In this article, I’m going to teach you how to get off methadone without withdrawal. Methadone is one of the most powerful drugs known to man. Most individuals have a difficult time coming off this medication due to the intense withdrawal symptoms they experience.
These symptoms can often last for weeks to months, and as a result, many people get back on methadone to end their suffering. Luckily, there is no need to suffer anymore. What if I told you there was a way to get off methadone (even if you’ve been on a high dose for many years) without experiencing these horrific withdrawal symptoms? Would this information be valuable to you?
If you really want to know how to get off methadone without withdrawal, continue reading, and you’ll start to smile big as you enjoy learning about this natural and powerful method I’ve created for you.
My Background with Methadone
I used to be addicted to prescription opiates, then switched to heroin when pills become too expensive and difficult to obtain. I had quit pills several times with medications and natural methods, but heroin was a strong addiction, so I decided to try methadone.
I used 40 mg of methadone tablets daily prescribed by my doctor for the first eight days off heroin, then decided to just stop. I made that decision because I had a friend who told me methadone was very hard to come off after being on it for awhile; and since I also had bottles of prescribed Valium and clonidine, and I had no job at the time, it seemed like as good of a time as any to finally rid my body of opiates.
I ended up having a pretty easy time coming off methadone, and I’ve been clean ever since. I decided to dedicate my life to helping people recover from opiate addiction, and I went on the become a counselor at a methadone clinic, where I helped many patients learn how to get off methadone without withdrawal.
How to Get Off Methadone Without Withdrawal
While medications such as benzos and clonidine can significantly help people come off methadone, I realize these can be difficult to obtain, since doctors often will not prescribe them. Fortunately, my method for getting off methadone without withdrawal is much safer, and in my opinion, even more powerful.
I’m a Certified Advanced Food-Based Healer with a specialty in nutrition and supplementation for opiate withdrawal and recovery, so my program for coming off methadone is based on natural remedies and orthomolecular medicine.
If you’re sick and tired of being trapped on this medication, the following seven-step formula will teach you how to get off methadone without withdrawal. This method is safe, natural, and extremely effective if done properly.
Step 1: Start Tapering Methadone
Tapering is systematically reducing the amount of methadone you take over a period of time. The length of the methadone tapering schedule should take into consideration many criteria.
The two main factors are:
- The amount of methadone you are currently taking, and how long you’ve been on that dose.
- How long you’ve been on methadone for.
Slow tapers have been shown to be more successful than rapid tapers.
According to the presenting doctors at a conference call put on by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the following methadone tapering guideline was used as an example:
- Decrease by increments of 10% of your daily dose every 1-2 weeks until you reach 1/3 of the original dose. At that point begin tapering methadone at half the previous rate.
This is generally a good method to use, however, many other methadone tapering schedules will also provide good results.
I also recommend you follow the guidelines below:
- Don’t go faster than 5 mg per week.
- A reduction in the rate of methadone tapering should be considered when reaching 20 mg.
- Tapering should be stopped or reversed if you experience significant withdrawal symptoms.
Note: Eventually you will get to a place that I call your “threshold”. The threshold is the point in your taper where you start to notice significant withdrawal symptoms. For most of my patients, this was around 20-40 mg, though for some it was even higher. If you really want to know how to get off methadone without withdrawal, steps 2-7 are the nuts and bolts of my method.
Step 2: Start Taking the “Morning Tonic”
Once you reach your threshold, stop your taper for two weeks. If you need to increase your dose by 5 mg to feel better, I encourage you to do so. During the next two weeks start drinking the “Morning Tonic” upon rising every day. This beverage will supercharge you with energy and happiness, and most importantly, it will help your body adapt to the stress that lowering your methadone dosage is causing.
The Morning Tonic consists of the following:
- Shen Nong’s Ginseng
– A root that helps the body adapt to physical and mental stress. - Raw Reishi – A mushroom that acts as a powerful mood booster.
- MacaForce – Boosts the endocrine system, promotes natural energy production, and increases libido.
- Good Belly Big Shot 50 – A probiotic drink that boosts digestion and enhances immune function.
– A root that helps the body adapt to physical and mental stress.
– A mushroom that acts as a powerful mood booster.
– Boosts the endocrine system, promotes natural energy production, and increases libido.
– A probiotic drink that boosts digestion and enhances immune function.
To make the Morning Tonic:
- Pour 4 ounces of water into a glass.
- Add 3 full droppers of Shen Nong’s Ginseng.
- Add 3 full droppers of Raw Reishi.
- Add 1 Good Belly probiotic drink.
- Add 1 tablespoon MacaForce.
- Mix it all together and drink tonic first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.
Step 3: Start Eating an Endorphin-Building Diet
Whenever patients of mine asked me how to get off methadone without withdrawal, I would encourage them to eat plenty of high-quality protein foods. Consuming at least 20-30 grams of protein three times per day can radically increase your endorphins and other mood enhancing chemicals in the brain.
The following dietary guidelines can help you get off methadone without withdrawal symptoms:
- Eat plenty of chicken, fish, turkey, beef and other high-quality proteins (free-range, organic and wild caught are best).
- Drink plenty of water (half your body weight in ounces per day).
- Consume lots of fresh fruits, veggies, and healthy fats.
- Eliminate or decrease sugar, processed foods, and refined carbohydrates.
- Eat as many organic whole foods as possible.
Step 4: Start Exercising
This is an important ingredient to getting off methadone without withdrawal symptoms. If you do every other step I’ve outlined and pass on exercising, you might still experience some mild symptoms. I’ve designed this plan based on the power of synergy, so there is a huge amplification of benefits by doing everything together.
Exercise can help you come off methadone because it:
- Improves mood
- Boosts endorphins (natural painkillers)
- improves sleep
- Reduces pain (both physical and emotional)
- Promotes well-being
- Reverses anxiety
- Reverses depression
- Increases energy
- Improves physique
- Boosts confidence
Step 5: Start Taking an Opiate Withdrawal Supplement
The previous steps will help you taper down to a low dose of methadone without withdrawal. These next three steps are designed to help you get off methadone completely. Once you taper down to a point where you start to experience withdrawal symptoms, start taking an opiate withdrawal supplement. These are natural supplements specifically designed to decrease withdrawal symptoms from methadone and other opiates.
Here are some of the main benefits from taking an opiate withdrawal formula to come off methadone:
- Enhances Mood
- Eases stomach discomfort
- Increases natural energy
- Calms anxiety
- Restores dopamine production quickly
- Reverses depression
- Reverses insomnia and helps you get more restorative sleep
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND taking the following opiate withdrawal formula:
- Opiate Withdrawal Formula
- If you can afford it, I also highly recommend taking this awesome supplement, because the benefits are just too good to pass up.
Step 6: Start Taking Kratom
On the very first day you come off methadone, start taking kratom. This plant is a member of the coffee family, but more importantly, it’s a powerful opioid agonist. This means that it mimics the effects of opiates, which makes it extremely helpful to consume while coming off methadone.
Take 9-10 grams of kratom powder in a glass of grapefruit juice 20 minutes after you consume your Morning Tonic every day for 1-2 weeks after coming off methadone. You can take more throughout the day as needed, just make sure you wait a few hours after eating, as this helps with the absorption.
Note: The grapefruit juice acts a “potentiator”, meaning it makes the kratom more powerful than with water or other types of juice. Discontinue kratom after 1-2 weeks of usage, as this plant can become addictive, and people have gone through bad withdrawal symptoms from taking it for too long. Kratom is legal in the United States and every other country except Australia, Burma, Malaysia, and Thailand.
Step 7: Start doing Qigong
Qigong is an ancient Chinese form of exercise that is extremely helpful for coming off methadone without withdrawal. It is similar to tai chi, in that it involves the use of deep breathing, slow, meditative movements, and stillness of the mind. According to an addiction study involving 86 male heroin addicts in the People’s Republic of China, qigong was shown to be more effective at decreasing heroin withdrawal symptoms than withdrawal medications.
The men were 18-52 years of age, and all met the substance dependence criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, with a history of heroin use from .5 to 11 years. The participants were placed into three groups: qigong group, medication group, and no-treatment control group.
The qigong group practiced qigong and received qi adjustments from a qigong master daily. The medication group received a 10-day reduction of the detoxification drug lofexidine-HCL. The control group only received basic care and medications to treat the most severe withdrawal symptoms.
The results of the study were staggering:
- Reduction in withdrawal symptoms occurred faster in the qigong group.
- The qigong group had lower anxiety scores than the other groups.
- By day 5 of treatment, everyone in the qigong group had negative urine tests, compared to day 9 for the medication group and day 11 for the control group.
Note: To do qigong while coming off methadone, check out this qigong DVD. It has two easy routines (morning and evening) and combined with the other tips I’ve given you, this should be all you need to get off Methadone safely with ease.
Good Luck!
Click here now to view my best home detox program. If you have any questions on how to get off methadone without withdrawal, please don’t hesitate to leave it in the comment box below.
Can someone tell me if taking seamoss is ok with methadone? I’ve been searching everywhere online but can’t find a straight answer if the two mix or not.
Also, is seamoss as good as its portrayed to be?
I am supposed to be getting on methadone tomorrow for an almost 2 month heroin binge…..I have tried to detox a couple times, but could not handle the withdrawls. I bought kratom, but have read some terrifying stories. Methadone scares me too, so I don’t know what to do. Anyone have any advice before I take the methadone plunge tomorrow?
I sure hope you read my response to your question today sometime.
Please refer to this article I wrote, as it will provide you with so much
value that you’ll be perfectly equipped to handle tomorrow and beyond.
Here is the article: How To Use Methadone For Opioid Withdrawal
I read the article. Great stuff! I ended up missing the hours to get on methadone at the clinic, so I am going in tomorrow morning. Could you tell me an example of how to get away with being on methadone for just a couple of days? What would you do if you were in my shoes.
Also- I have kratom (as I previously stated) and Calm Support ….I think that is what it is called. It was something recommended in one of your articles. I even bought loperamide, but decided against it, bc of the possible risks.
I just want to be free and never look back. Your advice is truly appreciated!!
If you can find ANYTHING at all besides methadone…. please use that instead! Heroin is bad, but IMO methadone is far far worse, and the withdrawals, if there anything like I’ve experienced, they’re much worse than Oxycontin 80mg withdrawals! As a matter of fact, after going on methadone a few months, I thought I’d go back to the Oxy’s because of all the bad changes the Methadone was doing to my body. The first couple days were okay, not great like it had made me feel so many times before, and by the 3rd day, even taking 8 to10 80mg OCs, I was going in to total withdrawals from being without the Methadone. As soon as I took one 40mg Methadone, before it could go to work I started getting sick and vomiting uncontrollably until I had nothing left, and a couple minutes later come the throwing up and the dry-heaves which I was so weak I could barely hold my head up. I had one more 40mg wafer left and as soon as I could stand and clean all the sweat from my body (And you will sweat uncontrollable everyday) I took the other wafer hoping I wouldn’t waste it too. I managed to hold it down, barley, and went back to the clinic the following morning, That was over a year ago and I’m still tapering off these liquid handcuffs. That’s why I’m here now, trying to find away to help me make sure I make it off this stuff successfully. I work outside, by 9 a.m. every morning my cloths are soaked from my neck to my knees from sweat this Methadone causes. It’s not like a normal sweat either, it’s a nasty sticky kind of sweat, and that’s just one of many side effects this stuff has. My short term memory is almost non existent, and I used to have the best short term memory, I could hear a song once and sing along with it or remember the whole song after a couple times of hearing it. Now, I could hear it a 100 times and still couldn’t remember it because that’s how this Methadone has effected me. They say these symptoms will go away when completely off Methadone, but it does take a few months! The reason I’m writing this isn’t to discourage anyone from getting help, but rather to let people know up front just a couple of side effects the Methadone has before they decide it’s the right treatment for them, I never had any kind of warnings, just encouragement to use it to get off the pain meds I was on. I advise anyone to research this to find out more about all the side effects Methadone has from other patients where you can make the right decision for you.
hey buddy don’t know if you’ve had to many replies yet but I can tell you for me kratom itself got me off dalaudid and hydro and I didn’t experience any negative effects off of it I took it for a year too. I can tell you that all the other suggestions up there will help as well and don’t skip on the exercise it is very important. I pray you find your way many best wishes and blessings
i have taken methadone for 15 years for chronic pain. i tried to cut back ect. only to hit a terrible funk…then i heard about Kratom…that was the game changer. i have taken it for over three years and it works great.There is much miss information about Kratom..Depending who you talk to about it..I give it a big thumbs up ..there is so many different strains,from very up to very down.i like the middle …its cheap,natural and effective….do your home work,there is lots of GOOD things to hear about Kratom…. .i am now down to 5 mg of methadone that i take before bed time. It has been 7 days since i took any and am still Jonesing some nights…i know 5 mgs of methadone is not much but its enough to still mess with me…i will keep at it .don’t give up .it took me a few years to cut way back on the methadone..you will get there..
CBD
This is a great article! Just to let you know: The macaforce link doesn’t actually link to a particular supplement, and macaforce makes several supplements. Is there one in particular you recommend? Thank you again so much for all of this information! 🙂
Matt,
My name is Linda last Monday our pain management was notified that all of us would no longer be allowed to be on opoids well I have been in methadone for over 17 years and I want to start Kratom. My sister has started to use this product for pain and it works for her. .I would like to use to get off my methadone but can I start it while in still in my methadone and being reduced ? I’m so terrified I don’t know what to do and I don’t want to do the Suboxine thing at all please advise asap. Thank you for what you do you just don’t realize how many people lives you change ♥️
I am currently blind dosing at my clinic, I think I am on around 32-30mg a day but often double up due to the headaches I get about halfway through the day from the mdone wearing off. I get 2 weeks of takehomes so that usually leaves me with 6-7 days without any md. Tbh I am usually pretty ok without it for that time as far as withdrawing goes, but I am so tired of the depression, anxiety, NAUSEA (omg I’m so
Sick alll the time) and foggy head that comes with the md. I’m ready to get off this stuff so badly. I want to try your method but I just graduated with my Associates in Paralegal Studies and am currently looking for my first position so I don’t have the money to spend on the withdrawal supplements. I also have a 3 yr old (who is the reason I am on this recovery journey I swear I owe my life to that baby girl). I am ready to not just “make it” through the day anymore, I’m ready to start LIVING my life and actually being able to remember and enjoy my daughter. I also know that I won’t be able to hold down a job until I get off the md. It makes me too sick to work, but the alternative it going back to using and that is NOT an alternative. I guess I just wanted to say thank you all for your testimonies, I was kinda starting to feel alone in this battle with the md, like I was the only one. I’m still in a pretty dark place but I’m not using anymore and my daughter thinks I hung the moon so it could always be worse. If not for her, I’m not sure I would be here. But I’ll give up this fight for sobriety while I have her to live an amazing life for. Thanks for reminding me that it is still possible to get clean and that I’m not broken, that it’s just going to take time for my body and mind to recover from being in this fog.
Sincerest and best wishes albeit a few months later I see. You DO have a special reason and it is FAMILY. I have LOST all my memories of children growing up. As a result I’ve also lost contact with them for the most part . They just got fed-up with their Dad being on Mdone basically since 1995. ” Children ” are SO SO very much smarter than given credit for. I have lost the most important reason man lives. However Sir, I am replying to YOUR purported recovery and to wish you the very best. I hope you are STILL doing okay. Take care and consider your wonderful Family as your means of recovery. COOL!
