Suboxone withdrawal remedies can be used to ease your symptoms so that you can start feeling better right away. Suboxone withdrawal is a horrific experience. I went through it several times in the past, and each time I did I was always frantically trying to obtain Suboxone withdrawal remedies so I wouldn’t be in such agony.
I was never prescribed Suboxone by a doctor. I always bought it from my drug dealer because he gave me a good deal, but the only problem was that sometimes he would run out! After three days without the medication, I would start to experience some unbearable symptoms. Suboxone withdrawal remedies allowed me to feel good enough so that I could still go to work.
I’ve been clean for several years now, and I’ve since made it my life’s purpose and mission to help others recover from the opiate addiction plague that has spread throughout this world. During my time in recovery, I also became a Certified Advanced Food-Based Healer that specializes in supplements and nutrition for opiate withdrawal and recovery.
I have a deep inner-knowledge of specific foods, vitamins, herbs, amino acids, superfoods, minerals and other natural methods for easing Suboxone withdrawal symptoms. The following list of 35 Suboxone withdrawal remedies will include these, along with natural drugs, prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, and home remedies.
Suboxone Withdrawal Remedies: Prescription Medications
The most powerful Suboxone withdrawal remedies are prescription medications. These will offer the most strength in easing symptoms, however, they are often difficult to come by, potentially dangerous, and you’re still treating drug problems with more drugs. Nevertheless, these do work well, and under the supervision of a doctor for treating the worst symptoms for a few days, I believe they can be very beneficial.
1. Clonidine – A blood pressure medication that is often a doctor’s first choice for treating Suboxone withdrawal symptoms. It helps with the goosebumps and chills, it can definitely take the edge off, and many people have used it to minimize their symptoms. When I used clonidine several years ago, it worked well but made my mouth super dry, which is a common side-effect. Clonidine can be habit forming, and if used should only be taken for a short period of time, two weeks maximum.
2. Gabapentin (Neurontin) – An anti-convulsant and analgesic developed to treat epilepsy, which is also used to relieve neuropathic pain. In a study from 2011, Gabapentin with a dose of 1600 mg per day was found to be effective in reducing some of the withdrawal symptoms in patients addicted to opiates undergoing methadone-assisted detoxification.
3. Benzodiazepines – Medications used for anxiety such as Valium, Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, and Librium. Out of all the Suboxone withdrawal remedies, I probably got the most relief from my symptoms after taking Xanax. Having 3-4 days worth of these definitely helped me relax and sleep better. Use caution because these can be habit-forming. I don’t recommend treating drug problems with other drugs unless it is absolutely necessary. Even then they should only be used for a few days then stopped. In Detox facilities, they will often use benzodiazepines in combination with clonidine for severe Suboxone withdrawal.
Suboxone Withdrawal Remedies: Over-the-Counter Medications
4. Loperamide HCL (Imodium AD) – One of the best Suboxone withdrawal remedies due to its ability to stop diarrhea, ease gastrointestinal upset, and allow you to have somewhat of an appetite. It acts as a mu-opioid receptor agonist in the myenteric plexus of the large intestine, though it does not affect the central nervous system. This is just a fancy way of saying that it acts just like an opiate on your stomach, but it doesn’t get you high.
5. Topical Pain Relievers – Products like Bengay and Icy Hot can be used as Suboxone withdrawal remedies. Rubbing these ointments on sore and aching limbs can relieve pain and Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS).
6. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS) – This refers to Suboxone withdrawal remedies such as Advil, Aleeve, and Tylenol, which are over-the-counter pain relievers. They can be used to help ease aching muscles and limbs. To be perfectly honest, you’re not going to get much help from these, though they will be able to reduce a fraction of your pain, and every little bit helps.
Suboxone Withdrawal Remedies: Natural Drugs
8. Marijuana – In a study published in 2005, patients reported cannabis to be effective at treating opiate withdrawal symptoms, though they found benzodiazepines such as Valium to be more effective. Another study that was published in The American Journal of Addictions found that out of 91 patients seeking Methadone treatment, the ones that used cannabis had less opiate withdrawal symptoms. I met a man when I lived in New York who stated that he got over his 400 mg per day Oxycontin habit with cannabis alone, experiencing only mild symptoms.
9. Kratom – One of the least known Suboxone withdrawal remedies, kratom is able to ease symptoms especially well. This beautiful tree native to South Asia (member of the coffee family) is not regulated by the Drug Enforcement Agency in the United States (making it legal), has mu-opioid agonist qualities (like morphine), and can without a doubt help anyone ease their Suboxone withdrawal symptoms naturally.
Kratom is NOT an opiate. Kratom, simply put, is an opioid agonist. This is just a fancy term meaning that it mimics the effects of opioid drugs such as heroin, morphine, hydrocodone, oxycodone etc. Mitragynine, the major alkaloid in kratom, is a partial opioid agonist producing similar effects to morphine. An interesting minor alkaloid of kratom, 7-hyrdoxymitragynine, has been reported to be more potent than morphine. Both kratom alkaloids activate supraspinal mu- and delta- opioid receptors, which is the main reason the plant alleviates Suboxone withdrawal symptoms so well.
Suboxone Withdrawal Remedies: Supplements
10. Mucuna Pruriens (Velvet Bean) – A tropical legume that is native to Africa and Asia. It contains levodopa (L-dopa), which converts to the chemical dopamine in the brain.
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that promotes enjoyment and interest in life. It also increases mental focus and feelings of pleasure. Addiction destroys the pleasure/reward center in the brain. That’s one of the reasons the psychological terror of opiate withdrawal is so intense.
11. DL-Phenylalanine (DLPA) – This is by far one of my favorite Suboxone withdrawal remedies. DLPA is a supplement that contains both the D- and L- forms of the amino acid phenylalanine. The L- form comes from protein-rich foods and increases dopamine and norepinephrine. The D- form is made synthetically in laboratories and causes an increase in endorphins, which are your natural painkillers.
DLPA is great for Suboxone withdrawal depression, anxiety, and fatigue. Furthermore, it’s the most important supplement to take for the next few months after getting off Suboxone because of its ability to increase dopamine and endorphins. It’s truly a Suboxone recovery all-start supplement.
12. L-Tyrosine – Another amino acid supplement, this Suboxone withdrawal remedy is very similar to DLPA. It helps your body produce dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine, so it’s extremely beneficial for Suboxone withdrawal depression, fatigue, and anxiety. I much prefer DLPA, however, due to its ability to increase endorphins as well as these other neurotransmitters.
13. Passion Flower – This powerful herb is known for the treatment of insomnia, anxiety, gastrointestinal upset related to anxiety, and relieving opiate withdrawal symptoms. It is an excellent natural sedative that promotes calmness and relaxation. Passion flower works by increasing levels of a chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA is your brain’s natural Valium.
14. Ginseng – The name ginseng refers to any of 11 different species of slow-growing perennial plants with fleshy roots. This powerful Suboxone withdrawal remedy is useful for treating fatigue and acts as a natural stimulant and balances all body systems that are out of balance. This is due to its adaptogenic properties. Adaptogens are a class of plants/herbs that, when administered, resulting in stabilization of physiological functions and facilitation of homeostasis.
15. Valerian Root – Another one of my favorite Suboxone withdrawal remedies, valerian is an herb that is native to Europe and parts of Asia, which has also been introduced to North America. In the brain, this Suboxone withdrawal remedy is thought to bind to GABA receptors. By blocking some nerve impulses from reaching the brain, the herb is able to shorten the amount of time it takes to fall asleep, as well as improve the quality of sleep that results. Valerian is also believed to lessen anxiety because in blocking brain receptors for the neurotransmitter GABA, it also inhibits nerve impulses and stress-related messages from reaching the brain.
16. Ginger – A root that is used as a spice and also for its therapeutic properties, I put it on the Suboxone withdrawal remedies list due to its natural ability to ease nausea and stomach aches. In Peru, ginger is sliced in hot water as a remedy for belly aches. It’s used as a folk medicine remedy for upset stomach, nausea and muscle soreness.
17. GABA – A chemical made in the brain which also comes in supplement form. It’s on this Suboxone withdrawal remedies list because it can help relieve anxiety, improve mood, relieve pain and promote sleep. GABA is the brain’s natural Valium. Can you see why this is on my Suboxone withdrawal remedies list?
18. Melatonin – A hormone made by the pineal gland in the brain, this Suboxone withdrawal remedy helps regulate sleep and wake cycles. Your body has it’s own natural clock and controls how much melatonin is produced. Typically, melatonin levels start rising in the evening, stay high during the night, then decrease sometime in the early morning. To get Suboxone withdrawal remedies benefits, try eating the two highest food sources of melatonin: cherries and walnuts.
19. Vitamin C – An antioxidant that was shown in a study to ameliorate the withdrawal symptoms of heroin addicts when taken at doses of 300 mg/kg b.w/day, supplemented with vitamin E (5 mg/kg b.w/day).
20. 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) – A precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps you feel emotionally relaxed. It is also the precursor for melatonin, the hormone involved in sleep patterns of the human body. It can improve mood, help you sleep, and instill feelings of relaxation and calmness.
