In this article I’m going to teach you how to get off Suboxone without withdrawal. I used to be addicted to heroin, prescription opiates and Xanax. I got clean using natural methods and went on to become a counselor at an Opiate Treatment Program (OTP), where I taught many patients how to get off Suboxone naturally.
How to Get Off Suboxone Naturally
By using the following techniques, you’ll be able to start coming off Suboxone without experiencing withdrawal symptoms. Sound too good to be true? After studying and perfecting Suboxone recovery over the last few years, I know for sure that this is the best way to get off Suboxone naturally. Simply follow these five easy steps exactly as I’ve outlined, and you too will be on your way to coming off Suboxone without withdrawal.
1. Start Tapering Off Suboxone
Individuals coming off Suboxone almost always relapse. In one large study in 2010, persons tapering Suboxone during a nine month period, whether initially or after a period of substantial improvement, led to nearly universal relapse. This is because tapering by itself doesn’t work and people still experience withdrawal symptoms.
When my patients would ask me how to get off Suboxone without withdrawal, I told them the secret was to use a strategic Suboxone taper plan in combination with a natural endorphin-building and brain chemistry rebalancing regimen. Steps 2-5 will help you rebalance your brain chemistry.
To taper Suboxone effectively, there are a few guidelines that you should follow:
- The slower you taper, the less withdrawal symptoms you will experience.
- Try only using Suboxone once every 24 hours instead of twice daily.
- Use the least amount of medication as possible to feel OK, and avoid taking more.
- Don’t fear coming off Suboxone (fear affects your brain chemistry negatively).
- After you get to 2 mg follow my Super Suboxone Taper Schedule.
- Always listen to your body and adjust tapering speed as needed.
2. Start Taking Supplements
If you really want to know how to get off Suboxone without withdrawal take and an Opiate Withdrawal Supplement that has a powerful blend of organic herbs and other natural ingredients that can decrease withdrawal symptoms from coming off Suboxone and other opioids.
This formula can help you come off Suboxone in the following ways:
- 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
Click here to check out the best Opiate Withdrawal Supplement.
3. Start Taking DL-Phenylalanine (DLPA)
Whenever someone asks me how to get off Suboxone, I always tell them to take DLPA
, a supplement that combines the D- and L- forms of the amino acid phenylalanine.
It’s my second favorite supplement for opiate recovery just behind Calm Support for the following reasons:
- Boosts endorphins
- Boosts dopamine and norepinephrine
- Reduces pain
- Enhances Mood
- Increases energy and mental focus
- Combats fatigue
Note: I never knew how to get off Suboxone without feeling like crap until I started taking DLPA. My brain chemistry was torn up by abusing drugs for so long. DLPA quickly worked to correct my imbalances, specifically targeting the neurotransmitters that I had become deficient in from using Suboxone and other opioid type drugs.
4. Start Eating an Endorphin-Building Diet
Along with the first three steps, whenever patients of mine asked me how to get off Suboxone, 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 Suboxone 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.
5. Start Exercising
This is the final ingredient to getting off Suboxone without withdrawal symptoms. If you do Steps 1-4 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 Suboxone because it:
- Improves mood
- Boosts endorphins (natural pain-killers)
- Improves sleep
- Reduces pain (both physical and emotional)
- Promotes well-being
- Reverses anxiety
- Reverses depression
- Increases energy
- Improves physique
- Boosts confidence
How to Get Off Suboxone Fast
If you use the 5 Steps I outlined, you should be able to get off Suboxone relatively fast. I wish you good luck on your journey now that you know how to get off Suboxone without withdrawal!!!
Click here now to view my best home detox program. If you have any questions on how to get off Suboxone without withdrawal, please don’t hesitate to leave it in the comment box below.
My name is Melanie, my husband after 38 years of marriage, he died on my birthday Nov 29, 2007. I got depressed and didn’t care about anything and ended up trying smoking heroine. It didn’t take long before i was addicted, I couldn’t function without it. 6 years of addiction and my family found out, so I went on Suboxone that was August 14, 2013. I half way say I have been clean and sober for 7 years, but because I am addicted to suboxone I can not fully boast about how clean and sober I am. I think it is going to be very hard to withdraw from Suboxone, I am terrified of trying to cut down and in fact tried it once to cut back, I had way too many cravings to keep my reduction to 2 a day and went back to 3 a day. Are there any other options besides suboxone and methadone? Please help me. I heard of a treatment that they can put you in a coma for a certain amount of days and when you wake up all the suboxone is out of your body, is that something you can refer people to, or have you herd of anything like what I am dexscribing? Please reply asap, thank you, Melanie
I’ve been on opiates for 12-13 years in total, with one 1 year break on absolutely nothing after my 2nd rehab stint. I relapsed after being sober from opiates for 2 years. It was an UGLY relapse but I managed not to damage my life too much. I went to the doctor and got on suboxone as well as moving 700miles away from home. I’ve now been on subs for 3 years!! My life is great! I’m happy, I’m employable, I have a partner and living relationship, and I’m a great parent. I just resigned to the fact that I would be on these until the day I died. But then, I started going through a spiritual awakening. I have come to the realization that I HAVE to let go of this substance to truly clear my energy of all negative vibrations. So, here I go…. time to taper, and exercise. Wish me luck guys! Blessed be friends! Wake up!❤️🌀⭐️🧚🏻♀️
progress?
I’d like to know how this person is doing. I’m coming down from two 8/2mg Subs to 1 1/2….and continuing till completely off. (Been on Sub for 5 years) I’m not feeling well, but I’m dosing once a day, about an hour before I need to be at my best. The problem is my Dr!! HE controls WHEN and HOW MUCH I taper every single month, whether I’m mentally or physically ready. I feel if I’m still regulating at say 1 1/3 daily, why cut me immediately to 1 a day? This KEEPS me in w/drawal for months at a time. All the patients are leaving him for another X-waivered Dr across the street.
Matt!! Help me!! Talk to me.
I am a veteran (USMC) . I go to the Bronx,N. Y. VA I have been on suboxine for about a month. I want off I am on 16 mgs a day. I used dope and methadone to kill my arthritic hip pain. It worked but dope was too costly and meth did not do all that much. Suboxin does even less. My medical problems are many and no doctor wants to put me under. The suboxin pill is horrible tasting and does little for my pain. I like your ideas of getting off and will try to work it. Thanks so much for your help. John A.
be careful of your primary.After years of treating back,hip,legs and feet with large doses of opiates ,I developed heart problems and two surgerys on my colon,well he decided it was time to cover his reckless behind and jerked away in one day the massive amount of opiates he had me hooked on.over and over thru the years I asked to be weaned off and he would just say calm down you have a legitament reason for this. he sent me on my merry way in cold turkey withdrawals, thankfully I had a local suboxone clinic after going 8 days cold ….watch! these doctors are not angels I am still in excruciating pain and he is safe ..but what now dlg
that is so reckless and heart breaking to hear. hope your doing well.
Hello I’ve been taken sub for 5 years now started young I’m 22 now I’ll be 23 next month… Well I’m stopping finally sick right now but staying strong thanks to everyone that’s been talking about how they stop and how good they feel.. But I’m stopping cold turkey nothing to help with the withdraws but I’m thinking of it as a flu so I won’t think of taking any sub and its helped sort of just trying to do the right thing I’m tired of not being happy and being myself.. Wish me luck thanks everyone
Hey, I haven’t been on it quite as long, I know what you mean by that last sentence though…You often have to wonder how much of my being is still being defined by the aura of the lovely Bupe. Just switched to generic because of course I turned 26 years old, and moved out west. Found a dr. who could see me weekly, bi weekly, monthly type of deal. as soon as I turned 26 in January I lost my ins that I was using through my fathers business (Group Insurance) which was fne with me bexause quuite honestly the family and I were told it would exceed thru my 26th year, but it didn’t and oh well. So as an individual in a new city 700miles away from my born and raised stomping grounds in the land of the MO. I quite and have stayed off of all opiates, and any opioid related meds/scripts, and of course the ron. I did my time, I stayed on probation for damn near a decade and all because I was open an honest about having a serious drug problem. The worst torment came with the years, of being the oppoisite of everything I thought decent at first was a good time, that led to the only way to have a good time, to I forgot how to have a good time;without it especially. lie cheat steal with a smile on my face. I did 12 step and I do believe in sponsorship and working the whole honest program if its something that works for you. For me like most things, if I can get in the habit of doing something outside of myself even if its just for the smallest amount of time than that is the best time spent. I switched to the generic subs, way cheaper, and was planning to try and do medicaid or atleast set it up because not really even me but blessed I have been to have had a family who has always supported helping you if you want to help yourself. getting on the generic saves $600 a month in health ins payments yet its frustrating because not until just this past month was I able to switch from namebrand to film. I had dabbled with some stimulants to try and convince myself since working on the road at the time that it could be a thing of here and there, which always had a little more of a mental drag as far as withdrawal vs physical, I usually would crash in the worst of places, meaning fall asleep even in a car in the intersection. I havent had any issues really from switching over from the 8mg film to the 8mg tablets the orange circles but idk if people ever have a hard time switching between those, I haven’t had too much discomfort, but the whole benzo thing is kinda a bad stigma now a days. SWIM is someone I know who is in the same boat as me but also struggling with the benzo thing because unlike me SWIM has been clean since Jul 8 2015 no IV, no opiates, no h, but has had spurts of benzo use and it seems he does alright when he has them because he is a pretty self conscious introvert quiet and empathetic person, some anger issues that can build up, and most likely OCD/ADD/ADDHD. or Possible Bi Polar with serious manic stages nothing scary just tends to hold his breath and not take care of self, also in a relationship where this Male; wants to merry the girlfriend he had been blabbering on about. he thinks get can get off subs, as do I. 8mg to 4mg back up to 8mg, 1 a day. no issues with switch to generic that were mentioned. is my buddy SWIM SOL if he were to try to see someone about also getting on some sort of anti anxiety when tapering slowly down off the sub train after over 2 years. Thoughts opinions? Swim would appreciate it.
It your not happy taking sub you won’t be any more happy when you stop. Happiness is a choice not a result, nothing you do or don’t do will make you happy.People in life’s worst situations are sometimes happy and people in lifes best situations can be miserable, its what you choose not what you do.
AWESOME………. but it doesn’t tell me where i can get this stuff. i am in vitacost, and half the stuff they don’t carry>>>>>>> where is a one stop shop?
Here’s my story of how I got off suboxone with minimal withdrawal. I just finished going through the suboxone detox. I started off taking roxy’s like crazy, then methadone. Methadone withdrawals are the worst, and I wasn’t prepared like I am now. I started off taking suboxone to get off the roxy’s at 3-8 milligram (24 milligrams) strips a day. I knew it was too much when I started, but the addict in me wanted to feel good. I spent three years on that plan, then came to the point where I knew I didn’t want this life anymore! Tapering to a certain point wasn’t a problem, only mental. I dropped 2 mg’s a month all the way down to half a strip or 4 milligrams a day. When I tried to taper down past 4 milligrams is where I hit my wall. I researched and researched, and found to only drop half a milligram a month, and take it once, instead of two times a day. I made it all the way to 1/16 or.5 milligrams a day. I went to my PCP, and laid it all out on the table. She prescribed me with clonodine, klonopin, and metaprolol. I also went to the local organic vitamin store and bought Sunny Mood(closest I could find to calm support), L-Tryptophan 500 mg’s, and DLPA 500 mg’s. Don’t be discouraged if you fail. I failed 2 times. I would make it ten days, then give in and take a little. I was mad at myself at first, then on my last attempt, I realized I was still tapering off of suboxone BC the withdrawals only lasted ten days. My advice would be to flush the subs if you’ve tapered down enough. They were like oxycodone withdrawals, only a lot milder. Look at it as if you’re going to war against the poison that has taken over your body, and it will be that much easier. Suit up with all of the meds I named, and you can do it!. No, it doesn’t last forever, and YES, it goes away. I’m not a “zombie” anymore, and can actually feel and experience emotions again. I actually laugh and smile all the time. I’m FREE, and you can be, too! God Bless! -Nick
What a motivational post! Congrats on getting off Subs! I’m going to post links to articles on some of the things you mentioned so people have more resources on those subjects:
How To Use Clonidine For Opiate Withdrawal>
How To Use Klonopin For Opiate Withdrawal>>
DLPA: A Miracle Supplement For Opiate Addiction Recovery>>
Calm Support>>
Thank you sir i guess you just have to man up
Hi ,ive been using soboxine for 7-8 months now. And for the last 2months i’ve been attempting to taper off. So from12ml down to 8ml but after about 1 week
Started feeling withdraws. So now im back at 12ml.
So anyhow just wanted to thankyou for all your tips and advice how to taper off. Thanks
Hi nick.
I am down to 1.75mg subutex.
I have got some of the items you spoke about and intend on getting the rest tomorrow. Thanks nick and congrats.
From Chris.
Good morning if u only took it for a half of a mouth how bad will the withdrawal be I had surgery on April 4 and did not want to have withdrawn from per so I took
suboxone to not have withdrawn so will I have withdrawn bad ??
Hey nick.
I have been on suboxone for the past 10 months. And is the second time in my life. I don’t want to be on it anymore and it seems like I don’t have a choice anymore. I am currently in a position that is forcing me to stop. I came to the Philippines as a vacation to visit my wife’s family and at this time it is lockdown because of COVID-19. I’ve been here for two months now and had my mother send me my prescription twice. But it seems like my luck has run out. My last prescription was returned and is not coming. So now I have 26 8-2 mg strips left and I need to taper off. I am currently taking 1 1/2 a day. What is the best advice you can give me. I am here for another month and a half.
