If you’re looking for information on how to taper off opiates without withdrawal…you’ve just landed on an article that can CHANGE YOUR LIFE. I’ve spent years perfecting the art of opiate recovery.
I’ve written over a dozen articles on tapering off opiates, and this BY FAR the best one yet.
From this point on, whenever somebody asks me how to taper off opiates without withdrawal, I will first direct them to this article as a great place to start! This plan is detailed, effective, powerful, and TRULY INSPIRATIONAL.
1. Make a Decision!!!
Learning how to taper off opiates without withdrawal is not difficult. Anyone can read this plan I’ve created and understand the principles I teach. That’s the easy part.
But I can tell you right now with absolute certainty…most of the people on opiates reading this will not get off drugs and stay clean for life.
Why??? Because most individuals on opiates never make it A MUST. Rather, they tell themselves things like I SHOULD get off opiates. They hope they will be successful, and when they are not, they take it as a failure.
But I’ll tell you right now, every time you fail you learn something. You learn what doesn’t work. Then the next time you try it you have less anxiety. That’s progress in every sense of the word.
Do you think I was able to get off opiates the first time I ever tried? No way!!! I fell FLAT ON MY FACE.
Life will always knock you down; that’s inevitable. But it’s not whether or not you get knocked down…it’s how many times you are able to get back up, brush yourself off, learn from your mistakes, and try even harder (+ smarter) the next time.
In the end, I was successful at getting off opiates because somewhere along the line I made a decision that I didn’t want to be on medication.
One of my top values in life is health, so I couldn’t stand the thought of being on a medication that altered my brain chemistry…especially one that made me go through a horrific opiate withdrawal syndrome if I stopped taking it!
Furthermore, opiates gave me side-effects. They gave me red and flaky skin, and even though I could still “perform,” I had no sex drive whatsoever. 😥
Make Tapering Off Opiates A MUST
If you’re serious about learning how to taper off opiates without withdrawal and doing whatever it takes to achieve your goal, this plan is for you. If you want to be successful, you’ll need to decide right here and now that tapering off opiates is a MUST, not a SHOULD.
Get out a pen and piece of paper and write down all of the reasons why you MUST taper off opiates. Commit to your goal. Know that you might fail several times, but as long as you keep going for it and learning from your mistakes, you’re sure to succeed in the long run.
To help increase your chance of succeeding the first time, use the following strategies I’ve outlined for you. They can give your body and mind a significant boost; thus helping you feel happy and energized while tapering off opiates.
2. Develop A Strategic Opiate Taper Schedule
When people ask me how to taper off opiates without withdrawal, I tell them one of the things they’ll need is a strategic opiate taper schedule. This is by no means the only thing necessary (though many people believe so)…but it’s often a great place to start.
Tapering is systemically reducing the amount of opioid medication at regular, preassigned intervals and dosage decreases. Tapering opiates is preferable to coming off cold-turkey because it’s much less of a system-shock to your brain chemistry, thus reducing withdrawal symptoms.
Opiate Taper Studies
In one large study in 2010, persons tapering with opioids during a nine-month period, whether initially or after a period of substantial improvement, led to nearly universal relapse.
In another study, two groups of opioid-addicted young adults were evaluated to monitor the effectiveness of different taper approaches. One group was detoxed for two weeks.
The other was given opioids for nine weeks then tapered for three. The results showed that the longer taper was more effective, although after six, nine, and twelve-month evaluations there were increased rates of opioid use in both groups.
Note: Many other studies look similar to these. The results confirm the poor prognosis. Opioid dependence is, in fact, a chronic, relapsing condition. However, this is why I said that using a strategic opiate taper schedule is simply not enough. In the steps that follow this one, you’ll learn how to harness the power of nutrition, supplementation, exercise, and more to improve your chances of getting off AND staying off opiates for good!
Opiate Taper Schedules
Based on the outcome of the second study mentioned above, along with my personal experience helping people taper off opiates as an Opiate Recovery Coach, it appears that 2-6 months is an optimal time to taper for most individuals.
I’ve learned that most people can generally taper off opiates with ease until they reach their “personal threshold.”
At this point on the taper, it usually becomes increasingly difficult to get energy, and many individuals end up stuck on opiates for fear of feeling sick and exhausted.
The following tips can help you taper off opiates without withdrawal:
- Use the least amount of medication possible to feel well enough to get through the day.
- Resist urges to use a little extra when you’re not feeling great – This messes with the taper.
- A decrease of 10% of the original dose per week is a reasonable starting point. Some people who have taken opioids for a long time might find even slower tapers (e.g., 10% per month) easier.
- You can typically taper off faster at the beginning because you’re starting from a higher dose, but as you get lower it can help to slow the taper down, and even take 7-10 day breaks if needed.
- Listen to your body and adjust tapering speed as needed.
- And don’t obsess about it like this lady in the picture below!!!
Step 3: Learn How Opiates Affect Your Brain
If you really want to know how to taper off opiates without withdrawal, I believe it’s important for you to have at least a basic understanding of how brain chemistry can become deficient while taking opiates.
The following information can help you to better understand why it’s so difficult to quit opiates and stay clean long-term.
There are essentially two primary disruptions in the body from the continued use of opiates:
- Endorphin deficiency
- Dopamine deficiency
Endorphins and dopamine are neurotransmitters, which are substances that transmit nerve impulses across a synapse. The brain uses neurotransmitters to tell your heart to beat, your lungs to breath, and your stomach to digest.
They also play a HUGE role in mood, concentration, sleep and weight, and can cause a number of negative consequences when they become out of balance.