21. Phenibut – A derivative of the natural neurotransmitter, GABA. GABA has inhibitory qualities which can produce tranquilizing and anxiolytic effects.The benefits of phenibut often relate to calmness and a reduction in anxiety. Phenibut may also help to reduce stress and encourage a better sleep, making it one of the most powerful natural Suboxone withdrawal remedies for taking at night before bed.
22. L-Theanine – An amino acid abundant in green tea which has been shown to have a direct influence on brain activity, such as reducing stress. It has the ability to relax the mind without causing drowsiness.
Suboxone Withdrawal Remedies: Home Remedies
23. Epsom Salt Bath – Suboxone withdrawal remedies can even be found in the tub. Epsom salt is naturally occurring pure mineral compound consisting of sulfate and magnesium.
Both of these are easily absorbed through the skin, making Epsom salt baths an ideal way to gain the following benefits during Suboxone withdrawal:
- Flushes toxins from the body
- Relaxes the nervous system
- Soothes back pain and aching limbs
- Improves the absorption of nutrients
Research also shows that magnesium increases energy and stamina by promoting ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production. It helps to produce serotonin, the chemical in the brain that helps you feel emotionally relaxed. Stress drains the body of magnesium, so it’s important to replenish it while going through Suboxone withdrawal.
24. Movies – These are decent Suboxone withdrawal remedies. I prefer comedies because when it comes to powerful medicine, laughter ranks at the top of my list. A hearty laugh relaxes your entire body and triggers the release of endorphins, the natural feel-good chemicals that can reduce pain. Another genre I suggest is inspirational movies. They can help you manifest the inner strength and courage needed to get past the first few days of Suboxone withdrawal.
25. Music – It can do wonders to help Suboxone withdrawal symptoms. Research suggests that music can: reduce pain, improve sleep quality, reduce stress, relieve depression and elevate mood.
26. Dark Chocolate – Eating dark chocolate can help your brain produce endorphins are other feel-good chemicals to elevate mood. To add this to your Suboxone withdrawal remedies shopping list, make sure to get dark chocolate with at least 85% cacao.
27. Water – Suboxone withdrawal remedies work best when you stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water throughout the day during Suboxone withdrawal.
28. Gatorade – Helps you replenish electrolytes. Especially beneficial if you have diarrhea or if you’re vomiting.
29. Ginger Ale – Can help to ease stomach discomfort during Suboxone withdrawal.
30. Crackers – Easy food to get and keep down, fast energy, salty crackers go well with the Gatorade.
31. Cool/Dark/Quiet Room to Sleep in – This makes falling and staying asleep much easier. Try to get to bed before 12 am to have the best chance at getting some sleep during Suboxone withdrawal.
32. Exercise – Swimming, walking, jogging, lifting weights, and other types of exercise can help you produce endorphins, which are your bodies natural morphine. This is one of the most powerful Suboxone withdrawal remedies and it’s totally free. I know it’s not fun to exercise during withdrawal, but if you can manage to even go for two long walks per day it will help a great deal.
33. Sunshine – I know the last thing you want to do during Suboxone withdrawal is going outside and face the world. However, if you can manage to do so, spending some time outdoors on a warm sunny day can help to elevate your mood, especially if you exercise outdoors.
Suboxone Withdrawal Remedies: Opiate Withdrawal Formulas
Opiate withdrawal formulas are natural supplements that are specifically designed to ease symptoms of withdrawal from Suboxone, heroin, hydrocodone, oxycodone, methadone, and other opioid drugs. If learning about all of the Suboxone withdrawal remedies thus far has been a lot to take in, this withdrawal formulas can make things a lot easier for you. It contains many of the supplements I wrote about in the right combinations and dosages to ease Suboxone withdrawal symptoms.
34. Opiate Withdrawal Supplement
If you can afford it, I also highly recommend taking this awesome supplement, because the benefits are just too good to pass up.
Click here now to view my best home detox program. If you have any questions about Suboxone withdrawal remedies, please don’t hesitate to leave it in the comment box below.
And click here to learn about my opioid detox & recovery coaching program.
John
Hey, not sure if anyone is still using this forum. I am desperate for a little guidance. I am 33 years old, mostly health conscious person (except when I was using, ha). I was on suboxone for 7 months, which my doctor put me on after leaving a program and having a small slip up with oxycodone. I am just ready to be opiate free for good. I cant stand the zombie I’ve become on suboxone. I once was a healthy bodybuilder and now have lost 30 lbs in 8 months on suboxone. I was using up to 12-16 mg per day and kept breaking out in hives and finally said enough is enough. Doctor told me to taper and keep treating my hives and I said hell no I am done with it. And, of-course, they wont do a thing for withdrawal but give me chlonidine. I want my life back opiate free. I went cold turkey 10 days ago. I am still feeling rough! UHG! The horrible lethargy I felt at day 6-8 isnt as intense but its only gone from a 10/10 to a 9/10.
Worst symptoms are deep cold chills, insomnia, and lethargy. Iv left my high stress job to focus on getting my health back since it is the one life I will have it. Each day I wake up is a constant push just to get to the gym. I go exercise for 30 minutes at the gym- fast walk etc, and it gives me a surge of energy for about 4 hours only to crash hard.
My supplements: Wake up and take 500 mg DLPA. One chlonidine and milk thistle. All day eat healthy, fruits veggies trying to push lean meats into my system. Around evening I take one 750 mg GABA capsule, magnesium calm drink, passion flower tea with a melatonin near bed time, and two chlonidine (Good god how many more supplements just to TRY to sleep)
If anyone has any suggestions or even changes I should make in those dosages pleaaaseee let me know! So desperate to get to the other side of this. Feel hopeful, but the long drawn out process is agonizing. The temptation to use small amounts of pain pills is high, just to cut the edge while this leaves by body, but I am so afraid I will just reset my brains process to return to homeostasis.
Tiedye
Hi, very nice article, I like how you explain the biology of how each thing helps. I wish I had read it awhile ago, am in the middle…
One common drug that you don’t mention at all is Alcohol, good, bad, indifferent? Does it matter if you are a frequent user and/or an alcoholic? I’m going with moderation.
Also one thing that works great for the leg issues (if you have access) is a hot tub. Turn the jets up high and beat the hell out of your legs. Wish I could add the Epson salts but I think that would be bad for the tub chemistry, or corrosive, or something bad.
Stephanie
I am on day 9 of coming off of 8 years on Suboxone (8mg x 2).
My doctor never seemed to want to discuss weening me off. Then I lost my insurance & couldn’t continue paying the $$$ out of pocket. The fear of withdrawal kept me strung along all those years. And kept his pockets padded.
I decided F this…I’m getting off this crap finally. Went down to 2mg and stopped. First 5-7 days feel impossible. Didn’t sleep for 3 days. Ruminating thoughts of of hurting myself just so I could end up in the ER, get a nice morphine drip & sent home with some oxy’s. I could not function. Then I came across Matt’s site & articles. Thank God.
Today (day 9) I was able to get dressed and get in the car to go out.
I’m taking Clonidine and KRATOM which you can get from some CBD places. And lots of supplements…Stock up on anything you can get from Matt’s list of supplements. If you have someone who can help carry any burdens you have for a few days, ask for help. No one deserves to suffer like this. I actually have hope today and might even be…happy?
Thank you Matt. Seriously. You are helping people and there is no greater gift.
Matt Finch
Nice! Glad you’re able to get through this and keep up the great work.
Carlos Benita
My mom ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) symptoms started out with a “foot drop” on her left foot. From there her left leg lost all muscle tone and all the entire left leg muscles was almost gone. Also her fingers and thumbs “contract” at times. Left arm is losing muscle tone too,she have been suffering from amyotrophic laterals sclerosis (ALS) disease for the last seven years and had constant pain which really get us worried, especially in her knees, the only treatment for this ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) is natural organic treatments honestly ,totalcureherbsfoundation .c om has the perfect herbal remedy to all the Motor Neuron Disease including ALS.
adam anthony
Hi Matt, ive ead the articles for suboxone withdrawl treatment and im really confused. could you give me basic instructions on what to take and do for withdrawl symptoms? thank you
Jamie
Just wanted to give some hope to anyone who may need it. I studied this website for about a year before finally deciding to take the leap. I ordered all the supplements from Amazon and made my last 5.7 Zubsolv last 2 weeks. I started going through the withdrawals after a week at the lowered dosage but I wanted off so I refused to up my dosage and I took 3 sick days off work due to the “flu”. It was rough but I believe that these supplements have truly helped me be able to push through. I have been taking DLPA, vitamin c, ginseng, b12, and cbd oil during the day. And valerian root, Passion flower, and another dose of cbd oil at night. Still a little sleepless, body aches, fatigue, and lots of sneezing, but I’m proud to report that I’m only on day 6 and I already see a light at the end of the tunnel. Each day is getting better, In these 6 days I’ve had acupuncture, hot epsom salt baths, lots of essential oils, and sleep meditation audios, I have tried every little thing and the combination of them has seemed to help in some way. I just want people to know it can be done, dont give up!