I llive in the uk matt where can I buy kratom and how much does it cost im unemployed and 20 year methadone user ???
they sell it at smoke shops here in the states.it takes time to figure it out.There is so many strains of kratom .from very up to very down..i like the middle ground..I had been on Methadone for 15 years for cronic pain and with Krat i am down to 5 mg i take at bedtime so i don’t feel it ..then Kratom first thing in the morning and then around noon and mabey some at 5 or 6 pm in the long summer days…I put my money on it…lots of good stories about it ..check it out….and remember… good things ..take time
Hey,
I live in San Francisco Bay Area and I have been on Methadone since 2013. I originally started Methadone because I wanted a easy way to get high which turned out was the wrong move since it just turned in to another addiction. In the beginning it was good because I couldn’t afford the street prices around here anymore, and I wasn’t just addicted to opiates I was also doing a lot of cocaine, MDMA, benzos, somas, even Crystal meth you name it, I had a severe substance abuse problem. I got in way to deep since I had a connection that could hook up anything I wanted. I liked mixing opiates with cocaine and top it off with benzos didn’t matter which, they are all good. I don’t do that anymore thank God. I’m still on Methadone and benzos because let’s face it, how are you supposed to get off benzos ? Benzos are the real scare, Methadone was easy to taper off. Try withdrawing off Methadone together with a huge benzo addiction. So how are you supposed to get free from Methadone and benzos with your secret success ? Most users are addicted to some sort of benzo while on methadone, how could you not be? So how would you go about doing that? I’d love to hear some advice thank you 🙏
Hello!! Was just doing some research for my own situation and came across your comment. I have been going to a methadone clinic for 14 years. I was also badly addicted to Xanax. It got to the point that a seizure was very possible if I didn’t take them. About 5 years ago I got completely fed up and started tapering off the Xanax. I did it! But I did it very slowly. Just breaking tiny pieces off every day until finally they weren’t showing up in a urine screen anymore. After that I just had to really discipline myself to stay off them. And I have so far. After I was off them for about 6 months I started tapering my methadone. I’ve been coming down slow and steady for the last 2 years. I tapered to 2 milligrams 8 days ago. In a few days I’ll taper to 1. It’s not been easy but I know it’s possible. Take on 1 thing at a time. Kicking the benzodiazepines before even starting the methadone taper is what worked for me. You can do it! Best of luck to you!!
I would disagree that most people are addicted to benzos while on methadone. Some are, MOST are not.
Ariel- I agree! I was on methadone for 13 years and stayed away from benzodiazepines.
ive been on methadone pain management thru dr.for 10 yrs. i tappered doen to zero for 7 days. feel like im dying dr gave me some klonopin 1mg. helps sleep and i take a small amount of zanax for this month of zero done. i did try a suboxone 4mg and wow felt perfect. so i jusy take a little untill done gets out of my bones by george i think i got it.
tacman
Very dangerous combo.i know,ive done it and watched my best friend die mixing the two drugs.i had done it all and didnt think it could do me that way til she passed away in front of me.nobody is untouchable.
Hi Matt! First of all thank you for all of your hard work and your research! Finding your website has been an answer to our prayers! My husband has battled with addiction for years (pain pills, benzos, adderall, etc). He went to multiple inpatient treatments and kept relapsing. Finally we made the decision to start him on liquid methadone at a clinic. It has done its job and was definitely the right move at the time. He has been taking methadone for over 2 years now. His max dose was 140mg daily. He has always had pretty bad side effects from the medication (sweating, nausea, dizziness) no matter the dose. He has been tapering his dose slowly for months and is down to 93mg/day. However since tapering the withdrawal or side effects have become much worse. He has been miserable! He usually tapers 3-5mg every other week and the clinic is not much help. He is always nauseated, vomiting, dizzy, anxious up and down with depressed mood , etc. We are looking at using your Kratom method to get him off methadone and have been reading article after article on your website! Our question is while he is tapering (he still has quite a ways to go) before he gets to a low enough dose to stop methadone and start Kratom, can he start taking supplements like elimidrol now to ease withdrawal symptoms? Or is he still at too high of a dose to begin the supplements? Is it bad to take elimidrol for long periods of time? Any advice is greatly appreciated!
Hi Lauren,
So glad the articles are helping!! And yes, taking supplements along with nutrition and exercise are some of the key ways to feel better while tapering, and at the clinic I worked at, I almost never saw people get off methadone. However, now that people know about and are using kratom, the methadone freedom rates have exploded!!
Hi can someone tell me if i can have my brother start the kratom even though hes at 120mg of methadone daily?…i was thinking this would help not need so much of the methadone and hopefully will help him taper down…
Absolutely. A lot of people do that so they can start using less methadone. Great strategy.
I am currently blind dosing at my clinic, I think I am on around 32-30mg a day but often double up due to the headaches I get about halfway through the day from the mdone wearing off. I get 2 weeks of takehomes so that usually leaves me with 6-7 days without any md. Tbh I am usually pretty ok without it for that time as far as withdrawing goes, but I am so tired of the depression, anxiety, NAUSEA (omg I’m so
Sick alll the time) and foggy head that comes with the md. I’m ready to get off this stuff so badly. I want to try your method but I just graduated with my Associates in Paralegal Studies and am currently looking for my first position so I don’t have the money to spend on the withdrawal supplements. I also have a 3 yr old (who is the reason I am on this recovery journey I swear I owe my life to that baby girl). I am ready to not just “make it” through the day anymore, I’m ready to start LIVING my life and actually being able to remember and enjoy my daughter. I also know that I won’t be able to hold down a job until I get off the md. It makes me too sick to work, but the alternative it going back to using and that is NOT an alternative. I guess I just wanted to say thank you all for your testimonies, I was kinda starting to feel alone in this battle with the md, like I was the only one. I’m still in a pretty dark place but I’m not using anymore and my daughter thinks I hung the moon so it could always be worse. If not for her, I’m not sure I would be here. But I’ll give up this fight for sobriety while I have her to live an amazing life for. Thanks for reminding me that it is still possible to get clean and that I’m not broken, that it’s just going to take time for my body and mind to recover from being in this fog.
Were do you get the thing’s you have said in the article ie shen nongs ginseng raw reishi maca force good bell big shot 50 and the rest of the thing’s you have said my name is colin.
There are clickable links in the article on the products which takes you to the places I buy them from.
Hi there Matt. I’ve been on md for 5 years at 90mgs. I have recently gotten myself to 40 mgs within about 45 days and I feel great. However 40 mgs is my “threshold” even going to 38mgs is a no go. Once starting with the morning drink when should I start the taper again? Is that individualized? What do u recommend? And really you have given me comfort for adding the side note about the “threshold” in ur info, I felt it was just me or my mind playing tricks on me.
WHY~~~ DO~~~ NONE~~~ OF~~~ MY~~~ COMMENTS~~~ SHOW~~~ UP?
Sorry to hijack your thread Sally, but I have commented twice and its not showing up. So I thought I would try this, to get my comment visible someway. I am so sick of this life it is dominating every thought that I own!!!
Hello,
Could you please help with my situation? I am on 120mg, have my take homes, been on the clinic for 4 years this go-around. I have never been more ready to come off of it. I have gained 45 pounds, and this has devastated me and my relationship. I have been clean from relapses for 2 years and just graduated with my social work degree and got an amazing job which I love. I am 35 years old and have no children, by I desperately want to try to have them, but NOT on methadone. Needless to reaffirm, but I am ready to come off. I want to do it fast. As fast as possible, expecting to experience *some* discomfort, but be still able to go to work. I have a weeks worth of sick days that I could use, if it gets very bad, but I obviously want to avoid as many symptoms as possible. I understand many people will say slow taper, but I am willing to experience some discomfort to come off of this as quickly as possible.
Here is the scenario that I am thinking, *hoping*, will work for me:
Decrease my dose 10mg every week. (I have my takehomes, and have been wanting to taper for a while, so 6 out of 7 days I take 100mg. The day I dose in, I have to take 120 of course).
Once I get down to 70mg, quit taking methadone and begin a Kratom dosing schedule as well as the supplements Matt suggests.
Stabilize on kratom for 3 weeks.
Begin Kratom taper as Matt suggests.
Begin the next chapter of my life!
Thank you for your help in advance! I literally was scared, depressed and hopeless until I found this site 2 days ago. I am so sick of being constipated, even though I drink 80 oz water a day, take fiber, drink detox digestion teas, sick of being sweaty, even though I take 3 Vitadone tablets a day, sick of being overweight, even though I workout vigorously 3 days a week and get 150 min. of additional moderate exercise the rest of the week, sick of being sedated and all around gross feeling! Never been more ready!
Thanks again and blessings to you all.
p.s. This is the second time I am posting as it did not appear the first time. The same thing happened to me yesterday on the blog post about Methadone Weight Gain and Opioid Induced Endocrinopathy. I thought maybe posts had to be approved by a moderator, but when I saw another post I made on the Kratom blog post appear, I had the foresight to copy my comment today before I posted it, just in case it happened again! Just thought you might want to know, Matt. Cheers
Hi there! Before you’ll see your comments posted I have to manually approve them. I do this so I don’t get a million people spamming, and I also do it in case people leave their emails, phone numbers, etc. for confidentiality reasons. So please be patient as it sometimes takes me a day or two to approve comments. Longer if I’m on vacation somewhere with no internet service.
And you’re certainly done your homework!!!
I read your plan above and it sounds perfect to me. That plan has helped so many of my readers and clients get off methadone. You are going to CRUSH IT!!!
Thank you so much, Matt. I was afraid to start kratom at 70mg, but with your plan, I feel so much more confident.
My apologies for getting all worked up about my post not appearing. When you wake up hating yourself every single day, once you make up your mind….. that’s what dominates my brain space now….. quitting methadone for good.
p.s. I bought some of the dhea supplement for weight loss, have lost 2 pounds so far.
***UPDATE ALERT!***
I am so proud to announce I have weaned down to 15mg a day from 120. I detoxed from 120-70 very quickly (and I didn’t even notice ANY side effects). Once I got down to 70, I went a little slower. Now being on 15mg, the only side effects I feel are having chills a few times a day and slightly watery eyes when I yawn.
However, actually being able to feel cold again, instead of the methadone sweats all of the time is a welcome change!
Now to update on weight gain…. (which is where I originally posted this story, but it never appeared. No worries though!) I started the clinic at 120lbs and when I left I was at 174lbs. I am now at 156lbs!
Honestly, I did not know how NUMB methadone made me. It desensitized me to EVERYTHING. Even how much food I needed. I get fuller so much faster now, and I do not get as hungry. I don’t need half as much food as I thought I did. In addition, I do not eat huge bags of gummy bears, sour straws, nor do I wake up in the middle of the night to eat ice cream.
And for anyone who says its a willpower thing, they have never been there. I truthfully thought I ate healthy-ish. Not to mention the 3-4 hours spent sweating my face off in the gym each week. I just NEVER UNDERSTOOD why I could not lose!
And when I say methadone desensitized everything, I mean everything. We all know about the libido, but I am even talking about my response to everyday interactions. My boyfriend and his grandmother literally thought I was drunk all the time, because everything excited me. This has died down a little bit, but not really. I have more energy than I ever know what to do with! I no longer WAKE UP exhausted. I no longer can sleep for 12 hours at a time. I barely need 7. Naps? Get outta here! My new tagline is ZESTY 4 LYFE because I am.
Lastly, I want to mention the DHEA. In the height of my exasperation, I bought everything. I bought a pound of kratom, huge bottle of DHEA, Elimidrol AM and PM, and was already taking Vitadone. (if you can’t tell I was R E A D Y). I tried starting with kratom and elimidrol at 70mg, but this was a little too soon. Probably because I came down so fast. (120>70mg in a month or so). It honestly scared me because I thought about using the first day, so I listened to my body, and simply slowed my taper down to 10 mg over other week or so to where I am now.
However, I still take the DHEA. I will probably still take it when I am fully off methadone, simply because of the mental clarity it gives me.
I didn’t notice any benefit immediately, but in a few weeks, one day it hit me – boy am I in a good mood, this feels so natural, everything looks brighter! And it wasn’t a stimulate feeling either. (Believe me, I am currently prescribed adderall, 2 x 30mg a day, and because of DHEA and lack of methadone, I only take one a day now. Most days forgetting to take the other. One 30mg is now TOO MUCH for me, so I half them).
While I haven’t got back to 130-140 lbs yet, the weight that I have lost has given me a new confidence. I have lost inches too, AKA body fat! My relationship is sooo much better, we are currently looking at houses to buy to start our family. I feel attractive again, and do not try to hide my body like I used to.
I will never completely knock methadone — it did help me get off 10 years of IV heroin use, so there is that. But I will say, it is such a hard thing to get off of if you can’t detox yourself. The clinic said if I wanted to started detoxing, I would have to come up there the first 2 days out of every week in order to be “observed”, not including my pick up day!!! I had my takehomes so that was the LAST thing I wanted to have to do — my clinic was a real RAT HOLE, and I had to be at work at 8:00am, living 45 minutes away from the clinic. (not to mention the ridiculous lines you had to wait in).
If my story sounds like yours, and you are wanting to take action, my advice to anyone is to try to get your weekly takehomes, and just start detoxing yourself. It worked for me because I was at my WITS END. And reading so many other posts on the weight gain article, I see many of you are too. My hatred for the methadone clinic and my body were the sheer motivators for me to make this change. I know you can do it!! You will feel better than you ever even imagined. And I am still on 15mg a day! But we are all different. I had been talking about detoxing for 2 years until I finally did it. You are right where you need to be if you are on Matt’s site, reading this stuff. This website was the ultimate catalyst that gave me the courage to do it.
As I was telling my girlfriend the other day, I FEEL ALL THE FEELS, AND IT FEELS BEAUTIFUL.
Thanks for reading, and I will update again as soon as I am 100% FREE.
*FINAL UPDATE!
It’s been a full 7 days without a drop of Methadone. It would have been 2 weeks but twice, right at the 4 day mark, I couldn’t take it, and dosed about 30 mg. What’s really getting me right now is the insomnia. Today, I went to the doctor and got a prescription for Gabapentin, Clonidine, and he also gave me Doxepin for insomnia. All of these are pretty powerful drugs and the Gabapentin and Clonidine alone made me feel like a zombie with a body full of lead. But at least I will sleep tonight! I was going on day 3 of not a wink of sleep.
I felt fine otherwise.
The Kratom and Elimidrol work GREAT! I felt like I was taking too much kratom though, even though I waited till I had symptoms every time to take more. It works wonders. I love that stuff, but don’t want to get addicted to it.
Has anyone had any experience with any of the drugs mentioned above? I am prescribed 3x 300mg of Gabapentin, but is that too much? Matt’s article on it said significant relief for those on 1600mg, but I bet that is for those in the first few days of w/d. What about those like me experiencing PAWS? Anyway, I feel like I am in the clear. I was having fleeting thoughts of using, but I have made it so far, I am glad I went to the doctor today.
Finally, I almost bought the Kyani Triangle today, because I really believe it will work, but it wouldn’t get here fast enough, and I was on the verge of a panic attack and needed relief like, today. I think I will still purchase it in a week or so. Matt, any thoughts?
Thank you for your service, Matt. I would have never had the confidence to get off 120mg of methadone, if it wasn’t for you. I owe you the world!!!
hi, just reading your story & am hoping that you are doing amazing. you have heart & your story gave me chills at the journey you undertook. what an inspiring story! thank you for sharing what had to be the hardest part of your life (besides the 10 years of using). just wanted to reach out to let you know how motivating you are! thanks again!!
just adding a reply so i can check the box to get alerts
Gabapentin made me feel spacey. i’d be talking and – zip – nothing. Like my mind was wiped clean of thought.
Diana
Hi,
I know that you don’t recommend a fast taper off Md but I found your page in the midst of doing just that…whoops. I’m currently @ 60mg from 205mg daily. I did a gradual taper to 155 mg but impatient with the slow pace so started to decrease 10 mg a day. I seen one comment where you said you had heard of people being successful with fast tapers but you didn’t go into any detail about such. I’m just wondering what the best plan of action would be. I have daytime Elimidrol and 8 ounces of red Kratom. I’ve been taking the Elimidrol for the last couple days but haven’t started taking any Kratom, as I haven’t felt any withdrawals as of yet. I was planning to keep decreasing @ 10 mg daily until I begin to feel negatively. At that time I was planning to cease my daily dose of methadone and begin taking Kratom at a high dose up to 4 times a day. I also plan to buy the nighttime Elimidrol as well when I have the money, exercise and eat a protein rich diet. I was just curious if you have any insight on my plan or ideas about how I should change it.
Thanks, Lemuel C.