Hi Folks,
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all. I am an ex heroin user who had a pretty scorching habit. I finally jumped on the long-haul Suboxone route until a disgruntled acquaintance, with whom I refused to share my meds for ethical reasons, threw me under the bus by calling my amazing former addiction Dr. and falsely accusing me of street-pedaling my scrip for extra cash; pressing the issue until my Doc had to let me go as a patient to save his own reputation. Of course at that point, had I sought another physician in such a small bedroom community, I would have been viewed as “Dr. Shopping” which my already beaten down self-esteem couldn’t handle in the wake of the previous series of life altering humiliations (I was, WAS a very respected music teacher and sought-after jazz performance pianist and recording artist…no more…Poof!). As such I relapsed once or twice, ultimately ran out of Subs (16mg 2x daily) and purely, viscerally, horrifyingly, and quite sleeplessly suffered through the Suboxone WD on virtually nothing but a wing and a prayer; fully believing I was going to die at one point. Kratom in concentrated doses only angered the Receptor Gods. I have lived with poor brain chemistry my whole life; serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, melotonin(sp?), etc etc…just never got to the show on time as it were. My point, rather my question is: Matt, how do you feel about Phenibut as a supplement for assisting in staving off the WD wolves from Subs? BTW, Buprenorphine WD is 100x more ferocious than ever I experienced coming off of Heroin.
I have been getting my subs from my boyfriend for about a year. He has the prescription and splits them with me. He has been diagnosed with a lung tumor. Of course I love him and I’m scared for him, but I will have to stop talking the subs soon and I’m scared. I take about 8mg a day and I have probably 20 left. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Check into Detox. I was feeling better after 5 days. And the withdraw was not as brutal as Methadone or other opiates, as long as you taper to 2mgs. But you will feel extremely weak and depressed up to a month. If you have to do it yourself ask your doctor for comfort meds. They are non addictive. You don’t have to say for withdraw. Say you need Flexeril for muscle spasms or restless leg syndrome medication, 800mg Tylenol for pain, Vistaril for anxiety and possible depression meds. I suggest taking Xanax though as long as your not addicted. Also, drink electrolytes. And after the initial 5 day withdraw try a little exercise. Even if it’s 10 minutes a day.
Here are some articles that will show more detailed info on some of the tips you recommended April, which will help many readers who see your post:
Benefits of Medical Opioid Detox>>
How To Use Flexeril For Opiate Withdrawal>>
How To Stop Restless Legs From Opiate Withdrawal>>
How To Use Xanax For Opiate Withdrawal>>
How Exercise Helps People Recover From Addiction>>
Kratom is the answer.
Kratom has helped a lot of people and I sure hope it stays legal!
Hello. I been on suboxone for almost a year after abusing narcartics for 15 plus years. I started on 1-1.5 strips a day and then my doctor moved and it left me with no one to see. Everything happened so fast that I had to adjust on the spot and ended up only taking a quarter of a strip a day knowing I’d be left with none soon. So now I’m completely out and I’m not going through horrible withdrawals thank god but just worried about the up coming days! I wanna give your product a shot and pray it works. Any advice?
Hi John,
For your situation I would recommend referring to the following articles which should help you a lot:
Suboxone Withdrawal Remedies THAT WORK>>
How To Stop Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome From Opiates>>
I have been wanting to get off Subutex for a number of months does subetex apply the same as Suboxone in your plan? I’ve wanted can’t Subutex for a number of reasons number one being I’m 51 and am worried about the damage to my liver number to the cost number 3 the negative connotation it receives Inn NA meetings, where I normally do not even bring it up. The one thing keeping me from it that is getting off from Subutex is I work a labor-intensive job and know that the physical aspects stay with you four to six weeks if you’re lucky but a lot of times longer. I calling it “Getting to the other side”… That is the other side of withdrawals. The fear and anxiety facing withdrawals is numbing. I hate myself that I can’t be honest anxiety on 100% completely sober, yes I believe that Suboxone and Subutex is basically the cheer for opiate and the epidemic we’re going through. But for myself, and has brought me stability I am unemployable but the one thing bad I had to deal with is that just because quote sober the same problems are still in my life. These Subutex, in which I believe States then it gives you a sense of well-being when truly you are not allows me to blow off a lot of travels as if they are not there when they are still there. I consider this a form of Masking. I intend to investigate the dlpa and other suggestions that you have made which iPhone interesting and optional and look forward to starting this program tomorrow. And is a total coincidence dad I am researching this on a New Year’s Eve, dad must be a part of God’s plan but I cannot make it through 2018 the way that I did 2017. If I didn’t mention I am a male 51 come from a good home of private schools and had all the opportunity in the world and threw it away. I don’t want to do that with the rest of my life, whatever that may be. Sew-in ending, I am going to start your program tomorrow hoping that the withdrawal symptoms will not be as bad as I feared, a lot of times our fears are worse than reality. This is not an issue that I have decided to deal with in the last week or two this is an issue I wanted to deal with the last 2 to 3 months but didn’t know where to go I don’t want to be a part of the opioid crisis I want to be a solution to the opioid crisis. Please show me the way and I will do the leg work just guide me and get me to the other side thank you for your time and any response would be appreciated.
Yes, this plan can be used for Subutex as well. It’s to help a person get off buprenorphine, regardless of the formulation.
Wow you definitely want to do the right thing and trust me I feel the same way .I am basically in the same boat the only deference is I have been taking the 8mg films for about ten years, oh I almost forgot at one point I started getting subutex because it was cheaper,the only problem I was injecting the subutex then I found myself going the wrong direction fast,so I checked myself in an out patient program and started back on the suboxone film took 2 to 3 a day,now I take one every 24 hours, I feel there is a better life than being dependent on some sort of drug in my life I’m really ready to stop any I know it’s gonna be a bit hard and like u my job is very physical so anyway the best of luck to
I have been on Suboxone for about 6 years now. When I first started I was prescribed 3 8 mg strips a day. That was way too much for me. I have been through about 5 or 6 doctors. Has been different reasons why I’ve gone thru so many different doctors. None of which was my fault. Lost insurance. Moved. Doctor was shady and got busted. Got insurance back found one that accepted it. Anyways, during all that I realized if that kept up I was never gonna get off them and I decided I didn’t and don’t want to be dependent on something for the rest of my life. So I tapered myself. Where i had been on 2 8 mg strips a day for the past 2 years I am currently down to 1/4 piece a day. So one 8 mg strip last me 4 days. So guess u could say I take 2 mg a day. I have been taking 2 mg a day for almost a year now. And scared to go any lower. But want to desperately. So I’m gonna have to give this method a try. Wish me luck! And good luck to all you “boxers” out there trying to get off them as well.
Hi Madi,
I want to take some time to congratulate you for tapering down to only 2 mg a day after initially taking 24 mg. That is truly remarkable!!! And I’m very proud of you Madi.
Also, congrats on deciding to give this natural plan a try. That’s a great decision and I’m cheering you on in your corner as a big fan. Tapering off Suboxone takes courage and self-discipline, so I honor your strength. Take care! 🙂
Hi Matt,
I’ve been on subutex for 12 years, I’m now having health problems I feel could be due to the subutex. I desperately want to be free of this chain and started my taper today. I originally took 3-mg a day but the past 3 years have only been taking 2.5-2mg a day. Today I am only taking 1-2mg a day and sticking with it. I look forward to using this product in aiding my journey and once I’m fully clean & free, is love to help others also.
I lost my sister to opiate addiction & Im not willing to go that route anymore.
Hi Lola,
This is wonderful news! Congrats on taking the first step towards getting your health back. I appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment, and I love you attitude. You’re going to be a success story and your resolve to quit permeates into what you’ve written. I’m very sorry to learn about your sister. This opiate addiction affliction takes out tens of thousands of people every year, and it’s just getting worse. The opioid epidemic is a quiet one that is filled with shame and secrecy. Hopefully one day things will be different, but in the meantime, it’s so inspiring to see you honoring your sister by getting off opioids, getting your health back, and living your best life imaginable. I truly honor and respect that so much. I’m wishing you the best on your journey Lola. Again, thanks for posting a comment. Take care. 🙂
Matt…can u please help. I was on methadone for over 13 years. I quit in march of 2017 and was ccometely clean until Sept of 2017 when a pinched nerve in my desk happened. To keep from getting good strung out on pain killer I occasionally took a few subseconds every now and then. Now, I’m taking more frequently! I LOVED BEING CLEAN THOSE 6 months and that’s what I truly want. My biggest withdrawal symptom from the methadone and subs are headaches for about 2 weeks EVERYDAY…AND SOMETIMES SEVERE!!! What is going on and is there something to help that??? I want to get clean agan if I can just get passed the headaches!!
I’ve heard about those headache symptoms. Most people get relief from those by using gabapentin or Lyrica. It’s not a 100% cure for everyone’s headaches but it might help. I’m wishing you the best. And the good news is that it only lasts two weeks. I had one client that still had those really bad headaches for many months and nothing helped her.
Goodluck and God bless
I hope all has gone well for you since this last post, how we’re you able to come off 24mg a day to 2mg a day? I am currently on 6mg a day and desperately want to be rid of this Ball and chain around my neck. Any advice
I would like some suggestions about getting rid of the physiological withdrawal
I’ve been subozone since they first started ten plus years. Been trying to wean down. Down to four milligrams from eight. Been up and down over many years. My anxiety gets so bad the lower I go. Iam also on Effexor 150 mg for twenty years. Can put up with physical part. Anxiety gets so bad I think Iam dying at times or losing my mind. Iam forty years old. Own my business. So I’ve been trying to work while weaning. Need advice
Hello! So, I’m on Suboxone 8 mg currently. Aswell as 75mg of effexor. I want off the Suboxone so bad! I am stay at home and work from home momma! My kids are very young so I hafta be at my best. I have read the tapers. My question is did you find what supplements are safe with the effexor?? I to suffer from awful anxiety! I can’t be in that state around my little ones! I want my body back! Free from Suboxone..! Help! Please
I’m tapering off suboxone under doctor supervision and was hoping as long as I went really slow and little by little I would be able to get off successfully without any withdrawal but as I’m getting down to the very end, the common symptoms are becoming increasingly difficult and these supplements you mention in the 5 steps plan seems like it could be helpful for me. Do you take calm support along with the DLPA? Or do you have to take one or the other? And if they are meant to be taken in combination with each other is it still effective to take only one and which one would be preferred if I only take one?
You have to ask yourself this, Would I rather feel chained to something for life or would I rather feel alittle shitty for few weeks ?
Temporary or permanent?
Hope you feel great about your decision!!
God bless you indeed
Hi I have been on 1 mg of sub for about 5 months. I have tapered down to .25 for the past week. Will my withdrawals be extreme or mild in your opinion. I have been taking 1000 mg of vitamin C and l tysorine for the past 3 weeks. I want to jump but am scared I am gonna feel like crap for weeks. Please help.
Hello. I am wanting to get off suboxone fast. I’m tired of being on it and I feel like it is poisoning me. I’m on 16mg per day and have only been on since December, but I feel I have gotten to a point where I don’t want opiates in my life ever again and therefore can go off suboxone without having the worry of relapsing. But I do worry that possibly the pain of coming off could change that…. and I don’t want that to happen. I want to be successful. I’m wondering if the products you suggested are covered at all under benefits or whether I’m going to have to pay large sums for them, because I cannot afford to do that. I’m also wondering if going down 4mg at a time is a way to success. I was advised to go down 2mg at a time but I want this to be faster then 2 months, but not if that means I’m unable to do anything for a month. I need to be able to keep up with my life. I have gotten to a place in my mind where I do not believe this is going to be that difficult and that I can in fact do it, but I want to make sure I’m doing everything I can to be successful as a safety net in case my brain power fails. I’m also wondering if the use of suboxone can affect memory, because I feel like mine hasn’t been as good as it used to be. And in addition, I’m looking for any advise, tips or anything you can offer for help in doing this. I see my doctor tomorrow and am going to tell him to start reducing my dose
i saw your post and hpe you are doing well. i realize that you want off the suboxone but i dont think anything will come good for rushing it. id work with your doctor and take his advice if you feel close and trust them.
Hi Matt, recently you told me about Reishi mushrooms to aid in Suboxone detox along with calm support and DAP. You sent a link to a certain kind..they were drops I believe. My question is does it matter what kind of Reishi mushrooms as I found some at the local health food store in capsule form. Would they be as effective? Thanks so much!
In my opinion Chinese tonic herbs should be purchased from Dragon Herbs or Jing Herbs, or another high-quality company. The stuff I’ve tried from health food stores just doesn’t hold a candle to the benefits I get from spending the extra money and getting the good stuff. I would just spend a little extra if I were you and get the assured potency.
Hi there. I have been on Suboxone for about 5 years and for 3 of those years I have injected it. I want to start taking it right and come off of it. Do u have any advice? I know it will be harder than just coming off it normally. Thank you!!
Injecting suboxone is the stupidest thing so knock it off!
Yeah definitely don’t keep injecting the sub really not good for you I’m also on subs and I reduce under doctors supervisions 2ml to half a ml per month. I’m so glad I found this site have learnt a lot and I am definitely going to give Matt’s guide to getting of subs a red hot crack all the best stay strong 💪🏼
I have been on Suboxone since October 11, 2010. The first few years it was all a joke. A free high. In 2015 my father in law died from an overdose of morphine and Suboxone. That summer my husband went off the deep end and used everything, ever chance he had. Finally Thanksgiving 2015 was the last time either of us used. I was ALWAYS so scared to taper. I started at 10mg, then 8mg, to 6mg all because I use marijuana. Then I changed doctors. My current doctor I have been with for 6 years. Did 1 year in a clinic where I went to groups 3x a week. Moved and switched docs. The doc I have now, is sort of a friend of the family. I used to complain that it wasn’t working, in order for him to raise my dose. December of 2015 I was raised to 16 mg a day. Back in January of this year (2017) I started to realize I needed to do something bc I don’t want to feel handcuffed to my addiction and to a very dark part of my past. I did some research online and realized my symptoms I thought were bc I wasn’t taking enough, were actually because I was taking TOO MUCH! And the doctor wasn’t the one to tell me this, I figured it out myself. I have been taking between 6-8mg a day and feel better than I have in years! I’m at the point to where I’m ok with being sick, I got myself into this situation, and I know it won’t be fun. Friday I have an appt and I am going to tell my doctor that I want to start tapering. I’ve still got 16mg a day this prescription bc that addict side of me thought ‘maybe I’ll just stock up in case something happens and I give up detoxing’. So now that I see those addictive behaviors and thoughts, I can redirect them.