Brain chemistry can become disrupted in the following ways:
- Prolonged use of alcohol, drugs, and cigarettes
- Toxins in the environment
- Physical or emotional stress
- Genetic predispositions
- Nutritional deficiencies
Note: It is estimated that 86% of Americans have suboptimal neurotransmitter levels, and in opiate abusers…, I’m sure it’s 100%.
There are two types of neurotransmitters:
- Inhibitory – Calms the brain and acts as a mental relaxant
- Excitatory – Stimulates the brain
Note: As I stated earlier, the continued use of opiates causes two primary deficiencies: endorphin (inhibitory) and dopamine (excitatory and inhibitory).
Endorphins
Endorphins are our natural painkillers (natural morphine). Our bodies release endorphins when we exercise. Perhaps you’ve heard of “runners high,” which describes a euphoric feeling produced by the massive production of endorphins after running long distances.
Endorphins promote joy, euphoria, and contentment; and that leads us to why opiates make you feel so good…
Different drugs mimic different neurotransmitters. Opiates specifically mimic endorphins. That’s why opiates are so beneficial for relieving pain and producing euphoria. When an opiate is taken, the body produces massive amounts of endorphins in quantities our bodies weren’t designed to handle.
If you use opiates consistently over a period of time, the body starts making more opioid receptors, and that’s how tolerance is developed. Now the brain has become dependent on opiates to produce endorphins, and it stops making them naturally.
The problem arises when someone on opiates lowers their dosage considerably or comes off completely. You are now supplying your body with fewer endorphins from the drugs, but your brain doesn’t supply you with the rest.
Your brain short circuits, and therein lies the problem. What results is a massive endorphin deficiency leading to increased sensitivity to physical and emotional pain, among other problems.
Dopamine
Dopamine is our main focus neurotransmitter. Dopamine is also responsible for our drive or desire to get things done…our motivation. Dopamine lifts the dark clouds of depression, is responsible for feelings of pleasure, and plays a role in the “reward system” in the brain. Prolonged use of opiates leads to continuous spikes in dopamine levels.
Over time, the brain eventually adjusts natural production of the neurotransmitter to compensate for the presence of drugs. Due to both the over-activation of dopamine during periods of opiate intoxication and long-term changes in brain chemistry, natural dopamine levels become lowered and depleted. Once your dopamine levels are depleted, it’s virtually impossible to experience pleasure without using the drug.
Things that used to provide you with pleasure no longer do so:
- Job promotion
- Your kid does well in a soccer game
- Listening to your favorite music
You no longer derive enjoyment from these activities. It now takes a huge spike in dopamine (drugs, sex, gambling etc.) to feel pleasure. This is one of the top reasons why individuals often relapse within a few months of getting off opiates…they have anhedonia (pleasure deafness), life basically sucks, and they are also sensitive to physical and emotional pain due to the endorphin deficiency.
Enough is enough…they feel like they can’t go on feeling so bad every day, so they use…thus, the cycle continues. Fortunately, you’ve read this far…and now I’m going to teach you how to break the cycle!
Step 4: Harness The Power Of Nutrition
Nutrition plays a critical role when you’re trying to taper off opiates without withdrawal. A big reason why some people turn to addictive substances in the first place is that they are not getting the nutrients they need from their diets.
This can result in a variety of health problems. When this lack of nutrition leads to disruptions in brain chemistry…anxiety, depression, and other mental issues can develop. If you’re serious about learning how to taper off opiates without withdrawal, the following nutritional guidelines can help you achieve your goal.
Amino Acids & Neurotransmitters
Tapering off opiates puts a huge strain on your brain chemistry. Remember learning about the opioid-induced endorphin/dopamine deficiency from Step 3? You might have thought to yourself: “Well that’s just great! But how am I supposed to correct these imbalances?! 🙁
There are several ways, some of the most powerful being:
- Regular exercise
- Supplements that restore healthy neurotransmitter production
- A healthy diet rich in quality proteins
Note: I will cover supplements and exercise in the following steps…but for now, let’s really dive into the basics of an opiate-taper nutritional protocol.
There’s so much information available on different types of diets that it has actually made my brain hurt! Oh, my oh my…which one to choose?! After years of trial and error, I finally found a great way of eating healthy for my unique biochemistry, and I urge you to do the same.
At this moment, however, let’s concentrate on a solid dietary plan to restore healthy brain function, shall we? The foundation of this nutritional protocol involves the regular consumption of high-quality proteins. Protein foods are made up of amino acids.
The body converts these amino acids into neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are responsible for many functions, and many of these chemical messengers significantly affect our behavior and moods.
Below is a list of the most important neurotransmitters for mental health:
- Endorphins/enkephalins – Our natural painkillers; they promote feelings of physical relaxation, joy, and produce a natural high.
- Serotonin – Responsible for feelings of being emotionally relaxed and happy.
- Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) – Mentally relaxing, your brains natural Valium.
- Catecholamines – Dopamine is in this class of neurotransmitters; responsible for concentration and euphoria.
Note: A deficiency in these neurotransmitters can lead to you experiencing the opposite effect. For example, if you aren’t producing enough catecholamines you will tend to be tired and have a hard time concentrating. If you are deficient in GABA this can easily lead to anxiety. A lack of serotonin can cause depression. Become deficient in endorphins and you risk becoming overly sensitive to both physical and emotional pain.
Drugs Mimic Neurotransmitters
If someone were abusing amphetamine or methamphetamine drugs, they would become deficient in the class of neurotransmitters known as catecholamines. Alcoholics and individuals taking Xanax or other benzodiazepine drugs find themselves suffering from a GABA deficiency once they stop using these substances.