Hi Lemuel, how is your taper/plan going? I started to feel a bit of w/d when I got down to 40 from 105 md. Where are you at now? I’m going to look up Elimidrol, I’ve never heard of that b4 🙂
Omg you sound like me. But I’m on 85 mg I want off of it I have enough for one week take-homes you do one little thing and they take away your take homes. it’s hard to hold down a decent job when you got to go to the clinic. I’m trying to find some type in-house treatment for a week.. I don’t know I’m lost
Hi Matt I first I want to just tell you that you are truly a godsent and I am so thankful and blessed that I found your articles and your videos you are an amazing person helping so many people like myself get their lives back. But Im currently struggling with getting off of methadone I am 26 years old and a mother of two children I am a student and I work I’m currently on 25 MGs of methadone my question is how or what milligram is the best milligram of methadone to be on to transition to kratom and other supplements I am just so confused and tired of being on this medication I’ve been on it for about 8 months because I was addicted to Percocet. If I can get any answers to this question which is how can I transition from methadone to other supplements and herbs I would be very grateful and thankful I just started the Ultimate detox 2.0 and I’ve been reading other courses and articles and videos which are very very good resources.
I just got out of bed after not sleeping all night, ready to call the doctors to have them put me on anxiety meds…then I came across your post. I’ve been on methadone for 7 years. I started at 280 mg (on the streeet) and I’m down to 5 mg as of Monday. I guess I should mention I’m a 34 year old female that weighs 110 lbs. I’m at that point where I’m getting froggy and want to jump off. I was so happy to see everything you recommended I have in my pantry as I work at an herbal pharmacy. It’s just hard to feel the immediate effects of a lot of those herbs and I think that’s why I have a hard time making it a habit for everyday. Reading your story helped reconfirm I have the will, strength and tools to do this. Did you make it all the way to 0 or did you just jump off? I don’t think I notice any difference with the 5 mg or 7, or 10 for that matter. Also, I don’t have a gallbladder, is everything still ok to take? I’m pretty sure it is, but my pancreas has been angry lately so I don’t want to put more things in my body if they aren’t necessary. Thank you so much for your time, you are truly an amazing person sharing your story.
I got off Methadone on January 26th 2017 and here it is Feb 17th 2018 and i’m barely starting to feel some what better. I did use kratom at the beginning but giving how addicted it is later I had to detox off it also. I heard CBD oil(Marijuana) is better to kick with it is non-addicting unlike Kratom. I started only taking Kratom when I had to go to doctor but lately started using it every day after I could not handle it anymore. I had to detox myself off it. I was in Hospital February 5th the doctors would not give me anything to help me. I asked and was denied. I lost 65% of my weight. I could not eat at all a times it would make me sick. I had been on Methadone from 1993 and at the time I was put on it I did not know I was Highly Sensitive person. Methadone effected me different than the norm. I got hyper off it, and kept telling the doctors i could not sleep. They in turn kept raising my dose all the way to 125 but I managed to lower my dose to 40 Mg years later and then proceeded to lower my dose until I got to 10 mg and had no one to help me. At 10 mg I proceeded to quit cold turkey. Being Highly sensitive(HS) it was horrible to kick. I fell off my bed and cracked my ribs and doctors still would not give me anything for pain. I took Imodium so I could go to doctors’. HS people feel pain and suffering more severe than others do. I still think CBD oil is better you can get it without Prescription on-line. or make your own a video on youtube teaches you how with Marijuana. I did not find out about CBD oil until I was almost done with kicking.
CBD is amazing, and so is cannabis with THC for opiate withdrawal and pain. Both are great. I’ll provide a few links to articles I wrote on these:
Marijuana>>
CBD>>
Pot makes withdrawl worse, plus it gives you a horrid paranoid feeling. I wouldn’t even consider it. I tried it once, the worst idea ever. Do NOT try this. And do NOT believe anyone that tells you that Pot is somehow useful for chronic pain. I think that Pot heads just imagine that craud is good for everything.
Martine, everyone is different on how things affect them. Many chronic pain patients get relief from medical marijuana. Maybe not you. It’s not ok to tell people not to fall for it. Every body is different. And people just holding on may be doing so because of marijuana. Maybe kratom is more for you.
I have been on methadone since 1995 and anything u can say to help me would be a blessing.
He just wrote an amazing article that explains everything. Nothing else to tell you just try the program
On mdone since 84. No dope since 85. Retired w/pent
Married 30yrs. 3Grandkids. Stayin on M. No Worries
this is really the only comment i can relate to 100%.
i’ve been on the program over 20 years, never experienced any of the negetive symptoms people are going on about here, the only one i ever got was some sweating in the begining.
if it wasn’t for methadone i would most definitely be dead or in prison, i had just been released from prison and was on parole when i got on the program as i was using again and was on a fast track back to prison if i didn’t do something, i got on the program and got control of my life again.
a few years back i tried to come off the program, not because i was experiencing any negetive symptoms but because i listened to people that told me it was this terrible drug and i shouldn’t be on it, after managing to get off it within weeks i back in active addiction and my life became worse by the day, so i got back on and since then things have been good again.
i believe that for some people methadone may not be the right medication, although i actually think that it is more the fact that they are on too high of a dose.
however for some of us i think that it is an absolutely life saver and for me it creates none of the problems such as emotional numbness or brain fog/feeling sluggish, i have held down jobs for many years, worked out and in fact became as fit or even fitter than at any other time in my whole life all while on the program.
for me it is no different than someone who is on anti depressants or any other mood stablizing medication.
i may have another try at getting off it in the future as no matter what the medication is obviously i would prefer to be medication free.
i really wish their was less stigma surrounding the program though and i think we all should have a bit more of a supportive attitude rather than a get off it at all costs approach.
I’ve been on opiods for about 8 years now, popping em then smoking them and now to sniffing them and the high is so intense… You feel like nothing or no one can stop you or ruin your day after snorting like 6 to 8 of the 30mg’s so in January 2018 I made it my New Years eve resolution to quit and i did. So i started with 30mg of Methadone and it worked great for about 4 months and I relapsed and started snorting 4 30mg roxys and then going and getting my morning dose which was now 35mg of Methadone. But after leaving Methadone clinic I felt so high I would have to stop back by my house and pop a 2mg bar of Xanax to even out.. But man did I feel good!! Like Super Man. But then one morning I decided to check my heart beat cuz I started getting dizzy spells along with the awesome buzz I had going and noticed it was at 38 beats per minute. So as the days went on 4 roxys a dose of 35mg of Methadone and back to the house for 2 more roxys and a 2mg bar of Xanax and off to begin my day with nothing or no one in my way!! But my heart beats… they started dropping to 38 to 42 to 40 and so on. So as I knew it my days of feeling like Super Man were over, and now I’m back on Methadone 37mgs and it’s the 12th of May 2018 and working hard on my sobriety but don’t want to be on this Methadone for any longer than I have to… and I have used Kratom and it doesn’t work that good. So far Methadone is doing it! But good luck on your sobriety and stick to it but don’t go to high on your Methadone dose, you don’t need it.
Try the red bali strain or the red maeng DA strain. while everyone Is different as well as the quality +freshness of the kratom, both my husband +I have found help w these. I’m 10 days in off MD after 7.5 yrs. Fingr crossed. Good luck to u!
How are u now? Are u completely off md?
Are off now? How long do you have to take Kratom to be sure not to be sick ??
Thx u for ur story. I am begining day 10 off MD (it’s 4:37 am!! Ugh) I am 44 yr female +I used pills for a few yrs in my early 20s then only heroin for about 7yrs straight… Never kicked even once. Then on to MD for last 7.5 yrs. Cravings+all that have been gone since the first 6mos but the physical addiction to the 180 mg I was up to was too severe. About 2yrs ago I couldn’t pay for my week… So no ddose/takehomes for the weekend. Even as a H addict I always worked as a server, sometimes 2jobs-, had to keep all the balls in the air right?! So I went cold turkey off of 100mgs at that point. Here in TX u can’t go to rehab for MD. So after 12days of writhing, puking, losing20 LBS (I’m only like 125) I went to ER in ambulance bc I couldn’t walk. Since they couldn’t get a vein to start fluids I was literally given a 4oz bottle of Powerade +released. Miserable so I got some $ together+went back at the last poss day b4 discharge. Flash to now… I’ve come all way dwn to 40 mg +same thing, couldn’t pay my week. The nurse was super kind +broke the rules +dosed me one last time Fri, but that’s it. They expect me to go back but I’m praying for not. I’ve been using Kratom (it’s decent quality in Austin +fairly easy to find. So I’m lucky in that way) it’s also not $300/month! I just can’t do it anymore. It’s been though, but I was actually able to work the 1St 3 days of it. I’m in some major financial crisis +facing eviction actually but I feel like if I don’t take advantage of this opportunity now it’ll be a few more yrs at least. Plus I feel like I’m too far in now to want to give in. I’m aware of potentially creating addiction to the kratom, but it’s a step in the right direction for me right now. Day 7+8 were the roughest so far-immense nausea +leg function ceasing, but I was w out any kratom or anything else for that time as well. I’ve been trying to keep my kratom dose as low as poss, esp w stomach probs bc I don’t want to just keep throwing them up, plus I can hopefully keep it as low as needed. Sorry this is so long, I just want to share my situation if it helps anyone. Plus it helps me to read others experiences as well. Truly hope ur in a safe place+doing better! I’m praying for us all… And sending all the positive energy, info +love out to all who are suffering thru this kind of mess. Gotta keep putting one foot in front of the other, however hard it is right?! Peace +love to all who read this! Thx
Hi Matt,
I’m currently a 22 year old college student finishing my last semester of school. I have been on methadone for over 13 months now and have been slowly decreasing my dose the past few months. I initially started methadone detox after a severe year long heroin addiction. I first tried rehab, which I relapsed after. Then I tried suboxone treatment but had a terrible time on it, had a lot of problems with nausea and anxiety. My third and final option was methadone. I was in very bad physical and mental shape at the time and promised to myself this treatment would just be to stabilize myself and not a long term solution. I went up to 100 mg a day and never let myself go beyond that. I did have several relapses during this past year but overall have felt I have made a lot of progress towards my goals and health. I have decreased my dosage to 50mg a day and hope to continue to decrease my dose by 5-10mg every 2-3 weeks. I liked the idea of your approach to natural medicine and wondered how harsh your morning tonic would be on my stomach? I have a very sensitive stomach and nausea and vomiting is always the first withdrawal symptom or discomfort I experience. Taking miralax daily has helped keep my stomach on a better track but am looking for your input on this “tonic”. Also, what would you estimate the costs would be for a two week regiment? I do take a daily probiotic at night time as well as well as gas-x (simethicone) for bloating. Also, am concerned that kratom would be very harsh on the stomach? I’ve heard a lot of peoples experience nausea and vomiting upon taking it. Also, my clinic staff is pretty useless. Do you have any health professionals you suggest may be of use to contact?
The Morning Tonic is not harsh on the stomach at all. And the way to make the methadone gentle of the stomach is to make tea. Some people get mild stomach issues from kratom, but if you boil the powder for 20 minutes in water, then strain it through a natural coffee filter (without chemicals) and tea strainer, this collects all the yummy kratom alkaloids while filtering out the stuff in kratom that can make a small percentage of people has mild stomach bloating or nausea or other issues. If you’re concerned about bloating, you’ll want to take the kratom in this manner. It gets rid of the bloating completely. And again, the Morning Tonic has no stomach side effects ever. It’s amazing.
My mom refuses to accept her addiction. She tells me I don’t have a clue when I keep trying to say methadone is not allowing her depression to get better, let her loose weight, nor is it making her past pill popping addiction go down the drain. The doctor suggest methadone to get her to stop pill popping but now she has the same problem with methadone. She refuses to believe it is destroying our lives due to the large cost we can’t afford anymore and the fact that she has large emotional outbursts when we suggest she makes an attempt to get off of it. She already said she was going to lower it in the past but instead her doctor made the intake higher. She won’t listen and I have no idea how to make her listen. Help?
I understand your pain, coming from the addict side. I put everyone I knew through HELL with my opioid addiction. I also understand your mother’s pain. She’s terrified. I did the same thing (emotional outburst when confronted). Methadone is a controversial drug. I think some people are so far gone, they really believe they cannot ever get off Methadone. And yes, it made my life worse ultimately. The depression never got better while I kept taking methadone; it also (it is a central nervous system depressant) which will physically and mentally “depress” anyone. That’s why I think many methadone patients are on anti-depressants (even more chemicals to mess with the methadone. I understand there are certain individuals who really SHOULD be on depression medication. I was off and on the Suboxone/Methadone merry-go-round for 10 years (the 10 years prior it was ANY opioid I could get my hands on….I understand your mother’s fear (it is legitimate). However she CAN get off methadone, but it has to be her decision. I have much empathy for your situation. Find a way to connect to her, gain her trust, let her know she CAN do it. I’ve had people write me off, force me out of their lives. But please don’t give up on your mom. Meet her where she’s at (even if it’s in the depths of hell) and pull her up. You obviously love her. She can do this. Show her this website. It helped me.
Matt,
I have been so fearful of coming off the methadone and didn’t really even think it was feasible. But after finding this article, I feel hopeful for the first time. It looks to me like you have put a TON of time & energy into researching this. I am definitely going to follow these steps and try my best to do it. I need to taper down first. But I plan on documenting my progress when I do, which I would love to share with you for your studies/research. I cannot thank you enough for all that you have done and are continuing to do. If I can successfully get off this awful medication with your help, you will have literally saved my life. You are a god send, Matt!
Hi Becca,
This is wonderful to read! I’m so glad you feel HOPEFUL for the first time! Looking forward to hearing from you again and reading your documented success story!!!! 🙂
I got a surprise pregnancy and wasn’t going to kill my fetus just because I’m on methadone. However, that being said, I do not want my baby to have to withdraw. Is the morning tonic and opiate withdrawal meds all safe for pregnant women? Thanks for your help!!
I wouldn’t try getting off methadone while pregnant without the supervision of a doctor or multiple doctors that can assist with that in the safest way possible. Many of the supplements I write about are contraindicated with pregnancy.
I WAS YOU**** I was coming down off methadone and found out I was pregnant. It was very upsetting news at first, not having my first daughter (child) with my husband, but that I was soooo close to being off and now I had to go back up! I didn’t like hearing this was my only option, I was upset at the time and wasn’t paying as much attention as necessary to the information being told to me. It’s true- you CANNOt come off methadone when pregnant. In loving your baby and wanting it to be healthy, staying on is what you have to do, and you will have to raise your dose in your later trimesters due to the fact you do have a baby in you. It would be only selfish to get off now. You will definitely kill or deform/ hurt child. So much so they make you sign off on a paper so you cannot sue the doctor for letting you get off while pregnant- no matter how far along. I felt guilty at first. Sooooo guilty and ashamed. The plus side- you get more appointments with the doctors aka more ultra sounds and pictures along the way! My daughter came out PERFECT, in fact she’s advanced for her age! Others I tell you would/will NEVER know she was a baby born with methadone in her system. The doctors and nurses took care of her great- I was there the WHOLE time as you can be as well! I breastfed. All of that. I was still like any other new mother. Myself was my only problem. My EGO. Try not to give into stress- everything will work out! Stress only passes to the baby so stay positive, celebrate and you and your baby will be GREAT! One or two weeks is NOTHING in the spectrum of life. Nobody is in pain. Unless you let it get to you- otherwise pain free! How wonderful this child has a mother that wants to do better in life and make changes.
my daughter is 20 months now, I was at 95mg when she was born. (Was at 30mg when found out preggo from 80mg.) currently at 46 mg. Been going down 2 mg a week. I felt fine until I hit 40mg. I had to stop and let my body adjust. I was disappointed I had to go back to 55 to feel any relief. I kept telling myself it’s still almost half of my previous dose (95mg), halfway there! [IV Heroin 8 years from roxys, methadone now 3 almost 4 years due to pregnancy] My body needed 2 months to adjust to the change. Now at 46mg and coming down 2 mg a week again- I feel the change, nothing intolerable. I am having trouble finding a way to fully detox. The clinic is trying to keep me there. I have mental health anxiety bipolar so I’m dual diagnosis. I feel there is no possible way I can stay at the clinic and be comfortable going all the way down to zero. As I am feeling the difference at 46. My threshold is close by! Always difficult to find help! Stinks! Recently got my medical mj license. It does help. Where do you purchase all these things you speak of, is any prescription?