Melinda
Hi I am a 23 year old female and iv been taking 1 8mg suboxone a day for the last few weeks I was taking 2 8mg a day got myself down to one. I just recently moved with my son and I can’t find a doctor. And also just started working a CNA job. I got kratom pills the maeng da 500mg. And I have a prescription on clonidine. I also weigh 104. How long am I looking at withdraws and other things that will be able to help me go to work and take care of my son?
lira
Would love to know how its working out for you. I’m on day 3 of stopping cold turkey from taking 3- 12mg strips a day. Its rough
Anonymous
I’m at day 21. From 6 year use of suboxone. 1/4 a day for 2 months and just quit. Effing sucks!. 1st week really not bad 2nd week not bad. This week depression is so so dark. I’m 34 my body feels 90 years old. Everything is pissing me at this point. Rls is back. It’s somewhat tolerable. So tired is an understatement. Idk how much longer I can take this. I want to go the er and get sedated. I really don’t know if they will help me there or not.
Becca
Withdrawal from suboxone is horrible. I’m at 7 weeks cold turkey withdrawal and still feel weak, can’t walk a straight line, have no interest in anything, runny nose, dilated pupils, GI problems.
I advise you to get a prescription for Gabopentin. It’s inexpensive and does help greatly with withdrawal from any opiate even suboxone. You will need to take a large daily dose but a doctor will tell you how much. Don’t give up once you’ve started withdrawal. Ask for a benzo like
Xanax, Valium or klonopin. These are addictive but help with withdrawal. Try ginger supplements, green tea with blueberry and açaí. Try Turmeric supplements as this is good for reducing inflammation in your body. These are only what I am taking but you should check anything out with your doctor, when you go in for the Gabopentin prescription. I do empathize with you as I’m in withdrawal now and have gone through withdrawal a few times before. Like you I only took suboxone less than one strip per day. But I only took it for one month. It’s half life is about 6 hours so like methadone it stays in our bodies for several weeks to months. I was totally physically dependent on it after only one month. If you go to the ER ask about Gabopentin. But try to avoid any more addictive meds. Gabopentin is not addictive. If you don’t have a doctor look for a doctor that specializes in drug withdrawal. There are many these days and maybe you need inpatient help. There are many inpatients that take insurance and are not expensive. I should have gone into an inpatient withdrawal facility as I am still withdrawing and it’s the worse I’ve ever had. Be strong, this can’t last forever.
Matt Finch
Gabapentin really helps a lot of people. As do the other remedies as well. Great feedback.
Stephanie
Thanks for your comment. Withdrawing from being on suboxone for 8 years; 8mg x2/ day. Got down to 1/4/day. I thought the same thing…cause that’s how addicts think. What if I jumped out the 2nd story & broke a leg? It’s crazy.
Taking clonidine. Haven’t slept for 3 days. On day 7.
At times think I’m going crazy. I just want to be able to function again.
Becca
I am starting the 7th week of suboxone withdrawal. It’s been awful as I stopped cold turkey. It is December and I cannot even look forward to Christmas. I missed Thanksgiving. My pupils are still dilated. I still have a runny nose and cough but I take liquid mucinex and it stops the runny nose & cough. I have been taking gabopentin but not enough. I see 1600mg per day is recommended and I’ve only been taking about 900mg/day. It is hard to walk as I run into things and cannot walk a straight line. This is due to the fact that suboxone is still in my system after being completely off it for 7 weeks now. I just feel shaky and totally off balance. Suboxone depletes dopamine and seratonin from your brain and these are two neurotransmitters that give us the ability to be happy and enjoy whatever we used to enjoy. I have no energy or desire to do anything. I cannot flush this suboxone from my body. I have had opiate withdrawal before but suboxone is the worse. I only had one prescription of the 8mg buprenorphin and 2mg naloxone. I only took one strip per day cut in half morning and evening one half of one strip. I took suboxone for 1 month and became more physically dependent on it than oxycodone or methadone. I was completely off opiates but my doctor was insistant that I take a short prescription of suboxone so I wouldn’t have cravings…I didn’t have cravings and was so happy to be off oxycodone. I did not want to take suboxone but finally agreed to one month. At 7 weeks I am still having very difficult symptoms of withdrawal from suboxone. I feel dizzy and uncoordinated, dry mouth, my short term memory is gone. I’m afraid my dopamine transmitters will not be able to attach natural dopamine as I haven’t had dopamine for quite awhile. I’m very low energy. Irritable, blurry vision, my pupils or iris doesn’t respond to light or dark…my pupils remain at about 5mm diameter. I am miserable and sorry to be so down but suboxone is used for heroine addicts who are withdrawing. I should not have agreed to take suboxone as this withdrawal is taking weeks or maybe months from my life.
Matt Finch
Hi Becca,
Gosh, I’m so sorry you’re going through this. A lot of people need to take 2,000 mg to 3,600 mg of gabapentin to feel better. And I know exactly how withdrawal feels and that lack of dopamine-happiness-energy-motivation. I hope you take some stuff mentioned in this article to get your dopamine production optimal, and I’m sending you lots of positive vibes.
Eric
Suboxone is brutal….. Worse than anything…. government way of keeping you hooked
Anonymous
I used a daily regimen of .1mg clonidine, 2 tbs kratom, 3 loperamide pills, 3 5-HTP pills, 10 mg melatonin and 1400 mg gabapentin and literally had NO WITHDRAW SYMPTOMS. None. No bullshit and trust me I’m such a crybaby about withdraw. You have to be careful with the gabapentin and kratom. decrease the dosage over 15 days because they can be physically addicting as well. But it works. Just the Gabba and kratom alone would work really well, but the aforementioned cocktail is perfect. Was like I was never on subs to begin with
Paul Merritt
Be careful kratom withdrawl is brutal
Anonymous
I’ve only been taking a quarter a day and when I went to get off of it that withdrawl lasted a week and a half now im back on them and trying to quit again I only stayed clean for two weeks the shit is powerful and bad shit
nicholas
it’s funny.. people take all kinds of meds for H.P, diabetes, cholesterol , and anti depress…..but, for some reason demonize suboxone….don’t get me wrong ….life saving drugs for physical ailments needed to be taken for the rest of ones life no one blinks an eye at,,,,i believe once an addict, always an addict…..that’s an illness that will be with us until we die,,,,,,if it;s possible to function. work, raise a family on the lowest possible dosage of suboxone…then what is the difference between this med, and the ones i mentioned above,,,,it’s just the stigma of drug use. that makes people believe you are treating a drug problem with another drug……i guess it is better that you o.d, and shorten the life god has blessed you with………believe me i don’t like taking suboxone. it’s a pain in the ass………..i wasn’t even a hardcore drug addict. i mean using heroin, and oxycotin……just started taking 5mg of percocet i found in my sister’s medicine cabinet…of course it escalated to 20 percs a shot once my tolerance lowered………..,.i searched for a sub doc, and the moment he gave me 4mg to take under my tongue….i felt normal……..i can just imagine the night mare it must be for an h addict doing a bundle a day to try and detox……..this drug can save their life. …. if they have to take it for a life time whats the alternative….cravings, back sliding, pressure’s of everyday life……this is not about will power, this is a disease
that you’ll have to live with until death……to each is own, i guess. every one has an opinion…… some do, and have no knowledge of one’s situation…….some people come on here to maybe learn about suboxone….they hear night mare with drawl stories, and say f this…..to those to people who want to live, and function normally without the temptation of using again. please consider suboxone……….every human being is different. some can come off of subs without a problem, and some have a difficult time………..just don’t come on here, and demonize a medication that might save someones son , or daughter from a life of addiction, and an early death…….i have friends who have been on methadone mtce for over 20yrs…..they don;t get high from it. it just makes them able to function normally…….it;s better than copping H in the hood, and sharing needles………..please, think before you post…god bless
Amber Hileman
Me and my husband are pretty much coming off of Suboxin cold turkey. Logan my Husband was on two 8mg Suboxin stripes a day and I was on 1 8mg stripe a day. I asked my Dr to start taking me off of it because my Husband is being forced off of it due to a work program in are area of Southwest Virginia. A man on this work program was hit by a car and law around here said it was due to being on the Suboxin so now your not allowed to take the medicine and be in the program. With this happen to my husband. I made the decision to do this with him. Just so it would be easy on him but when I asked my Dr to take me off. I was wanting to come down by 4mg and he wouldn’t do it but did take me down to 6mg. I made the decision then to bring myself off. It’s been two days with no medicine and last night was awful. My legs acked so bad that I was kicking them in my sleep and woke up a little sick to my stomach. My Husband asked me to look up ways to get past this and us still be able to do are daily stuff. It brought me to you. What I want to know is are we going about this smart. Really am I. I tried bringing myself off easy but still hurting. Maybe detox might be the best thing but we have kids
Matt Finch
Hi Amber,
Coming off those dosages of Suboxone is a very hard thing to do. Day 3 it will get worse and by Day 4 you probably won’t be able to function. I would encourage you to consider switching over to kratom which is a legal plant that helps tremendously. It’s illegal in some states but federally it’s still legal for now. I’m going to post a link to my main kratom article that if I were in your situation, I would use.