To view an epic table showing the relationship between drugs and neurotransmitters, click on the link below:
When you start to taper off opiates, there will come a point along your taper in which the endorphin/dopamine levels in your brain will diminish (and probably GABA and serotonin as well).
This is the main reason why many people end up stuck on opiates for years; when they taper off opiates they feel horrible and life basically SUCKS, so they up their dose to feel good again…and the cycle continues.
Eat Quality Proteins
Whenever someone asks me how to taper off opiates without withdrawal, I teach them about the benefits of eating a diet rich with quality proteins. Protein contains amino acids, so it has a powerful effect on enhancing mood by increasing neurotransmitters in the brain; including endorphins, dopamine, GABA, and serotonin.
While you’re tapering off opiates, it can be very helpful to consume a high amino acid diet. You certainly don’t have to eat like this for the rest of your life, but it can boost your mood and energy levels a great deal while coming off opiates.
Here are some examples of foods that are high in protein:
- Chicken
- Turkey
- Fish
- Beef
- Cottage Cheese
- Greek Yogurt
Here are some examples of opiate-taper meals:
- Breakfast: Three-egg omelet with sauteed veggies, two pieces of turkey bacon, and homemade breakfast potatoes; or a smoothie with apple juice, strawberries, banana, and whey protein powder.
- Lunch: Grilled chicken sandwich on a sprouted whole wheat bun with lettuce, tomato, mayo, and melted cheese, and a garden salad on the side.
- Dinner: Baked salmon with a sweet potato and steamed asparagus.
Note: For healthy brain chemistry functioning while tapering off opiates, consume at least 20-30 grams of quality protein 2-3 times per day. If you’re vegetarian, choose foods such as legumes, quinoa, eggs, etc.
Consume Fruits, Veggies, and Healthy Fats
If you want to learn how to taper opiates the healthy way, make sure to consume plenty of fresh fruits, veggies, and healthy fats. This nutritional protocol is all about boosting mood, increasing energy, and overall health/well-being. Therefore, don’t leave out the fruits and veggies!!!
They are packed with nutrients, fiber, and water, they provide the body with alkalinity…and they taste delicious. Healthy fats such as olive oil, coconut oil, hemp seed oil, avocado, nuts, and seeds can help boost brain chemistry functioning, along with many other health benefits.
These nutritional guidelines can help you learn how to taper off opiates without withdrawal:
- Focus primarily on organic whole foods.
- Reduce or eliminate processed foods, refined carbohydrates, sugar, caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine.
- Drink at least 8-12 glasses of high-quality water per day.
- Choose wild-caught seafood and free-range/organic meats as much as possible.
- Eat your food at a slow or moderate pace (not fast!) and chew it well to absorb as many nutrients as possible.
- Don’t drink with meals because it slows digestion. You can drink beverages 15 minutes before or 30 minutes after meals.
- Avoid ice-cold beverages because it puts out your digestive fire; you can drink cool beverages if you like.
- Don’t overeat at meals! Eat to the point where you have a little room left in your stomach…this helps digestion and increases energy levels.
- Practice mindfulness when eating. Focus on the taste of the food and imagine yourself absorbing copious amounts of nutrition from it.
Note: Learning how to eat healthily is a process. Start taking small steps right away, and continue to work on improving your diet. Don’t worry about overnight perfection…in fact, don’t worry about perfection at all! Don’t stress out about it; strive to eat healthy 80-90% of the time, and the rest of the time eat whatever you desire.
*Also, you might go through withdrawal while you’re cleaning up your diet…FOOD withdrawal!!! Reducing or eliminating Sugar, white flour, cheese, caffeine, and other dietary ingredients can make you feel horrible. Hang in there. Once you’re no longer addicted to these foods you will feel much healthier and energized.
Step 5: Take Supplements To Help You Taper Off Opiates
If tapering off opiates without withdrawal was easy, everyone would do it. And while a good opiate taper schedule and nutrition plan can help to eliminate the most severe symptoms, it’s still very hard to come off these powerful drugs with no issues.
To taper off opiates without withdrawal, you’ll need to start taking a strategic blend of supplements that can stop “tapering symptoms” in their tracks.
The Top 3 complaints I hear from people tapering off opiates are:
- Exhaustion – They have no energy to go to work, take care of kids, and perform other important responsibilities.
- Anhedonia – They no longer enjoy things in life that used to bring them pleasure (“pleasure deafness”).
- Insomnia – They aren’t able to sleep more than a few hours per night, which exacerbates the symptoms above.
Note: This is by no means a complete list of symptoms from tapering off opiates. Depending on your own unique biochemistry, as well as how slow or fast you’ve tapered, you might experience a different or similar set of symptoms, including, but not limited to: Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS), anxiety, decreased appetite, sweating, hot and cold flashes, sneezing, sore/aching muscles and limbs, stomach distress, diarrhea, watery eyes, yawning, irritability, etc.
Opiate Withdrawal Formula
This Opiate Withdrawal Supplement was specifically designed for people getting off opiates. It contains a powerful and synergistic blend of amino acids, herbs, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that have been shown to significantly ameliorate opioid withdrawal symptoms.
This supplement can help you taper off opiates in the following ways:
- Enhances Mood
- Eases Stomach Discomfort
- Increases Natural Energy
- Calms Anxiety
- Restores Dopamine Production Quickly
- Reverses Depression
- Reverses Insomnia
If you really want taper off opiates without withdrawal, I would also recommend that you take these 3 supplements, as they are super-helpful for helping you feel good during the taper process.