I hope that people see the problem in your life experience: That “modern” “doctors” that are supposed to be highly educated and confirm an oath of ethics to actually care and help individuals before they even start treating humans, did NOT diagnose a simple and natural cause to your symptoms. Not one of these health care “professionals” discuss, suggest, or require a simple pregnancy test?!? That is the problem. It is not your fault, Sara, and you were actively seeking some type of help and explanation to your medical problem. And not only did these “PhD’s” ignore you, they made you feel invalid and dishonest. I hope you consider a lawyer to pursue a medical malpractice claim! I hope your baby will be compensated for such a blatant lack in standard of care and just a huge violation of receiving proper health care. Your child will bring you all the happiness in the world and I hope this will help your journey by staying sober, to the best of your ability. It is tough to be a good mom in general, but to have to deal with such disrespect and non-quality care at a place where you were supposed to receive help from another human, is just plain wild! Thank you for telling your story and I hope that specific HATER that thought it was a good idea to comment on other’s experience or suffering can see and learn a valuable lesson from it. NOT ALL MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS CARE TO HELP! PLEASE DO YOUR RESEARCH ON A QUALIFIED DOCTOR FOR YOU. THANK YOU, MATT FINCH, FOR YOUR DESIRE TO HELP US GET THROUGH A TOUGH TIME AS AN ADDICT AND DETOX SAFELY!!!! Not all people can afford, have the resources, or have any idea of where to start getting help, especially proper and factual help. These studies and information that Matt has provided to us, has really helped me and others, like Sara, start an education process to better our lives. Being addicted is beyond HELL to break out! I can strongly say his regimen has made my withdrawals tolerable and helping me towards my goal of being successfully clean and have freedom soon. I seriously couldn’t do any of this without this valuable information! I am a mother and wife and caregiver, which I can honestly and painfully admit, is something I haven’t been very present and clear in the last few years of attempting to get off Rx methadone. STAY STRONG AND YOU CAN DO IT WITH MATT’S HELPFUL INFO!!! This is just an example:
GABBA (500-2,000 mg) Take each dosage on an empty stomach
1. 45 min to breakfast
2. 3 hrs after breakfast
3. 3 hrs after lunch
4. 1-2 hrs before bed (2,000 mg)
DLPA (up to 2,000 mg)/ up to 3 x day
Also, continue taking for a few month after detox
L-Tyrosine (1,000-2,000 mg total a day) Take 45 min before meals
1. 500-1,000 mg before breakfast
2. 500-1,000 mg after dinner
5-HTP (200 mg)
1 pill at bedtime
L-Arginine (500-1,000 mg) Take on empty stomach
1 x day, usually at bedtime
Theanine (200-400 mg) Take on empty stomach
1 x day
These suggestions I listed just helped me. Please talk with a qualified professional because the dosage is all different between gender and weight and what type of symptoms that are you are more severely experiencing.
Matt’s other supplements that have helped: Epsom salt bath, Elimidrol, MacaForce, Alpha-Lipoic Acid, Vitamin C mega-dose, Velvet Bean, Passion Flower, Ginseng, Valerian Root, KavaKava, Ginger, Melatonin, Reishi, Fish Oil, drinking lots of water, Protein-rich foods, fruits and veggies, exercise, meditation, counseling.
Such a stupid thing to do,getting pregnant as an addict .No consideration towards that baby what so ever.if you’re a teen I would understand but a grown ass woman.NO!
Unfortunately now you have no choice but to stay on methadone because no doctor is going to detox u while you’re pregnant.why?because detoxing while pregnant will cause stress to your baby and therefore you can loose it!they don’t want a lawsuit! Fyi towards the last three months of pregnancy they are going to up your dose ,too long to explain here and your baby will feel the effects of withdrawal even tho the hospital will do their best to help him/her!.plus be ready to go home before your baby from the hospital.all this could have been avoided by NOT getting prego on metho.Goodluck
I really couldn’t help but comment on here after reading your ignorant reply !!First off I too got into a bad accident was on pain killers for all long and became addicted to them thus being put on methadone . I was also on the depo shot had been for almost 6 years 🙂 after my accident I found out I was having bowel issues due to perforation that happened during a surgery , I was throwing up daily because my bowels were not able to empty I was hospitalized a few times due to dehydration and other health issues and you know every time I would complain about pain and weird stabbing sensations I was told by er doctors that my bowels were compacted and it was most likely due to how barley backed up I was and I would try to plead with them to listen to me . I had to have a procedure done and it required an ultrasound to be done at which point they wheeled me down on my hospital bed and I got down there and I’ve had enough ultrasounds done to notice the horrified stun ed look on the techs face “( I was thinking the worst i felt perhaps it w as cancer 🙁 I was almost immediately visited by the doctor in the er only to be told that they wouldn’t be going ahead with the procedure and that i was indeed expecting and they estimated almost 7months along a baby boy! I was Heartbroken right away I worried is the baby ok !?? I bad had very uncomfortable tests and enimas while at the er all I could think about was that and the methadone you see I was afraid because of people like you !! What people might think! But thankfully I had an amazing g doctor and incredible family support and we did our best to deal with life as it came because sometimes these situations happen and sometimes there’s a reason but how rude of a stranger like yourself to attack a scared worried woman who had the guys to reach out for help ! You have no idea how she got pregnant no idea if it was named and you also don t have the right to judge only God does the judging sweetheart;) My due date was December 24th I carried to almost term and my little boy was born December 18th ten days after my birthday , 6days before his due date and a week before Christmas exactly ♡♡ and although he was not planned he is an absolute blessing I could not imagine my life without him ♡♡ So maybe next time before you start to sit up there and judge someone who you don’t know you should remind yourself that’s a human being just like yourself and she’s got a heart and feelings and blood running through her veins just like you …..That is all
I have to agree with you. It is this ignorant attitude in our society that women in particular are afraid of. Afraid to get help, afraid to go to ob gyn appointments, afraid to tell there doctors, afraid for their baby, afraid of jail, afraid to talk to anyone!
Once we change our way of thinking more families will feel comfortable asking for help instead of silently worrying and stressing and trying to quit their addictions without the help of qualified professionals and medication.
Spread love, don’t judge! Compassion goes a long way in increasing the chance of someone getting help.
It is so sad that people feel so bad about themselves that they attack others just to feel better. We all have challenges to overcome and feeling confident enough to express our issues is the best thing to do to start recovery. Whoever judges you like that simply shows their ignorance and self-loathing. Please don’t let that person’s issues affect you. I hope you’re having a wonderful life with your blessed baby!
U really find it necessary to berate someone who I’m sure is plenty well hard on herself about her situation. Are u even an addict? Sure doesn’t sound like u come from a place where u can relate even a little. No one WANTS to get pregnant while using anything. Just no reason to add to this woman’s stress right now.
Yes, I totally agree with what Brig E & KuriousKittie have said. I have known women who have felt they needed to detox ‘self-help’ style, because they wanted the best for their baby, but were afraid to tell or talk to anyone, including Drs. And it is in part because of uneducated fools who like to troll Helpful websites such as this one. Realitycheck is the one who needs a reality check. And thank you Matt, I’m lovin your website, so glad I came across it! I have bookmarked it & showed it to some of my friends! I really like that you shared your story with us 🙂 This gives us hope, especially in times that seem hopeless. God Bless 🙂
~ C.
Great post, Crystal! Thanks for writing in and I appreciate what you wrote about this topic, as well as the kind feedback. Thanks!!!
!
Unfortunately there are thousands of ignorant misogynistic assholes with mommy issues . Don’t worry honey everything bad that happened in his life is obviously a woman’s fault.wow!!!!! Sweetie what did mommy do to you ? ( yes the whole world knows that you are an (IMA).
Louise Packham Sydney Australia
Who are you to judge this woman!? You have no business or right to comment, judge or put her down because she’s pregnant and on methadone! You dont know her situation… nor do you know exactly what happens when a mother is on methadone unless you have gone through it yourself (in that case shame on you for pointing fingers) or you are a dr.! I’ve been through this and i dont need to go into details but it’s better than using and your comment about the dr.s making you go up on your dose is absolutely ridiculous! I stayed on20mg the whole time! Keep your ignorant comments to yourself .. obviously you have no clue what you are talking about!
Actually I’m 30 and didn’t think I could ever get pregnant so no, i wasn’t trying to prevent it when I didn’t think it would ever happen. Which is exactly why I wouldn’t have had an abortion. Also, my doctor did agree to wean me down as long as I wasn’t withdrawing. I got all the way down to 13mg and then started withdrawing so I couldn’t go down anymore. I’m 32 weeks now, so we’re almost done… 2 months left to go. I know 4 babies born on methadone and only 1 was addicted. So 75% were perfectly fine and went home. I didn’t want to risk that chance anyway but unfortunately, withdrawal can cause preterm labor or miscarriage in the earlier stages. My doctors are thinking he has a good chance of being okay, so it seems you know nothing about methadone. Bye asshole.
Your Baby will be The Biggest Blessing of your life & all those around you 🙂 this sweet new baby of yours is a Godsend & will give others hope, especially other pregnant moms on Methadone! This sweet baby came to you from heaven with little wings & will grow up to be a sweet, wonderful person, just like mommy, affecting everyone he/she meets in a positive & lasting way. You are truly blessed and so is your baby. Even if your baby experiences w/d and has to stay a few extra days, no worries, you will all be better & to have each other in this world is wonderful! My daughter was born with a bit of w/d and is now a wonderful young lady who brings warmth & joy to almost all she encounters in this world! The world is a better place with her, and will be a better place with the addition of your lil one too! That sad, misguided fool who wrote that comment is undoubtedly a hater of some sort, who has no or low self esteem. Shame on him for taking out his wayward negative energy on this forum, on someone looking for help, especially a natural self help plan, wanting the best for her & baby. Much love & positive energy to you & wishing you & everyone seeking help or kind words here the best! C.
This is such an embarrassment, I feel bad for people (not humans) who speak in such a manner. ESPECIALLY when uneducated & so judgemental. Go ahead and tell a person who has been raped, no matter what age, that they are this or that- whatever makes YOU feel better. Only sad miserable people would act this way. You know NOTHING about anyone on here’s story. Stop making yourself look a fool. I KNOW you are full of self hatred and guilt. However ****Why are you on this website anyways? You must be an addict, or even worse a troll.
Dont listen to that weirdo i had two babies on methadone n they were both perfect no withdrawls at all. My babies came home when i did too but we had to stay 72hrs. Everyone is different.
After reading you guys post i do feel better because i have been beating my self up . im i just turned 30 2 weeks ago and for 7 years i didnt get pregnant and also have female problems soo never thought another blessing would come my way but 2 years ago i was on heroin real bad and it caused me too have staff on my heart and also caused one of my heart values too go out . after dr thinkin i wasnt goin to make it i made it. A blessing from god been clean from heroin but on im on methadone . i found out 3 weeks ago i was pregnant and that was a blessing after thinking i would never have another baby. I was on 50 mg a day methadone and i have got myself down to 20 . i don’t want my baby taken from me or dfacs involved and im only 10 weeks pregnant is there any way i can come off of it without causing a misscarraige . im a nervous wreak because i want this baby soo bad and i don’t want any harm . im hurt because i dont knoe what too do or how i can come off the 20 mg . im already bad with throwin up because of the pregancy.
Its a baby at conception. There’s a heartbeat even after a few weeks
I’ve been on the program for 6 years now. I’ve tried the tapper only 2 to 5 mg a month but it was agony..almost like slowly dying and I went back up after a year . I was so disappointed in myself but couldn’t take it. I don’t know if it was in my head but I felt it! I’m on 99 mg and honestly hate the way I feel on the methadone but I feel as though I need it so I’m not sick. Sometimes I feel like I’m someone I’m not and the sleepiness is the only part I like because it helps me sleep but sometimes I feel like a zombie and I hate that . I have a hard time concentrating and my emotions are not The same when I’m on it. I would.like to try your program but I have to taper myself first, and I just know that I’ve already convinced myself that it’s too hard because I know I’d rather be sick off of it then go through slowly dying again. But Maybe I’ll give your program a try. Looks interesting and maybe if i start to do these steps it will help. I guess you can only start your steps when your tapered down eh? Let me know.
Try not to feel too bad tia with Matt’s help 99 percent of us can do it. And i’m pretty sure we can spend a few bucks on his recommendations as I have and will testify for Kratom, Cam Support , DLPA,Tyrosine, theanine. I’m kicking a 25 year 90MG Methadone habit and with my study and understanding of the KJV, Matt’s advice is the best we have online He Knows what He is talking about so use his advice like there’s no other!(There isn’t iv’e looked!) My true success being Jesus Christ I must recommend Gabapentin,, Kratom, Edible Cannabis,Valium(5-10MG.not too often!!), Passion Flower, take your daily vitamins, drink plenty of water, stay on this site!…….. I’m currently on14 mg. and really excited about my quest for sobriety….
You could simply start using a lot of kratom right now and taper methadone fast. I’ve seen a lot of people do this well. You just need to use a lot of kratom to help you on the dosage of methadone you’re trying to taper down from.
Hi I came across your site and I was wondering if this will work for me. I’m on 30-40mg of methadone a day for chronic pain. I had surgery four years ago for a bulging disc that was affecting the nerves in my legs. So I’ve been on methadone for about 3/4 years and I’m only 24. My dose has been the same for quite some time. I want to get off methadone because I don’t like the side effects and I want to try to naturally help my pain instead of using methadone. I see a pain management doctor for this issue if that helps answer anything.
Hi Kim,
In my opinion, this can work for almost anyone. A very small percentage of people don’t react well to kratom, but that is a small percentage chance of that happening. It works almost 100% of the time.
I’m in bayarea California where can I get some of the products (local stores) or (online) like kratom and some of the other?
I have clickable links in the article to where to get them online. And locally they might have kratom at a smoke shop near you.
I am coming off of 100 mgs and I am being tampered 5mgs every 5 days n starting to get dope sick it I have been battling my addiction for 13 years n started on loratabs until I found out I was pregnant with my 3rd daughter. With my 1st and 2nd daughters u wasn’t addicted nor taking anything it was after my 13 year old was born they had to do a lot of surgeries on my stomach due to me having an abruption my 1st pregnancy n me n my daughter coming so close to dying I had an emergency csection n she was born no heartbeat they worked on her n brought her back after 4 mins she was 4 pounds but bcuz of damage that caused I kept having surgeries so after my second daughter in was being prescribed loratabs every month for a year then I was addicted then finding out I was pregnant with my 3rd I was honest with my doctor who got me on the methadone clinic due to it being to dangerous for the unborn baby I could of lost her. N she is 9 years old now I have gotten off the clinic I think 4 times total one time doing it cold turkey due to jail. I am coming off again n also have been taking Xanax n when I try to stop taking Xanax I have very violent seizures. I have had 3 kids while being on the methadone bone had to be put on it or anything else they went through very little withdrawals but with my 5th pregnancy I went into rehab to get off the xanax n graduated the rehab n was clean from xanax 14 months n relapsed. I have 5 kids n lost custody off all but my youngest due to this addiction
I don’t want to lose him also. But trying to come off both is taking its toll. My boyfriend doesn’t understand n thinks I just want the xanax to get high. That’s far from the issue. I need advice on how to get him to understand that I need them badly. I only take enough so I don’t have a seizure. But he controls the money so idk what to. Please email me your advice. Thanks
Keep doing the next right thing. I pray your clean and doing well
You should have him talk to a doctor who can relay the importance of not coming off Xanax too fast or you can actually die.
