox, short term and or long term supplements?please guide me ,I hate subutex, I can get to low dose but can’t stay there after I get another script, please help me. Thank you (Im so past ready, Im suprised ones body can survive this poison) thank you
I took the SA protocol directly from page 193 on this article: http://www.csom.ca/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Attenuation-of-Heroin-Withdrawl-Syndrome-by-the-Administration-of-High-Dose-Vitamin-C-27.4.pdf
ive been off suboxone over 25 days now and while ive just gotten the potassium and cant find the l-tyrosine ir my last post, i did indeed sleep a full night last night first night.. it was the xanax induced, 50mg ultram for the rls, i did try the neurontin 100 mg,and am getting the script tomorrow so ill up it to 300mg and be off the ultram hopefully with little side effect since ive taken it about 2 weeks 1 a night.. still off the suboxone though.. still sneezing up a storm, but its getting better the vitamins really help .. the irritability is going away, so sorry again matt.. and thats a good thing other than strangers my family was starting to really hate me and i couldnt stop i tried…the 5-HTP really helped..
Does passion flower work immediately or does it take time to help with insomnia ?
It has always worked immediately for me, as well as many others I have talked to.
Hello Matt. I can not say enough about reishi, or lingzhi. My wife is from China and told me about it when I found out I had hep. c. It balances everything. I have been clean for 4 months now. I did the vitamin c detox, along with some other “herbs” and it worked like a charm. I also take two types of ginseng. If anyone out there can go to a traditional Chinese medicine shop, you are fortunate and take advantage of it. This medicine is not cheap, and there are plenty of scammers willing to take your money. The quality of this stuff varies a lot. The main thing that made kickin this time was my mind set. I wanted to be free, and would not let anything stop me. If you can, go to a reflexologist,This is massage of the feet and hands. If not, any type of massage will help. And no matter how bad you may feel, just get out in the sun and fresh air and walk.
Mick that’s so cool you love those herbs! reishi is my “meditation in a bottle.” That’s awesome your wife knows about that stuff too! And I sincerely appreciate you taking the time to leave these great tips for other readers.
Matt I appreciate your extensive knowledge on her ally assisted withdrawal. I’m a 29 year old single full time parent full time university student and hairdresser. IV Heroin is my DOC and was actively addicted for more than ten years. I’ve been on suboxone for a while now and I’m weaning off. I’m interested in using krAtom to assist with the withdrawal, but since suboxone has antagonist effects and can precipitate withdrawal when take after traditional opiate, can it precipitate withdraWAl when taken after/ Kratom? You mentioned that it helps to use Keaton while weaning off, so my question is if that can be done with suboxone too.
Hi Lana,
This is an interesting topic. I’ve heard from readers that kratom helped them come off Suboxone, and others have said that combining the two has made them sick. Though we are all human, we each have our own individual biochemistry. In my opinion, kratom is so strong that it could be used to come off Suboxone cold-turkey, but then there is the issue with coming off kratom after that.
If one were to take kratom, then while the effects are still on take Suboxone, the buprenorphine with it’s high-binding affinity could displace the kratom, resulting in a withdrawal syndrome. Like I said, this is an interesting topic, and one that I’m still learning about through the trials of people that tell me about their experiences.
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor. This comment is for informational use only. It’s not intended to treat, diagnose, or prevent any disease. Always check with your doctor before changing your diet, trying any new supplements, medications, exercise or opiate tapering programs.
Matt….Kratom has incredible affinity for receptors based on my experience. I don’t know if Its as powerful as Suboxone’s affinity, but it is more so than some immediate release opiates like oxycodone. Also, Suboxone has a very long half life. I know when I took Percocet while on Kratom, it hardly worked, if at all…which would indicate that. But, you are right, as far as we know….Suboxone’s affinity for receptors is perhaps the highest even though it acts as a partial agonist and people need to be cautious with Suboxone ( waiting period) after full agonist opiates to avoid precipitated withdrawal.
Can i add my 5 cents? IMNSHO – taking SubX BEFORE any opiate or analog is a bad idea, 99% of the time – yr just wasting the drugs after taking SubX (bcos it blocks) and the other 1% is bad news – BUT i’ve only had REALLY bad things when i took subx AFTER taking something – then i went to rapid – which obviously sux. I think old mate is saying u can use it as u would DXM, LOPE, TRAMAL, etc… in that FOR THE SHORT TERM IF U DO THE SWITCH IT CAN HELP BCOS THE BODY IS NOT ADDICTED TO THE NEW SUBSTANCE SO WITH CAREFUL JUDGEMENT IT CAN WORK… In other words – yes – it does work but the tip is to not switch one for the other -BUT – and here’s the kicker – if u stop (taking subX) then ANYTHING remotely op8 like will ‘help’ the cravings for the old drug.
Mr. Finch,
First I want to thank you for this site. It has really helped and I’ve told a lot of friends about it.