What has me discouraged is, since my doctor is somewhat of a family friend, my mother, who was very supportive of me getting on it, isn’t so supportive of me getting off of it. My doctor is also not very supportive. Several years ago I asked him ‘how many people have you helped get off Suboxone?’ He replied something along the lines of, in 15 years of prescribing it, maybe 7 people and half were back on within a month… So that was like WTF!?
My husband, 15 year old sister and friends are all supportive. I tried to tell my mom, just bc she knows my doctor does NOT mean that him writing me that script isn’t a still a paycheck and money in his pocket.
I’m ready to at least give it my best shot!
I have been wanting to get off Subutex for a number of months does subetex apply the same as Suboxone in your plan? I’ve wanted can’t Subutex for a number of reasons number one being I’m 51 and am worried about the damage to my liver number to the cost number 3 the negative connotation it receives Inn NA meetings, where I normally do not even bring it up. The one thing keeping me from it that is getting off from Subutex is I work a labor-intensive job and know that the physical aspects stay with you four to six weeks if you’re lucky but a lot of times longer. I calling it “Getting to the other side”… That is the other side of withdrawals. The fear and anxiety facing withdrawals is numbing. I hate myself that I can’t be honest anxiety on 100% completely sober, yes I believe that Suboxone and Subutex is basically the cheer for opiate and the epidemic we’re going through. But for myself, and has brought me stability I am unemployable but the one thing bad I had to deal with is that just because quote sober the same problems are still in my life. These Subutex, in which I believe States then it gives you a sense of well-being when truly you are not allows me to blow off a lot of travels as if they are not there when they are still there. I consider this a form of Masking. I intend to investigate the dlpa and other suggestions that you have made which iPhone interesting and optional and look forward to starting this program tomorrow. And is a total coincidence dad I am researching this on a New Year’s Eve, dad must be a part of God’s plan but I cannot make it through 2018 the way that I did 2017. If I didn’t mention I am a male 51 come from a good home of private schools and had all the opportunity in the world and threw it away. I don’t want to do that with the rest of my life, whatever that may be. Sew-in ending, I am going to start your program tomorrow hoping that the withdrawal symptoms will not be as bad as I feared, a lot of times our fears are worse than reality. This is not an issue that I have decided to deal with in the last week or two this is an issue I wanted to deal with the last 2 to 3 months but didn’t know where to go I don’t want to be a part of the opioid crisis I want to be a solution to the opioid crisis. Please show me the way and I will do the leg work just guide me and get me to the other side thank you for your time and any response would be appreciated. My email address is flattus19@gmail .comflat tus small punctuation…also any encouragement that you feel that might help me to succeed in my Endeavors would be mostly appreciated. Michael Flatt…550 McCrory Creek Rd Nashville TN 37214 …. Also I’ve heard a shot called or Vivitrol does anyone have any information on helping to reduce withdrawal symptoms.
My story is like most on sub I was on hydro for 8 years from a lung surgery and went to sub now 4 years and thousands of dollars later now present on 1 MG sub a day one time a day dose and can’t seem to drop it’s not from withdrawal as I’ve gone through to worst of it the d’s and no sleep chills cramps and so on its now more of I need this to get my get up and go type thing don’t know what to do I’ve dropped to .5 MG and was fine also some how back to 1 MG I’ve got a script for sub so I’m not buying off the street never done anything but hydros did try weed one time and I didn’t even know my own name just set there looking at the TV and it was off lol so I’ve not done any type of other drugs I do smoke cigarettes so maybe sub is also a habit I can’t break I’m thinking of just jumping off at 1 MG and call it a day?
I have been on Suboxone for 6 years now. I bounce back and forth from 8 mg a day and 16 mg a day. I hate that I do that and feel terrible that I do that not only physically but mentally and emotionally. I am tired of this cycle. I am a born again believer and believe that God wants me to overcome this. I will definitely try this regiment. There is something to be said when you combat all the areas that are a problem. I thank God for you, Matt. May He continue to use you to help ppl all over the world who want to get out of this prison and mouse cage…GBY
SO, did you finally get off and if so, what was your biggest help?
(11 days off and need encouragement that it gets better SOON!!!
Thanks!
Rick
Matt, can you take DLPA and calm support together? Once you are down to 2mg once daily do you completely quit taking suboxone? Or do you continue to wean?
You can taper all the way down to 0.25 mg and once down to that take it every other day. You just cut the strips into little pieces. The taper protocol for minimum withdrawal is 25% every 10 days
Can you take Calm Support WHILE still on subs or do you have to wait until you jump off?
You’re supposed to take it while on Suboxone while tapering, and for a few months after completely tapering off.
Hello Matt – it’s Holly again – just had a question about Lithium Orotate? The supplement, not Pharma.. have heard some interesting things about that being instrumental for mental health, in particular with the suicidal, dreadful thought patterns during detox? I’m sure we could all just keep adding supplements, but was curious as to your knowledge on it and efficacy.
I also wanted to add to my last comment, that I have been adding hot yoga and/or sauna as much as possible bc the more you can help your body transfer the toxins from fat storage to sweat.. the faster you feel better. I REALLY think that has helped. Thank you!!!
Hi Holly,
I actually took a combination supplement with that nutrient in it for my PAWS. It had passion flower, valerian root, B6, selenium, and lithium. It worked amazing!
Hi fellow Suboxone prisoners! Matt, your information is a lifesaver. I wanted to let anyone out there know, that I have been on Suboxone for 6 years, the last 2 years at about 2 mg per day. I have been doing the taper schedule, and am now at a little less than 1 mg, with every other day at about .5 mg and I have done this over 6 weeks. I have barely noticed anything, except maybe slight wd symptoms the first week of cutting back. (Insomnia, lack of inertia). I’ve been ramping up the DLPA, 5-HTP, L-Thyrosine, B-12 and sometimes use a sleep aid. Last week I tried Phenibut for the first time, and although it takes about 1200 mg for me, when I take that, I can actually skip a day (go 48 hours) without Suboxone (and then have the best night sleep in years!). So I am now using phenibut once a week to help with the taper and hopefully do quicker. My plan is to keep up with the supplements, (per Matt’s information) and add Lyrica, clonodine, phenibut (and Kratum if nec) but only if the withdrawal symptoms dictate. I have also stock piled Liposomal C for when I make the jump. BTW– after a lot of research, I have determined that Liposomal C is about 4 x’s more effective because of how your body absorbs it, hence the extreme cost difference. But hopefully you do not need to take nearly as much and it is much easier on your stomach. I have also read many success stories about suboxone users and the mega C dosing where it has helped significantly. That being said, I will keep people posted as to how this works for me.
I also wanted to mention, that I presented all of this information to my “Suboxone DR”, and she readily agreed with everything and is willing to write the Rx’s for Clonodine, Lyrica, etc., on that final appointment when I do not ask for nor receive a suboxone refill. Something worth asking your clinics..doctors?
I know we are all different, but I would qualify myself as a long term Suboxone user who’s highly sensitive to wd symptoms. It is SOOOOOO hard to get good information about this process, so thank you Matt for providing the forum and very key information!
Thanks for the amazing information and detailed accounts of your studies and action steps Holly!!! Love it! 🙂
Hi I’ve been on Suboxone for over a year between 2-4 mg a day, I am attempting to taper off and have gone the whole day without taking anything and then tomorrow I would take like 1 mg. where can I buy the stuff that you’re talking about that helps
Hi there,
My question is … can I take CALM SUPPORT, DLPA and KAVA together, all at the same time? I desperately need help easing the pain and misery I’m going thru from trying to stop SUBOXONE. I just ordered all 3, but not sure of the combination I can take safely. I’m hoping and praying everything I’ve read about the 3 supplements are true … I’m doomed if not!!!
I’d appreciate any help you can give me.
Thank you very much for your time.
Hi Rebecca,
There are many factors determining which supplements will be helpful or cause unwanted reaction. If it were me I could take all of those together no problem, but I don’t take meds. Are you on anything besides Suboxone?
Can I begin taking Calm Support while I am tappering? Or do I have to wait until I am no longer taking subs at all?
I am only taking 4-8 MG’s a days and would like to quit as quickly as possible. I am able to take 4 mg a day with “reasonable” ease now….
hello, am I doing something wrong? I cant get any posts after July 31, 2016. I wonder if you can help me. I wrote a post about my experience yesterday but now I cant find it.. thank you
Left a message yesterday, no response…???… Husband desparate to get off Zuvsov…Please help…Please!!!…
Misses pinkie,
What dose of zubsolv is he on?
~Mary
OAS Recovery Specialist
5.7/1.4mg…when he was taking the L-tyrosin DLPA GABA wen he was out of Zubsolv no withdrawal but stopped taking supplements ran out of pills suck so sick back up to 2-3 a day…been off Vic’s 6 yrs., but seems to me using Zub just like Vic’s…suck to death of this…what to do, what to do…HELP…
That’s “Sick” to death of this…
Miss Pinkie,
I read where he is taking 1 zubsolv/day, but is that the 1.4mg ones or the 5.7mg?
He’s on the 5.7 going on 5 years…bought him all the supplements, but I don’t think he is serious about getting off, even told Dr., about the supplements, but is still taking Zubzov…what can I do now???…
I’m scared, I have been on 300mg of oxycodone for a year and a mix of oxycodone & hydrocodone for a few years before that, never going a day or 2 with out, I finally stopped and got prescribed 8mg suboxone 3x a day, I tried to do less, but I have a really good and important job with no more leave left, it’s my second day on suboxone and I feel at a minimum barely able to do anything which is making it really hard to work. I don’t want to get addicted to the Suboxone and I’m already trying to figure out a way to get off it. In the past I jumped off 80mg of methadone and went through severe withdrawals for a month. I’m afraid if I tapper down right now that I am still going to have the withdrawals from the oxy, please I need help, I have a wonderful wife who doesn’t know, I can’t deal with this anymore, I just want to be normal again, please help, please. How should I get off the suboxone.
Check out this article for more information that should answer your questions:
How To Taper Off Suboxone Like a Champion
I decided to see how long I could go without taking my suboxone and now it is 120 hours (5 going on 6 days) and I have not ONE symptom of withdrawal.
I was taking two 8mg film strips per day. 16 mg total.
This is insane after everything I have read. I have been taking it for going on 6 years. It is the brandname. I am overweight so it may be an absorption thing. And I have taken drug tests every 3 months to prove I am on it and not selling it. So I know that I was getting the drug and not being duped by the drug companies
I never felt any affects from the suboxone when taking it.
But I was addicted to a lot of heavy duty nasty drugs 6 years ago, fentanyl, opium, soma and clonopine.
When I decided to get off them, the suboxone worked like a charm. I had no withdrawal.
But whats the deal. Why am I not feeling any symptoms?
It could be that you have so much built up in your system it just hasn’t hit you yet? I would love to hear responses on this one cause I am in the same boat as you, long term use and a few a day without tapering. I just want to sleep during my week off and get it over with…
I just left a response about how I am on day 11 and no withdrawals.
Benedryl and MJ have been my remedies after taking 16m of sub for the last 5 years
Louis. 8 mg 3x a day of suboxine is Insane! No wonder you feel like crap. Unlike opiates where more is better, suboxine is just the opposite. Less is best! I cannot possibly imagine how you are functioning like that. It takes a few days to adjust to it, but that my friend is way too much. Try taking only 4 mg in the morning and 4 mg at night. Are you using it as a tool to come off of the oxycodone? His post States he’s only been on it a couple of days. You don’t need to ween off of it if you have only been on it a few days. This website is showing people how to safely taper off of the suboxine naturally, as in after you have taken it for awhile.
You may have started the suboxone too quickly. You have to be very close to being in withdrawal or the suboxone will work the exact opposite. The antagonist will back out the drugs you were taking prior to the suboxone causing a very nasty withdrawal that is mistaken for instant suboxone withdrawal. I do agree, that is a lot to start off with though.
I have been on suboxone for 5 years after being on a mixture of fentynal, morphine, clonopine, and soma. The suboxone worked for me immediately.
But then I began to fear the addiction. What would happen if my doc died…in my state suboxone dr.s are difficult to accept patients since many of them have a limit by the DEA and Med Board..
So I decided to just see how long before I would experience withdrawals.
I am now on day 11 (I was on 16m sub a day)
I have yet to experience withdrawals.
I do not advocate using anything illegal. Fortunately I am in a state where marijuana is legal.
I take 4 25m benedryl twice a day and smoke weed if I start to feel queasy or nervous.
I am actually quite shocked by this successful outcome.
And disappointed in the states that still ignore this wonderdrug marijuana.
The states that do so are saying that they are trying to stop drug abuse.
My statement here is the very reason they SHOULD allow MJ.
I told my dr. about this and he stated emphatically it was the weed that got me through it.
I also had horrific RLS for over 20 years. Dont have that either.
Hi I’m new to this site and don’t know how to start a conversation on my own but I really want to get off bunavail for good now been on them for a year and I’m ready to get them out of my life just because of the cost and not having to rely on anything. I have 86 left of the 4mgs bunavail. Is that enough to taper and not feel to bad Ive always worked construction and have a good career in that field. I was a bad poly drug user my whole adult life but opiates were the worst demon. My life is going great now and I’m totally ready to do this even tho I’m sure I’ll feel a little bad anyone have any tips I can handle some bad withdraws but I want to be able to feel somewhat strong for work reasons nay help or support would be greatly appreciated thanks for anyone that responds and all the stories have a good day people ?
Cody,
Yes 86 of the 4 mg bunavail patches or strips (they are called either) is plenty for a proper taper!! Im not sure what amount you take each day though, but for me personally I was able to drop pretty quickly to 2mg suboxone and begin tapering from there. Now its a bit confusing between the two medications since their milligrams are not the same. The 4.2mg Bunavail is actually supposed to be the equivalent to an 8mg suboxone strip. This is because Bunavail’s ROA (route of administration) provides much more buprenorphing to your system than Suboxone’s. While most people dont notice much of a difference dropping their Suboxone by 2mg at a time (at least until around the Suboxone-4mg mark) this can also be the same for dropping Bunavail by only 1mg at a time. It would help to know your current dose and how often you take it. Also, do you take it correctly….allowing it to adhere to the inside of the cheek until the medicine absorbs. Because if you do it differently, it helps in understanding closer to how much of the buprenorphine is being absorbed into your system.