Honestly you are going to end up losing your lil one if you don’t stop with the Xanax! Im assuming you don’t have a Rx for it! If you do then talk to your Dr. So he can give you an alternative to the Xanax. To be on both must make you very drowsy and since you had your other kids taken away best believe cps or whoever reported you in the first place is watching You! Im only speaking from experience. I’m not judging I’m just trying to give a bit of advice. Your bf will never understand because he doesn’t know how it feels to be in your situation so don’t ever expect him to unfortunately! You just really need to focus on one thing at a time and get off of Xanax you kicked it once you can kick it again even if that means going back to rehab or a 10 day detox. I also have 5 children and i only have my youngest in my custody thank God I am also with my other 4 but did lose parental rights. I could not do anything to lose my son and I’m sure you feel the same way…. therefore you need to do everything In your power to not let that happen and to be there 100% for your child and right now you are not with taking 2 powerful drugs. Best wishes and goodluck.
I am coming off 130mlgs of liquid methadone a day. I stopped cold turkey 5days ago what do you suggest? Withdrawal symptoms are getting very bad,what do you suggest? Please respond ASAP,and thank you
After reading your Quitting cold turkey I would advise against it ! If you were truly on 130MGS. for some length of time your gonna need help! Lucky for you you at the right site!
I am just trying to help u but try a non narcotic drug called gabepentin or nurotin.I promise it helps w withdrawal and pain.its used for nerve pain.u need 800 mg at least 2 or 3 times a day.If u can ask your Dr he will give it to you
Don’t just try it once keep useing it for 2 to 3 days u will feel much better.keep useing the med till withdrawal are over.everyone in tn.uses it for pain and withdrawal
Good luck
Gabapentin works very well for the acute detox. Here is an article I wrote on it:
How To Use Gabapentin For Opiate Withdrawal>>
If you have made it 5 days then you must be some strong will power. Xanax will really help lessen the withdrawal. I have friends on kratum, but it can end up just being a methadone replacement. One of my co workers has no withdrawal from kratum but the otter has severe withdrawls from it. PRILOSEC OTC IS THE BEST ADVICE IVE EVER BN TOLD. It stops all my bathroom problems and towards the midway point it stopped my throwing up. Once u get food n beverages into your system your body will stop aching. GOOD LUCK, YOU CAN DO IT.
I hope you got through your detox. I also went cold Turkey after 1 year of 80mg methadone daily. I had misused Heroin for just under 1 year but had abused prescription painkillers for roughly 3-4 years before turning to shooting up the straight dope. I had attempted to quit the Heroin a few times by myself. I had to keep it a secret from friends and family. They simply thought I was coming down with a horrific flu every 3 months or so but I was actually kicking the dope. Sometimes in life you have to push yourself to new extremes and enduring a dope withdrawal can be a spiritual experience. Each time for me, I would get a big blanket ready for the sweaty chills, wrap myself up and get ready for the ride. I was ready for this once again when I decided to quit Methadone. The vomiting came around for me on 3rd night. I was able to hold my water by the end of the 4th day. I did my best to stay hydrated with lots of water. The physical effects were still quite profound especially in my leg muscles. The 5th and 6th days were full of sharp tingles throughout my entire body and I only felt the tingles in my forearms on the 7th day. Other than some relative soreness into the next week, it was all over. And that was the last stop on that train!
This is a good article. i am tapering atm to come off completely and a bit scared tbh. i’m a professional athlete who started using 3 years ago. iv been on methadone for 2.5 years now. my mother sister and brother also are on methadone. i didn’t ever use until 3 years ago. my brother tells me since our family are all opiate addicts that it is gonna be complete hell coming off, and that tapering is a waste of time.
cause i’m gonna feel like garbage regardless. i hope this isnt true. i was at 220 mg, and i tapered down 10 mg a week till i hit 70. then 5 mg a week till 25 now i’m going down 1 mg a week till i hit 10 then 1 mg every 2 weeks. hopefully it will greatly reduce my withdraws. i have to come off this or my career will be over for good. i’m 26 and only have a solid 9 years left.
Hi Matt,
Glad to hear you enjoyed this article. Don’t listen to your brother. He obviously hasn’t spent over 6 six years straight studying and researching and blogging about opioid recovery methods. I have. And from what I’ve learned, tapering off methadone doesn’t have to be difficult.
I’ve heard from countless individuals that they had a relatively easy time coming off methadone, but you have to use the right nutrients and even medications too can help greatly.
You’ve already done an impressive taper. Don’t listen to naysayers that have no idea what they’re talking about. Study this website and you’ll have more than enough tips to help you get off methadone without much suffering.
I really want to get off the clinic! I’ve been on it for 9 years and haven’t used since I began it but the clinic itself is really frustrating- there’s far too many hoops to jump through in order to get it at home and they pull them away for far more reason than relapsing which makes it not even helpful treatment after you’ve been sober as long as I have. It’s now becoming more of a hindrance than help- I’m at 69 mgs now and I wasn’t once at 300- so I know it’s possible I’m just afraid
If I follow these suggestions will it really work? And how far of a jump do you think I could go? Could I also do a 5 mg taper a week or would I experience a lot of symptoms? I’ve stayed at 69 for about 10 months now
I used methadone for three years and kratom saved my life. I used because at first to control my lupus pain but before I knew it I was addicted and the pain coming off the methadone was worse than my lupus pain. I tapered to 5mg a day then switched to kratom…it was rough the first two weeks, not gonna lie but without the kratom I would be still using.
Wonderful to hear this Jody! Congrats on your success, and thanks for leaving a testimonial on this.
Do you still use kratum? Just wondering if it’s easy to stop using after you’re off the methadone.
how are u feeling body wise?
So Ive been on 35 mg of methadone now for a couple months, I had refused maintenance several times before that. Unfortunately I finally gave into what I believe to be “the hype” and let the doctor tell me my brain is permanently and I would need some sort of maintenance in order to have a normal life. What do you think about that? Is it possible to have a normal life after opiates?
I was a 10 bag a day minimum user, I’m in Vermont so it started when they over prescribed the oxys and the streets were flooded with them. Once they pulled the oxys people from boston and NYC obviously capitalized on it and I spent about 7 years strung out off and on.
Most doctors have no faith in opioid addicts to recover. Relapse rates are chronic, at about 95% of people who quit get back on again, and rarely does a person ever quit for good.
Thus, most doctors just think it’s best to take a daily medicine and have an easier life.
However, telling a patient their brain is permanently messed up because of using opioids is unethical, and totally false. Read a book called End Your Addiction Now, and you’ll understand how the brain is able to rebalance brain chemistry once you get off opioids and give it the right nutrients.
The book was written by a doctor too, and I wish all doctors knew as much as he did.
P.S. – If you want to heal your brain and not have cravings and feel good without opioids, simply follow the protocol I outline in this article:
How To Stop Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome>>
I believe everything you shared, I’M So sick of living my life around some drug, 27years ago I cold trukey it in which time I was on 70mil for five years I can’t survive another five to six months of pain and totally Crazy! It was so hard!! Six years ago I got hit on my motorcycle the Doctor gave me oxies I had been clean and sober 17 years so the oxy made me hi I didn’t to feel like that so gave the pills back to Doctor an a unfilled scrip. That was my 2nd time for methadone, I wasn’t thinking to clear a year earlier my 21 year old daughter got killed. So I thought I would take the 20 mil a day for a month get off and here I am 27 years sober from booze. Was!! Very healthy. Lost, scared an divorce. Yep I think Your method can work again thank you for sharing the Gift.
How long it takes its been almost 4 days for me n i feel like shit i was on 52 was on 95 but work down n if u got any things to help let me know asap please
I’ve currently been on methadone for 5 years. I’ve gained 75 lbs, and my current dose is 92 mgs. I’ve become a recluse, mainly because I hate being this fat, but also because I’m experiencing debilitating back pain. I’ve been trying to walk in my neighborhood, but the pain is so intense I don’t last very long. I went to a doctor & was honest about being on methadone. As soon as I told him I was taking it, his attitude completely changed, and he said he didn’t think he could help me. I haven’t tried another doctor yet. I feel horrible about myself. I cry every day. I’ve read your methadone detox plan, but honestly I’m terrified of withdrawal so I haven’t bought any of the products you talked about yet. I know you say it works…i guess I’m just a little bit skeptical and also scared. Does the Kratom really alleviate the withdrawal symptoms? Methadone is literally killing me, I believe, and I need to take action soon. If this really works, I’d much rather go that route than have to go into a treatment center. I think it’s wonderful that you’re trying to help people.
Hi Steph,
Getting off methadone can be scary. Yes kratom helps a lot of people get off without feeling bad, but not everyone. For some it doesn’t work well. But for most it seems to do the trick.
Oh Steph! I can totally relate to you and the weight gain!!! I just started to taper and am working on eating a high protein, no carb, no sugar diet @1200 calories a day. You can also look into seated exercises that will help since your back pain is so bad.
Good luck! your at the right website! Matts experience and education Has helped me tremendously! I am kicking a twenty five year 90miligram(Average) habit, now at fourteen miligrams and to be honest am on the brink of insanity, i am here writing to you so go figure. Most of every method of Matt’s works, so please listen . The mental, and the people around you is the hardest part, and PATIENCE, you must have patience. I strongly reccommend in your prayers to add PATIENCE, as i have found in myself not to have any! When you relapse ,just remember your prolonging the crap you got yourself into so if your on a timetable FORGET IT! Patience is key. I got a prescription for GABAPENTIN and believe to be my miracle drug for methadone dependence. No wonder we don’t here of it’s benefits because it works, and has little side effects, methadone providers do not want to hurt their bottom line. I cannot stress enough what started me on this endevour. I assked God if i could please him sober for just a little while, just once i asked if i could pray to Him without being under the influence and be totally honest with Him,,. And then Myself. So if you ever here of a twenty year habit you will also hear that it is impossible to get off, well i beg to differ with Jesus all are possible and thats what brought me down to fourteen, …… Again Good luck………..Paul
I’ve been on methadone since 2005. I have worked my way down to 5mg. I can’t go any lower then that at my clinic. I have asked my doctor if there was anything she could prescribe me to help with withdraw if I stopped going to the clinic. She said no. When I came down from 20 to 15 I was rushed to the hospital because I got a huge headache along with numbness on one side. Everytime I would come down I would be a headache but this one was very intense! I have no cravings or anything like that to take anything else and always tell the er doctors and any doctor I see that I do not want any narcotics for any reason! I have no desire to get high at all! I just want to be the person I was 🙁 I’m scared..very scared! I get so stressed out because all I think about is just not going back to the clinic. I just want to know what to do?
Hi Linda,
Hang in there. I’m sorry you’re going through this pain, but I assure you that things will become much worse if you just stop going to the clinic. Next time, instead of dropping from 20 to 15, why don’t you talk to the doctor about dropping a little slower?
Once you get down to 20 mg of methadone, reducing can be difficult by 5 mg increments, and thus many people will go down by 1 or 2 mg at a time.
I’ve been on methadone since October 29th 2008 when I was pregnant. I went up to 97 mgs. I’ve had two more kids since then. My youngest is 2. I’ve decreased down to 6 mgs. I’m thinking of doing a 10 detox off it at the clinic I go to. I’m worried. I hate feeling sick. I’ve been on 6 mgs for about 2 months now.
Does Anybody Here Remember Jesus , The Christ
I was thinking the same thing …he will release of all your pain. Have faith in God.
what a manipulated story to control masses please stop thats y i use.
I KNOW HE IS POWEFUL ENOUGH BUT I DON’T BELIEVE MY FAITH IS POWERFUL ENOUGH. 😞 =)
Amen! i started using at age 13 and am 55 now. i have been on Methadone for the past 5 years. i tried getting off on my own , ended up in ER due to an overdose. This man the CHRIST has been my spiritual support along with others who opinative and more supportive. TRY JESUS he is real and wants to help!
Tied down for twenty seven years myself. I will be untied in six months, and the power of the Lord is solely to blame!
Yes and praying is helping me greatly , more than I could ever deserve , Jesus helped get me down and I could not make it through this without him. I hate this poison and hate that I have to lower my dose I want to just stop but I’m trying to be smart about it.
With the brilliance of Mr. F, I believe your on the right track
My son took his last dose of Methadone on Saturday, it is now Tuesday ….. he has to do this cold turkey. His decision, and actually the only one but we his family are here to help him thru this…. I happened upon your site …. I believe in natural remedies too. While I’m not financially independent, what would be your absolute recommendation for these next few days?
Thank you very much!
I am going to start detoxing. I was originally at 100 mgs a day for about 6yrs or so, i brought myself down to 50 over a two yr period. I am absolutely terrified. I have been using opiates for almost 20 yrs. I dont remember what “sober” is. Any way i am really wanting to use your system. Should i start it when i get low may e around 5mgs? All i know is i dont wanna live this life anymore. Any advice would be great. Thanks for your time!
Should kratom be used for 1-2 weeks during taper or after one stops taking methodone completely?
I KNOW HE IS POWEFUL ENOUGH BUT I DON’T BELIEVE MY FAITH IS POWERFUL ENOUGH. 😞 I want… NEED to get OFF THIS POISON!! IT IS KILLING ME!! THIS I KNOW!!
Your on the right track. Yes, Jesus can do it , but what would humanity be like if God intervened??
I was wondering if you can quit Methadone cold turkey, then do all your steps provided. I feel like my clinic tries to keep you on the Methadone forever. I swore I wouldn’t be on it longer than a year…five years later😩 I just want to be done and get off it!
So you was on methadone for 8 days? That is no time at all this article might help for people with a week long addiction but not for the long term users.
I have a much different opinion, because I’ve had many people email me to say how well this protocol worked at coming off years of methadone. But I respect your opinion and appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment.
I go to a clinic and have been going down slow
Went from 110 now at 26.
Not sleeping great
But kratom!? Really!! Every heroin addict I’ve known to do kratom fails because what they really want is that feeling heroin provides! Not a good idea
??? I’ve heard from literally hundreds of people that have used kratom to get off heroin and other opiates. I’ve had this blog for over 3 years and get a lot of comments and emails, and many have used kratom to quit opiates. It may not be a good idea for you, but many have used it successfully, including a really good friend of mine that used it to get off methadone!
Congrat’s Meg i’m very proud of you, and i know what your going through! Without any faith I stopped sleeping for days on end, the longest, about six days with maybe four hours of troubled sleep through strange cat-naps. Today’s a different story as i memorized Prov.3:24 and average six hours of decent sleep a night!
I totally agree!! After 10 years of this shit (80ml a day) it seems like a a tonic just wont be enough
Where did you read that all you need is a tonic? I seem to remember writing many different things a person would need to do and take, not just one simple tonic. Should I make the article more clear perhaps?
prescribed dextroamphetamine daily for 45yrs then methadone 30 for 20 yrs i am 78 yrs my husband just left the world can i stop these drugs or is it too late. i take nothing else. i have two sons god blessed me they are clean and sober
P.s I forgot to ask is any tried Vivitrol I was wondering of any Pros Coins
Vivitrol has many advantages over methadone and suboxone. It is an intrvenous injection you receive once a month. You can’t co-use opioids when you are on it, it stops craving, you can’ t get high from it, it does not require daily compliance, you can’t take it back once you get it (you’re good for a month then you get another shot), you can’t sell it on the street!! It is delivered in a private practice usually by an APRN, not in a crowded clinic. It is expensive if you don’t have insurance and you have to be clean 7-10 days to receive it or you will have a very bad reaction. Vivitrol has saved my 2 sons lives! Highly recommend it.
Where do you get this
Hi, my name is Robyn // I have been an addict for about 30 years many many different drug of choice heroin,painpills ,coke and list goes on. About 2 1/2 years ago I ended up 302 and also in the ICU, almost died trying to detox myself from heroin Don’t do it. I spent over 10 days in hospital,then I went to methadone clinic had welfare insurance at the time. I was feeling better got a job and I was getting closer to my daughter, I lost welfare insurance so I paid the clinic weekly,I was on 113mg daily had great life going. Then I got laid off couldn’t afford the money and to top things off welfare made a mistake in saying what I made so I was defined medical. The clinic took my dose down 10mg for 10 days on the last day the advise nurse gave me when I was telling her how I was feeling. Think positive. I am in full WD but thinking positive.