DL-Phenylalanine
More and more individuals are starting to enjoy the benefits of using DL-Phenylalanine to taper off opiates. DL-Phenylalanine, also known as DLPA, is a combination amino acid supplement consisting of L-Phenylalanine and D-Phenylalanine.
L-Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid found in protein-rich foods. It has the ability to radically spike dopamine levels in the brain, so it gives your brain chemistry a much-needed boost while tapering off opiates.
D-Phenylalanine is made synthetically in laboratories. It slows the action of the enzymes (particularly carboxypeptidase A and enkephalinase) that destroy endorphins. DPA does this by acting like a “downfield body blocker” in football.
When the endorphins are trying to reach the traumatized area, the endorphin-degrading enzymes are on their way to eat them “Pac-Man” style. DPA comes right up and blocks them from reaching the endorphins, thus enabling the endorphins to successfully reach the traumatized area.
In one study, a man that took a single dose of DLPA experienced a 300% increase in endorphin levels, and they stayed that high for six days. Taking DLPA while tapering off opiates can result in a rapid increase in dopamine and endorphin levels in the brain, thus boosting mood and energy levels.
*Take between 1,000-2,000 mg of DLPA
on an empty stomach (45 minutes before meals) up to 3x daily while tapering off opiates. Continue this dosing protocol (or decrease dosage if needed) for up to 3-6 months after getting off opiates completely. If you already have issues with high blood pressure, start with a low dose of 500 mg to see how it affects you. DLPA is also an “opioid potentiator,” so it increases the effects of opiates, making it a very beneficial supplement to use while tapering.
Step 6: Exercise!!!
If you really want to know how to taper off opiates without withdrawal, I suggest you make exercise an integral part of your life from here on out. There is absolutely no better way to get your body pumping endorphins into your system.
To taper off opiate without withdrawal, you’ll need to start stimulating your endogenous opioid system by exercising on a regular basis.
But first, let me differentiate between a human’s natural painkilling system and opiate/opioid drugs:
- Opiate – A drug with morphine-like effects, derived from opium.
- Synthetic opioid – Any synthetic narcotic that has opiate-like activities, but is not derived from opium.
- Endogenous opioid – An opiate-like substance, such as endorphin, produced by the body.
Note: One of the main reasons I was finally able to quit opiates for good was because I made exercise a huge part of my life. I started surfing, swimming, and circuit training about 3-4 days per week. As a result of this dramatic increase in natural opioids flowing through my brain, I had next to ZERO cravings for opioid drugs.
More About Endorphins…
Endorphins are chemicals (peptides) made by the body. They are released by a number of things, including exercise, or even eating certain foods like dark chocolate or spicy peppers. Endorphins also reduce the appetite for drug and alcohol-seeking behavior.
If you don’t exercise, eat enough protein, or take DLPA while tapering off opiates, you’re at risk of developing Endorphin Deficiency Disorder (EDS).
Some of the possible symptoms of EDS include:
- Depression (chronic or intermittent)
- Difficulty finding happiness in life
- Low tolerance to physical and emotional pain
- General body aches
How To Taper Off Opiates With Exercise
There are many different types of exercise to choose from while you’re learning how to taper off opiates without withdrawal. The trick is to find something you enjoy, that way you’re more likely to stick with it.
If at first, you have trouble getting motivated, listen to some upbeat music while you’re working out, as this has been shown to boost performance and enjoyment. Also, exercising outdoors produces more endorphins than doing so indoors.
Some popular forms of exercise are:
- Swimming
- Speed-walking
- Weight-training
- Cardio on elliptical machines
- Yoga
- Basketball
- Surfing
- Gardening
- Running
Note: Starting an exercise program is sometimes hard in the beginning. But once your body and mind get used to it, it keeps getting easier. Furthermore, after you’ve been working out for about six weeks or more, your body will need it (CRAVE IT), and you will look forward to your workout days. 😀
After I get done with a good workout, I feel like this woman in the picture below (only I feel like a man). 😉
Step 7: Take a Week-Long Vacation From Responsibility
If you really want to know how to taper off opiates without withdrawal, I encourage you to take time off from ALL responsibilities. When planning out the dates you will taper off opiates completely, try your absolute best to get a week off from work, taking care of kids, school, or whatever responsibilities you have.
At the bare minimum, make sure you schedule at least 3-4 days of “alone time” when you’re coming off opiates. I understand this is not always possible. Just do your best to eliminate as much as you can from your day-to-day life. The less you have to do…the better.
The methods I teach you in this article will eliminate the most severe withdrawal symptoms, so it’s possible to continue with your day-to-day life while coming off opiates completely, but I don’t recommend it. A relaxing, stress-free, and quiet environment will help to promote a smooth transition off opiates, thus increasing your chance of success.
Step 8: Make an Opiate Detox Shopping List
Before I knew how to taper off opiates without withdrawal, I made the mistake of being unprepared. The difference between a severe opiate detox and a mild one is “planning.” A few days before you taper off opiates completely, you’ll need to go shopping for some opiate withdrawal remedies.