I just need help please, I bought Calm Support and it DIDN’T DO ANYTHING. Sorry I was just so disappointed but I know its not your fault I’m just wondering if you have any tips? I even tried increasing the amount of capsules. This isn’t just 1 experience either, my husband and roommate both tried it for 2 days and still nothing. At least placebo would have been nice. Maybe there are multiple calm supports and I got the wrong one? The comment by Brian states a whole different experience but I’m getting worried that maybe the good comments I read aren’t real? Is it definitely real? They all sound basically the same and look basically the same. Then I see the negative comments and all of them just say no luck no relief type thing like I’m not alone. I’m just getting really scared here and I want something that will help me. Do you have any tips please? Should I use loperamide or try to get a Xanax prescription for a couple days? I just don’t want to get addicted to that and tried so hard not to do that type of method. I really need to get my life normal again and free. Please help me, thank you so much.
Hi Ira,
Did you try the supplement for a cold-turkey withdrawal? If so, that is like putting a band-aid on a broken leg. Brian, as well as many others that have had the good benefits, tapered their doses over the span of a few weeks or months. Brian took Calm Support daily while slowly lowering his hydrocodone dosage over 2 or 3 months I believe. Furthermore, I think he was only using 60 mg per day, but I could be mistaken.
I took an older opiate withdrawal supplement many years ago and had good results, but I tapered to a low dose of Suboxone, then took low doses of oxycodone for a few days, then took low doses of Valium for a few days…and I started taking the opiate withdrawal supplement 7 days before the last day I took opiates, that way it gives your body a chance to start healing the imbalances first. If you and your husband and roommate didn’t feel anything, any of these things were likely happening:
1) You tried to use the supplement with nothing else for a cold-turkey withdrawal.
2) You tapered slowly but didn’t start taking the supplement soon enough before you discontinued opiate use.
3) You just didn’t respond to the nutrients well. Everyone is biochemically unique, so even though the supplement works well for some people, others don’t feel the same benefits. However, these nutrients take time to work. I would never expect a natural product to have amazing results in just 2 days. If you re-read Brain’s comment, he said the first 10 days were really rough, and I think he was even exercising and eating healthy in addition.
You asked me if I have any tips, and I have plenty!
1) If I ever had to go through an acute withdrawal again, I would just mega-dose with Vitamin C. Please read the following article:
How To Mega-Dose Vitamin C To Stop Opiate Withdrawal
2) I would then use the Calm Support for treating my post-acute symptoms. Please read the following articles that can be used after the acute withdrawal:
How To Stop Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome From Opiates
How To Get Your Energy Back After Quitting Opiates
Ira, I realize you are getting scared and want to just find something that will work. The Vitamin C mega-dosing protocol, in my opinion, typically helps people the most. If you have any questions whatsoever, please do not hesitate to ask. I’m here with you every step of the way, and I’m happy to help. Take care.
Disclaimer: I am a Strategic Intervention Coach, not a doctor, so I can’t give professional advice regarding aspects of the body, only the mind. This comment is for informational use only. It’s not intended to treat, diagnose or prevent any disease. Always check with your doctor before changing your diet, trying any new supplements, medications, exercise or opiate tapering programs.
Calm Support is LEGIT! Before starting my 2 month taper addiction to Hydrocodone, I studied the best supplements…not that I didn’t believe Matt, but as a Professional Athlete I need to know the “DETAILS.” Calm Support 3 to 5 a day not only got me through the 2 month taper, but I continue to take 3 to 5 daily. The 1st 10 days from GROUND ZERO were rough, but I’m celebrating my official 1 month anniversary of freedom from opiates today, and I am feeling greater clarity and calm with each day. Thanks Matt for the blog, and the initial recommendation that I would give 2 THUMBS UP!!
Glad the Calm Support helped you taper off hydrocodone Brian. And congratulations for your 1 month clean time!
Hi Matt, Iv been prescribed morphine since my accident in 2004..now my Dr is tampering me I was taking 300 mls a day he is dropping me by 15 mls a month..I’m dying..I’m on Ontario disability and if I could afford the course I would get it in a heart beat but $97 dollars is just to much I’m a single mom and make $1800 a month $1100 is rent then I have hydro, gas, utility food..it just doesn’t leave me with 1 cent extra..what can I do? Iv write down a lot of the herbal remedies but again some are so expensive..Iv had to buy off-the-streets cause my Dr tampering me by to much but won’t listen so for the past year often taper I feel DEAD INSIDE..I have zero energy e etc day my quality of life is a joke..I truly feel like I want to give up I suffer from depression and anxiety insomnia..if I didn’t have my child I would of ended things a long time ago..an still think of it often but again my Dr does not listen to me..PLEZ MATT I NEED HELP WHAT ELSE CAN I DO IF I CANT AFFORD UR COURSE?..#DESPERATE
Tracey – I saw your message and it broke my heart. Have you joined the Facebook group called opiate taper support? It’s a great community and a lot of really great info for getting off this stuff. Everyone on there is either doing it or has successfully. Try joining. Good Luck!