~Mary
OAS Recovery Specialist
Hi i was seitched to suboxone when found out i was pregnant, thing is i was already off my norco for 1 week. They said it would help with the pain. Which i didnt get relief from… ive been on suboxone for about 2 weeks at .25-.50 mg daily. Once it wears off yhe chills begin and its the worst. Ive been trying to stop this because i dont want to be on anything throughout my pregnancy. Any advice? I work full time and have a 3 year old so i must be able to function. I try to skip a day but the chills are too intense, makes me feel horrible.
Your doctor or whoever made that switch is an absolute asshole. You were already past the worst of the withdrawal by far and they should’ve never put you on the Suboxone to begin with, unless you have some kind of chronic pain that needs to be managed. I would seriously try and stop the Suboxone immediately. The longer you continue the more of a physical addiction you’re going to develop. At this point you’re on such a low dose, and you’ve only been on it a short time relatively speaking, so your withdrawal effects will not last that long at all. The chills will the worst of what you feel probably (maybe a rough night or 2 sleeping), but they should honestly pass in 2-3 days to where its not so bad and within a week you’d be practically normal. A little cannabis can be extremely helpful with the chills, and your overall feeling in general, but if you think it’s going to lead you to a relapse later or anything you might want to avoid it to be safe. I really mean it though, stop now. It’s only going to get worse, and you seriously won’t feel that bad for more than 2-3 days at most because of the short time frame you have. The longer you keep taking them though the worse it’ll get. Good luck though, I’ll say a prayer for you.
Yes i do deal with chronic pain but the suboxone does not help, being that im pregnant i dont understand why they would have re started me on something way worse as far as withdrawls than what i was already on. I have stopped the subs comepletely and you are right a couple days of not sleeping well and chills still during the day, not any worse than what i was dealing with while on the low dose. Thank you for your suggestions.
I just left a response.
But I will repeat it.
First, I do not advocate using marijuana during pregnancy, though my wife did because oi horrific morning sickness and we have 3 kids who are successful college graduates. The youngest graduated from an ivy league magna cum laude and works as an associate at a computer firm with fruit in its name.
No ADD or ASD. Never had drug or alcohol issues with any of them.
I had a horrible accident that brok my neck and clavicle as well as my shoulder. I was on so much pain meds my life felt worthless. I thank G_d for Suboxone.
I am getting off of 16m subs.
I am on day 11 and yet to feel anything.
I take 4 benadryl twice a day and I smoke weed when I am feeling sick or nervous.
I feel awesome.
I think I could have even done it without the benadryl
Hi, I’ve just started suboxone, was on methadone for chronic pain management for 8 yrs. anyways, my story is like most, went in for treatment. i’m on 18mg sub. i am figuring on a 6 month tier-down and in the meantime am doing all the things to allow my body to find it’s new balance. eating the right foods, exercising daily, sleeping at night… bla bla bla
my question/reply is that i see in reading about other people’s experiences i see a couple of common lines of defense against sub-withdrawals; one is mj, which is not a problem for me since now it’s available in so many different options of secretion and levels of choice of use. But what are people using Benadryl for? There must be something in it that is helping with wd. Can you enlighten me? I would appreciate any suggestions since I’m 51, not young anymore, 60 pounds overweight, have a spine full of bulging and “it’s going to rupture soon” lumbar discs that for today I can say are not giving me any trouble. I’m not an addict; i am the enabler. instead I’m the daughter, the sister, the mother, the ex-wife and the current wife of alcoholics/addicts. Although I don’t deal with the residual affects of having been an addict and now on suboxone, I have my own sickness/set of unhealthy behaviors that live with me and I don’t want to be stupid. I want to be successful. So I’m reading and researching everything i can find. This site seems to be the most up to date that i have found. Most sites have posts from 2014 and older; this site is very current and is the only place i have read about BENADRYL.
So, if you could help me understand that it would be great and i would be most thankful!:)
Jamie,
Benadryl can help some, however it can cause more problems for others. Anxiety, insomnia and the sneezing & runny noses can be helped by taking benadryl for some during opiate withdrawal but for others it can cause restless Leg syndrome to be more severe, so just as all the options listed in different articles in this blog, it may work for you.
~Mary
OAS RECOVERY SPECIALIST
I have been in an outpatient program for alomst 9 months and on suboxone for almost a year and half. Out of the nlue they are tapering me i started at 12mg now im at 8mg. They want me to be done suboxen by the end of the month. Well not gonna lie Im scared cause on top of tapering me they discharhed me for good reasons
I really do want to be off subs cause i am a mom of 4 kids i do work a full time job amd want to enlist in the military. But im petrified of the withdrawals and everything. Please i need some more insight and need help step by step since my program isnt helping me anymore
Kayla to learn more I highly encourage you to read the following two articles:
How To Taper Off Suboxone Like a Champion
Suboxone Withdrawal Remedies That Work
The court is forcing me to get off suboxone and colonipan within 30 days im in fear for my future. I have tried this on my own and couldnt get lower than 2mgs. During that time i was extremely irritation, isolating, discouraged etc. Not to mention the physical pain. I have goals to start a family some day but bow im am in fear of losing myself. I am not abusing but they are still forcing me off. I have been in aa for ten years which iv been on suboxone for all ten. I realize all the pain the comes with withdrawal i am more concerned with the psychological terror ill be going through. My doctor and therapist suggested a 90 day tapor. My probation countered with 30 i know im not going to die from withdrawal at least from suboxone benzos there rolling the dice. Is 30 days realistic? 2.5mgs suboxone 2mgs colonipan
Hi matt I just started taking the dpla at a small dose. 500-1000mg a day while tapering off subs but i feel spaced out and no appetite.i take vit b6 as welll. Is this normal
what is dpla???
It is a combination amino acid supplement that was covered in this article. Here is an entire article devoted to it:
DLPA: A Miracle Supplement For Opiate Addiction Recovery
Hey man first I want to thank u for what u do. Anyone who doesn’t suffer from opiate addiction has no clue what it’s like. I just recently turned 40 and I realized that I ve been dependent half my life, and IM DONE!!!!I had a really bad addiction to oxycodone for several years. Thanks to suboxone I’ve been clean of those for 4 years now. But now the strip have got to go. I’m better than this.I can easily cope and function on a 6-8mg dosage daily, sometimes less. I can go 2 to 3 days without any, but then here comes hell!!! I’m about to start tapering and I would appreciate your input on the correct process. I know that the PAWS phase is gonna be lengthy, but gotta get through these first few days. Again thanks for the information. You have done more than you will ever realize!!!
Joey your story and attitude really inspired me, and I just sent you an email.
Can you email me to talk more privately? My story is kind of short so I’ll go ahead an share it. I’m 26 an had been totally against any type of narcotics until I went through a major heartbreak! I waited on an ex who I only knew for 4 months. He was incarcerated for over two years an me being loyal, I waited faithfully for over a year only to learn that he wasn’t treating me the same. I finally gave up an “moved on”. I met my current husband who I fell for almost instantly. We had a baby only 10mos of being acquainted. The baby was born with a kidney disorder which caused her to be hospitalized several times after birth. We were so overwhelmed and scared it caused us to start arguing often. My ex had been released for a few months also an I didn’t know where my heart was anymore. I started thinking of our past an how much he made me laugh.. idk we also have a son who is now 4yrs old so I desperately wanted my son to know his daddy. Okay long story short… The ex ended up married, my husband relapsed an was using pain meds bc of a back injury at work, we split up for a week an he ended up with another woman. I hung out with an old flame for a couple days just to ignore everything… It wasn’t what I wanted it was then that I realized, I wanted to fix my relationship..even if it means accepting the fact that he was using again. I was at the point where I’d do anything to fix us!!! A week of him coming back, my wisdom teeth started causing incredible pain. I was prescribed pain meds an that’s all it took. Soon after I was pregnant an detoxed completely..I lost the baby an became severely depressed. Eventually I started taking pain meds again.. this isn’t as short as I intended it to be, I apologize! But it got to where you couldn’t find any pain meds.. perc, tabs.. so ppl advised me to get Suboxone. I’ve been getting it for a year.. I have never took much at all. Just a crumb twice a day an sometimes I don’t let it dissolve fully before spitting it out. I never wait to eat or drink like the Dr said to do… So am I really even getting anything from it?? If I take more than a tiny piece, I feel sick an abnormal. I want to stop taking this an get my life back… I hate medicine an only started bc of my wisdom teeth and also I felt like if I didn’t join my husband, he’d go back to the pill popping hoe he was with.
I am similar. Recently 40 and I just had it. I wanted to be normal again. I do struggle with physical pain from a series of accidents in my life as well as construction work. This game we play with the pain killers really plays on your conscious. I have been on fairly high opiate / sub doses over 7 years…give or take.
Anyway, I was seeing a doc and prescribed 4 x 1contraymorphones a day….that’s 120 a month. I lasted three months and freaked out…..this was only like around Christmas 2015… A couple months ago. I wound up quitting the opiates and began taking some leftover subs. I had 6 x 8mg pills. I quit based off those. Of course my doctor immediately figured I was up to no good and screwed me for thousands. That is still pending. I refuse to pay him. He is not a helpful doctor. I am in CT btw.
Now the info that all really wanna know. How do you quit that level of dependence / addiction….beats be what the difference is…whatever. Anyway, it takes a lot of will and self discipline. Yes I struggled with sleep, with the bathroom, and other things everyone mentioned. But….the one thing that got me from point a to point b was my obsessive desire to quit all. You have to tell yourself what is my life going to be like 20 to 30 more years from now??? Will I be on hundreds of mils a day??? I don’t even wanna think about that. …and, the subs, if I need surgery or need a pain killer for something that happens….don’t you really want to benefit from it. Use your experience to guide your future simply by bucking up and realize the power of mind over matter. Keeping my thoughts dedicated on the end result got me thru. I am still dealing with some stinky bathroom incidents and some sleep issues and other sneezing and aches…etc. But it will subside. My brain will start on its own again. Just believe me on that. I have researched this will much. It will. Get other assistance if you must, but no narcotics! ….I take simple asprin. It helps during the day.
Well, I figure this gets my point across. Don’t forget too that I do have real pain that does haunt me….but I persevered….so if you don’t have real pain you should have it even easier than me! It was a matter of switching to my remain subs and only taking a tiny amount when I knew I needed to. 1/day to day and a half. Yes. I did put up with withdrawals to an extent, but it’s not the end of the world. Remember I have a long history and real pain (my back) and I did this. That pretty much means anyone can. I know people say take this vitamin and eat that…don’t eat that…etc….whatever makes you think you are feeling better, but ultimately it is a quest to rid yourself of a no pain no gain situation. Exercise def. Is good. Do as much as you can handle…..sweat and do drink water. I’m not trying to contra
I went to a treatment facility on Jan 4th 2016 and came out the following Sunday I was on suboxen 4mg three times daily in the treatment center and was sent home with subutex. 2 mg on a tapering down system. I have one pill for tomorrow and my very last this dose of 1 pill 2mg to take Sunday, do you think I will have withdrawals from this medication??
i was on methadone for 6 years now been on suboxone for about 2 years does this still work for long time users? i been wanting off for so long but i thought it just wasnt possible, without going threw really bad pain
My biggest issue is the heat, burning in skin, and RLS when trying to sleep, it gets so intense I can’t sleep through it, or even at all, which is making me even more depressed and emotional, is there any way to lessen these symptoms other than going out to purchase a bunch of pricey herbal supplements?
I’m NOT a dr, but this is what I did & it worked perfect for me. I was on 114 mgs of mdone for 8 yrs, & detoxed off that in 21 days. I DID NOT GET SICK during this time. That’s -6mg every day for 21 days! I then switched to subutex for a wk then suboxone for 2. I took an obscene amount of vitamins morn & night. But what kicks 75% of withdrawals is gabapentin/neurontin/lyrica. They’re all the same. Ask for a RX from your dr. It takes all RSL symptoms & manhandles them! I slept every night & didn’t miss a day of work. I took it at night bc it made me sleepy. For other info that’ll help google the Thomas recipe. I had very minor upset stomach & a few headaches that’s it.
Here are articles I’ve written on those methods:
The Thomas Recipe Eases Opiate Withdrawal Symptoms
How To Use Gabapentin For Opiate Withdrawal
Matt ive been on suboxone for 5 years and am at 8 mg/ day. I took a week off of work at the end of June to get off. Will this work if I taper to 6mg next week; 4 mg the following; 2mg the next week; then jump off that last week and stsy home and suffer. Is this too aggressive of a taper schedule? I just want to get it over with, but I am considering moving my week off to September and taper more slowly, but I would prefer to just be done ASAP. Your thoughts? Can I do this in 4 weeks after 6 years?
That sounds like a very fast taper schedule after being on it for 5 years Kimmy. I’m no doctor, but I’m sure that’s what a doctor would also say. In my experience, people that taper that fast have lots of difficulty. And when I’ve witnessed people do slower tapers, they typically have an easier time. It’s not something to rush. I think somewhere around 12-16 weeks would be easier. However, make sure to ask your doctor how you should taper as this is just informational and not medical advice as you know.
Presently in the process of using suboxone to end my opiate addiction. I went to see a suboxone doctor in hopes of doing a short term suboxone detox, as I am very afraid to become cross addicted to the suboxone, but doctors in my region (NorCal) do not offer short term suboxone detox, you must stay on the suboxone for atleast six months before they will begin to phase you off. Obviously, I’m not willing to addict myself to ANOTHER substance in order to get off the current. I have had to start phasing off on my own out of fear of becoming irrevocably hooked on the suboxone. I started at 8mg for the first several days, then scaled down to 6,4,2,1 and stopped taking the suboxone entirely 3 days ago. I am in a moderate withdrawal & beginning to fear that there is no end to my suffering. I thought I would eventually regain the ability to sleep, but I have been laying in bed for 10+ hours trying to no avail, I cannot escape the intense heat & burning inside my skin long enough to become remotely comfortable enough to sleep. I don’t know how much longer I can go on with no sleep, or how to ever go about getting any help, doctors in my region LITERALLY won’t help anyone who has ever been documented as an addict. I am starting to fear there may be no hope. I have read that suboxone w/d lasts for five to six months, I don’t have it in me to keep on this way for that long. Will my body temperature ever regulate itself & allow me to sleep again? When? How?