The following list of items can help to reduce symptoms during your opiate detox:
- Water – Maintains hydration
- Gatorade – Replenishes electrolytes
- Peppermint Tea – Eases nausea
- Ginger Ale – Relieves stomach pain
- Imodium AD – Stops diarrhea and stomach cramping
- Advil – Relieves pain
- Icy Hot – Soothes aching and restless limbs
- Dark Chocolate – Produces endorphins and other “feel good” chemicals
- Heating Pad – Eases pain
- Epsom Salt – Add to hot baths to relax nervous system
- Whey Protein – Supplies amino acids that improve mood
- Apple Juice – Use as base for protein shakes
- Bananas – Rich in potassium to help relieve RLS
- Berries and other Fruit – Quick energy
- Healthy Food to Cook – Proteins, veggies, healthy fats, and carbs
- Saltine Crackers – Easy to digest for quick energy
- Blindfold – Helps you sleep
Step 9: Complete Your Opiate Detox at Home
Now that you’ve tapered off opiates, got time off from responsibilities and gone shopping, you’re finally ready for the opiate detox. Typically, the first 24 hours of opiate withdrawal induce the less severe symptoms, Day 2 gets harder, and Days 3-4 are when the withdrawal symptoms severity peak. On Day 5 things start to get easier. However, that being said, if you’ve done a good job tapering and following the other steps in this article, you should be fine.
The following schedule will give you an idea what a typical day during an opiate detox could look like:
- 7:oo am: Wake up and drink a glass of water. Go for a walk, jog or swim.
- 8:00 am: Drink a glass of water or Gatorade. Eat breakfast. Have something like a fruit smoothie with whey protein powder or a breakfast sandwich. Eat a big piece of dark chocolate.
- 9:00 am: Take a long, hot bath with two cups of Epsom salt. Taking a hot bath during opiate withdrawal soothes aching muscles and limbs, relieves anxiety, and promotes relaxation. Adding Epsom salt helps you calm the nervous system even more, while also stimulating the production of ATP and serotonin, improving the absorption of nutrients, and flushing toxins out of the body.
- 10:00 am: Put on some extremely comfortable clothes, lay down on the couch and watch either a comedy or an inspirational movie. This will take your mind off the withdrawal and get you in a positive mindset.
- 12:00 pm: Eat lunch. Try to eat something with fish, turkey, beef or chicken if you can stomach it. The amino acids in the protein will help bolster mood-enhancing chemicals in your brain. A sample lunch would be grilled chicken, rice, and steamed veggies. Eat a big piece of dark chocolate.
- 1:00 pm: Watch another movie (comedy or inspirational).
- 3:00 pm: Take a long and hot regular bath.
- 4:00 pm: Drink a big glass of water. Eat a snack if you’re hungry.
- 4:30 pm: Watch an inspirational movie.
- 6:30 pm: Go for a long walk, jog or swim.
- 7:30 pm: Drink a glass of Gatorade and take a hot bath. Drink a glass of water after your bath.
- 8:30 pm: Eat dinner. Some good examples are fish tacos or a turkey burger. Eat a big piece of dark chocolate. 30 minutes after dinner drink a cup of peppermint or chamomile tea.
- 9:00 pm: Turn off all of the lights in the house. Light some candles and listen to relaxing music. You want to avoid bright lights, the TV, computer, and any other electrical devices after 9 pm. This is when your brain starts producing melatonin to help you fall asleep. Staring at the computer or other lights tricks your brain into thinking it’s still daytime, and this interferes with the production of sleep-inducing melatonin.
- 9:30 pm: Start writing in a journal. Write about all of the things you are going to do with your life once you complete your opiate detox.
- 10:00 pm: Start reading a book on personal development or spirituality by candlelight and go to bed as soon as you get sleepy. Make sure to get to bed before 12:00 am. Also make sure the room you sleep in is cool, quiet, and dark. If you don’t get good sleep then don’t worry, lack of sleep won’t kill you.
Note: This is just a sample of what a day of a planned detox at home could look like. You can switch it up and adjust things as you see fit. Make sure to drink plenty of liquids throughout the day. Don’t forget to take your supplements throughout the day, and avoid alcohol, coffee, and energy drinks at all costs!!!
*If the food I mentioned doesn’t sound good then don’t worry…simply eat what sounds good to your body. If you have any diarrhea take Imodium AD. If you have aching muscles and limbs take Advil and rub Icy Hot on the problem areas.
Step 10: Stay Clean!
Now you know how to taper off opiates WITHOUT WITHDRAWAL!!! However, the real challenge is staying clean. You are probably going to feel like using in the next few weeks or months. Don’t give in! Continue taking your supplements, exercising, and eating healthy.
Continue writing in your journal and reading your book. Start another book as soon as you finish the first one. Feeding your mind is essential for developing a healthy recovery free of addiction.
Natural Pain Relief and PAWS
If you are one of the many people who was originally prescribed opiates for issues with pain, you might benefit from learning about natural remedies for pain relief.
I’ve written an article completely devoted to this titled:
Also, now that you’re going to live life without opiates, there is a high percentage chance you will go through Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS), which is a set of symptoms that manifest after the acute withdrawal.
To combat this disorder, please refer to the following article:
Final Thoughts…
Learning how to live life without opiates can be difficult. We get so used to reaching for opiates to give us energy and happiness. The next few months after tapering off opiates will test you. The first 90 days after getting clean is when 90% of people relapse. Don’t let it happen to you!
I’ve been clean for several years now, and I feel better than I have in my entire life at the age of 38. It took me about six months to really feel amazing after I got off opiates, so I encourage you to be patient. It takes the body some time to recover from all the brain chemistry imbalances that opiates created or exacerbated.
Find other people who’ve successfully tapered off opiates to talk with and use them as your support system during this early recovery phase. I have faith that you will stay clean now that you’ve learned how to taper off opiates without withdrawal.
If you have any questions on how to taper off opiates without withdrawal, please leave them in the comment box below. I love hearing from my readers. Feel free to ask me about tapering, supplements, exercise, nutrition, or anything else that your heart desires.
I hope you enjoyed this looooooong article on how to taper off opiates without withdrawal as much as I enjoyed writing it for you!