Ive been on methadone for 10 years now! I was up to 80mgs a day. Right now ive tapered down to 20mgs daily. I do go to a methadone clinic. My question is… Would any of the supplements make me fail a drug screen? This sounds like a really good way of detoxing without withdrawals!! Im so ready to be off methadone more now than ever!! Its taken me 2 years to get to where i am now.
P.S. I hope I didn’t make you mad. Certainly NOT my intent. Just going through a rough time right now & in need of support I guess. I love all the useful & amazing info on here. I plan to use your method in getting off of Methadone & am writing down all the steps as i speak. Cant wait to be free of this ball & chain. 10 years is far too long but fear can make you do crazy things.
Try 27
Hi Matt,thanks for your blog,and support at this crucial point in my life. I am A Social Worker that has screwed up. I am going to follow your directions and hopefully get through this in one piece. The question I have relates to taking Kratom. I’m confused on when to start taking it. Do you wait until your completely off your taper or when you start the morning tonic? I await your response as I want to begin. I am an older person, any additional advice?
D.A.,
Kratom has been used by some who remain in active addiction if they simply cannot find their drug of choice. Therefore, it’s not necessary to wait until you’ve tapered and ready to “jump off” your drug of choice (d.o.c.). However….you didn’t say whether your d.o.c. is heroin, a short-acting prescribed opiate like oxycodone or hydros, or if it’s one of the MAT medicines: methadone, suboxone, etc. You also didn’t say what your daily intake is. Why does this matter? The reason is that withdrawal from a short acting opiate will hit much quicker than a long acting opiate used for maintenance treatment. Withdrawal begins as the opiate receptors begin to empty as the external opioid leave your system. If your brain has adapted to where only high doses of these opioids will relieve withdrawal, then Kratos may not be strong enough to provide relief. Knowing this shows that Kratom does work much better if you’ve adapted to a lower dose of your d.o.c.
One more thing….when choosing a strain of ktatom from the huge variety available (red, green, white, yellow, gold), know that red strains work best for the majority of the acute withdrawal symtoms. After the acute phase, if the lingering effects of low energy and anxiety are a threat to your sobriety, the white strains at lower doses work well for energy and green strains help with relaxation, moods and anxiety. ** Use caution with ktatom because a dependence can develop on this as well.
~MARY
OAS RECOVERY SPECIALIST!
*Disclaimer- take medications, supplements or herbals only under the advice of your Dr.
Hello,
I am 25 year old female and currently taking 40mg of methadone a day for opiate dependancy. I have been on methadone for a little over 2 years and started out on 80mg. I am so ready to get off this stuff!!! These steps give me hope, but at the same time, I’m terrified of going through withdrawal again because it was absolutely horrible coming off heroin and I’ve heard the withdrawal is worse coming off methadone. At what mg do you recommend starting these 7 steps?? Hope to hear from you soon!
Sydney,
This article should help you.
https://opiateaddictionsupport.com/how-to-get-off-methadone-without-withdrawal/
~Mary
OAS RECOVERY SPECIALIST
Hi there! Thanks so much for this information! I have currently been on methadone for roughly 6 1/2 over the years I have gotten myself down to 10 MG per day anyways my friend just got off of it using suboxom and it only took her a week and she now feels like a brand new person (she was also on methadone for about the same length of time as me) and it’s really made me want out of this life style of being dependant on it! I was reading through a bunch of the comments and someone was saying to you they added DLP to there VitC water/juice mix and that were were skeptical at first but they were pleasantly surprised how well it worked thus far. Now my question to you is what is DLP? Thanks again!!!
Cheers!
Sarah
Dlpa is also called dl-phenylalanine. This helps dopamine production.check out this article: https://opiateaddictionsupport.com/dlpa-for-opiate-withdrawal/
~Mary
OAS RECOVERY SPECIALIST
Hello Matt my name is Niki and my sister has been on Methadone for 11years now and the clinic she is going to is putting her dosage down 2mg a day until 90 days are up and kicking her out. She is very sick and is definitely not ready in such a short time frame. Is this healthy or even safe for her? Please give me some advice if you know of any if they can do that to her. Thanks
Nikki,
Unfortunately, Dr’s can stop treating their patient at any time, even if the patient is on an opiate and stopping it would cause withdrawal. You didn’t go into detail, but I’m assuming (of course, I may be wrong) that there is a reason for the sudden decrease in dosage. I know some clinics will force patients to decrease quickly and stop because of financial issues or problem with other medications showing up in their drug screens. So, I wonder if your sister is being reduced because of one of these issues.
The biggest problem with this is that many times the patient just isn’t ready! But, in my opinion, many of these clinics have policies in place that are for their protection and not for the concern of treating addiction. If a person is continuously showing up with a dirty drug screen, then that person is not ready to suddenly stop MAT (medication assisted treatment). The sad thing is, with these “forced detoxes”, many end up back in the same situation that lead them to treatment in the first place. Grrrrr!! I could rant about how the medical community and the governments involvement is creating a bigger problem because they dont understand opiate addiction well enough!! I wish they would create a committee where these guidelines were discussed, but instead of only having people who have been educated on addiction, they would include recovering addicts who have gained WISDOM from experience!! Note to President Obama: (lol) CALL ME!! haha.
Ok, back to your sisters present problem. Has she considered switching to buprenorphine treatment? This may be a good option for her. It works for many who don’t do well in MMT. Right now, is she able to get comfort meds prescribed to her from her Dr.? Surely the Dr. is a trained addiction specialist and realizes that she is in a position that can cause relapse. The prescription medications Gabapentin (neurontin) and Pregabalin (lyrica) have proven to help with many symptoms associated with withdrawal. Some choose to use the over the counter medication, Loperamide (generic Immodium). “Lope” is also an opiate medication, and since there are opiate receptors in many parts of the body, not just in the brain, it helps fight many opiate withdrawal symptoms. You can google either Loperamide for opiate withdrawal or Immodium for opiate withdrawal and see where some do use this to fight symptoms successfully. There are also other comfort meds that can work for specific symptoms, ie: rls, insomnia, anxiety, etc.
I really hope that your sister finds a way to overcome the problems that she is having right now. I don’t know whether she has insurance or not, but here is a good link that can guide you to available programs that may help with medical service and prescriptions.
http://www.pparx.org
I hope this helps. Keep us updated!
~Mary
OAS RECOVERY SPECIALIST
Disclaimer- please follow the advice from your medical provider and discuss all new medications, whether prescribed or otc, with your Dr.
Hi Matt – Due to 3 major lower back surgeries over a 6 year period, I’ve been on 15mg oxycodone, and 10 mg methadone, 6 ea. daily for the last 12 years. I was able to get to 20 mg Methadone, and 30 mg Oxycodone daily but hit that threshold, and after reading your whole site, found every symptom to be true. Being that I’ve taken them together all these years, does it make more sense to keep weaning off them together or leave oxy at 30 mg daily and keep tapering the methadone, or keep them together? Thanks – I’m 64 and retired so other stressors don’t play in, even though working would be better so as to have some way not to think about the effects all day long.
Jerry,
I always recommend to wean off of one at a time.
~Mary
OAS RECOVERY SPECIALIST
How can I taper down off methadone when I have the 40 mg pills. I can hardly break them down below 10 mg without them breaking into all kinds of pieces.
Andrew,
Have you purchased a good pill splitter; the sharper the better? Here’s a great one recommended by Consumer Reports:
One to Try
Well at Walgreens Safety Shield Pill Cutter
Price: $6
Type: Razor
Manufacturer claims: “Provides a clean-cut tablet without the danger of cutting fingers.”
Our take: Not only does it cut pills easily and accurately, this pill splitter also combines the best safety and ease-of-use features, including rubber-coated wings that hold pills securely plus a sliding safety shield that protects your fingers from contact with the razor blade. The device stays securely in place when open, allowing for easy one-handed operation.
Added bonus: If you don’t shop at or live near Walgreens, you can purchase the same or a similar splitter at other drugstores. CVS offers an identical model as the CVS Pill Splitter with Safety Shield and Rite Aid offers a similar model with the “Safety Shield” logo.
Check out this link where 15 were tested. It will tell the good ones and the ones to avoid.
http://www.consumerreports.org/drugs/get-the-right-pill-splitter-and-save-money-on-your-medication/
~Mary
OAS Recovery Specialist
I have been on methadone for 1 and 1/2 years. I am up to 110mgs daily. My clinic will not taper me due to my inconsistent clean time. I relapse now and again because I hate my life on methadone. I want to get OFF. My only option seems to be cold turkey. Matt, in your experience, while a client is coming off cold turkey from high doses of methadone, what is your recommendation for this specific detox protocol? There are so many options. I am scared to choose the wrong one and find myself in withdrawals. I can’t handle not sleeping for 3 days and RLS and vomiting again when I tried to cold turkey from heroin and xanax and had a seizure. After reading up on methadone, I see it is 10 times worse cold turkey. I just want my life back. I want to be clean. Please help.
Dear Nikki,
I just came to this site as I have been on methadone for 15 years, 30 mg a day for chronic pain. I have horrible, painful arthritis in my left knee, and in my shoulders. The original Doctor told my husband and me that it was not addictive. Silly me for listening. He could not dispense anymore as he had gotten into trouble and I was in horrible withdrawals. Then I wound up in hospital because I have a mild heart issue, so the same clinic put me with another doctor who said it most certainly was, but since my pain in my knee was severe enough, has kept me on it. But if I can afford another surgery on my knee, I want to be tapered off as well. Since your comment is so recent, have you discussed this approach with your doctor? If so, what does he think?
Thanks and good luck,
Beth
I have been on Methadone at a Clinic near me for 9 years. I was at 95mlg but I have been tapering for a year I am on 23mlg now & I should be done tapering off by the end of the Summer. I was only on Pain pills for a year & a half. But I’ve been on Methadone for 9 years & clean for 6. The first 3 years I was taking Benzo’s & Adderall. I got help by a Therapist who helped me confront & work through the underline issues that was the reason why I was getting high. Yes I started using pills for a legit reason but I was abusing them for another reason. You say you hate your life & you relapsed because you hate being on Methadone. So why did you start using heroin? Your clinic don’t want to taper you off because you are not ready. You have to take accountability for your own action’s & get your shit together. If you can’t stay clean while you’re on Methadone what males you think you will stay clean with out it? You need help with whatever issues you have before you should even think of getting off. But if you hate your life & the Clinic so bad then leave. Give your spit to someone who actually wants help. I hate having to go to the Clinic I’m at every single day also but it was better than dieing of a over dose or worse. There’s people out here dieing every second of the day from a over dose. It’s a year & a half wait just to get in my clinic. Do you know how many people would still be alive if they were given the chance that you have but, you hate it though. So you can either demand a Medical Fast Detox that’s 10mg a wk at my clinic but I’m sure you’re clinic has one similar or just leave & do it cold turkey. I did that as well & if you think heroin is bad that ain’t shit compared to Methadone unless you plan on using because that’s what will happen or better yet get your shit together & stay clean try earning take homes. But in order for you to do that you would have to take accountability for your actions & change, talk to a Therapist or counselor. My 3 year old son was murdered in front of me. While I was laying there helpless because I had been stabbed several times & I was tied up. I had to watch my ex-husband slit my baby’s throat. I had no one no family or friends but I had drugs that numbed the pain I was feeling inside. I hated life & everyone in it. But then came the day I had to eather get my shit together or blow my brains out & I chose LIFE. If I can do it so can you. Yes the methadone works but the counselling is the key or else it’s like trading one dope man for another. Good luck & I hope you make the best of your life.
Thank You, True Words Of Wisdom!
You can come down even if your clinic is denying jut do it against medical advice they absolutely cannot keep you from coming down I know because I am on Methadone and my clinic tried the same thing and I am doing it against medical advice
Hello! I am a current heroine addict and i really want to get clean. I don’t want to be on methadone or suboxone , I want to be free from all of it, but like everyone else here I’m scared of withdrawal and relapse and i really want to try your method of detoxing to see if it works. My question is should i get off the heroine and on to methadone and taper down on the methadone while doing the detox method you suggest here? Or can i just taper down on the heroine while doing the detox program you suggest here? Is methadone easier to come off of/taper then heroine? I’ve heard methadone is worse when it comes to withdrawal over the heroine. And is it ok to throw in some benzos with your detox regimen to help with the anxiety?
Cold turkey is nothing short of hell and actually of you look up facts methadone withdraw last much much longer then heroin however I would not recommend cold turkey by any means I was taking oxy soma klonipin ambien celabrex lyrica your name it ( broken back so they were mine) but it got to the point my bottle of norco and oxy and soma didn’t last a week and I was getting them on the street spending atleast 500/700$ a day I had to have 50 a day to feel normal and that was taking around 2o at al time so I went to method one clinc started at 50 a out four month ago and not down to 18 asked dr yesterday when I get down to at ten or five I’d only like you go down one mg a week instead of 3/2 and he said that even if I got to 1mg for a week or two and then stopped taking it even at one mg I’d still withdraw about ten days and basically feel like crap 3/4 months after the withdrawal the worst part of this in anxiety is gonna be the death of me like for real I feel like it’s never ending and can’t win from losing
J.G. my daughter had come off of heroin, and was already on her way to recovery, but was told by peers to go on methadone that it would help with the withdrawals. She ended up going on methadone. She so regrets doing this. She feels trapped and trying to get off of methadone is a worse trap than heroin. She is looking for ways of getting off of methadone, but it’s very difficult. I would suggest researching all avenues in your transition with heroin and run far away from methadone or any other opiate. Talk to a naturapathic doctor who is experienced in detoxing. You need to get your brain chemistry back in balance, but look for ways of doing it naturally, with nutrients. You should talk to a doctor you feel is on your side and not pushing more addicting drugs. Do your research and ask lots of questions.
Hello Matt,
You have probably already addressed this comment but I’ll just ask it again, instead of looking thru all the posts’…..
On the TopExtracts website, after you click on one of strains of Krotan, it says, “this is not for human consumption.”
Can you explain this to me?
12 Years on Methadone, and scared shitless,
Heather
If a company writes that a product is not for human consumption, this means they don’t have to follow the rules of the FDA, which can be very strict. Many companies do this to avoid the hassle of following the FDA rules.
Hey Matt, desperately need your help, I’m on a mmt prog but recently due to work pressures and illness increased my dose a lot for about a week, I started to feel terrible on the high amount like withdrawals! (140-150mg) so came down to 95 mg over a week or so now I’m withdrawing all the time no matter what dose I try so I can’t stabilise to start tapering! What do I do?? Thank you so much
Hi I have been on Methadone for 9 months and I am ready to get off. I feel like the clinic screwed me when I was pregnant. I had tapered myself down to 2 perc 10s a day and they put me on Methadone. I have never done Heroin before. They said they would take my baby away if I didn’t get on. After I got on everyone told me I could have just got on suboxen. I had nobody to talk to. Now my son is 8 months and I am ready to get off I am on 80mg a day I plan to do the slow taper and TAKE MY LIFE back! What if I can’t afford all of the remedies and just get the Calm support and take Clonodine, do you think it will still help? Or is there a cheaper alternative. Please help.
Clonidine has helped many people. Please read the following article:
How To Use Clonidine For Opiate Withdrawal
And here is my review article on the Calm Support:
Calm Support Review
Calm Support is the cheapest supplement in this category. The next cheapest is $89, and the most expensive is $135.
You did the right thing. Suboxone isn’t approved for pregnant women. ( I hate when “people” try to tell you what you should have done, and in most cases are clueless). Methadone is the normal choice, although why you went up to such a high dose with such a small habit is absurd. Even with the baby taking a percentage of the dose
But that’s water under the bridge. Do a slow taper. I did one similar to the ones described years ago and it’s very easy and withdrawal free as long as you go slow. I didn’t take any supplements, I did exercise though–started a lot of walking–and ate well.
Methadone is not difficult to come off when done slowly. Te horror stories come from fast taper or cold turkey (did that once back in 2002 when incarcerated, that was hell. 32 days til I felt normal; about half that was acute wd)
Stay positive. It has a huge effect.
Can you describe your slow method of tapering off methadone? You said you didnt have any withdraw symptoms… I would really love to hear how you did it!!!