I’ve been on suboxone for almost 3 years. Prior I was on pain medications because of my back and c-section complications! My sub doctor just died, the clinic closed it doors without even notification. One clinic had said they would start me on methadone to get me off suboxone,another “friend” had told me to go on pain pills again for 2 weeks and get off subs without withdrawls, I dont feel that’s a good idea. I was on 8mg now I’m on 6mg. I have no idea where to go from here, I can’t take a chance of being sick while working and taking care of my family!! I stubled upon this, very interesting information. I’ve gone 24 hours before without taking my 2nd dose, I noticed I had a horrible headache,sweating,shakes and very pissy. What can I do to help with this? Also can I find the suggested medications at an herbal shop?
These are not medications, they are dietary supplements. The DLPA is found at some health food or vitamin shops, but the Calm Support is not in stores.
Another article that you might benefit from reading is:
How To Taper Off Suboxone Like a Champion
I am going through the same experience, and have been on Subutex for over 3 years now. I also found out I was expecting at a later month, while on Subutex, to be clear I have complications with child conception naturally, so it went unknown for 3 months. My Dr who had me on 12 mg daily, had suggested to stay on same amount, until pregnancy is full term etc. Well 8 months into it, I found out some horrible news, that my Dr. passed, and now all clinics are full, or do not take pregnant woman. So after stress and lowering , and salvaging what I could, for the sake of my son. I found a Dr, who was located an hour and a half away, and stress levels lowered somewhat. Issues now arise elsewhere, when you have a an insurance, who does not cover the drug, they have the insurance as in this case straight medicaid provide coverage, for the necessity of the time for child, to develop without complications. However, if you have a deceased Dr, and go to add the new Dr, there is a huge problem on cost of prescription, that is now not authorized. Why? Well because you have two Drs, and they do not know how to take the deceased Dr off. So you are now trying to figure out all next possible moves, this has been hell and back, and all I want is a healthy baby. I wished, and I mean really wished I was not prescribed Vicodin form my earlier Dr, for my back pain. Now struggling to cope with Subutex, because I wanted off everything, but under Dr, advice they just kept me on to long for my liking. I am hoping I can just get myself off this after baby is here, and not have to fork out more, and more cash because of this drug. I wish the best of luck to you though, and I hope you find your cure!!
These are some really fantastic tips. I am so grateful for this information. I’m about to begin my taper from 4mgs. I’ve been on suboxone for about 6 months this time around and I’d really like to be off for good. I was wondering if you had any diet tips for vegans. Thanks in advance.
They make some good vegan protein powders that may be able to help. High protein vegan foods such as legumes and quinoa might also be a good choice. Consult with your health care provider to see if you can take these.
hemp protein is better than beef
Hi Matt, my name is Jolene. I abused pain pills (started with vicoden & worked my way up to perc 30s) from 2009 through 2013. In Sept of 2013 I started taking 2 mg of suboxone. I was at 2mg, & over the past 2 yrs I’ve made it to 8-12 mg per day. The whole reason I quit pain pills was I didn’t want to be dependant on ANYTHING to feel “normal”. Now I’ve got to the point where I’m totally depressed & am so sick of spending my hard earned money to stay “well”. I’ve read so many forums & I’m terrified of what’s to come when I quit! I HAVE to work, cannot afford not to. I don’t make much as it is & out of $260-$300 weekly, I’m spending anywhere from $100-$120 weekly on suboxone. I buy off the streets because I do not have ins. Any input/advice you have for me would be greatly appreciated. Like, is it even possible to quit & work at the same time? Bc when I was on the pain pills, when I was dope sick there was NO WAY I could motivate myself to get off the couch, let alone work. At that time I was unemployed & had someone supporting me & my habit. The man I’m with now, whom I love very much, we split the bills equally. He has never been an opiate addict and supports my decision to quit 100% but doesn’t quiet make enough to take care of all household bills. So not working is not an option for me. So like I said, any advice would be greatly appreciated. Look forward to hearing from you.
Jolene ~ I jumped from 2mg (I had been taking only 1-3 mg/day for only about 1 yr this time)… It has been over 3 1/2 weeks now & I’m still going through hell! I have been taking all of the supplements that were advised to take & even after 3 1/2 weeks with no subs, I still cant get off the couch no matter how hard I try. I’ve tried walking, EVERYTHING & its still hell after 3 weeks! Cant sleep, no matter what I take, the sweats, the aggitation, aggrivation & overall “coming out of your “skin is all still here after 3 1/2 weeks…Good Luck!! I hope u have better luck than I have….
Were you also doing the other things like regular exercise and eating the endorphin-building healthy food diet? Did you skip days of dosing towards the end? Or did you skip those steps and only take supplements?
Check out the following article and if you have any questions please ask:
How To Taper Off Suboxone Like a Champion
Hi Matt, I be been on Soboxone now for 4 and half years. I was 19 years clean and I did the Hep-C treatment with Interfuron and the cocktail. I had all kinds of side effects and long story short I was using Vicidon to deal with the problems and Ativan to sleep. It was a nightmare but I got through it and now am virus free. But, I was addicted to the vikes and benzo’s and they cut me off from the scrips. I had a friend who turned me on to the subs, and now I’m on a program. Really sucks that I got myself back into this bullshit after 19 years of sobriety. My mind and will we’re at a low point and I never saw this coming.
Now I’m going through a divorce, I have to small boys and I’m 55 yeras old. It is time to step up and get right again and with all the personal stuff going on I’m a mess. My wife is cool with getting me right. But hasn’t a clue what this is all about. She wants me to go away to a treatment place but we know that whole deal. I don’t have any real support at home, so Im obviously a little concerned.
I’m tapered down to 1.25 mg a day. I take .5 mg in am. .5 mg at dinner and 1/4 mg at bedtime. I’m already not sleeping through the night and take Xanax to help.
So there you have it. In my case any suggestions on what to do. Should I start taking the supplements while I’m on the suboxone, will that help me? Where do I start at this point?
Tom
I’ve been on Suboxone for a few years now. After recent surgery I was on the lauded I milligram dose. In order to get off that I started taking Suboxone again. I’ve been on it since September it is no mid-November. I take three a day and I need to get off it within 30 days. I have a 90 quantity. I can’t go there anymore I need to get off. Not my doc, but the director doc, yelled at me when I forgot payment. I’ve been lying on time for years and I forgot this one time and he said I can’t come back.. After an argument of course. But I have a 30 day supply. I need the best way to get off in 28-30 days or at least with 90 of the strips . Thanks :/
The link below has a chart where you can fill in your dose and it automatically generates a taper schedule for you:
Taper Chart
hello Matt, I’m so thankful I found your site you have no idea how much hope you’ve given me, I started walking last night, then tonight a longer walk (I thought I was stuck, how an addicted brain can be so messed up). I’m on a high dose of subutex and the last week of the last few months I have to taper, & I promise myself I’ll continue keeping my dose low and I don’t, when I get my script I take them, I hate myself for this. I honestly feel better on a lower dose, but I’ll take them anyways. I know I’m sounding weak, I feel like a prisoner and the doors open, I just can’t get out. I’m spiritually aware I’m numbing my spirit, please help me with the best choice, I’m somewhat of an all or nothing type, but I’m very optimistic and do have faith, my family doesn’t know this and I feel like a big hypocrite. Thank you for your time, I hope you can help me, I’m sorry this was so long, bless you Matt
Hi Lynn,
Please read the following article that I believe can add massive value to you:
How To Taper Off Suboxone Like a Champion
Dear sir, I’ve been on Subs for very long time. Since 2007. Almost 10yrs. My main fear of this addiction is that without Subs, my receptors are shot & will never work naturally again. Is this BS or is this a fact. Very scared of life without Subs but, if I know this isn’t true, I’m very serious about quitting subs I’d love to go back to a Normal life again. Please respond. Thankyou.
Hi Bill,
I’ve witnessed people on Subs for even longer than you getting their brain chemistry functioning better than ever from using exercise, supplements, and nutrition after getting off the medication. Please read the following for additional information:
How To Taper Off Suboxone Like a Champion
Thank you for the advise of calm support, lope and DLPA. But my question is should I take those while still on suboxone? Or should I finish tapering? Idk what to do. I just want to not have to rely on this to be able to get up and do what needs to be done,eat and feel OK. Thank you for replying so quickly. It means alot Matt.
Please refer to my updated article for more in-depth methods:
How To Taper Off Suboxone Like a Champion
If I were tapering off Suboxone, I would start using the supplements right away, and then use lope after stopping Suboxone all the way.
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’ve been a user of suboxone for about 2 yrs and it is harder to stop then any other opiate. I only take a quarter peice of 8 mg strip once daily and want to stop now! I have never heard of lope, DLPA or calm support. This is first time I’ve read your website. Are those supplements you can buy over the counter? Like at a GNC store? I’d like to just stop it now cold turkey but I don’t want to feel like death. I have children to live for and I just need the best advice and support. Thank you for listening….God bless everyone!!
Loperamide is an over-the-counter medication, and the other two are dietary supplements available over-the-counter. The DLPA is not at GNC, but its usually at Sprouts or Whole Foods. The Calm Support is only available online. It’s not sold in stores.
I wish I were at your doseage…
Jesse I cold turkey’d Sunday and I have two kids. I’m ready this article and going to start taking these supplements asap…. Not going to lie I want to die but I need my life back. I used to be so great but since I’ve been diagnosed with Lupus and RA I’m taking subs to feel better without taking opiates. I’m in such a low place. But I just keep praying and thinking it’s for my family. I hope I make it through. I don’t wanna go back
I feel for you so much i have kids also and im tired of being a fucking junky with opiates amd subs
Day 7 followup. What on earth is the problem?? My head is so dizzy. Feels like i have the flu x 100. Am I broken? ringing ears is bad. no sweats thank God. hard to keep a normal happy face. Gabs almost gone. Any suggestions greatly appreciated. I just need to make it through tomorrow. i have to drive 300 miles, Help! thank you and God bless.
This is probably where your withdrawal is peaking. Since Suboxone has a long half-life, the worst of the symptoms usually are between days 6-8. I hope the drive goes well for you. Hang in there, and know that once the worst is over, it will start to slowly get better.
Do you know if those medicines something you can get over-the-counter
Greetings Matt
Forgive me for asking a “specifics” question, but I really
need expert advice. I’ve read almost everything and I think
you are the man with the plan!
I was on 16mg of sub 14 months ago. Tapered down
to 2.66mg a day about 4 months ago. That was easy. Now im on .25mg
a day for about a week (cut 2mg films). Doc doesn’t really believe
me. She didn’t understand me when I asked for an exit strategy.
They don’t want anyone to get off of it. They make $30,000 a month
keeping people on it. Each doc. limit 100 patients each.
Should I jump now or keep tapering. I hate to give them any more $
I’ve tried Vit C for a few days. Ascorbic acid is all I can get
locally. The Lope did help with GI issues. I have an old script
of Gabapentin 45 300mg caps. I have DLPA and Clonidine .1 mg and
Trazodone 150mg. “Leg Cramps” pills in a red box for charlie horse.
If you really think I need to switch Vit C, I’ll
order it AND do I need the Calm Support? Or any of the other
supplements? I’m asking for recommendations. Or a plan.
I’m sure you are tired of people asking for individualized help, but
I’m certain there is someone else out there this close and has
similar meds on hand. We don’t know how to organize this out.
My WDs are profusious sweating, chills, ringing in my ears, fatigue
runny nose, “dizzy head”. I’m a 45 year old male.
You are really helping people. God knows your good works and your
reward will be great. Thank you and God bless.
I did it. Last .25mg was saturday morning. Its Sunday night and i feel 90% normal. I really think
its the vitamin C. I tried that before and it really does work. 4.5g 3 to 4 times a day with 2 or 3 Lopes
to combat gi issues. Oh I have been taking the DLPA. I really didnt feel relief from that alone in the past,
but I’m sure my brain needs it so i take usually 1 to 2 with my vit. C mix. People listen, 2000 to 4000mg
of vit c 3 to 4 times a day really does help. it knocks the sweats out and the ringing ears gets tolerable.
I don’t feel chilly. and the “dizzy head” is tolerable. That was just with vit C, Lopes and DLPA.
So you out there who can get at least that, you have a real fighting chance. Don’t be afraid to try it.
You have nothing to lose and everything to gain! I’ll update when i can. God bless all.
1 more thing, I go to church where the air conditioning is cranked. there have been times ive been
so cold and runny nose ive thought about leaving. This morning and evening were great.
Please give vit C a try. Good luck to you that do. I think you’ll find it “doable”. God bless
Monday. Morning, 7:00am felt 75% took my vit c 4.5g and 2 lopes i felt 85% within an hour. 11:30 still feel
good. 4.5g vit c and 2 lopes for the afternoon. I’ll let ya know how it goes this evening. Remember it was
Sat morning .25 mg 1/8 of a 2mg film. I’m doing OK. I really think this time I’m done. I’m going for the finish line!
God bless.
Great to hear of your amazing progress! I sincerely appreciate you taking the time to share your experience JR. Looking forward to future updates! You’re doing so amazing!!! 🙂
Day 3. Doing good. Best part is no sweats or chills or runny nose. Ringing ear a little bit, tolerable. I’ve increased vit c to 5 to 6 times a day. Always before bed. Feel a little run down and sluggish. Dizzy head a little.
This is nothing like stopping without anything. I hear day 6 is bad. I’d think I’d feel better every day.
I’m gonna stay the course. I really think the vit c knocks the bad parts out to make life easier. I couldn’t do this
without the vit c. And Jesus. Can’t give all the credit to vit c. I’m so glad I found this site. Wish me continued
luck and God bless.
Day 4. Last night was a little rough. Sweats at 3am. Went back to sleep though. This morning 5g vit c, .1 clonidine, 900mg gab. 500mg DLPA
No lopes yet. I should have waited 72 hrs before i took gabs, they seem to go fast. Oh well. Slow tired feeling, dizzy head. No sweats yet at 10:40 am.
no runny nose. have important meeting at 2pm today. Oh.. Went to doc again last night.. Group meeting she asked
“What would you all like to talk about” “I said Getting off the subs!” We talked about taper, CT, different meds… she had no advice. got 2 weeks of 2mg.