And if you did like it, then you’ll love the Ultimate Opiate Recovery System.
It’s full of Videos, PDF Downloads, and much more content that I designed to help you get off opiates from home in the most painless way imaginable.
It’s much more comprehensive than this article and has detailed information on over-the-counter medicine, prescription medicine, supplements, natural drugs, and home remedies that can all be used to reduce opiate withdrawal symptoms. Click here now to check out the Ultimate Opiate Recovery System.
I found your article very enlightening and educational. I am curious what the schedule would be when taking somaderm, elimidal and dpla. I’m an RN, so coordinating multiple supplements and or medications has been drilled into me since my nursing career began. You’ve given me hope that there’s a light at the end of this tunnel. Chronic pain and opiate use has become the ball and chain I knew it would become.
I’m at 6.5mg of subs. I need help tapering.
I am 63 years old and have been addicted to opiates for 20 years. I am already doing a lot of things you suggested like exercise, diet and taking times for myself. I was my mother’s caretakers for many years and have basically spent my life taking care of my parents. And that’s okay, they needed me. My mother depended on me for everything and after she had her stroke for bad lifestyle choices, no one stood up so I had to. She needed me and it had to be about her. She is in heaven, I am broke and living in her home which she left to me and other family members found ways around it. I am starting over at 63. God is getting me through. I tried cold turkey. My BP skyrocketed and it was horrible and dangerous. I am now tapering of 24 grams of bupenorphine and I am down to 4 to 6 grams a day and fighting to stay there. I think this is going to take at least 9 months, maybe a year, because of age, amount of time on them and it is me and God in this, playfully now you too. God Bless you and I will take any help, suggestions and support. I have looked for years, stopped literally hundreds of times and it was the inability to function that brought me back. I had to function and take care of my mother. Now, no excuses and it is now or never. I choose now and claim God’s promises to heal us when we obey Him. My faith and trust in God and I know He sent me you. Thank you Matt. What you are doing is incredible. I have done so much research for years and this is the best. I have learned, you must watch your blood pressure, listen to your body and do everything you are saying. I am interested in your comments about my timeline, age, amount of time on them, the strength of the bupenorphine, but I definitely do not what kratom, tried that, still addictive, makes your BP go up, but for younger individuals who have not been on as long as I have, may be an option like you say. I pray I will hear from you and you will help me get back to my life. This is not my story. I want to open a healing center with many things to teach people to take care of their bodies, give my testimony and let people know there is hope. I am in debt, tithe with every penny I get and I know God will bring me through. I believe you are going to give me every answer I need. You are incredible and I pray you are saved because if so, you are earning so many rewards in heaven. Thank you so so much!!! Sincerely, Lynn
Hello Matt!
I think and feel what you have written here will be very beneficial to me. However I’m ‘scared’ to death almost as I’ve experienced withdrawals before and you are correct when you say it drives people right back to using. That and the mental effects.
I’m on Fentanyl 50 and Roxicodone 10 4 times a day which equals 180 MME. I’m legally on this medication but have been telling myself I just need to man up and deal with the pain. I’m 55 years old and successful for a lower wage earner. I have a house 2 cars and debt that I wouldn’t wish upon anyone. My biggest fear is how much this junk has changed me mentally. Will I be able to get the ‘old me’ back at some point? I’m usually a serious but fun loving kind of guy that’s quick to lend a hand. I’m not doing this for anybody but myself. But I need to be a good dad, grandpa and boyfriend. The withdrawals and the mental aspect in me is almost severe to the point I have to force myself to eat, even then I only eat so much. Sorry for the jumping around. I’m just getting started and am scared as hell. I need to keep this quiet as possible.
Thank you
Hi Chuck! You can absolutely get the ‘old you’ back. Here is a short video I did on this exact topic that you’ll find very assuring:
Will I Ever Feel Normal Again After Quitting Opiates?‘
Currently starting a 9 week taper off of oxycodone. Plan on taking supplements all the way thru and beyond the final detox. Plan on taking the Triangle, LivLabs vitamin C, Calm Support and DLPA. Will start with smaller doses in the beginning and ramp up through the end and detox. Will these supplements work well together? should I take anything different?
Matt,
I’ve asked a few questions in different places and to you directly about getting on kratom to help taper off of methadone. I’ve been struggling with cold sweats coming down just 2mg every few weeks, which is SOO small and never thought it would feel like this. It’s like my body can’t regulate. I am having cold sweats all day. Not the end of the world but honestly, it’s hard to function all day comfortably. I have a long ways to go still (46 mg). I’ve come down quite a bit but it’s a struggle which is why I was excited about hearing about kratom. BUT I’ve realized from reading that kratom is something to take once you completely stop taking methadone, not to help throughout the taper, which I am totally disappointed and discouraged about. What can I do to help me get more comfortable with cold sweats as I taper lower? Please help with your advice. Thank you so much.
yo bro the best thing for cold sweats and preatty much only thing that helps is taking a hot long shower because usually the cold sweats last about an hour but seem a life time… by the time u get off the shower ull feel a bit better some of it is mental too if u go into a coughin tantrum ur body seems to get super hot 2 i feel def showers is the only t hing to help
Hi there… loved this article, seems amazing, but question.. what if your on them and just found out your pregnant ?? And can’t taper as long ?? I don’t want to cause any damage to the fetus.. need help, thank you!
I had been on norco 10/325 for a few years but really let it get out of hand towards the end of last year. I was up to 14-16+ pills a day. I can proudly say that I’ve spent the last 60 days tapering down and now at to 2-3 pills a day. Do you think I should continue to gradually reduce my intake or should I start dlpa now? Also If I reduce intake to 1 pill and then 1/2 a pill will I still have crazy physical withdrawal when I stop entirely? Will I still need a week alone?