Thanks
George I’m so glad this site helped you! And what you’ve done is truly remarkable. I’m really proud of you, and that must feel awesome to be off methadone and close to 100%. Well done my friend!!!
Hello……i was reading your website about how to curb W.D. symptoms from methadone. I decided after 2 years in an outpatient clinic when I was down to 35 mg.s I wanted to do a rapid detox! I went down 5 mgs. Each day for one week. I’m only two days done with my rapid detox. I’m okay but am definitely experiencing wd. Symptoms!!! What would you suggest I do….go to a family doctor as soon as I can and ask….no beg…..for clonidine? Which was going to be my first phone call this morning! I have a toddler and can’t waste time cramping..sweating..irritable…nauseous and can’t sleep! I wanted to get off methadone after those two years! But I’m having an icky time of it! The clinic I went to never encourages much of anyone to taper quickly…of at all. Of would these herbal supplements be available over the counter if I can’t get in quickly to my doctor? Are they expensive? I’m a single mother and can’t spend too much on supplements!!! What do you think?
Hi I just got off methadone I’ve been off it for 3 days I went fast my kids got taking by dhs and the judge said I haft to get off methadone I owed the clinic money and instead of paying I decided to get off of it for my kids i was on 95mg I was on it for 3 years I went down 7 a day I felt fine till yesterday I bought kratom should I get back on methadone and wing slowly and do all the things u say
Nicole, I’m proud of you for making such a big decision, but yes, I think you should allow down and wean more carefully. Talk to your doctor for advice on handling withdrawals.
And I wanted to mention to you that most people won’t even feel the symptoms of withdrawal until about three days because methadone stays in your system so long.
I wish you the very best on making such a bold commitment and hope all goes well so you can be with your children.
I’m in the same boat.
– Trishia C
What are you doing? Any suggestions? I am about to freak out. I can’t sleep anymore, tired all the time, haven’t cooked or cleaned anything in weeks. I really want to exercise, but I am so weak
Maybe I’ll try the herbs MATT suggests next. It’s been 6 weeks now and I can’t give up. It’s gotta get better at some point.
Please help. I’m on methadone 40 mg/day and dilaudid 8 mg tabs, up to 3 tabs per day. I’m taking these for severe pain related to a syndrome of 7 hereditary disorders. My daughter suffers the same, and we are the only 2 in my family who remain alive with them. The pain is intense beyond what I could describe here.
Having said that, I do firmly believe in the rebound pain that comes from taking opiates, and have made the choice to take myself off these meds. I’m considering medicinal marijuana as the long-term effects are not as severe as with prescription opiates. I’m allergic to citrus, and can’t take even moderately large doses of vitamin C.
I’m on disability now, after a 20 year successful career that I loved with all my heart. I’ve witnessed first-hand both the benefits and cruelty of narcotic pain relief. I’m now sleeping roughly 18 hours per day, and I credit the methadone and other meds as well as depression for that.
I’m absolutely going to detox, and then pursue other options. I need some quality of life to enjoy my grandchildren while I can. I’m 49 and not sure how long I’ll be here. I’m not afraid of dying, my faith is strong. But I am afraid of a painful agonizing detox.
40 mg methadone daily
24 mg dilaudid daily
Any suggestions for amounts and frequency for decreasing dosages?
I’m done.
I encourage you to read the following article which should answer your question:
https://opiateaddictionsupport.com/how-to-taper-off-suboxone-what-is-the-best-way/
Thank you so much, Matt. Quick update: I saw my pain mgmt doctor today and was pleased to take him my methadone bottle which has quite a few tabs left at the end of my month. He decreased my dosage a bit, and prescribed clonidine to help with symptoms.
Thanks for posting the article link, I’ll go and read it now.
Hi jamie here, im 30 ive bin addicted to opioids 3 times first time it was for about 14 months i was taking up to 200+ ml s of oxy or morphine or what the dealesr had at the time. I quit ct with help from family and no meds at all. It twas the worst 2 weeks of my life and lasted mildly for about 60 days. 3 months later i was back on high doses of opioids, and it lasted for about a year. I quit ct for the second time and went threw another 2 months of hell. Then this time i was clean for 3 years and then bang i start using opiods again. This time it was only for 2 or 3 months untill i decided to go to the methadone clinic. So now iv bin there for 15 to 16 months. I started off at 20ml a day and incresed by 2ml every 2 days untill i got to 175ml/daily. I finally had enough of the methadone so i got my dr to drop me by 5 ml every 3rd day. When i got to about 40ml i would start feeling withdrawal symptoms befor the next dose. Wasent bad i was working eating and most importantly I was sleeping. So i kept comming down untill i got to 20ml. Now i was starting to loose sleep frome the withdrawal but would get sleep during the day, witch was really needed. Thank god i have time off over christmiss and newyears i wont be returing to work for a few weeks. So after three days on 20ml it was bad at all i was getting all of the withdrawal symptoms befor dosing the next day untill the 4th day witch is when i didnt take my dose . Dam that was 2 days ago. About 30 to 48 hours i was feeling withdrawal but nothing like comming off opioids ct the other times . So last night i took 20 ml of imodium ate a grape fruit and drank a glass of tonic water. 4 hours after that i was feeling wonderfull all back pain and RLS were gone i even fell asleep i woke up today and i feel like a million bucks no withdrawal at all except justa bit cold but im skinny an im always cold i live in edmonton canada so its like -20C out. All day iv bin fine i even bin eating. If i get down i play some guitar and or listen to some good old misic from back in high school. I find it brings back good memories and release of endorphins or dopamine and make me feel real happy.
so now it 7 o’clock here on my 3rd day of no methadone and im starting to get tired writing this almost ready for bed. Hey i could only be just entering the dragon layer. Lets hope not and i will keep you updated tomorow . O yea one more thing exercise really helps
Thanks for sharing this detailed experience of yours Jamie. I’m sure it will help many readers, and I sincerely thank you for adding value to this website.
Hey Matt thanks so much for this info. I noticed you recommended types and strains of Kratom but my question is what vendor online did you use and which kinds from that vendor worked best? There are so many unreliable Kratom sellers and vendors out there I would really appreciate a link to one you think has the best quality product. Greatly appreciated!
Check out this article J: Top Extracts Review
Great, How Are U Now.I’ve Ben Down To 3mgs of Methadone an Back at 20mgs.Now Im Detoxing Again From This 20mg At A Sliw Pace 1mg Every 3 Wks..I Start Tommorow.Ive Been Clean Off Herione For 12yrs Now.An I Have Health Issues, Which Slowed My Detox Down Before..Be-sides Being Pregnant Twice an Having To Miscarriage. An They Stop My Detox Each Time For Awhile an Started it back up.After Each Miscarriage. I’m Praying All Go Well This Time.I Want Off For Good.An Thanks For U Post.I believe I Can Get Something Out Of It.An Keep it Moving Hun
I really enjoyed your story some what to mine I had taken opiates several times and would quit for three years each time till this last time I stating taking 10 or more lot acted a day after few months I went to a methadone clinic with no knowledge what I was walking into the withdrawal isn’t horrific but not easy eighther I started at 30 and got up to 60 now down to 23 going down 2 mg every 2 weeks now and looking for some help to what to do once I got lower I really appreciate ur survey of it and I’m looking forward to trying couple ideas and so my best thanks so much.
Hi! It is possible to get off methadone and not suffer so much with any withdrawal!! I’ll give a quit rundown of my situation. My husband started on low opiates for a failed spine fusion over nine years ago, slowing over time he went up and up, I think the only thing he didn’t use was oxycotin, everything and I me everything else those docs threw at him he took. Well, he really screwed himself doing that. Over the years if I had aches and pains or bad tooth pain, he gave them to me which also got me stuck on the pill bandwagon. He got put on methadone because of his high tolerance to all opiates for seven years at 80mgs a day (I’m not sure how high of a dose that’s considered). Well, he (we) got sick of feeling sick and tired and looked at like junkies, so he told his doc, who is the best and very supportive, that he was done and he wanted off. He suggested the taper and he (we) did that till 10mg. Per day, then went three days with nothing, then his doc gave him oxycodone 15 for about three weeks but only two a day for that three weeks. Then went two days with nothing, then his doc gave him narcos for two weeks…after the narcos he got a 20mig. Brutran patch which is not 20mg, but 20 micro mgs. Into the system every hour. So thats half a miligram of medication per day. He (we) feel great today and it’s been almost two months since the last methadone. So no terrible, awful withdrawal from methadone if you have a doc to help you. I know you can have symptoms from paws a long time after u r off and I’m not sure how it will be after this patch comes off, but its gotta be better then going straight off. This turned into a very long post, sorry about that…and I will be stocking up on those vitimins the other poster talked about!! I’m so excited and happy about the possibility of living without the fear of withdrawl and this secret I’ve been carrying!!
Sound Great Good Job an God Bless U Guy’s
Thank God
I have a legit disability in my lumbar spine only progressing with age..Had L5S1 lumbar discectomy on Methadone 80 mg day, after surgery went off all w Suboxone. Came of that in 2 months. Had to go back to pain mngmnt few yrs later..in bad shape, started me on x6 30mg roxi day, Insain amount, Dr’s got arrested (Meriden/Derby CT) prescribed more 30’s in 2 years out of 2 offices than NY,MassMainVT&NewJersy EACH ENTIRE STATE. Had to go to Methadone & 15mg roxi per day. Moved to Ohio, first breaking balls because I eat THC with methadone as a break through.. I work my ass off & very mobile all day, can’t be slowed down by pain, I now have new Dr in Ohio playing God & dropped me to 40mg of Methadone day & 3 perc 10’s as needed, and no THC. I’m a mess in pain w dropping my doses’ & saying no THC that legally I have a medical card in CT!
I want to get off the methadone, if I stop over next month drop 5 mg week, will the Percocet keep me out of withdrawl from methadone?
I’m not sure if the Percocet will help as much as you want to. Everyone is different…so it may work for some people, and for others it might not be strong enough.
Hi there. For those suffering from withdrawal from methadone I can offer some hope. I used this site and decided the mega – dose vitamin c method was my best shot. Screw tappering, at least in my opinion. I was on 120mg every other day for 10 years. I did research and determined that nutrition was extremely beneficial as well.
So basically I went straight in to the sodium ascorbate form of vit. C (the one Matt has in his thread). Follow the plan on this site and it will work. For me I had no withdrawal symptoms other than low energy. I did this plan twice due to my addict ways and me getting back on it briefly once after quitting. It was better with all the nutritional supplements but don’t get hung up on those. It worked without them as well. Nutritional supplements were- protein shakes 2-4 a day. Amino acids, calcium and magnesium, vit B 12, vit B 6, DLPA, fish oil omega 3,6,9. Limit sugar intake and caffeine. This all helped but mostly was helping repair the brain for down the road and Paws. But you don’t need to sweat not having these to feel better. At minimum get some sodium ascorbate (I read every study and other vit c will work but this was the best. Cheap, easy on stomach and get at health food or vitamin stores). Do it every 2 hrs like it says in the article or Matt’s site, and for me it was a lifesaver.
I am a 44 yr old man who’s tried em all (detox plans) suboxone too. This was the best. I share this in hopes of helping many to break free of the hell I know you’re in. I am clean today for close to 6 mos now. Still doing the nutritional supplements and feeling great. So Happy New Year my friends, and I wish you all the best.
And Matt, thank you my man. You are a Saint in my book. I owe a huge part of my renewed life to you and this website. If I can help in any way or answer any questions don’t hesitate to write.
Sincerely,
Jay B.
Jay!!! Great testimonial to the Vitamin C protocol. I’ve had mostly positive reviews from that method, though a small percentage of people on long-acting opioids such as methadone or buprenorphine say it was still very difficult for them…even with the mega-doses. Your comment will help a lot of readers so I sincerely appreciate you taking the time to add value to this website.
Happy New Year to you Jay, and I wish you the absolute best in your new life free of opioid dependence!!!
-Matt
Matt I am having a tomb of trouble sleeping which is making me feel like I’m losing my mind what do you recommend I have done all you said for the natural calming and sleep as well as bought calm support Kava kava nothing is working
I have been on methadone for little over year. Never got over 20mg. I am now coming off methadone. I am now at 4mg. Having some mild withdrawals like anxiety mostly. I have been coming down 1mg every 2 weeks. Any suggestions about helping mild withdrawals?
Hi Katie I don’t sell these products on my website.
I am down to 10mg of Methadone a day after only a week or so of use from 60mg of morphine. .when should I stop..Really scared
Hello I’ve been taking methadone for a little over three years and am scared that I will get to inpatient and impulsively relapse. I’ve come off methadone using subutex at a rehab which I got to tell you was so helpful but I was only coming off methadone after a 2plus year addiction I just want the most comfortable way to be threw with this junk every day the same exact prediction. I’ do eat pretty healthy while on eat and have always drank a lot of water every day and exercise as well help me
Hi…well today is my fifth day off of methadone and I must say I feel like ima die I was going too clinic but stopped going I started a financial detox made it too 26 mg and just stopped going…bad idea so I found some off of street and decided too detox myself I stopped at 15mg five days ago ? I am sooo sick today my bed is soaked I feel like ima die seriously how much longer will these symptoms last this severally I just feel hopeless can somebody plz tell me I have a end in sight soon or am I just stuck like this and for how much longer I have been using small amount of pain pills just too try too lessen the severity of wd from the methadone but is there anything else I can do from home too help myself….please help!!!
Cynthia I’m so sorry you’re going through this painful experience 🙁 Methadone withdrawal can take weeks to even months in some cases. Please read the following article that may add value to your life:
Methadone Withdrawal 101: Learn How To Beat Withdrawal
Hi matt my names Aj n iv been on heroin for over 20 yrs n iv tried many detoxs but relapsed after 6months or so iv never been on methadone but now im starting to use it to do my detox if I use 30mg a day for q few days n if I reduce 5/10 mg daily wud I still gt wd off the meth even tho iv only used for under a week? N for da last day’s il use a mix of benzos gabapentin n lofexidine to gt thru da final days of wd but do u think my wd wud b bad even tho iv nt used meth for long? Ur advice wud b helpful as I gt people telling me it takes weeks for u to gt wd off meth but im nt sure dats true? Wat do u think. .. I knw ur nt a doc jus a counsellor but cos uv done opiate detox ur advice wud help alot n any tips u cud giv me how to complete as im starting 2mo morning on 30mg 4 3/4 days reducing daily n on da 5th day stop n use diazes pre gabs n lofexidine for da remaining days? Thanks for ur help matt!!
Im currently on 2mg and ive xome down from 40mg its taken me about 6-8 months to,get this low. I havent noticed anything but im scared cause im on my last week of dosing and I work full time and have two children and doing it by myself and cant afford to go threw withdrawal… Any advice
Please read the following article that might benefit you:
Methadone Withdrawal 101: Learn How To Beat Withdrawal
You’ll be fine I stopped on 3 mg from a slow tapper of 90mg over a course of a year you might have sweaty armpits for a few weeks and might feel cold but that’s all nothing like w/d and just stay away from all drugs please listen when I say this there is no I can do just one pill or one bag it always leads back to addiction
Hi luv i got down to 1.5ml of methadone and stopped 6 days ago i have 2 children and work nights in a care home and i feel ok just feel weak legs ache abit and sneezing im sleeping a few hours a night.im just taking ibruprofen and vitamins. Good luck honey youll be ok tapering down slow is the best☺
im at 14mgs and want to cold turkey. any advice
Hi Allyse! I am a fellow opiate addict and current methadone user. My highest methadone dose was 170mg (no that’s not a typo!) But I am now tapered down to 95mg. I have been using methadone for between 3 and 3 & 1/2 years. I am also a few semesters into my certification to become a substance abuse counselor. Hopefully, this background will help you to trust that my advice is genuine, and comes from a good, caring place.
Please reconsider going cold turkey at 14mg!!! I cannot stress enough how serious your withdrawals could be if you go ahead with this plan!
Remember, methadone is significantly stronger than just about every opiate on the planet.. and it also has a considerably longer half-life. (Your withdrawals won’t just be worse, but they will last a lot longer) There is a reason why methadone clinics start patients on 30mg or usually less when they first begin treatement… even if they have been using hundreds of mg of other opiates per day, prior to their intake. 14mg may seem like a small number, but please trust me when I tell you that it is NOT!