You can take the kratom for a few weeks then do a kratom taper with supplements to help you avoid withdrawal symptoms. Coming off Suboxone cold-turkey at those dosages you mentioned is a nightmare. Here is the article for you to check out:
How To Use Kratom For Opiate Withdrawal>>
Katy
I am coming off of 9 yrs of Suboxone use. I started taking four 8/2 mg a day and after 9 yrs of being very slowly weaned down, I decided i was ready to stop taking it. My Dr recommended that I begin Buprenex injections. The first time I was injected, I received 3 separate shots and it was supposed to last one month. It might have lasted 3-4 days…the withdrawals were unbearable. I was beyond exhausted, super cranky, my bones ached, I could not concentrate, I would start to burn up then freeze, I had chills…it was horrible. This is when I began taking kratom. Not only did the kratom take the edge off, it made me feel human again. I highly recommend taking this supplement to ease your withdrawals. I do have to tell you to err on the side of caution though, as kratom can become physically addictive as well. I am very careful to only take 5 grams at a time, twice a day. This should REALLY help your situation. I hope this helps! Good luck to you!
Tonya
Hey I am on day five. I went and got most of the stuff listed above. I work a high energy job so I can’t just lay it down. My husband is doing this too. I went and bought most of the vitamins and herbs on the list above. The krantom, Dlph, and Passion flower is not available in my area. Also there is not a dr around here that will write you Xanax or Valium when u have suboxone in your system. But I got the rest. I also got sublingul leg cramp pills. It does not make me feel like superman but I have been able to function. I am 40 years old. I have found that the fear of what was going to happen has been the worst. I have to make myself coke down v8 juice and those powder antioxidants when I wake. But it has helped a lot. No I am not normally a healthy person at all hell maybe that is way my body has responded so well to the vitamins. I don’t know oh I also feel better after work then on my days off. Like I said this is day five so we will see
Jade Holland
Hi honey !!! I don’t know how successful you’ve been with sustaining your suboxon withdrawal but to come off 6 mg is by far too high a dose to come off. I came off of a 2 mg dose and that was painful enough . I’d been weaned down slowly . I came off my last dose on mother’s Day and I’m still unable to sleep past 4/5 am . Which is why I’ve been scanning for natural remedies to promote dopamine levels . U know any? I’m from England terminology may differ. Kind regards.
john
hi I have been stuck on 6mg for the last 4 years I must be off suboxone in 2 weeks Of coarse i will taper my plan is to drop to 2mg week 1 and 1mg week 2 and stop i know i will be in nasty withdrawls but do you think i have any hope as far as coming at 1 or 2mg?
Samantha
Hello my name is Samantha I was on opiates for many years then when Suboxone was introduced I was hooked from the get go. I have been on it for many years, and for the last year I have taken at least 2 to 3 8mg tablets a day for about the last 2 years but now I am down to only taking a 1/2 a day. But I am now at the point it is so expensive to keep going to the Dr. And I am really to the point that I am really just tired of having to take something everyday anymore. I do not have chronic pain like most I started taking Suboxone only because of addiction. So I guess my question is can I quit Suboxone cold turkey as they say without feeling like I’m going to die from it. I have tried a couple times in the past and have only made it about 9 to 12 days and gave in. My second question is how long does Suboxone withdrawal take, when do you start to feel better.
Thanks,
Samantha
Matt Finch
Hi Samantha,
I would not recommend a cold-turkey withdrawal on that dosage. It would be hell and last a long time. I’m going to post a link to an article I wrote that will help you in many ways.
How To Taper Off Suboxone Like a Champion>>
Lisa
Omg, finally someone who agrees that is harder to get off under two..Thank you soo much, I thought I was crazy, it was in my head blah blah. ..Im going to use your taper schedule exactly. I cut back way too fast as usaul but I’m in between 1mg and 1.5mg. I think I’m going to let my body adjust to the 1.5 mg. Then do it slower.I was considering taking naltrexone at this point 1mg through myself into withdrawal and get out over with. However, I can’t because Im also pregnant so I especially can not taper as fast as I wanted to.thank you. I’m determined to be off by my second trimester, this will give me the time to do it. Your a life saver. No dr ever annoys that is harder past two. Drives me nuts! !!!
Lisa
Typos, sorry
Matt Finch
Best of luck to you and be SAFE!!! 🙂
Last Time
Hi Lisa,
I don’t know if you’ll get this or how you’re doing ow but I wanted to encourage you with your taper 🙂
I too had to detox while pregnant.
I pretty much cold turkeyed and no, while it was not easy, it was not that hard. I took lots of baths ( LOTS of baths ) , didn’t sleep much and I was weak and restless all at the same time but eventually that goes away. It’s also hard to discern which symptoms are pregnancy related as many women who are clean experience RLS.
I tried to force myself to exercise so that I might sleep better.
Doctors tried to give me drugs to take but those made me feel bad and I was afraid for my baby. I prayed alot and God got me through. You can do this!! May God bless and be with you!
James
Hi Matt I need to talk to you outside of the public eye. Is there a way to reach you?
Matt Finch
Sure is James…email me at matt@opiateaddictionsupport.com
Tim Hanson
Hello Advisor,
I have been on Suboxone about 6 years now. I have gone back forth opiates and Suboxone over the years because I am addicted to both. Right now, mainly Suboxone because DEA changed everything where it is harder to Doctor shopping and and the computers can detect purchases anywhere, etc. I have 8 left of 2mg Suboxone. My question is do you think I can come off everything and be clean with 8 left? What my plan is I am going to try not to use it for as long as I can until I feel real discomfort then I will take 1/3rd of 2mg or .33 to feel a bit at ease then try not to use it until I feel discomfort and so on to give my body time to absent the needs between stretches. I hope I am clear in what I am trying to say. I am 53 and have two kids aged 15 and 10. Usually physically I am fine but mentally it kept bugging me to take it!! I need to keep my mind occupied so that I don’t think about it too much. Hope you can tell me if my plan is a good idea because I think 8 is plenty to complete finish my addiction! I was addicted to opiate by recreational for 10 years now. I went to inpatient detox twice voluntarily but still fooled myself around with opiates. Sorry for going on more after my question. Hope you can help.
Thanks,
Tim
Matt Finch
Hi Tim,
I absolutely believe you can use the current amount of Suboxone you have to taper off in a way that prevents the severe withdrawal symptoms. I encourage you to read this article which will provide you with the exact step-by-step natural process that will allow you to prevent the most withdrawal symptoms.
How To Taper Off Suboxone Like a Champion>>
Tim Hanson
Awesome article! You know what is funny? I ordered two bottles of CalmSupport yesterday after I finish all my Suboxone so I can gradually continue to feel at ease without feeling too much emotional mentally and physically. Also, eat very well is important, too to replenish the nutrition we have been missing while tapering. It does make you feel weak so continue eating well and tapering will make you feel strong and not as weak, etc. I am going to print the great article you gave me. Many thanks to you. I know it is not going to be easy but it can be if I put my mind to it 100% and follow through. I will let you know how I do next time. Thanks again Matt!
PS. Everyone, I urge you to read the article in the link he sent me. Good Luck!
Matt Finch
Glad you liked it Tim! And yes the nutrition is one of the most important aspects, if not the most important element. Supplementation, nutrition, exercise, personal development, and more! Like you said, it won’t be easy, but with a resolve to quit you’ll ultimately prevail.
Thanks for the feedback and I wish you the best on your journey, and hope to read your success story one day. 🙂
James
Help!!
I have been on Suboxone 8/2 for around 15 years. Went on it because the painkillers where causing pain. Took lyrica and I went down from 60 pills a day to maintenance amount. Went dr asked how to get off and was told take Suboxone. Been to 8 diff drs in three states and not once was getting off discussed. Now I’m having all kinds of medical problems which I believe are being caused by the Suboxone. Blood pressure goes thru the roof after taking it. Also seems to send me into minor withdrawal after
Taking it for a short period.
I need to get off ASAP it’s ruining my life every day I’m checking off more boxes on the side effects list.
I have called so many places rehabs drs seems nobody truly has a clue. Some of the options are truly scary ie Coleman Institute.
So if I am taking 8/2 half in the morning half In the afternoon. Can I just jump right off ? Also which is better Gabapentin or lyrica?
What should I take and at what dose at what time? I totally understand everyone has different response to meds seems the Clonidine and the Gabapentin are a must along with some sort of BENzo maybe ?
I see all these people here having amazing results and I’m so happy to hear it anyone who has experience with this crap wouldn’t wish it on there worst enemy.
I want to be on the other side.
Thanks to everyone who has left there experiences
Matt Finch
Hi James,
I would strongly encourage you to avoid going cold-turkey detox off Suboxone. You’ve been on it for 15 years which is how long it’s been available for. The opiate withdrawal remedies mentioned can help a lot, but I’m worried that your withdrawal will last a long time if you jump off from that dosage.
If I were in your situation, I would first taper down to at least 2 mg or preferably lower over the course of a couple of months or longer. This, along with using withdrawal remedies, would allow you to experience the least amount of withdrawal and suffering.
Here is my best article on tapering off Suboxone for you to check out if you’re interested:
How To Taper Off Suboxone Like a Champion>>
James
Thank you for the quick response.