My case does not appear to be nearly as severe as others, but weening off of Hydrocodone 10/325’s because of a family dispute between my son in law and I. He is an ex heroin/opiate addict, with PTSD from multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan… He is convinced that I am an opiate addict, and that my behavior is unpredictable, and my mind affected due to the meds. Consequently, I am not allowed to see my grandchildren, which is obviously very crushing to my wife and I. My wife is a very healthy nonmedication user, and supports me. The reason I take 15 MGs of hydrocodone daily, for 2 years, is because I have had a cumulative total of five spinal surgeries, and suffer from fibromyalgia/neuropathy condition in my feet. So at my worst, I was taking 15 mg daily, usually only one tablet, or 10 mg of hydrocodone. After the family falling out, I immediately reduced my dosage to 2/3 of a tablet daily, after one week, reduced to 1/4 of a tablet, and now have gone eight days without a speck of hydrocodone. I have suffered no repercussions, or cravings, but I am in a significant amount of pain, due to back/feet issues . Question is: “how long will it take for every bit of hydrocodone to be purged out of my system?” I want to be at one months duration, completely clean when I speak to my son-in-law again
Hi matt . I used tramadol since I was like 18 years old and been on and off it since then .. I quit for sometime and just did it everynow and then but since mid 2015 till the end of 2016 I used daily . Till september 2016 I used only 125_150 mg tramadol a day and on some occasions I used 225-300 mg . On september I was iintroduced to heroin and started doing it like twice a week and on december 2016 did it for like 14 days in a row . 2017 first of january I quit tramadol and heroin using buprenorphine for 10 days and then I quit it also . I stayed clean for 55 days but was smoking hash and weed everyday and then I got back to trams doing it for twice or thrice a week until I was faced with some life dificalties that in the first of april 2017 and I got back to tramadol and my dosage increased .. on june I quit it and the rest of the year I did it but not everyday … sometimes I stop for 3 weeks and then get back to it this is my second day without trams and I dont want to get back to it how hard it is to quit tramadol and when will I feel normal and happy again
Matt,
I just read your article and can’t thank you enough for posting such good information! I am going to commit myself 100% to everything you have said here. I’ve made 4 pages of notes to look at everyday and have bookmarked all of your links for quick reminders. I intend on stopping completely and getting sober over the next two months. Instead of decreasing my dose 10% per week, I’m going to try 20% per week which would give me 5 weeks of tapering. Do you think that is ok? I know this may sound very minor to others, but I am currently taking 10-15mg of hydrocodone or oxycodone about 4-5 times a day, over the past 5-6 years. Also, when do I start the 7 days of no responsibilities? I feel like the last week or so of the tapering, I’m going to be anxious, having symptoms of RLS, and wanting to take more pills. I’m just really nervous about the last week of tapering and still having to go to work and be an adult. I’m hoping that you’re going to tell me that the withdrawals will be very minor during the entire tapering process, and I’m only going to see the major symptoms once I completely stop taking the pills and start the 7 days of no responsibilities. Thanks in advance for your response!!
I’m glad this info helped you! And that taper plan you came up with sounds really good for you. Also, you want to time the 7 days of no responsibilities to be the first 7 days off opiates completely. So you would have your last day of tapering, then take the next 7 days off and not use any opiates. If you follow the plan I’ve outlined you should have a relatively easy time getting off opiates. Exercise is one of the most under-used methods to reduce symptoms. Don’t leave that out of the formula and you will be fine!
One last question for you Matt. I’m ordering the Calm Support (three-months worth….starting when I’m on my last week of tapering), DL-Phenylalanine (two months worth….also starting the last week of tapering), and some Kratom (enough to last about 7 days….starting the first day off opiates)…….do you think that will be sufficient or should I also get the Elimidrol and Triangle? Or do I even need all of the ones I’m about to order? I respect your opinion considering you are the only person I can ask these questions. Thanks again bud, you’re a life-saver….literally!!
No need for the Elimidrol if you’re using Calm Support. They are to be taken one or the other, but not both at the same time. The Triangle is something I always recommend, and some B-Complex with breakfast, Vitamin C with breakfast, and Calcium/Magnesium/Zinc with dinner will really boost your protocol.
I have been off opiates for sciatica which I was on for eight years, I was also on adderrall, cymbalta, and depression medication. I have been clean of all for six years thanks to God. I did not need other help or medications but those of you who do i will pray for you to recover and have strong, capable lives. Remember you are Blessed.
Matt,
The title of this article is how to taper without withdrawal, yet in the middle of the article, you list steps on how to deal with the first few days of detox withdrawal. Isn’t the point to not have to go through that by tapering? Or is that a pipe dream? I am ready to buy all the products you mentioned here and take it seriously, but I cannot go through the soul crushing night-day cycle of painful shock and withdrawal. My body can’t take it again. Now I understand that being 100% comfortable throughout the whole thing isn’t realistic, but is it possible, if proper diet and exercise/supplements are used correctly, that it is just a minor pain that will fade into the background if properly dealt with? Sorry if I misinterpreted your article. I just wanted some more clarification. Thank you for all you are doing for opiate addicts, you truly are doing people a huge service. Thank you so much.
Did you miss this passage from the article: “Now that you’ve tapered off opiates, got time off from responsibilities and gone shopping, you’re finally ready for the opiate detox. Typically, the first 24 hours of opiate withdrawal induce the less severe symptoms, Day 2 gets harder, and Days 3-4 are when the withdrawal symptoms severity peak. On Day 5 things start to get easier. However, that being said, if you’ve done a good job tapering and following the other steps in this article, you should be fine.”