Im not taking them. its the psyc. feeling knowing they are in the safe. Any hoo… Gotta get ready for meeting. Pray for me. Its gonna get worse before
it gets better is what I’ve read on other sites. Pray for me that it doesnt. I’m doing really well on what I have. If i can keep the sweats and runny
nose away, I know I can whip this! Thank you all and God bless!
Good luck JR!!!
What are Lopes?
Thanks Sherri, I can’t even find our posts in the forum. Don’t know why. Lopes??? Probably a typo or my phone convent lyrics puts wacky words in. I will continental to look for our posts, that’s weird that I can’t find any for september, 2016.
Oh ok, I didn’t say that word. I don’t know what lopes are either!!!!
Day 5. Woke up sweaty. Feeling rough. Still much better than without anything. vit c, 600mg gab, 1g DLPA. No day sweats. Ringing ears bad till I took 8 mg lopes. Weird. The lopes really help. Pray for me. God bless.
Day 6. 6am I feel pretty good. A little ringing in the ears. No night sweats. Kinda weak. Haven’t got up yet. The dreaded day that can do a 180 on ya. We’ll see.
going for the Vit C, 2 gabs, 2 DLPA. I’ll keep the lopes handy… ive discovered
those can work wonders on their own. I feel better than i have in days. I hope it gets better. wish me luck! God bless.
I have been on subs for six years now. My insurance ran out and I have a half and three quarters left. I knew this was going to happen so I have been cutting back the last week but still in pain but not that bad yet. I know there is alot more to come. I read everyone’s story and it scares the crap outta me. Especially since I have no choice but to go through this. Right now I’m having trouble resting, eating, and body aches, particularly in my lower back. Its hard to get motivated to do anything but I keep getting up and tough it out but it’s getting really hard. I am getting married November 21 of this year and it’s supposed to be a happy time for both of us so I’m really afraid to see how all this will affect me. She is trying to be understanding and had read the same things I have online and it worries us both. But I will tell you if not for her I don’t think I could even remotely THINK of doing this. I know her support will be crucial. I am buying the dlpa today but can’t afford the calm support. I’m sorry I am rambling on and jumping from this to that but I find it’s helping to get it all out and talk about it. Please give any feedback and any help or advice will be greatly appreciated.
Matt I really appreciate the information, I’m a long time 8mg suboxone user 10 years and have weened down to 4 mgs and now to 2mgs. I wasnt sure when I should start using these products, I was going to do a slow taper after 2mgs so I was curious if you think using these 3-6 months before you jump is best or 6 weeks etc…
In my opinion, the best time to use these products is right when you start to feel symptoms from lowering your dose. For some that is 4 mg, others, it is 2 mg, others 1 mg. They can be used for 6 weeks or even for several months.
Also, make sure to read my advanced article:
How To Taper Off Suboxone Like a Champion
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.
Where can I get dlpa or calm support in store?
DLPA is only at certain health food/vitamin stores, and Calm Support is only available online.
I am on colonopin and subocone. I went from fentanyl pops 600mcg. Every four hours oxies 80&40 both morning and night, Roxie 30 mg ever 4 hours them Valium 10 mg 2x a day, Then my sleeping pill and psyc medication that never helped. I went to rehab over 12 yrs ago and was detoxed and doing great. I came home from Florida and i did ok for a few months. I went to relapse mostly because I was alone in my recovery. I had no car to get to meetings back then Sunoxone was not out so I went in Methadone but only for depression and then I got pregnant and they wouldn’t let me go off. I had to go up. After I had my baby I then was on a high dose but getting my meds
to take home. By the time I was on for three yrs I inly had to dose monthly at clinic so I detoxed myself over a years time off and went right on Subocone. I never took three a day and I only take what I need for pain which I can substitute for motrin but I need at least 3 Sunoxone a week 8 mg to keep me level. I’ve taken as low as one a week and I don’t feel much pain but I get suicidal. I actually forgot to take my Sunoxone and I need to be reminded because all I do is cry and feel the worthless and anxiety ridden. My klonopin doesn’t work unless I take much more then my two mg a day. I want to be who I was yrs ago. I had depression but I was a running and it’s going to take a lot for me to get back to running. Do you suggest this will work for me. I also forget to eat and sometimes don’t sleep for over a day or two. I just have spent a lot of time getting my daughter into a great rehab in Florida and they do holistic as well as other great approaches. Want to be happy and healthy for my kids like I was for my first two kids. I want to be normal. I’m blessed to look young and still have a figure. I want to date and live normal. Do you believe this is possible???
Hi Lisa,
Thank you for sharing your story. I certainly believe that anyone, no matter what their current circumstance, can date and live normal. It may take a lot of personal growth on your part, and it may not be easy, nor fast. But if you stick with it, and commit to achieving your goals, it’s not a matter of if, but when you will manifest your dream life.
I was severely burned in a car accident and after years of being prescribed Oxy my doc and I decided to put me on Subutex. I began subs in 2010. I’m tired of taking it and here I am 5 years later and I’m struggling. I’m only down to 2mg a day and I cannot get off of them without having RLS so bad it makes me scream and cry. I already suffer from depression and severe anxiety due to my accident so I’m afraid if I just stop taking it I will get even worse mentally. I just want my life back and I feel that 2mg a day is preventing me from it. I have no energy, motivation, or drive. Please help with any suggestions.
Hi Jessica,
Please read the following article I wrote, as I believe it can help you:
How To Taper Off Suboxone Like a Champion
Hi matt, I was on subutex for about 4 months, prescribed for a very short, small heroin habit. After investigations I realised I was on a far stronger maintenance drug that the original problem. Anyway, tapered down and came off quicker than the doc wanted me too, but jumped without too many issues. Howvere, I chose not to engage in any post support activity, which was a mistake. Eventually picked up heroin again and got back on the subutex. I tapered done over a 2 week period and has my last 0.2 on Friday. Stupidly, I randomly bumped into someone I hadn’t met since about 4 years ago and because I had a drink inside me bought about. 3 bags of h. They have gone, it’s now Sunday and I have no subutex. The subs should be out of my system as the last one I had was on Friday morning. I do have SR 100mg tramadol and 10 x 30mg dihydrocodeine, I need to get clean completely. I also have some valium. What would be best these way of taking these wi a view to stopping everything next week. Should I wait until o feel some withdrawals on Monday and take the tramadol? All of them , 400mhg? Then take the dihydrocodeine for a few days ? I may not have sever wd’s but the FEAR is usually was worse than reality. I have important meetings at work on Monday so really need to be on my game, it was a stupid mistake picking up the H after 2 weeks of tapering with subs with minimal discomfort. Anyway, hope you get this and appreciate any advice you can offer. Many thanks
If I were in your same position, I would do the following:
1) Wait until withdrawal symptoms appear then take the absolute least amount of codeine and tramadol necessary to avoid feeling sick. I would first use codeine for a few days, then tramadol for a few days, then I would save the Valium for the first few days coming off these weaker opioids.
2) I would also start immediately doing the steps from the following article:
How To Stop Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome From Opiates
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.
Will the combination of these two supplements help me if the addiction is not suboxone, but hydros & oxy? According to professionals that I have spoken to, I am not in as bad of shape as I thought, usually just taking 40-50mg a day but it has caused numerous issues in my life and opioids need to be out of my life. I see all of these posts about getting off suboxone which makes me think I should just skip over the suboxone step. Anything you could advise me on would be greatly appreciated. I’m not looking for new employment, and I’m scared to death because it seems that most companies drug test now. That would be humiliating. I have to do this and do this quick. I’m sick and tired of opioids being in charge of my life! Thanks!
This protocol can work for coming off any opioid drugs, not just Suboxone.
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 for all the information. So far this is the only post I have found that has been helpful. Long story short…..I was on suboxone for 4 years or so and tried to stop recently for surgery got to week 3 and had a hard time dealing with hot/cold flashes. I’m pretty sure it’s because I jumped from 8mg. I used the rest of my prescription over the last 5 months and was down to 1mg before I stopped. I haven’t taken the suboxone in 4 days. I had a hard time sleeping and sweat like I have never sweat before but only at night. I did take 2 50mg tramadol for 3 days and 1 and a half today. My question is do you think I am through the worst of the w/d as far as physically? I plan to look into the herbal supplements you mentioned for the mental part.
Thank you
Usually the worst of the Suboxone symptoms are over within 7-14 days, but it’s really hard to know, because each person can be so different. The tramadol is no doubt helping, but symptoms can go on for weeks, months, and even years in the most extreme cases if biochemical balances are left untreated.
The tips in this article can help speed up the healing time.
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.
What exactly does the team tramadol help with? The sweats?
My husband has quit suboxone cold turkey. It’s been 8 days now. He just started taking DLPA and GABA. How soon will he start getting some relief? Also, have started giving him 1000mg of Viramin C (EmergenC) 2xs a day.
I don’t know how long it will take for him to feel relief. It depends on how long he was on Suboxone for, what dose he was taking, how old he is, his unique biochemistry, how he responds to the supplements you mentioned, and other factors. Also, quitting cold-turkey tends to be harder on the body than tapering off slowly.
Hey I’ve been on a 4 month oxy30 binder (5 per day) 150mg. I’m starting my suboxone today and plan to do a one week taper. Any advice for when I’m off the suboxone to combat the w/d symptoms would be greatly appreciated. And will I be able to go to work and run my bsusiness??
Hi Bill, I encourage you to read the following articles:
Suboxone Withdrawal Remedies THAT WORK
How To Stop Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome From Opiates
Thank you for this informative post. I slowly tapered off of Suboxone after an on and off addiction to pain killers. It’s my third taper, though the longest I’ve been on it. First time I was Rx’d 8 mg’s / day. Second, 16 mg’s, which made me completely non-functional. The high was stronger than anything I’d taken before, and according to my doc, I was taking so much it was a miracle I never overdosed. This time, I went down to 4 mg. I thought I was functioning well until I realized I was doing things I normally wouldn’t, my critical thinking had dulled, and I didn’t have any emotions.
The last week of my taper, I was down to .25 mg’s a day. My last dose was over a week ago. Even with a slow taper, my temptation to refill was strong. I couldn’t get out of bed for five days, didn’t eat, was able to sleep but only because I take Clonazepam (which I’ve never abused and take 1/4 of what I’m prescribed, but is my next taper). And no matter how much Immodium or herbal tea I drank, I was in the bathroom when I wasn’t in bed.
I forced myself to get out of bed, drank as much water as possible, did some light yoga, chugged my way through several bottles of Vitamin C booster, took B12, daily vitamins, ibuprofen for pain (though a muscle relaxer would be nice). I woke up last night with insomnia and dripping in sweat despite my air conditioner cranked. I was finally able to fall back to sleep and woke up this morning feeling a lot better. I wanted to try the supplements you mentioned, particularly the DLPA as it’s more in my price range, but apparently, you can’t buy it in New York (according to Amazon anyway).
I’ve been down this road too many times and I just can’t afford to relapse again. My life already fell apart twice; here’s hoping three time’s the charm.
Thank you again. I don’t do 12 step meetings (personal choice), but it’s a relief to know I’m not alone, though I wouldn’t wish the symptoms on my worse enemy.
Thanks for sharing your story! I wish you the best of luck. Hang in there, and know that a STRONG MINDSET will be your most valuable resource getting through this. If you ever need any questions answered, I’m here to help you along the way. Take care.
I’m in same boat as you. Trying to get off this crap ( suboxone). If you can go online for DLPA. that’s where I got it. Pretty cheep too. Also I am taking Kratom. This really helps me feel better. Not sure if it’s legal in NY. I’m in PA and you can get at Head Shops.
Matt, I have searched and searched the internet trying to find that perfect way to taper off suboxone. Have been on it for over 3 years. Started out taking 8mg and i am now up to 24mg a day for the past year. So let me get this right, i can take the Calm Support and the DCPA at the same time i am tapering? I have chosen to do the slow taper. Suboxone did save my life, but i now have no emotions, my sex drive is completely gone which is not the best thing being married. I feel like i am in a fog 24 hours a day. I have tried to taper in the past but the mental part of it always gets in the way and i go right back to normal dose. This is something i truly want and i am willing to try anything.
Yes Scott, the idea of the article is to take these supplements together while tapering Suboxone, along with the other steps as well.
Where can I get the above named products and how much do they cost? Thank you for all the great information and my prayer is I’m as successful as my hearts intent.
You can click on the links in the article to purchase them. Otherwise the DLPA can be purchased at most vitamin or health food stores. I wish you the best of luck. Take care.
Thank you Matt I hope I won’t need you again. I’m speechless at your kindness in trying to help others. Hats off and may you always be blessed .
You’re very welcome. And may you always be blessed as well.
Should I take the calm support while I’m tapering off sub or when I’m completely done with sub?
CalmSupport can be taken while tapering off Suboxone to minimize symptoms. It’s also beneficial to take for the fist few weeks or longer after coming off Suboxone completely.
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
I have been on suboxone for 5+ years and just lost my insurance and can’t afford to pay out of pocket for them. Therefore, I’m going to have to quit cold turkey. I’m really nervous but I’m ready to be normal again. Tell the truth am I going to be in hell? And how long will it last? I’ve heard it can take months or a year..
Hi Chelsey,
Please read the following articles:
How To Mega-Dose Vitamin C To Stop Opiate Withdrawal
Suboxone Withdrawal Remedies That Work
Hi Matt,
First off I want to thank you for your wealth of information and your dedication to helping those of us who struggle with addiction! Unfortunately I had a doctor who had me at a high dosage of Suboxone for over 5 years. I’m down to 4 mg a day and can’t wait, in fact excited to quit for good.
My question to you is would you recommend vitamin C route along with Calm support or would you recommend the DLPA route instead? I noticed that you recommend both . Anxiously awaiting your response.
-Kelly
Hi Kelly,
Thank you for the kind words! I sincerely appreciate it 🙂 As for your question:
If you in a hurry to get off right away, the vitamin C protocol is probably your best bet.