How long are you thinking they will last? I have a super fast metabolism so may be helpful. I’m just concerned that tapering May take to long
It seems like I keep having more and more side effects daily to give you an idea if I take my bp prior to taking the sub I’m 124/82 30-45 min late 220/120 or close to that. I get I should taper just wondering how bad for how long ? The morning dose I take at 7am and used to last till 4-5 now by 130 I’m
Already going downhill. Any advice or
Ideas if I have no choice? Thanks
Matt Finch
I see what you’re saying. And that makes total sense. How would you feel about switching over from Suboxone to kratom? You could stay on a daily dose of kratom that keeps you feeling okay for about 2 weeks, then you could taper off the kratom in 2-3 weeks after. That would seriously reduce shock to your body.
I just don’t want to see anyone that has been on Suboxone for 15 years come off overnight. Not trying to scare you, but the withdrawal could last for weeks or a month or longer.
Switching to kratom then tapering off kratom would be so much easier.
James
Thank you thank you ! Let me just say this I really didn’t notice all the damage the Suboxone had been doing sneaky shit. After my wife left Saying I’m sick in the head shit went downhill fast I was feeling completely out of control and possibly suicidal or homicidal. Totally psychotic constantly fighting myself. Never have I felt like that even after loosing my whole family. Also dr tried to get me to quit smoking using Wellbutrin after 4 days the crazy started and stayed but last night I found this website and ran out and bought everything took a bunch of it and within 2 hours felt different much much better. Haven’t quit the Suboxone yet so the hard part is still to come. I’m positive the Suboxone has turned on me like the pain pills. I already have Kratom on the way got mostly the red Indo Bali or whatever is also the white stuff and small amount of the green. Waiting for the damn dr to get back to me so I can get clodidkne and gabepentin neurotin whatever. I should be able to take all if together right
Matt Finch
Oh I’m really glad to hear you able to get gabapentin and clonidine. You could switch from Suboxone to kratom, then you could use gabapnetin and clonidine and supplements to get off kratom. That’s a solid plan right there.
Anonymous
Been. I’ll m 8mg 2mg for 18 months. Run out there this week 6 days before clinic. Really sick and really sore muscles. Help please I’m miserable
Stephanie
I am on day 9 of coming off of 8 years on suboxone. Was down to 2mg and stopped. First 5-7 days feel impossible. Didn’t sleep for 3 days. Could not function. Don’t give up!
Today I was able to get dressed and get in the car to go out.
I’m taking Clonidine and KRATOM which you can get from almost CBD places. Stock up on anything you can get from Matt’s list of supplements. If you have someone who can help carry any burdens you have for a few days, ask for help. No one deserves to suffer like this. You CAN do this.
There are so many of us like you and we are all here for you.
Anthony
Hi Matt. I am 48 in since my last dose of suboxone .5 mg. I did .5 mg for a week then stopped. The hour 24-48 was rough mentally. I was also etrememly lethargic. I had a little bit of nausea and not a whole lot of diarrhea very minimal. But it was a really rough go mentally very down and even some crying. I also have been having trouble sleeping because of restlessneas. I am now passed hour 48 and I am feeling a little bit better. I have been using some of the supplement you recommended specifically the DL phenolphthalein. I just wanted to know in your opinion do you think I am starting to turn a corner. Or am I still looking at a long road ahead. Any advice and guidance is welcome during this very difficult time.
Matt Finch
Hi Anthony,
It really depends on how long you were on Suboxone for, how you tapered, and other factors. The fact that you are already starting to feel better is a great sign though. I’m really happy to hear that. Some people feel ok after only a few days after getting off, but others can feel bad for weeks or even many months. Supplements and medicine can really help the process out as you’ve learned.
Ek66
Ive been on oxycodones for years when i run out i do suboxone i ve been on subs for five days now dont have anymore i did one sub 8mg for 4 days and 4mg for 2 days how baf will my withdrawls be
Mike
Hi Matt. Thank you for all your help with your articles over the last years. My problem is Good and Bad. I have just stopped 2 mg of Suboxone and have just gone through the 72 hrs of withdrawl. The withdrawl is as you say horrific. My doctor has put me on 6 mg of Nabalone and 4 mg of Lorazapan and 120 mg of Cymbalta and 2400 mg of Gaba Penton. I am also taking Calm Support. With everything I’m taking I am getting NO relief and I’m past the 72 hrs PLEASE HELP
Ida
I have been taking about 1mg or so of sub strip to stop taking Norco. Now the little bit I take everyday if I don’t take a lil piece of the strip, which is cutting a lil piece of the 8mg strip into 8 thin pieces I feel I can’t get out of bed and I’m very sick. I am on celexa for depression, Ativan, for pstd/anxiety, norvasc for high blood pressure, lamictal for mood swings, chantix to stop smoking, baclofen for muscle relaxer. I got addited to Norco after a car accident. Then because of my depression the Norco which I didn’t notice at the time made like Superwoman. So I got addicted. A friend cut me off a piece of sub strip and it helped the withdrawal go away so I have been taking again about 1 mg a day for almost 6months because I can’t function or don’t feel good without it. Will the calm support itself help along with what I’m taking, does the calm support have the dlpa neep to both be taking together. I want my life back. I have kids and grandkids. I’m not taking a lot like some of the stories I heard but the little I’m taking is a lot to me based on how I feel when I don’t take it. I know you are not a Dr. But I feel at this point I’m loosing my mind bc I don’t want nobody to know, not even my Dr. I have had a tramatic child hood and also loosing both of my parents by the age of 15. Ect. I also have fibromyalgia, and back injuries from car accident I was in. I can find something else to manage my pain. These Drs are handing out prescriptions like it’s candy. I am also disabled. It’s mind over matter. I know my prayers will be answered. I pray about this daily. I know I can do it, I just need to know what to do about the withdrawals. I want to do this at home. I have no husband or no babysitting unfortunately.
Matt Finch
Hi Ida,
I would love to point you in the right direction. Based on the information you’ve provided, I recommend these two articles for your situation. These should give you the exact plans you need to get off Suboxone with the least amount of discomfort, while also using other non-opioid painkillers.
How To Taper Off Suboxone Like a Champion>>
16 Epic Natural Painkillers To Use Instead Of Opiates>>
Laz
Definitely try kratom…im going through suboxone withdrawal right now and kratom is taking away 80% of the symptoms
Patricia
Almost time to cut suboxine off at 8 mg strip last 3 days.so thats 2.6 mg a day about.work a security job cant be out sick.what type of kramton should i get strength name.please help sincerly patty im 53 been on subs one year.
Susan
Hi Matt…I was wondering if I can take 5HTP and Melatonin with the Calm Support, DAP and Reishi mushrooms. The calm support does seem to help but I still have some anxiety especially during the evening and and sometimes late morning. Not sure why this seem to be my hardest times but I thought maybe adding the 5HTP and Melatonin may help along with what I’m already taking
Also, if there is anything else you can recommend I would be grateful and just want to make sure it’s ok to add those two things if you think they may help
Matt Finch
Hi Susan,
As long as you are not taking any medications that inhibit the reuptake of serotonin, that combination should be amazing. Of course I’m not a doctor so this is not medial advice, but for educational use.
Susan
Thanks for answering so quickly. I am on a drug called Remeron the generic version.i take it at night and it helps me to sleep bit it is classified as an antidepressant from my understanding. Do you know anything about this particular drug? I will stop it if I need to as I want to continue the calm support Reishi and DAP but had read 5HTP was also helpful for anxiety. Also I read about the vitamin C detox and am interested in that as well.
Matt Finch
My pleasure. I had a friend on that med in my 20’s and she said it worked very well for her depression. It is not an SSRI so no need to worry about serotonin syndrome if you mix it with Calm Support and the other supplements.
I certainly wouldn’t stop taking the medicine without a doctor and especially to replace it with supplements. You could ask your doctor about the supplements and you also may wish to consider taking the nutrients in small amounts at first to see how you respond.
And many people have really benefited from my vitamin C plan. It’s one of my favorites.
Harold
I understand everyone wants instant cure but it’s not possible. I avoided all drugs during my withdrawal this time because I’ve been thru it too many times. It’s far too easy to trade one drug for another.
The best remedies I found were walking, going to work and talking to people. I quit cold turkey after 8 years on 8mg a day. The first couple days were nothing special. The third and fourth were very hard. Hot showers and movies got me thru the sleepless nights and restless legs. The shits totally suck! I shit my damn brains out but it goes away soon.
I work 7 days a week and did not miss a single day. Getting myself to work was a nightmare but once there it was tolerable. Anxiety and fear suck but will yourself thru it. Keeping your mind busy is most important.
It’s been 32 days and I’m 85% normal. I hope my experience helps someone in some way.
Matt Finch
Congrats Harold!!! I’m so proud of you for making it 32 days. Keep up the greatness!