My recommendation is that you taper SLOWLY, to the lowest possible dose that your clinic will dispense before jumping off completely. (Or if you get a Dr’s prescription, the lowest mg he can perscribe) If you absolutely cannot wait, then I would suggest that you look into Suboxone or Subutex treatement. You can switch from methadone to Suboxone fairly easily at 14mg of methadone, so long as you follow your doctor’s instructions and wait long enough after your last methadone dose for it’s half life to deplete, prior to starting your first Suboxone dose. (This way you can avoid precipitated withdrawals.. trust me.. they are terrible. It’s worth the wait!) This website has a wonderful section on Suboxone that is worth taking a look at!
Last but not least, I suggest that you take an extensive look at the articles on this site about methadone, tapering, and withdrawals. The herbs and supplements that are reccomended are wonderful, and truly do help. The diet, excercise, and lifestyle suggestions are also worth trying.
I am not affiliated with this site in anyway, nor am I affiliated with any of the supplements that are mentioned/available via purchase from this site. I am just someone who shares your pain and experience with opiate and methadone addiction and stumbled across this site looking for some honest help, probably like yourself 🙂 This website has been a true savior to me and my recovery and that coupled with my personal experience on the subject (physically and also academically) gives me the confidence encourage you to PLEASE rethink your high-dose cut-off! I know that if it were me, I would never want to risk something so painful!
Getting off methadone IS possible, and it can be easier than we all might think initially… but I can assure you that it won’t be nearly as easy or comfortable if you rush your taper and jump off at such a high dose.
Thanks for taking the time to read this, and good luck with your recovery! I know you can do it!!!
Take care and Happy Holidays!
-Natasha 🙂
Exactly which “Kratom powder” product on the website, do u recommend? The one that comes up is “super red vein.”
The red vein kratoms are the most sedating and painkilling, making them the most commonly used for opiate withdrawal symptoms. However, some individuals prefer mixing red with white, or even red, white and green all together. It all depends on preferences and biochemical uniqueness.
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.
Oh my this is just incredible!!!! Wow good for you! And thanks for sharing your experience. Yahoo! You just made my night by this wonderful news. Take care 🙂
According to this article on tapering off methadone, it says the following:
Suggested Tapers for…
Methadone:
– Decrease dose by 20-50 percent per day until you reach
30 mg/day
– Then decrease by 5 mg/day every three to five days to 10 mg/day
– Then decrease by 2.5 mg/day every three to five days
Also, the grapefruit juice is by no means necessary, it just gives it more power. It is powerful enough on it’s own.
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.
I forgot that I also have been putting DLP, that I purchased in bulk to my Vitamin C water/&juice mix. I was very skeptical. These things would work. I am pleasantly surprised and relieved that my results have been so good thus far
So awesome!
Matt I like what ive read.I’ve been on a methadone prescription of 60mg a day,I’d cut down to 50mg a day.Been taking perscription for 8yrsa or so, to long I hate pills, all i wanted was to do was work to be able to provide for my family. I have a bad back and neck but not bad enough for surgery. They put me on the strongest meds there is. They could get me off eith soboxen or some other meds that side effects are just as addictive or worst than the meth, which sucks for me.long story short how would i obtain a medicine thats illegal. In order foe me to try your methods sincerly, Larry Mc Farland
I’m not sure I follow Larry. Based on what you wrote it seems as though your question is “how would you obtain a medicine that’s illegal in order for you to try my methods?”
I’m sorry but I’m not sure what you are asking. Could you please clarify your question?
Matt, I think he’s referring to the root thing that takes away all withdrawal symptoms but is illegal in the US
I was on on 15 and 30 miligrams of opiates (roxicodone) for 6 years. I went to methadone (10 milgrams from Oct 2014 until May 2015. I am now having anxiety attacks. I have cheated and taken a blue and 100 morphine occasionally to ease the suffering. I can’t seem to do anything – no energy whatsoever. Afraid to leave the house. Showering is a chore. Please help as it has been almost 5 months and I am a wreck. I quit my job and NEED to work but couldn’t at this point.
Sounds like your body and mind are really going through it Patty. Exercise, supplements, nutrition and psychological support might all help you get through this difficult period. I’m going to post a link to an article that I believe might help steer you on the right path:
How To Stop Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome From Opiates
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.
Would this be the same for pregnant women? I took 15 to 20 mg daily for 2years. I have tappered to 3mg my “threshold”.
The supplements from Step 5 in the article both contain herbs that are contraindicated for pregnant women. Please ask your OBGYN about the safety of the other strategies on this article for pregnancy. And congratulations for getting down to such a low dose!!! That is just amazing. Take care.
Hi Matt, took ur advice & tried Dr. for benzo & he did give me 7 Ambien pills. Ive posted on other topics & was talking about T-recipe so been doing that! I also tried high vol Vit.C along w Calm Support! Its been full wk & Im feeln better but still NO Sleep!! Its been the best coming off W/D, but I fear the no sleep possibly caus relapse! I wish I would tried the Tonic, but i had other stuff! So i guess my ?: is good/harmful mix differ detox methods,& is ther anything else for sleep? 7 Ambiens gone, didnt do much either! I excersize , & obvious stuff!! Thanks again Matt, its been great getting guidance from your knowledge!!
Brandon I’m so happy to read about your amazing progress!!! I am grateful you posted this update. As for your question:
Please read the following article:
How To Use Phenibut For Opiate Withdrawal
Hi,
I’m currently addicted to heroin, I’ve been using this time for about 2 1/2 years. In 2 days I’m going to a medical detox that uses methadone for 3-5 days. I know how methadone has such a long half life and I’m worried that after leaving the detox my withdrawal symptoms will just return once the methadone is out of my system. I read that you successfully detoxed in a similar way, so I was looking for a little reassurance and if I should start these steps as well?
Hi Jessica,
The strategies in this article are very powerful, and can work for coming off any opiate. Like you stated, methadone has a long half-life, but I think 3-5 days is a great way to come off heroin actually. And yes, I took it for only a week, but that was amazing to come off herion. It’s important to exercise, eat very well, and take the proper supplements to restore damaged brain chemistry.
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.
Hi Matt, on May 28 I started methadone at 40 mg and today, July 18, I’m at 32 mg and for the last 4 days I’ve had withdrawal symptoms. I think I should hold at 32 for another week and then drop 1 mg every two weeks from here on out. Does that sound sensible?
In my experience, the patients I saw dropping that slow had a much easier time than people going faster. The only dilemma is, no matter how slow you go, if you’ve been on methadone for several months or especially years, it can be hard to get off for some. If you go down 1 mg every 2 weeks, that will get you to complete the program in over a year from now.
From what I saw, as well as research studies, the people that stay on methadone for 1-2 years have a higher percentage of staying clean afterwards than those that do it in less than a year. So this means you would have the statistics on you side, not against you. Please refer to the following article for tapering tips:
Tapering Methadone: Tips For Success
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.
Ive been on 40 mgs of methadone for almost 3 weeks how long do you think i will ne in wds for
If you’ve been on methadone for 3 weeks then you shouldn’t be in withdrawal. If you’ve been off 40 mg of methadone for 3 weeks then that is another story. Is that what you meant to say?
I’m down to 17 mg. of methadone daily. Should I start all these steps now? It seems like when I excercise I get too sore. Would the calm support help me now or is it better to wait until I get off completley? I am feeling sore and tired every day now and just want to feel better without upping my dose.
Hi George,
17 mg could be a good dosage to start this protocol. If it were me, I would start this protocol as soon as I started to feel symptoms from tapering methadone.
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.
Thank you so much for your reply. I have read a lot of your articles and your knowledge has helped tremendously. Could you tell me where to purchase the ingredients from your morning tonic? I have checked gnc and a nutrition store and only found the Mecca powder. Can’t find DLPA either.
Glad the articles are helping you! Those items in the tonic are hard to find at stores. Especially the Dragon Herbs tinctures. One usually has to order them online. If you click on the links of the products in the article you can get them off Amazon.
Also, for Good Belly, they have that at Whole Foods and Sprouts in my town, not sure if you have these grocery stores, and they have the DLPA there as well. For the tinctures, they also sell them at:
DragonHerbs.com
This list is AWESOME. But, at what point do you start these steps in relation to tapering vs being off methadone? My husband only takes 3 mg liquid daily but has had serious withdrawals when going down to 2mg. Trying to.find ways to help him make the jump from 3 to 2 and then 2 to 1 until he’s able to go without it…
Hi Sam,
Yes, this list is very powerful when using everything together. It’s pretty much a “mega-plan” that can be used to get of methadone, heroin, Percocet or any other opioid drug. Your question is when would be the best time to start these steps:
Answer: Now! If I were on 3 mg of methadone I would be doing everything on this list to ensure a successful and painless transition off methadone. I can’t imagine anyone having physical or mental withdrawal symptoms while simultaneously applying all 7 steps on this list.
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. What I write 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.
Hi im on my 6th day of tapering down to 1.5ml and im managing with tonic and ibruprofen and managing to sleep at night for a few hours !u should be ok and wd wont be no were near as bad as youve tapered iv been on meth 11 years starting at 150ml! Good luck
If I know there is no way I could add that to my morning drink without getting sick.Good Belly Big Shot 50. Could I take one pill of Align every morning it is a PROBIOTIC SUPPLEMENT which I do take because I cant eat any type of yogout without getting sick. Please Help.
Hi Mary,
You can absolutely take Align
as a substitute. However, I will also mention that the Good Belly Big Shot 50 I mention in the article is Dairy-Free, Soy-Free and Vegan. Therefore, it shouldn’t affect you like yogurt does. They extract the probiotics from cultured oats, so it has a tiny bit of gluten in it.
Good Belly Big Shot 50 is my favorite because it contains LP299V, a strain of probiotics that has been shown in studies to be superior to other strains. However, the probiotic you’re taking is also beneficial, so if you want to stick with it then it will still help you.
Thanks for your question and I wish you Good Luck Mary.
Attention: I am a Strategic Intervention Coach, not a doctor, so I can’t give professional advice regarding aspects of the body, only the mind. What I write 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.
Which is better to help get off the methadone drinking the morning tonic or mega dosing with vitamin c?
Hi Matt. I’ve been on methadone at 120mgs for 18 yrs and recently combined that with a 9 month 10mg/day Xanax addiction. I have been clean for 42 days and been on gabapentin for 3.5 weeks. I still am having SEVERE wd symptoms and I think it’s still mostly the methadone wds. I am so anxious, I don’t think my hands will ever stop shaking, my heart rate is still about 110bpm everyday, severe fatigue and I can’t sleep more than 2-3 hrs a night in 30 minute intervals along with severe diarrhea. I tried to stop taking the gabapentin since I’m having side effects like blurred vision and mental difficulties and found out I was back in a fetal position 24hrs after not taking it. Can I be experiencing wds from the gabapentin after 3 weeks at 900mg/day? I want to stop taking it and start only natural remedies as I only have 2 refills left and don’t want to wait till my addiction to it is worse. How should I cut the dosage and being on a high dose of methadone for so long along with the benzos how long is this wd supposed to last? I did kick methadone cold turkey at 90mgs 7 years ago and I only felt horrible for a month. I feel like I might have screwed my brain up permanently. Any suggestions on how to continue from here? I’m 37 and been on opiates daily since 17. Am I too far gone?
The gabapentin is probably what was saving you from having even worse symptoms, as that is a very good medication for relieving withdrawal. Refer to the following article:
How To Use Gabapentin For Opiate Withdrawal
So when you stopped taking it, perhaps you were in withdrawal from gabapentin, but there is also a big chance that’s why you started to feel the methadone withdrawal so much worse. It could be both of these factors, though I cannot be positive as I am not a doctor.
From what I’ve seen, methadone withdrawal can last up to 30-60 days, and you being on for so long on a high dosage is probably why you’re still suffering.
The natural remedies can really help you during this phase, so please refer to following blog category:
Natural Remedies For Opiate Withdrawal
Also, refer to the following article for more tips:
Methadone Withdrawal 101: Learn How To Beat Withdrawal
Refer to this article for your diarrhea:
How To Use Loperamide For Opiate Withdrawal
Hang in there. Study this website, and if you have any more questions I’m here to assist you along the way. Take care and be strong!
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.
Hey y matt.my name is Dusty.I have been n clinic for 6 yrs.I was on 27mgs for alil over ayr.I start to taper n since so have taper dwn to 0 as of today.wat can I take now to help with wd..I know it’s not gping to happ over nite n I am 100 percent fully comettied in doing this.plus email me n let me know wat u recommend. .thanks
Dusty,
It’s important to eat healthy, drink healthy (no sugary caffeinated drinks). Add protein to your diet. Use supplements to help produce dopamine (dlpa, l-tyrosine, l-dopa) as low dopamine is the cause of many of the physical symptoms associated with opiate withdrawal. Exercise and participate in vigorous activities (even sex!) To produce natural endorphins (another thing that is a cause for opiate withdrawal symptoms is no natural endorphin production).
Also add a multi vitamin.
~Mary
OAS RECOVERY SPECIALIST
*DISCLAIMER- discuss supplements, changes in diet and exercise regime with your Dr first.
After 35 years clinic hostage should I even try ?Ive never even had a weekend vacation because I need 60mgs just to breathe !!!I HATE IT but IM also Petrified
Hi im on my 6th day of tapering down to 1.5ml and im managing with tonic and ibruprofen and managing to sleep at night for a few hours !u should be ok and wd wont be no were near as bad as youve tapered iv been on meth 11 years starting at 150ml! Good luck
Hey Matt I been on Methadone since 1993 and at that time I had no idea why the methadone made me hyper not like others. I now know cause I’m a highly sensitive person we also tend to feel illness and pain more intensely. But been kicking since Jan 26 2017 my last dose and I was using Gabapentin 600 mg and it would not work for me. I get it cause I’m a Diabetic also. It got real bad I took more cause my legs were kicking all night. I took about 3 cause I tried 2 and it did not work. I got so dizzy fell off my bed after trying to go to sleep for hours. And I bruised my rib and now can only sleep on my left side. I’m still kicking I decided to get back on meth(the put me on 30MG) I wanted a low dose(10Mg) But was told since i kicked a whole month already it would not help me. I also was in the beginning in hospital cause of my diabetes those doctors would not give me in Clonepin or sleeping pills. The first night took 30 mg methadone cause I had to go back I was okay during the day until night it was like I was kicking it all over again. I noticed since i got on methadone I can not dream anymore. I want off but can I kick methadone with methadone as long as I use kratom and Methadone every 3 days?
Im in a situation where I live in a very ignorant town,where people with substance abuse problems are just incarcerated.And the nearest facility is four hours round trip.So im currently tapering from 180 mg methadone pills,trying to get to none,im currently at a dose of 50mg.as long as I dont exceed 10percent of my daily dose,I seem to be fine,I drop every fourth or fifth day.if feeling icky hold an extra day or two.haven’t cheated myself with a relapse so far.But my question is when I get lower,how can I dissolve my tablets to ensure im getting an exact low dose,and can it stay dissolved in liquid for days on end,so I can use the remaining amounts that are dissolved painlessly.And if so what would you recommend? Also have kratom and gabapentin for the end. Thanks,Isla
Hello, I am currently at 169mgs down from 269. Been taking methadone for opiate dependency/addiction for 11 years now. I can’t imagine your program working for my specific circumstances. I feel trapped and have lost hope. Please help.
E.,
169 is still a high dose. I suggest trying to lower to a much lower dose. I know this is easier said than done but if you were to start exercising now, change your diet, and use supplements to help improve you physical and brain health, tapering will be easier.
Good luck, don’t give up hope!
~Mary
OAS RECOVERY SPECIALIST
*DISCLAIMER- Before changing your diet, exercise regime or starting supplements, please discuss with your Dr.
Not to be a bummer but if u took methadone for only 8 days you werent coming off of it but the h and pills which are much easier to come off of due to there short half life.methadone goes into your bones amd takes a very long time to feel normal and happy again.if i have any advice sta away from it