If you’re looking for information on how to taper off Subutex…you’ve just landed on an article that can CHANGE YOUR LIFE. I’ve spent years perfecting the art of Subutex recovery.

This plan is detailed, effective, powerful, and truly inspirational.

If you follow this plan, I promise you’ll be able to “Taper off Subutex Like a Champion!!!”

Step 1: Make a Decision!!!

Learning how to taper off Subutex 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 Subutex reading this will not get off medication and stay clean for life.

Why??? Because most individuals on Subutex never make it A MUST. Rather, they tell themselves things like I SHOULD get off Subutex. 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 Suboxone (another medicine like Subutex) 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 Subutex 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, Suboxone gave me side-effects; even at a dosage of 1 mg. It gave me red and flaky skin, and even though I could still “perform,” I had NO SEX DRIVE whatsoever.  😥

Make Tapering Off Subutex A MUST

If you’re serious about learning how to taper off Subutex 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 getting off Subutex 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 Subutex. 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 Subutex.

Step 2: Develop A Strategic Subutex Taper Schedule

When people ask me how to taper off Subutex, I tell them one of the things they’ll need is a strategic Subutex 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 Subutex medication at regular, preassigned intervals and dosage decreases. Tapering Subutex is preferable to coming off cold-turkey because it’s much less of a system-shock to your brain chemistry, thus reducing withdrawal symptoms.

Subutex Taper Studies

In one large study in 2010, persons tapering with buprenorphine 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 buprenorphine 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.

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 Subutex 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 Subutex for good!

Subutex Taper Schedules

Based on the outcome of the second study mentioned above, along with my personal experience helping people taper off Subutex while working as a counselor at an Opiate Treatment Program (OTP), 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 Subutex with ease until they reach about 2 mg.

At this point on the taper, it usually becomes increasingly difficult to get energy, and many individuals end up stuck on medication for fear of feeling sick and exhausted.

The following tips can help you taper off Subutex until you reach the 2 mg mark:

Note: Tapering is usually not too difficult for most people until somewhere around 2-4 mg. At this point, any decreases are usually noticeable and can be difficult to adjust to.

A conservative Subutex taper schedule I recommend from 2 mg down is:

At this point you start dosing on every other day, rather than daily:

Next you start dosing every third day:

Note: If this is too drawn out for you, simply adjust the frequency of decreases to every 10 or 7 days from 2 mg down to 0.0 mg. I used 14 days as an example of a very conservative taper. Also, you can jump off at an even lower dose (.125 mg, .063 mg and down) of Subutex if you want.

And Remember…

Step 3: Learn How Subutex Affects Your Brain

If you really want to know how to taper off Subutex effectively, I believe it’s important for you to have at least a basic understanding of how brain chemistry can become deficient while taking Subutex or other opioids.

The following information can help you to better understand why it’s so difficult to quit Subutex and stay clean long-term.

There are essentially two primary disruptions in the body from the continued use of Subutex:

 

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:

 

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:

 

Note: As I stated earlier, the continued use of Subutex or other opioids 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. Subutex and other opioids specifically mimic endorphins. That’s why opioids are so beneficial at relieving pain and producing euphoria. When Subutex or another opioid is taken, the body produces massive amounts of endorphins in quantities our bodies weren’t designed to handle.

If you use opioids 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 opioids to produce endorphins, and it stops making them naturally. 

The problem arises when someone on Subutex or other opioids 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 Subutex or other opioids 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:

 

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 Subutex…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 Subutex. 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 Subutex like a champion, the following nutritional guidelines can help you achieve your goal.

Amino Acids & Neurotransmitters

Tapering off Subutex 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:

 

Note: I will cover supplements and exercise in the following steps…but for now, let’s really dive into the basics of a Subutex 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:

 

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:

Impacts of Drugs on Neurotransmission>>

When you start to taper off Subutex, there will come a point along your taper in which the endorphin/dopamine levels in your brain will diminish.

This is the main reason why many people end up stuck on Subutex for years; when they taper off Subutex 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 Subutex, I teach them about the benefits of eating a diet rich in quality proteins. Protein contains amino acids, so it has a powerful effect on enhancing mood by increasing neurotransmitters in the brain; including endorphins and dopamine.

While you’re tapering off Subutex, 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 Subutex.

Here are some examples of foods that are high in protein:

 

Here are some examples of Subutex taper meals:

 

Note: For healthy brain chemistry functioning while tapering off Subutex, 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 off Subutex 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 Subutex like a champion:

 

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 Subutex

If tapering off Subutex were easy, everyone would do it. And while a good Subutex taper schedule and nutrition plan can help to eliminate the most severe symptoms, it’s still very hard to come off this powerful medication with no issues.

To taper off Subutex like a champion, 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 Subutex are:

 

Note: This is by no means a complete list of symptoms from tapering Subutex. 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

Opiate Withdrawal Formula is an all-organic, 100% natural supplement that was specifically designed for people getting off Subutex and other opioid drugs. 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 Subutex in the following ways:

 

If you can afford it, I also highly recommend taking this awesome supplement, because the benefits are just too good to pass up.