Susan
I have been on two 8mg/2mg Suboxone generic tablets for aprox 9 years. I had after back surgery in 1995. Everything went fairly well for some time and then in 2008 my pain level increased. I went back to an orthopedic doctor who then sent me to a pain clinic. At first I was put on different opiates the last of which was Oxycontin time released. I could tell I was addicted as well as had horrible constipation and asked to be taken off the opiates. I was told I had to go on a drug called Suboxone. That was nine years ago. At first I would ask when I should start to taper but the doctor said no that I needed it for pain. Several times I would approach the subject of getting off only to be told the same thing. Last June I had major surgery. I was told to go ff the suboxone for two days so I would have pain relief after surgery for whatever the hospital would be giving me. I went off 3 days prior to surgery just to be sure. Imagine my surprise when I woke up in recovery coming off the table as the pain was so bad. Nothing they gave me was helping including I was told a drug they would give to cancer patients. This was a well known hospital, Emory and even their pain specialists were concerned and said they thot it maybe because I had been on it for way to long. I then decided no more Suboxone and decided I would take no more tablets. After 10 days I went into horrible withdrawals. I went 48 days without Suboxone and finally I had to go back to the pain clinic. Bare in mind the hospital had sent me home with oxycodone but they only gave me two hours of relief from withdrawals. The pain doctor first wanted to put me on Oxycontin but I said no I felt I would be trading one addiction for another. So back to the suboxone. Since then, I have started to detox myself. A few weeks ago I came across your articles. I am down to a half of a tablet but seem to be stuck at that dose. I came across the many things you recommend including Calm Support. I was wondering if you thought that may help me and what dose would you recommend and also would anything else benefit me such as the Reishi mushrooms. I am not a young person, I just turned 65 and I feel my body cannot take much more. Any help you can give me would be appreciated. Thank you in advance.
Susan
P.S. Please excuse any typos.
Krista Sanders
I was wondering, Matt- how did you stop taking the benzos along with stopping suboxone? Are the supplements listed ok for tapering off those as well? I’ve quit cold turkey before for about a week and felt ok (ish) I’m a little tougher than most folks. My current benzo dose is 6mg/day (yes I am aware of the contraindications my doctor has me on a low dose but I’m dependent on more than what she gives me) I’ve never had any respiratory problems but I know it’s inevitable if I continue to use both. I’m wanting to STOP both. Started tapering today with the subs. I’m prescribed 12mg/day one and a half strips.
I was wondering if it would be easier to come clean to my doctor about my addiction to benzos? Or to just do a fast taper and suck it up.
Also wondering if the Calm Support and DPLA will provide relief to coming off both substances? You’ve yo-yo’d off both from what I understand what do you suggest??
Gina
Well I just went off cold turkey of suboxone I was percribed for 6 and a half years taking 32 mg at a time. Let me tell you it’s the worse withdrawal I have ever experienced in my life. The only reason that prescribed it in the first place that long ago is they screwed up six and a half years ago when I checked myself into treatment trying to get out hope it’s a week before I was ready to get discharged they were giving me 50 mg of methadone instead of 5 mg of methadone and I was given a choice either methadone or Suboxone and I chose Suboxone because the higher you get on methadone send a half years later here I found myself still on a medication dependent on it had enough quit it cold turkey 13 days ago and it’s been a living hell it sent me through a high that I can’t come down off of been in the ER few times they give you gabapentin and clonidine thank God my doctor is amazing and prescribed me a benzodiazepine to get through the night so I can sleep that’s after 13 days of her treatment facility that’s going to take you off of that stuff gradually there’s many places that do that do not tell your doctor you need to check yourself in somewhere and they’ll wean you off of all that stuff I don’t recommend doing anything cold turkey nothing this has been a nightmare and my brain is a fog like most people that come off of opiates or other drugs can sleep through there withdrawal suboxone withdrawal you cannot sleep. I seen many people coming off benzo in treamtment and it was not pretty either so go to a place that tappers u down on the drugs ur Currently on unless your a beast like me and u just cut it all cold turkey and ride it out
Shawna
Hi Matt. I’m on withdrawal day 6, after a 5 year addiction to Suboxin and a 2 year addiction to Roxycodone before that. I am still experiencing all of the horrible effects and they don’t seem to be diminishing at all. I’ve barely eaten during these past 6 days, and have vomited a couple times when attempting even something like Ensure. Depression and lethargy are substantial. I am prescribed Fioracet for tension headaches, which usually always gave me an appetite, and yesterday started prescription Klonopin by my physician. I am going to get several of the over-the-counter remedies you suggested and also use Marajuana daily. Is it normal to be experiencing such sever symptoms 6 days in, and is there any hope it will lessen as soon as possible. Thank you for everything!
Cambria
Hello all,
While taking the DLPA, L-Tyrosine (1,000-2,000mg 3xQD) How much of the mucuna prurient should I be taking? That’s the only one I am finding difficult dosages on.
Thank you!
Anonymous
i strongly recommend you investigate phenibut before further suggesting it to people. it habituates physically faster than anything i’ve ever experienced and the withdrawal is incredible. after 3 days of use i felt intense, almost benzodiazepine level withdrawal.
Matt Finch
Yes I’ve done my research. If you would have clicked on the link that says Phenibut, it takes you to a complete article on the pros and cons of it, including the info on cycling it for a couple days on, a couple off to avoid the withdrawal. Also, I write about everything that could potentially help. Though I don’t “recommend” or “prescribe” because I’m not a doctor and every person has unique situations. It’s all for educational use and the disclaimer says to check with doctor before trying any supplement, medication, etc. But I appreciate your concern and feedback. Good looking out! 🙂
Diane
I have been taking Zubsolv since May 2017 and I am now pretty sure this is making me feel just awful. I am on .7 mg daily that I dissolve under my tongue. I am a very independent person but I am pretty much debilitated. My new Dr just keeps telling me to hang in there after I drag myself to the office and taking $100 a month from me each time. I was previously diagnosed with fibromyalgia and after back to back surgeries in 2010 and 2011 I felt like I was dying I inside. Well giving me generic for Percocets at least gave me a few hours a day that I could function. I literally feel like I am having a heat stroke with such weakness and fatigue I can barely take care of myself! Throw in being blindsided with a divorce and losing my insurance has just been unbearable! I know I would benefit by an in house rehab, I just can”t afford it and no energy what so ever even after getting to the lowest dose of Zubsolv! I am so scared and anxious and my son lives with me and is watching his Mom pull herself around but really not leaving our home but for an appt…. Plz help:(
Matt Finch
Hi Diane, you really must read my article on this, as it will help to show you what could be going on:
Zubsolv vs Suboxone: Read This Review BEFORE Taking Zubsolv>>
Charles
Thank you for this excellent article. It provides good information and makes one enthusiastic knowing there are many options available.
Recoverri Connection
Hi, I just wanted to give you my experience with Subutex (same as Suboxone, but without the Naloxene which is added to Suboxone to prevent injection abuse) I, like you have been through withdrawal from opiates so many times I Lost count. I initially went in for Subutex last August and it felt like a miracle! The withdrawals were instantly gone, and I felt like I was alive. That was until I puked my guts out the next morning as a side effect! The initial dose of 12mg was a bit high for me.
Seth
Hi Mat,
I was wondering about using Kratom to help with Suboxone withdrawal. Since you say Kratom resembles an opioid agonist, would the Naloxone in the Suboxone formula trigger sudden withdrawal after ingesting Kratom?
Mary Price - Certified OAS Recovery Specialist
Seth,
Kratom has very short acting alkaloids; which means that you are going to feel any withdrawal symptoms that you may have from it fairly quickly. If you were to take suboxone before you feel withdrawal from Kratom, then it could put you into withdrawal. I’d suggest following the same protocol for taking suboxone after all short acting opiods like hydrocodone or oxycodone and wait close to 24 hours (some say 12 hours is long enough, but I always say the longer the better).
There is something that I want to correct about what you said. Yes, suboxone has naloxone, which is a blocker. However it’s not the action of the naloxone that actually blocks any other opioids from entering the receptors; nor is it the naloxone that causes precipitated withdrawal if suboxone is taken sublingually. The active ingredient in suboxone: buprenorphine (an opioid), is what causes precip. wds. Buprenorphine has a high affinity for the receptors and it will kick most other opioids out of the receptors, which can cause immediate withdrawal. It’s also the buprenorphine that blocks other opioids because of the way it fits the receptors.
The reason I want to point this out is because many people are under the impression that if they take suboxone then taking other opiods won’t work since it contains naloxone (a blocker). For this reason, people who want to keep using their drug of choice, maintain their addiction by purchasing subutex (no naloxone) from others, at a much higher street price. (For instance, in my area the street value of suboxone is $30/8mg but subutex is $50/8mg.) What they are actually doing is wasting money, unless of course, they are using it intravenously. Naloxone, when taken sublingual, doesn’t absorb well at all, but buprenorphine’s absorption rate when taken sublingual is approximately 30-40% (meaning if your dose is 8mg you are actually getting between 2.4mg-3.2mg of buprenorphine). Once you’ve given it time to absorb and you swallow the saliva, the naloxone is ingested but it is mostly destroyed by the acids in the digestive system. Since buprenorphine already occupies and blocks the receptors, any naloxone that does enter the blood stream after it survives the digestive system, is useless. If a person uses suboxone intravenously, then the naloxone does enter the bloodstream at full strength, which can cause precipitated withdrawal. When suboxone or subutex is used sublingually, they both act exactly the same; they both will block other opiates.
There are even Dr’s who are still under the misconception that it’s naloxone that blocks other opioids from entering the receptors. Naloxone was only added to buprenorphine to deter iv use.