If you want to delay the process over a few weeks or months, please refer to the newest article I’ve written for an epic plan!
How To Taper Off Suboxone Like a Champion
Please ask me any other questions you have, as I am happy to assist you through this process. Oh, and as far as DLPA goes, almost everyone coming off Suboxone or other opioids can benefit from using it for a few months. I explain it’s method of action in detail in the above article. Take care.
Disclaimer: I am a Strategic Intervention Coach, not a doctor, so I can’t give professional advice regarding aspects of the body, only the mind. This comment is for informational use only. It’s not intended to treat, diagnose or prevent any disease. Always check with your doctor before changing your diet, trying any new supplements, medications, exercise or opiate tapering programs.
LET TRUTH BE KNOWN! THIS IS FOR REAL ADDICTS WHO HAVE BEEN CLEAN, BUT ON SUBOXONE OVER 8 MO. I know my post will be taken down just like every other place I’ve posted. These sites are a joke. Suboxone is like getting caught in a bear trap. You are stuck their till the end. Someone should sue these Dr.s. and drug companies! I started with Bupe. in a clinical trial for heroin addicts almost 20 years ago. It didn’t work! I’ve been clean for 10 years (outside of suboxone). I have a very high threshold for detox(I’ve cold turkeyed a 4 year 2 bundle habit). I’ve tried detoxing every which way from subs. Nothing works! I’ve gone 8 mo w/o suboxone and still had very serious depression, sleep, sweets,ex. ex.ex. I’ve used supliments, exersise, every med. made. The only way to have a normal, happy and productive life is to continue to pay outrages sums for Dr.s and bupe. It dose something permanent to your brain! You will never function w/o it, if you take a normal dose for more than a year. I have never relapsed by taking drugs, but had to go back on suboxone, to have my life back. I’ve read all these bubble gummers and joy poppers with their BS success stories, but I’ve never seen or heard it in real life! Your brain chemistry changes permanently. (Time will prove me right). Best advice is to tell doc to prescribe as much as possible. And take as little as possible. And only once a day(a detox in itself). Cut your costs and think of it like a heart condition you need meds for. I will never abuse, no desire at all, but will die with a suboxone R/X. I never thought I would feel this way, but eventually you have to accept the truth. I’ve probably tried 100 detoxes from it! And all they achieved was 2 businesses, and a marriage ruined. On my meds. I’m completely normal, run a good business and have a good wife. If I try to detox, I will just loose it all and have to start all over again. The truth sucks, but it’s better than ruining your life trying the impossable. If you abuse drugs, you might as well try to detox. Your already in the crapper. But if you have a good life, do not listen to these bozos. Don’t throw away what you have on an unrealistic fantasy. Sorry! I really am. But I’m the only one with the balls to tell the truth. Try 4mg once a day. No urges, some sex drive and affordable. Again I’m sorry!
Hello,
I would never take a comment down such as this. The only comments I don’t approve are one’s that just criticize with no explanation, or ways for the article to improve. You have stated your story, purpose, and why in your experience getting off Suboxone after being on 8 months or longer is impossible.
I tend to heavily disagree with this, but I welcome your comment and I sincerely thank you for taking the time to write such a detailed explanation. I’ve written a new and improved plan for getting of Suboxone that you might find interesting.
Please read the following:
How To Taper Off Suboxone Like a Champion
I have known plenty of people that have got off Suboxone after being on a high dose for several years, and they all feel better than ever. It took them awhile, but it’s more than possible. You just have to do the right things for your body and mind. But I also know people who choose to stay on a low dose forever, because they don’t want to go through the intense process of coming off. Most of them aren’t aware of the amazing strategies they can use to greatly minimize or eliminate symptoms.
to: “Stuck in a Trap”. I agree w/ a lot you said. I think the dr.s prescibe way too much, to create long term, Sub maintenice users. No matter how big of an opiate habit a person has, Suboxone should only be taken for a month, at most. Always try to have Xanax of Valium to help w/ the anxiety, cuz that can be the biggest obstacle, especialiy near the end of your taper. Make sure that you take as little of those drugs, as possible, cuz benzo habits are even worse and a lot harder to detiox off of. Sub is definitely a wonder drud, if taken correcly. If not, you can end up trading one monkey on your back, for another one.
I have a concern i have been prescribed suboxone 8mg once a day had surgery beginning of this month given percs took last 3 weeks took 2mg of sub cut into tiny strips last 24 hours when will the withdrawals start i dont want to take anything at all but scared of the withdrawals.
Withdrawal from Suboxone usually starts anywhere from 48-72 hours. When I came off Suboxone I felt ok the first 2 days, but the start of day 3 is when it started to get rough, and by the 4th day I was really hurting.
Hi Matt,
I also have been addicted to opiates for over 6 years now. I completed inpatient program in 2013 and did great until now. I had a relapse. Got kicked out of my suboxone program and currently am waiting to attend inpatient.I have 5 50 MG Tramadol pills and hydroxine 50 MG pills for withdrawal until I get into inpatient. Tramadol is a controlled substance now in ny and is highly addictive so do you recommend taking it short term for withdrawal? Can you get these products in local drug store chains? Thank you
Hi Jon,
In my opinion powerful combinations of natural remedies work better than tramadol, though it can also be beneficial when used in conjunction with these for a few days. The DLPA can be purchased at most vitamin or health food stores.
However, the CalmSupport is not in stores, but if you click on the link you can order it from the website.
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.
I have only been on buprenorohine for a month and I started a 4mg and now im on 8mg a day. I have been on 8mg for about a week. I wanna stop #1 cause I dont really think I need it due to only being on lortabs about 2 months prior #2 my legs feet stomac and hands at sweeling. Edema is setting in and I need to know if I stop now will I have withdrawal symptoms
Yes, after using Lortab and Suboxone for that length of time you will likely have withdrawal symptoms. I have no idea how severe they will be though.
My daughter is in day 26 of withdrawal and its still as bad as day 3. Is it too late for her to start DLPH? And if not wheecan I buy
It???
Hi Amber,
It’s never too late to start DLPA. You can purchase it at most health food or vitamin stores. It’s also available on the internet:
Solaray – Dl-Phenylalanine, 60 capsules
DLPA is the most important supplement for what your daughter is going through. Please read the following article:
DLPA: A Miracle Supplement For Opiate Addiction Recovery
Hey there,
So I’ve already started the tapering process. I’m down to .25 mg a day. However; I’ve discovered I’m pregnant. When I told my doctor I wanted to taper off he upped my dose. So I’ve done the taper on my own at home as u seriously doubt my doctor cares about my well being and especially not my baby’s. I am wondering if the dlpa and calm support would be safe for me? Or rather, what’s more detrimental, withdrawling, or the supplements? I might add that I tried to jump from .25 and for two days I was utterly miserable with thoughts of suicide.
Hi Sam,
Usually when someone becomes pregnant they must either continue to take Subutex, not Suboxone (due to the naloxone not being good for baby) or also get or stay on methadone. I’ve never heard of someone detoxing off these medications while pregnant, as my belief is one is supposed to wait until the baby is born before coming off. I’m not an expert in this subject, so always listen to your doctor regarding this aspect.
As for at the supplements, some of the ingredients in CalmSupport are not to be taken while pregnant, the valerian root being one of them. The doctor I assume knows what is best, but if you don’t agree you can’t always get a 2nd opinion from a different doctor. Good luck with everything. I really wish you the best Sam. Don’t be afraid. You can get through this. I’m here to help you along the way if you ever need any questions answered or emotional support. Take care.
The opiates program I belong to cuts off patuents off like the same day they ain’t know longer in the program because of relapses.like I’ve been reading it takes awhile to get off of suboxin not this program they give you 3 days to a Week and theres know more.my friend was on the program for a long time like 7 years and they cut her off in 1 day.now she is hurting aml the time.What can I do to help her and get answers why this program does this..also they don’t care about your family are ur job all they care about is making there money..I want to get off the program cause I’ve been on suboxin for almost 8 years and I think its just time for me to bethe prson who I am without taking suboxin..the Leech lake opiates program is suppose to be a treatment program but there are staff there that drink alcohol all the time and I don’t believe this ain’t a true treatment that the staff runs.qB8ps
I am tapering off of Suboxone……I have been on Suboxone for 6 yrs. the last 3 years I have been going to an outpatient clinic every other week, being drug tested. I’ve been tapering extremely slow which has had very minor withrawl symptoms- tapering 25% per month. Now that I am down to 2mgs my clinic will not allow me to go down any further. They expect me to jump from the 2 mgs, which I’ve done a lot of research- finding that dose to still be very high! So I have cut my 2 mg strips and lowered it to .75 (3 quarters of a 2mg strip). I have to dose in front of them every other week at 2 mgs, then I lower my dose again on my own. In another month I will lower my dose to .50 (1mg) but still having to go back up to 2mgs every other week, will that affect my recovery process from Suboxone??? I’m planing on not going back after I get down to 1 mg so I don’t have to dose back up to 2mgs. I will have the extra pieces that I cut to survive on that- I hope! I’ve been working hard- working out and taking some supplements such as L-tyrosine, multi vitamin, iron, b complex & im going to also get what you listed above. Please let me know if I’m doing this right. I really appreciate the feed back!!!
Hi Jojo,
Isn’t it funny that they don’t make Suboxone strips in weaker strengths such as 0.25 and 0.5 mg??? And what’s more, you’re not supposed to cut the 2 mg strips down!!! It’s like the company wants you to stay on the medication or something!
As for what you’re doing…well done! The lower dosage you can jump off the better. Cutting the strips is a great way to continue the taper below 2 mg. Unfortunately you still have to take 2 mg in front of someone every two weeks. While this is counterproductive to your taper, it shouldn’t cause you too much grief. Don’t worry about it Jojo.
Like you said, once you get down to 1 mg you won’t have to ever go back because you’ll have those extra pieces. The added benefits of the exercise, the supplements you’re taking, and the ones in this article you’re going to get should significantly help feel better while you’re coming off Suboxone.
You’re doing it right Jojo! Keep up the good work, and imagine how awesome it will feel to be off Suboxone for LIFE. If you ever need any questions answered I’m here to help you along your journey. Take care.
Disclaimer: I am a Strategic Intervention Coach, not a doctor, so I can’t give professional advice regarding aspects of the body, only the mind. 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.
Question: Been taking opiates for well over 10 years, the last 3 I was on methodone….relapsed a cpl months ago, then doing about 2.5g of heroin daily, however no methodone, so I went to the Dr yesterday & instead of methodone, I got suboxone as I hear its easier to get off. Read lots of & on it & it seemedtobe a better choice. Now I’m wondering if I should just try suckinf it up (which I know I hate the feeling) I have 4 – 2mg suboxone pills now, I’m expected to take 8mg per day, but I want off EVERYTHING , I’m so tired of having to take something, go somewhere……we all know how that is, & on the meth for 3 years I hated it. ADVICE PLEASE,what’s my best bet here
Hello Meg,
Thank you for sharing a part of your story. I understand why you want off everything. It’s no fun being dependent on a medication…and while it’s true Suboxone is not as powerful as methadone, it’s still quite powerful nonetheless. As for your question:
It all depends on where you are at in your life Meg. I know Suboxone has helped a lot of people get their lives back in order, though most individuals end up stuck on it for a lot longer than they planned for. If you want off everything quickly, you might benefit from reading the following article:
How to Mega-Dose Vitamin C to Stop Opiate Withdrawal
However, if you choose to stay on the Suboxone for awhile, the 5 steps I list above in the Suboxone article have helped a lot of people.
You can do it Meg! If you need any other questions answered I’m happy to assist you along the way. Good luck!
My husband has been using Subs for 5 yrs cutting an 8mil in 6 pcs taken them through out the 24 hr . Stopped cold turkey 11 days ago started taking perks 10mg 5 days ago for the pain which is starting to get out of hand taking 8 to 10 a day. What would u rec him to do at this stage right now? Please respond to us we will b waiting to hear from you. Thank you.
Hi Donna,
Please read the following articles. I believe the Vitamin C protocol, followed by natural correction of imbalances could help considerably:
How to Mega-Dose Vitamin C to Stop Opiate Withdrawal
DLPA: A Miracle Supplement For Opiate Addiction Recovery
How to Stop Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome From Opiates
If you have any more questions I’m here to help. Good luck.
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.
Hello Matt,
First,Id like to thank you so much for all the.things you do and the.way you do them. We.need.many more specialists. like you and I hope to follow in your.footsteps in the.future for.the chance.to.help.just a fraction of the ppl you have.
Now, for.me.and many others , from.the beginning to the.end of withdrawl, the.RESTLESS LEG AND.BODY. was/is the WORST part!!! The.pain is bad but.the restlessness is.just unbearable . Other than exercise and the supplements you’ve already mentioned, what would.you recommend to help the.most in.relieving this dreadfulness?!??
On behalf of myself and many others.I’m.sure, you are so very appreciated. thank you
Hello J,
Thanks for the amazing compliment, and I really hope you follow the path of helping people as well. There are millions of people in this world that need help getting off opiates and medications like Suboxone and Methadone, and unfortunately there just aren’t that many people interested in dedicating their lives to helping these individuals recover.
As for your question:
Other than exercise and the supplements I mentioned in the article, I also recommend certain exercises specific to the treatment of Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS), a few specific stretches, taking epsom salt baths or regular hot baths, a strong topical pain-relieving cream, and the “towel method”.
I’ve put together an entire article on RLS from coming off opiates that you absolutely must read. It’s a simple 4-step plan that can help rid you of RLS symptoms in no time:
How to Stop Restless Legs From Opiate Withdrawal
Again, thanks for leaving your question in the comment box, and I hope others click on the link above to read my article to help with any RLS issues they might have while coming off Suboxone. Have a great day, and if you ever need any other questions answered I’m very happy and eager to help you J.
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.
Am I the only one that doesn’t get pain when detoxing? I get restless and I get the ‘hebee jeebees’ especially up my back, I don’t know how else to say it. I wanted to add that I’m proud of most of the people here are trying. I believe everyone detox differently.
Yes, I believe you are extremely lucky if you have no pain, the pain I have in my legs makes me want to throw up!!!