DL-Phenylalanine

More and more individuals are starting to enjoy the benefits of using DL-Phenylalanine to taper off Subutex. 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  Subutex.

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 Subutex 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 Subutex. Continue this dosing protocol (or decrease dosage if needed) for up to 3-6 months after getting off Subutex 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 Subutex and other opioid drugs, making it a very beneficial supplement to use while tapering.

Multi-Vitamin & Mineral Supplement

Multi-vitamin/mineral supplements can help supply your body with the building blocks it needs to create an abundance of neurotransmitters.

Plus they are packed with B vitamins, which are essential for increasing natural energy and reducing stress.

Note: Take one capsule daily with breakfast or lunch while tapering off Subutex, and for at least a few months after getting off completely. 

The “Morning Tonic”

If you truly want to know how to taper off Subutex like a champion, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND drinking the “Morning Tonic”. This beverage will supercharge you with ENERGY and happiness, and most importantly, it will help your body adapt to the stress that lowering your Subutex dosage is causing. There is nothing better on this planet for treating fatigue.

The Morning Tonic consists of the following:

 

To make the Morning Tonic:

1. Pour 4 ounces of water into a glass.
2. Add 3-6 droppers of Shen Nong’s Ginseng.
3. Add 3-6 droppers of Raw Reishi.
4. Add 1 Good Belly probiotic drink.
5. Add 1 tablespoon MacaForce.
6. Mix it all together and drink tonic first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.

Note: Drink the Morning Tonic while you’re tapering off Subutex, and for at least the next 30 days after coming off completely. After that, you can either reduce your dosage or discontinue it. Take it anytime during your life where you need an extra boost, but never take it while you’re sick or recovering from an illness. 

*Also, the ginseng and reishi tinctures are very expensive. If you can afford it, I encourage you to take 6-10 droppers of each daily. If money is an issue for you, you can still get great benefits by taking 1-3 droppers per day. Enjoy! 😎

Additional Supplements

After reading how to taper off Subutex with all of these supplements, you might be thinking: “How many pills do I have to take?!”

I know it’s a lot of stuff, but this article is about learning how to taper off Subutex like a champion…not like an average person.

The following supplements should also be used to help you taper off Subutex:

 

Note: Vitamin C and alpha lipoic acid are powerful antioxidants that can help you taper off Subutex with fewer symptoms. Fish oil is a great source of essential fatty acids (EFA’s).

*Research has shown that omega fish oil could possibly play an important role in substance abuse recovery, since a deficiency of these omega-3 fatty acids can lead to low levels of dopamine and serotonin, often resulting in depression and tendencies to abuse addictive mood-altering substances.

Step 6: Exercise!!!

If you really want to know how to taper off Subutex effectively, 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 Subutex like a champion, 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:

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 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 Subutex, you’re at risk of developing Endorphin Deficiency Disorder (EDS).

Some of the possible symptoms of EDS include:

 

How To Taper Off Subutex With Exercise

There are many different types of exercise to choose from while you’re learning how to taper off Subutex. 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:

 

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 Subutex like a champion, I encourage you to take time off from ALL responsibilities. When planning out the dates you will taper off Subutex 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 Subutex. 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 Subutex completely, but I don’t recommend it. A relaxing, stress-free, and quiet environment will help to promote a smooth transition off Subutex, thus increasing your chance of success.

Step 8: Make a Subutex Detox Shopping List

Before I knew how to taper off Subutex like a Champion, I made the mistake of being unprepared. The difference between a severe Subutex detox and a mild one is “planning”. A few days before you taper off Subutex completely, you’ll need to go shopping for some Subutex withdrawal remedies.

The following list of items can help to reduce symptoms during your Subutex detox:

 

Step 9: Complete Your Subutex Detox at home

Now that you’ve tapered off Subutex, got time off from responsibilities and gone shopping, you’re finally ready for the Subutex detox. Typically, the first 24-48 hours of Subutex withdrawal induce the less severe symptoms, due to the drugs long half-life…but then all of the drug starts to leave your system, and the symptoms get worse; especially fatigue.

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 a Subutex detox could look like:

 

Note: This is just a sample of what a day of a planned Subutex 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 Subutex like a CHAMPION!!! 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 healthily.

Continue writing in your journal and reading your self-help 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 that were 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 Subutex, 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 Subutex can be difficult. We get so used to reaching for Subutex to give us energy and happiness. The next few months after tapering off Subutex 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 over six 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 opioids, so I encourage you to be patient. It takes the body some time to recover from all the brain chemistry imbalances that Subutex created or exacerbated.

Find other people who successfully tapered off Subutex 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 Subutex like a champion.

If you have any questions on how to taper off Subutex, 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.

Click here now to view my best home detox.

I hope you enjoyed this looooooong article on how to taper off Subutex as much as I enjoyed writing it for you! Take care…and best of luck to you.

Please review this post!