~Mary
OAS RECOVERY SPECIALIST
Jeanne
Hello, I am on day 10 off my suboxone taper and and my Dr. gave me tramadol, robaxin, and levsin for my stomach I also have Xanax. However I am horribly exhausted and I have absolutely no energy so I got these supplement to help aide with that. DOPA that has Mucuna Pruriens seed extract in it already it says ( 15% L-DOPA 60mg) but has also has 400mg on the bottle so I am not completely sure what dosage of that supplement I should be taking can you please tell me your recommendation? I also got Red Chinese Ginseng and I couldn’t find any links of the recommended dosage or should I just take what is advised on the bottle itself? I also got DLPA and L-Tyrosine and I did find your recommended dosage for those.. Is it ok to take all those supplements with all the prescription medicine my Dr. Perscribed? Thank you so much for creating this site you have no idea the wealth of information I have found and learned on here, all your hard work is greatly appreciated..
Mary Price - Certified OAS Recovery Specialist
Jeanne, I’d start with the recommendations on the bottles. Then, build up a little each day. I started out taking a high dosage of dlpa (also a dopamine builder like your l-dopa and l-tyrosine) which was recommended for opiate withdrawal symptoms of tiredness and rls, but it made me EXTREMELY jittery so the following day I reduced my dose to the one recommended on the bottle; no jitters. I was able to increase my dose over a period of 2-3 days without any problems.
Mary
OAS RECOVERY SPECIALIST
*DISCLAIMER-Please speak with your Dr before starting any suppliments
Jheffy
Great article! I’m currently detoxing from a 5 year heroin addiction, no suboxen/methadone available. So it’s really rough as you know. My question is what would you recommend starting to take I’ve become weak nauseous etc I already have insomnia so I have sleep medicine. I’ve been up since yesterday morning at 8am throwing up blood etc, it’s getting a lot better but I need to make through this I’m going back to my home town with my triggers and everything today no if I feel like this I fear I may relapse I’m on day 7 of no supplement detox. (Crazy thing is my new sober date is the same as my brothers, he’s at 6 years)
Mary Price - Certified OAS Recovery Specialist
Jheffy,
Vomiting blood can be a symptom of an even bigger problem which may also be causing nausea. Go to the Dr or hospital and have things checked out. Explain that you are detoxing from heroin and ask for help with other symptoms. Good luck! Sharing the same sober date with your brother should make your willpower stronger, wanting to keep it that way. Congratulations to you & your brother!
~Mary
OAS RECOVERY SPECIALIST
john
Great site.! My question is since tapered from 24 mg a day to .2 mg a day . What can i take naturally . To get my self on the go again. Im not clinicly depressed just need something to get me going in the am.
Justin
My husband is going through withdrawals now and I want to know what’s the best thing I can do to help him. He of course goes through periods of feeling ok then feeling terrible. I have been sober for 4.5 years but am an alcoholic and crystal method addict who has zero experience with opiate issues. Please help. Any help would be great.
Kristy
Addiction sucks!!! I’m getting ready to taper off of subjects subutex and I’m scared! I’ve been in aa for almost 2 years and on subs almost 2 years but now it’s time to try it with nothing and give this program my all and give myself a chance to be completely free of everything. Pray for me and wish me luck!
Matt Finch
Good luck Kristy!!!
Cb
I have been on suboxone for over 12 years. Haven’t heard of anyone else that has been on that long?? I have weaned down to 2 mg a day. I am going to make the jump to 1 soon and after a month ….go all the way. I’ve tried a few times but gave up after almost dying (or feeling like it). My dr always says their isn’t anything to help. Thank you for your advice. I’ll buy the items you suggest and try to be successful this time. I want to cry thinking about what I’m going to go through. It is Hell on earth.
Dan A
I have been on Suboxone for 7 years now. I understand your fear. I’ve been off of it now for over a week. The first three days were hell on earth but with the help of pot, a low dose of adivant, and lots of fluids, and limited exercise I have days where I feel great. Then I have nights like last night where I felt like pulling my hair out from lack of sleep. It gets a little easier everyday. You have come this far, you can do it!
Shinzen
I was an IV heroin user for several years off and on after graduating high school (which was exactly 10 years ago)… I went from being a weight lifter, to living a roller coaster with relationships with my family and friends, probation and problems in general because of my drug abuse. I relapsed one last time on heroin in 2009 until finally finding a doctor in early 2010 who prescribed me on Suboxone (which she then agreed to change over to Subutex after 3 months). Fast forward 6 years later, I can say it’s helped a lot in keeping me away from heroin; however, some things didn’t change (Like my method of administration – since the day I was prescribed)… My RX started at 16mg a day; now for the last year, give or take, I’ve been at 1.5mg a day (6x 8mg buprenorphine pills a month). Aside from the heroin detox treatment, it’s helped detour the great issues I’ve had with anxiety and depression all my life. My use of buprenorphine definitely relaxes and assists in medicating me around these difficult issues, but I know it’s nothing more than a handicap that digs me deeper and deeper. I’m now at a point in my life where I know I should let go, but I’m afraid that after so long of abusive use I’ll never be normal again without it. I’ll never be able to properly process things that I’m faced with in life without being blitzed by anxiety and depression – and of course my insomnia will resume. These are only the bad points, I do know that I’ll have my health back, and will be able to be a sober person again (though I still need to quit smoking cigarettes, even if it’s only two packs a week). I know I’m close to quitting, but I need to know more of the facts… These treatment methods sound great, but I need to know more… Have any of you ever met or heard of anyone who’s IVed buprenorphine for around this long, and been able to successfully quit ?? I just need to know where I stand. Thanks!!
Frank Fish
Shin, sounds like the same story for me but mine was pain killers. Have (still) issues with my cervical neck all the way down to L! That was in 2001. Never shot up I’d like it too much. 2009 got on suboxone. Big doses to start. Went through the WD battles several times. Finally I said Fuck it and weened my self down from three 8’s a day to 1/4 of one in two weeks. HARDEST thing I’ve ever done. And I’ve been on some hard shit(not drugs). You can do it.
Sam Johnson
Hey Matt! Thanks for all of the info your site offers- I am about to get off of Suboxone again this May (will be my second time and do not want to go through the hell I went through the first time) after being on 8 mg for about 2 years. Have already done the tapering and am at about 4 mg every three days. I went out and purchased the following natural supplements from a great store in the city I live in. : L-Tyrosine 500mg,
Passion Flower 550mg,
Valerian Root 530mg,
Ginseng 500mg,
Ginger 1020mg,
Melatonin 10mg,
GABA 750mg,
5-HTP 100mg,
Coral Calcium which contains 15mg Vitamin C/Vitamin D3 1200IU/ Calcium 480mg/ and Magnesium 240mg, (also 70 other minerals necessary to have in our body)
True Calm which contains Niacin 45mg/Vitamin B6/Magnesium 6.5mg/GABA 200mg,
A product called Clear Restless Leg Relief,
A product called Happy Caps which contains 500 mg each of the following St. Johns Wort/Chamomille Flower/ Wild Lettuce/Fennel Seed/and Feverfew.
As well as Kratom as a backup.
They are also ordering DLPA 750mg for me.
I tried to get off the Suboxone using Kratom unsuccessfully before and maybe was taking too much because I wound up getting severe RLS and withdrawal even after only using the Kratom for about 7 days. Can I take all of these supplements while going through withdrawal (including Baclofen and Klonazapam 4mg per day which I am prescribed anyway). Or should I just take a certain combination of the supplements (if so which would you recommend and what dosage). Again, thanks for all of the wonderful information your site contains and I look forward to hearing from you soon. Have a wonderful day!
Sam Johnson
Sorry forgot to add that I was also going to purchase the Kava Kava when they call to tell me the DLPA comes in.