I want desperately to get off suboxone! I have been taking it for 8years. I have not read where anyone has been on this long. I have been on as high as 2 – 8 mg a day. For the last year it has been 8 mg a day. I have tried to quit before but always hit a snag with pain or surgery and had to have pain relief. Currently I have tapered to 1/4 of a 8 mg pill. Not possible to cut it any smaller so guess I will try skipping a day. Having trouble sleeping at night but sleep alot during the day. No ENERGY! I force myself to take my dog for a 1/2 mile walk every day. How much longer do I have before I can stop? Benadryl helps with the legcramps.
Hey Linda,
Thanks for sharing your story. While 8 years is a very long time to be on Suboxone, I’ve spoken with people that have been on it that duration or longer. As far as your taper goes, it sounds like you are taking the tablets, and that’s why you cannot cut it smaller than 1/4 of a pill, although you can crush it into crumbs. Have you heard of the Suboxone strips? They come in 8 mg as well, and also 2 mg, but you can use a razor to cut them incredibly small.
When you said you would try skipping a day, I think that’s a great idea, however, I would wait until you taper off to a lower dosage before you do that. I wrote an article that I think will benefit you:
Suboxone Taper Plan: 4 Pillars Method
It has a perfect tapering schedule for someone that has been on Suboxone for as long as you have. It would require you getting the Suboxone strips to be able to cut them down all the way to 0.5 mg.
Since you can’t sleep at night, then have no energy and sleep in the day, it sounds like you could really benefit from taking the supplements I recommended in this article Coming off Suboxone after being on it for 8 years is going to take some radical efforts on your part if you want to feel good while doing it.
You also asked how much longer until you can stop. You can stop whenever you like. The only problem is, since you’ve been on Suboxone so long, you’re going to have withdrawal symptoms no matter how perfect your taper is. That’s why it is important to exercise regularly (walking and swimmming are great), eat very healthy with adequate protein (contains amino acids that boost endorphins and other mood-enhancing neurotransmitters), and take supplements designed for coming off Suboxone (recommended in the article above).
I know what you’re going through is difficult, but I assure you it doesn’t have to be. Suboxone is a very strong medication, but doing the above things, combined with a strong mindset and dedication, you can get through this and come off medication once and for all. If you need any more assistance, please don’t hesitate to post any more questions and I will help in any way I can. Have a great day Linda.
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.
Linda; Suboxone strips come in a 2mg version. These can be easily cut up into 1/8 mg pieces. I jumped at .25 mg. 2 months off suboxone
Hi, I was a heroin addict,overdosed and almost died twice., then went to methadone. Never went higher than 30mg, but I had to go into the hospital to detox off of that once i got down to 20mg, talk about sick!!. They gave me suboxone. I’ve been on it for 15 years. No one told me to try and get off of it until recently. I’m decreasing very very slowly. No pain but a bit restless at times. It was the methadone that I had a hard time getting off. I’m 61 now, no cravings. I went through menapause but now it’s done. Don’t know if it’s my advancing age, but I don’t even want to leave the house, no interest and I was hoping my sex drive would come back. I will let you know how it goes. My film is 4mg. For the past week I’ve cut that film in 3 long sections and take one section a day. So far so good.
Hi Mark. I have a few questions for you.
I am 48 years old.
15 years of heavy, daily heroin/OxyContin use.
Was on Methadone maintenance at 80 mgs for 31/2 years then dropped to 5O mgs for another year. And decided id had enough and just stopped going to clinic. I was able to withstand 29 days of withdrawal. But after 29 days of zero sleep and stressful life conditions. I caved and went back to clinic. This time, they started me out on 20mgs. I went 3 weeks on 20mgs. Decided to switch over to Suboxen and successfully Did That.
It’s been just over 2 years since switching to suboxen.
I feel like my cold turkey methadone withdrawal did a number on my mind and body. Totally Shocked my nerves. Not sure I ever fully recovered from those 29 days.
Since quitting Methadone clinic. I’ve changed up diet and added supplements. Exercise regularly And also researched and implemented other means for dealing with depression and other mental issues.!
I’ve not craved an opiate in over 7 years. I maxed out or matured out. Wasn’t enough dope or pill out there to satisfy my need. IT JUST ENDED. I lost everything. Felt old and tired. And never went back. Was no longer an option in my brain.
My Questions:
My husband has been taking 24 mgs of Subutex. Daily for 10 years.
I try to keep my self between 8 and 12 mgs of suboxen daily. 2 years.
Is suboxone and subutex safe to take forever
It doesn’t bother me to have to take this med daily.
Seems like there has been a change of thought about these 2 meds over the past 10 years.
What’s the latest take On long term buprenepherine use?
Do you have any protocol ideas for withdrawing after long term use?
Thank You
Hey Karen. First off, I want to congratulate you for all that you have accomplished. Quitting a 15 year addiction to heroin/Oxycontin by getting on Methadone is extraordinary. Then you quit that as well and have managed to stay on a low dose of Suboxone, and it sounds like you “outgrew” your addiction and cravings and had an identity change. That’s the key to long-term sobriety, linking pain to drugs instead of pleasure.
As for your questions; the latest take on buprenorphine use is that people are realizing it is a much stronger medication than it used to be thought of. The medication was developed for people to use to come off opiates, but now it’s becoming more of a maintenance type protocol for most. I think Suboxone is a wonder drug, however, that being said, it’s obvious to me that the majority of doctors and counselors in the treatment world aren’t doing a great job of telling patients how serious of a medication it is before prescribing it.
A big reason there has been a change of thought regarding Suboxone and Subutex is because 90% of people who get off these medications relapse shortly thereafter, regardless of how long they were on them for. Therefore, these medications are becoming less like a transition to recovery, and more like a vacation from active opioid addiction.
As far as using Suboxone and Subutex safely forever…..well that all depends. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND you read the following article: Opioid-Induced Endorcrinopathy.
Common side-effects of opioid-induced endocrinopathy are: depression, fatigue, hormone deficiency, osteoporosis, sexual dysfunction, vasomotor instability, weight gain, and, in women, menstrual cycle irregularities as possible adverse effects.
You can possibly reverse or minimize these symptoms by taking testosterone prescribed by your doctor for males, or DHEA for females. The article goes in depth on this and I know you will benefit from reading it, especially since you are considering staying on buprenorphine long-term.
As far as getting off Suboxone after long-term use, the strategies I mentioned in this article will obviously help, and I would also recommend taking additional supplements. Check out my article 2014 Opiate Withdrawal Remedies Review to see a list of 33 ways to minimize withdrawal symptoms from Suboxone and other medications or illegal opiates.
Another natural remedy that works well is “kratom”, which is a plant that grows in Southeast Asia that acts as a mu opioid-agonist. It’s amazing for coming off Suboxone, Methadone and other opioids. It’s legal in America and most other countries and can be purchased online: high-quality kratom.
Good luck and I honor you for your courage.
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.
I agree that it is indeed a wonder drug. Many people that would still be addicted to opiates, after numerous other attempts to quit, have found success w/ Subs. However, I don’t think it should be a maintenence type drug, like methadone, and I think that both need a maximum dosage, way below what’s being prescribed. Suboxone doses should never be more than 8mg, 2x a day, and methadone should never be more than 75g, once a day. Anything more than that, even in people w/ the largest dependence, is not beneficial in any way, except to increase your dependence on it.
And Suboxone’s strength was never doubted. That’s why even pain management doctors had to take an additional course, in order to be able to prescribe it. The problem is, that doctors that weren’t taking the drug, but were being paid by the drug manufacturers, were who established the recommended dosages. Extremely high dosages were more profitable for the drug companies AND the doctors prescribing it, since the more people take, the harder it is to stop, and longer the amount of time the person will be under the doctor’s care and longer they’ll be buying the drug.
ALSO, PEOPLE NEED TO KNOW that taking Subs, while actively doing opiates, will send you directly into the peak of withdrawel, and can be very dangerous. You need to wait until as much opiates are out of your system as possible. Wait until you are in as bad of withdrawel as you can stand, before taking it, and I suggest that you taper ONTO it kind of like you taper off of it. Just take a small piece, and wait for 10 minutes, to see how you feel. If you feel much worse, you need to wait LONGER. If it makes you feel better, then take another small piece, repeating the 10 min wait, until you feel comfortable, or until you’ve taken an entire 8mg.
If you are coming off of long acting drugs, like methadone, you especially have to be careful. After being on 50-70mg of meth for 6 mths, SWIM (someone who isn’t me) took weaker opiate pills for about 5 days, then waited almost 2 days after taking them, before taking Subs. Even tho it had been almost a week since taking methadone, he still went directly into major withdrawel.
As for Kratom, it’s another wonder drug, but a natural one. Unfortunately, since it was competition for the drug companies, they lobbied to make it a controlled substance, and is no longer legally available in the US. It’s terrible, but not surrising, that politicians would do something so cruel and selfish but, like I said, it’s no surprise.
I am , have been on 16-24 mg per day of suboxone for the last 3 years. I quit cold turkey about 3 years ago and hurt so bad wanted to literally end my life. I now want to quit so badly and I have been looking for a natural way. This sounds like it makes sense and could work. I am going to try it and report back
Robert, I also know what it feels like to quit cold-turkey and feel like jumping out of a window to end the pain. The good part is that anyone can get off suboxone without withdrawal by using the steps in this article. It’s still hard of course, but I know you can do it. I honor you for your courage and I hope you report back and let us know how it works for you. Good luck.
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.
Matt, Can you take L-tyrosine with the DPLA or is it better to just stick to one or the other? I am on 2 mg subs per day and tapering.
Brady in my opinion they work extremely well together. You should also check out the newest article I wrote on tapering off Suboxone:
How To Taper Off Suboxone Like a Champion
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.
Well I’m at. 25 of sub for four days. Im fold in the morning I dose at 7am. I wake up with that cant sleep anymore soil slower than I was at high doses and just crabby ina cut that in half than try an jump names kyle wish me luck
Good luck!
I’ve never heard so much moaning, grumblings & complaining in my life! Have’nt we all been through OPIATE WITHDRAWALS here??????? There is no comparison to the difference of the 2 withdrawal symptoms. I tapered down from 16mgs daily.Week 1: Day 1 I took 12mgs Day 2 I took 16mgs Day 3 I took 12mgs..so on and so forth for 7 days. Week 2: Day 1 I took 12mgs Day 2 I took 8mg Day 3 I took 12mgs so on and so forth for 7 days. Week 3: Day 1 I took 8mgs Day 2 I took 4mgs Day 3 I took 8mgs so on and so forth for 7 days. Week 3: Day 1 I took 4mgs day 2 I took 2mgs Day 3 I took 2mgs Days 4,5,6 &7 I took 1mg. Week 4…Suboxone free that was 6 months ago. I had ZERO withdrawal from the suboxone. If someone can’t stick to that DR APPROVED and Supervised taper than they don’t want off the medication. I was 11 yrs on (3 & or 4) 80mgs OC’s a day. I started Suboxone treatment at 24mgs daily for 1 year then the final 2 yrs on 16mgs. I got tired of spending $230.00 a month $30 for urinalysis and $200.00 for the visit that’s over $8,000. That was one of my few motivations. IF anyone really truly wants off this medication the last thing one should do is focus on the negative instead of the freedom that comes from the chains of addiction.
GREAT JOB, SUPERMAN!! If its all that easy, why are you even on this site??
Many take this stuff for PAIN, not abuse/recreational, by the way.
It’s called pain! Glad you could so EASILY take WEEK 3 and go from 4 mg to 0 and jump off!! WOW! And NO withdrawals!!!!, Dang, you are indeed a freak of nature for all to admire and truly an inspiration to us all on this site!! We are all such wimps and must do what Shawn the Great does!!
Let’s just shut this site down right now, Mr. Finch and just listen to Shawn!!
I hear ya!
Doctors that prescribe anything more than 8mg, twice a day, are setting you up to be on Suboxone maintenence for a LONG time. Even for people coming off a major opiate dependence, anything more than 8mg at a time does not help the person feel better. It just makes the withdrawel from Suboxone harder.
Speaking from experience, and the experiences of others I know, withdrawel from Suboxone is not anywhere near as bad as withdrawel from opoiates. That’s why it’s used for opiate withdrawel. It’s not supposed to be a long time thing, like methadone.
Tapering is indeed the best way. However, instead of 1 or 2 large doses a day, try to take small pieces of the film or pill, until you see that additional pieces are not increasing the relief. 3 or 4 times a day. Make sure that the amount is less each day. Not as large a difference as halving the amount every day, but enough so that by day 5, you’re only taking about 1-2 mg, twice a day. After that, go to once a day, for 1-3 days, and then to every other day, for a few days, IF NEEDED. You don’t need to make the taper last longer than 2 weeks, 3 at the very most.
All of the things mentioned in this article definitely do help, but drugs such as Clonadine are very helpful, and at the end of the taper, I definitely advise taking Xanax or another Benzo, but only for a week or so, tapering off of it the same way, since anxiety will be your biggest problem at the end. Partly due to coming off of the drug, but mostly due to the FEAR of what might happen when you’re completely off of the Subs. And the less time you have to think about the withdrawel, the less time that anxiety and temptation of relapse will be a problem, so make sure you have your days planned, w/ exercise being a component. Like they say, an Idle mind Is the devil’s playground, and that’s especially true in cases like this.
I was taking 1 8mgs cut it into 6 pieces 1 piece a every other day for like 3mos.I’m still going through some withdrawal how long will it take
I am on day 9 of quitting sub cold turkey. I weaned myself down to a quarter of strip a day before I attempted this. This week has been a struggle but I did manage to work by taking calm support and akuamma seed pills through the day. You can order akuamma seed pills (a natural nonaddictive painkiller)from top extracts.com. Read Matt finches top extract review it was a great help
Thanks for the feedback Maria. Here is a link to the article you spoke of on Top Extracts:
https://opiateaddictionsupport.com/top-extracts-review/
Thank you for this 🙏🏽I had been on subs for 3 years and I was taking from 1 to 3 milligrams a day until yesterday that I saw this I went and bought all you said and today I’m sub free and I feel great I feel free I feel like my old self because I wanted this