Hello
Thank you for this article, really useful information. I am currently feeling very desperate, I am highly addicted to opiates and have just run out, I have no means of getting any from the doctor as not due for another week. I am a Mum at home with a 1 year old and 2 year old, I am terrified as to what I’m going to do, but also desperately just want to stop this addiction 🙁 I have no support, and my doctor really doesn’t listen at all. I wish I could escape, I love my children but am struggling so much, I feel desperate 😢
Hi Pauline,
I’m sorry you’re in this situation, and I’d love to help. I’m going to post a few links to some articles that will help you improve your situation.
Please go through them and let me know if you have any qestions:
How To Use Kratom For Opiate Withdrawal>>
Opiate Withdrawal Remedies Review: Top 30 List>>
I was just wondering if you were able to obtain Kratom, where, and if it worked for you…. I’m also in a desperate situation.
I really hope you can get help sweet. I totally get Wat ur going thru. I am a mother of 2 children as well and have been addicted to heroin or methadone all of my teenage years to adult life. Iv had treatment before but relapsed and now I desperately want to go back to the drug warehouse to get help getting clean again but am afraid they will just get social services involved again. I understand they have to put children first but they don’t realise there are so many parents out there that need a treatment programme but are to scared to go cos of ss. In my opinion they should only get them involved if they believe the child is at risk. In this day and age they should be wise to the fact that not all parents who have addictions are bad parents. Just the same as not all parents who are t total are good parents . I really feel for you hun and hope you csn get proper help and support. Maybe you should try a different Dr who can better help and understand you. I know how awful it is when you know these kids are relying on you and looking up to you and you so desperately want to be clean for them. But sadly with opiate addiction and young kids to look after its not a case of just bwing able to stop. You almost feel trapped. Hence why we have both Googled this and ended up here. All the best hun and I pray u get the help u need to get clean and give your kids the best life you can xxx
Hi Matt, you have put so much work into your website. I run a codeine addiction support group here in Australia but people from all over the globe have joined and I regularly post links to your website and you are helping so many people. I just wanted to acknowledge you because I know how much work would have gone into you putting all this information together. Many thanks from myself and my group members.
Hi Mark,
Thank you! I appreciate you taking the time to give me this feedback and I’m really stoked to learn that people in Australia and other areas are getting to read these articles form you sharing them. That’s awesome!
Keep up the great service work you’re doing in that codeine addiction support group Mark. Feel free to tell your group members that I wish them all the best and I know they can accomplish any goals they set for themselves so long as they want it bad enough!
Hi Matt
I am a follow of Marks group and am struggling to quit codeine addiction for over 20 years and Im trying to buy the Kraton and it does not seem to be available in Australia
Do you know a way I can get it here to help with my addiction
Great Article!!
Thank you Matt! 🙏🏻
You’re welcome Pandora!! Glad you liked it! 🙂
KRATOM!!! …Don’t forget it!
It’s a life saver for me.
Glad that kratom worked for you! Congrats!
Hi Matt, Very interesting and helpful. I have been on doctor maintained opiates for chronic pain for ~8 years. For the most part they stopped working for pain unless taking 2-3 times the dose, which means I’ve mostly been in pain and only rarely take extra because it is all I have. I have been on Fentanyl patches for 2-3 years 50mcg per hour and 8mg hydromorphone at 3-4 per day. For the past 2-3 months I have gotten down to 4 mg to 8 mg of the Dilauded and ~ 15mcg Fentanyl (by cutting the larger patches).
If the doctors provided a supply that worked, I would be okay. However opiates are the new pariah and the doctors are required to cut back slowly but drastically. Another health issue is that I can’t live on NSAIDS.
Currently I feel like I’m hitting a brick wall and the terrible bone chills tell me that withdrawal is near.
I may be interested in your product to help me just stop this crap. I’ve never done this to get high, and have no interest in continuing, so that isn’t an issue. Can you suggest a good brand of Kratom? There are too many choices and I would not know which is the real thing.
I am over 60 and really afraid of withdrawal having never experienced. I hope you can help.
Hi Steve,
It’s nice to meet you, and I totally resonate with your bone chills telling you withdrawal is near. Been there done that and I don’t want you to have to go through all that pain.
After trying a dozen kratom vendors, my favorite is TopExtracts.com. They have the best quality kratom and customer service out of anyone I’ve found. Here is an article I wrote reviewing this vendor:
Top Extracts Review: Insanely Awesome Kratom And Other Opiate Withdrawal Remedies>>
I love reading this and things like it. However, I sometimes feel like I’m the exception, since I’m on methadone. Most of these articles are geared towards regular opiates or subs. Sure, it’s all relatively the same but really, it’s not. Methadone is a whole different beast from what I’m coming to find out after so many years. But leaves me feeling even more hopeless because of how different it is to the body and how much longer the process is and how is so much less information available and positive stories or people in similar situations. If it isn’t hard enough dealing with opiates but to feel like I’m in the worst possible opiates scenario. I’m so beyond done with feeling like shit all the time. I hate it. Want help but hate being in this weird section of recovery with no specific resources. Going on 15 years now. I want out of it!
Hi Joe,
All of these 10 steps in this article will help a person get off methadone as well. But here is a custom-tailored article specifically for you that I believe will really benefit you:
How To Get Off Methadone Without Withdrawal>>
I really wish you coulf help Mr
Did this article not help? Do you have any questions that I could answer to help you?