Matt Finch
Wow Sam that is a lot of supplements! This comment was before you and I corresponded via email. So I will talk with you about this in private. 🙂
John Seibert
Matt your article was helpful… (I hope). I’m currently in day 3 of withdrawal. I was with a suboxone doctor for almost 5 years. I started on 16 mg a day and when I decided to quit cold turkey, I was down to 3 mg a day. For the last 30 days, I took myself down to 1mg a day. I’m in absolute agony right now. It feels like my soul has been taken from me and I have MAJOR anxiety. I do have an old prescription of clonidine, that I’m going to try and use since you have it listed as the first thing in this article.. How long will I feel dead like this??? I need to get back to work. This doctor was an underhanded man who threatened me on several occasions that he’d end my prescriptions to suboxone if I didn’t pay him extra money. He tried saying as an alibi that my insurance didn’t pay him, even though I had the EOB’s to prove otherwise. I had it with him, the clinic and being a slave to this drug and told him I would quit cold turkey before I be his slave.. So here I am. Please help
John
Hi. It’s day 4 of withdrawal. Believe it or not, I’m thinking of going to work today. I just happened to have a full prescription of clonidine and gabapentin from my now EX suboxone doctor, that he prescribed to me 2 years ago, that I had stashed away in a drawer… It says it’s expired, but seems to be doing the job. I slept 8 hours last night, with only one time waking up. Plus I took a couple hits of marijuana, Definitely feeling loopy but at least it doesn’t feel as though my soul has been taken away. I still feel the withdrawals, but I’d say with this combo, I feel about 70 % better. I’m taking 900mg per day of gabapentin like the prescription says. I could probably increase it and feel better, but will leave well enough alone
John
Hi. It’s day 5. Just want to keep you all posted on how this Gabapentin and Clonidine is working. Yesterday, I went to work and worked 9 hours. My job is an extreme manual labor job, inside a packaging hub. I admit I was scared to death, and yes I was dragging ass all day, but the satisfaction of completing the day was a big feather in my cap. I feel much better today. Still withdrawing, no doubt about that, but the Gabapentin is a life saver. For sleep last night I took 1 Gabapentin, 1 – 100mg Trazadone and 2 big hits of marijuana. I slept 9 solid hours. The Gabapentin is a life saver. it definitely makes you loopy, but takes the edge off. So just to clarify, I took suboxone every single day for nearly 5 years. I started my first 2 years on 16 mg per day, weaned down to 8 mg per day, to 6, to 4, to 3… When I told my underhanded doctor to go get F’d cause I was sick of him, the clinic, the drug, the slavery, etc…, I had 21 2mg pills left. I took 1 mg per day in two half increments. Then in the last week I took a half a day. When I ran out, of course I went into withdrawal an here I am. I’ll keep you all posted…
John
Hi. I don’t know if you all have been following my daily report on withdrawal, but I am now on day 7. Gabapentin is an absolute life saver!!! The only effect it gives you is kind of a loopy / dizzy effect, but it’s a billion times better than that soulless, death like, God awful pain you go through! I went through that the first 3 days until I realized I had a full prescription of Gabapentin and clonidine in my drawer. I used opiates everyday of my life for 6 years, then went into the suboxone program, was in it for 5 straight years. Started on 16 mg per day for two years, then weaned down to 8 mg, to 6 mg, to 4, to 3… My doctor was trying to keep me on higher doses forever, and I was taking myself down with no problem, as I wanted to succeed and be clean and free of EVERYTHING!!! and have natural endorphins again and an honest way of living… It got to a point he was trying to muscle me for more money by telling me he wouldn’t give me my prescription… What could I do??? I knew I would suffer without it. I finally said F him and decided to take myself down with my last prescription to 1 mg, to half a mg till I was out… That was 7 days ago… So, after the 3rd day of withdrawal, I started with 300 mg, 3 times a day, (900 mg), of gabapentin… One .1 mg of clonidine, (notice the “.” in .1, meaning one tenth of a mg) – very important because clonidine is a blood pressure medicine. If you don’t have these, you can go to ANY doctor to get them. You don’t have to go to a dirty pill=mill suboxone doctor, (like I had). Since I started that combination I have felt well enough to go to work 9 hrs a day and it’s a very manual labor job!!! This combination takes the edge off and offers some comfort and light! I had a set back on the night of the 5th day, that God awful feeling came out of nowhere and consumed me and I became panicky and scared. I simply took another gabapentin and was fine in 40 mins or so. I did some research and found that a lot of people had to increase their dose of gabapentin after the 5th or 6th day to double, (1800 mg per day), still in 3 increments. This is what I’ve done as I saw twice I was consumed by that sick feeling and now that I’ve increased it, I’m fine… I want to say in addition to thee above, at sleep time, I take I 100 mg trazadone and two hits of chronic marijuana… I sleep 8-9 hrs every night! Hope this is helpful… I’ll keep you all posted on a bi-tri day basis:) Also want to tell you… two things that really take the pain away and actually give me endorphins is my favorite music cranked up nice and loud so my whole body feels it and laughter… The sun makes me happy too. Everyday you conquer this, is a feather in your cap… It gets better and better. You feel stronger and stronger, not just physically, but mentally, because you’re no longer a slave to the drug or the system or the doctor. You’re free, you’re in control of you… You make the decisions now!!! It’s a fresh, exciting, brand new start to excel in life and conquer all of your goals and to spit on the devil, or evil life that once consumed and controlled you and made you it’s slave… Day to day, hour to hour, minute to minute… whatever it takes. There’s also NA meetings… They get a little monotonous after awhile, but once you meet a sponsor, you have someone you can call and talk to anytime you want. My sponsor is my dearest and greatest friend. He doesn’t always agree with my methods, but that’s okay. Good luck people. I sincerely, from my heart, hope you stick with it and take back your life from this evil nightmare of drug abuse!
Sam J
I am planning on quitting this May and have a prescription for gabapentin plus 5 refills. I should have two bottles of 90 capsules at 100mg per capsule by the time I quit. What effects of Withdrawal did the gabapentin help the most with? Also, how much each day did you find effective during the most horrible w/d days? I have been reading on gabapentin helping so many people on this post that it seems almost too good to be true. The one w/d symptom that I cannot bear is the RLS in arms and lets, so if gabapentin can help to alleviate this alone I will be extremely relieved and more confident that I can w/d and not cave in. Thanks and I love this site because it allows people that are going through the same hell to share info on making this hellish experience easier to get through and succeed.
Sam J
I am also completely in awe that you felt well enough to go back to work on day 5 which is one of the days I always lump into the ones where withdrawal is at its worst.
Michelle
Ho, thanks so much Matt, I too had an expired rx of gabapentin 300mg & I took 4 & feel perfect.
Matt Finch
Awesome!!!
Brandon
If the physical pain was not an issue quitting suboxone would not be as difficult. Why is the physical pain so intense? Why does it last so freaking long? It destroys me. I’m down to 1mg. And it still is a freaking nightmare. I will try a few things on your list. Thank you for your efforts. I tried Kratom and it does help with the physical pain but it killed my stomach. Withdrawal just last way to damn long. Time slows down and it becomes torture. The company I work for is using Suboxone against me. It’s unbelievable. I was able to get off percs without them ever knowing but they discovered the Suboxone and have harassed me about it ever since. I’m going to lose my job now. But at this point I don’t even care anymore. They have ripped my soul from me. I will try again to quit suboxone. About 3 weeks away. I am very scared and anxiety is extremely high. It’s the physical pain I’m dreading. Thank you for the list. Means a lot to see somebody at least understands the pain.
Michelle
Hang in there Brandon, ur not alone & Matt is a savior for posting these remedies. I was lucky enuff the use gabapentin for a few days & got off suboxone completely. Thanks to Matt posting it as a relief of course. But be strong & let ur body heal. As for ur job if they judge u for trying to get better, they’re not nice. I won’t say God, but I will say the u i erse has its way of making everything better. U just have to tough it out. Good luck !
Brittney
Matt,
I found your article very helpful and I’m in desperate need of someone who is actually willing to help my husband be done with suboxone for good. Please email me privately so I can tell you in detail where we’ve been and where he currently is and need your opinion on what I should buy to help him or if I should take him to a regular doctor or what. Thank you!
Neal
Matt
Thanks for the great info. I have been off subutex now for 6 days. I got tired of taking the pills the docgave me but they did help. I was on metoprolol, catapress, and hydralzine. My biggest problem now is listless ness and depression and lack of energy. Will the kratom help with this or should I use some of the other supplements. I had been on subutex 6mg daily for about 2 years and suboxone film for about a year before that. I got detoxed with suboxone after a one year habit of norco10\325. 10-20 per day.
jessica
Thank you so much this was very helpful. I’m currently help my husband recover it’s been about 3 days. He’s been completely off of it. he’s having a really hard time with the restless leg syndrome. He’s been having really bad nausea. maybe some really serve back pain. If you have any more idea’s on how I can help him would be great!
Jim
Hey I’m recovering myself from 150mg a day of Oxycodone after years on it and the absolute best best things I found to work are: my doctor prescribed me Gabapentin 900mg daily and along with that Dlpa I use 5 hour energy shots less than 2 a day which are full of dlpa and lastly 5htp for sleep and mood with these 3 things I feel absolutely wonderful with no pain, no digestive issues and especially no restless leg which is due to the Gabapentin. Hope that helps I lived this misery many times over and can fully relate! Good luck!
Matt Finch
Yes I’ve heard from many people how well gabapentin worked for them. Here are articles on the some of the things you mentioned for others to check out if interested:
How To Use Gabapentin For Opiate Withdrawal
DLPA: A Miracle Supplement For Opiate Addiction Recovery
How To Use 5-HTP For Opiate Withdrawal
Paige
Thank you so much for this. My husband has been tapering down for the last 2.5 years(after taking 8 mg for a few years previously) and finally stopped taking suboxone completely. Initially he was just extremely tired and wanted to sleep a lot. About a week later the withdrawal symptoms started up. He’s currently doing his best to cope with the insomnia, mood swings, restlessness and anxiety. I just recently ordered Calm Support for him, hoping that this will help ease some of the symptoms
Matt Finch
You’re most welcome Paige. You’re a very kind wife and I wish your husband and you the best. Take care.
maddie
I can’t find the comment box. Sorry to intrude on someone else’s story. BUT I’ve been off suboxne for 2 weeks. I had to stop to have a surgery. Soooo. Now I’m fighting the creepy crawlers and headaches. And I’ve been fighting them with none other than. Yep. Hydro or percs! I don’t think I’m back at addiction point on these. And do t want to be! Just want to feel better!! I have Xanax. Which I take to help. I’m a single professional mother trying to keep it together. The irritability and creepy crawlers are really getting to me. Only taking a perc helps. When does it stop!?! I have pot. But don’t really want to test positive for THC if I end up having to go to the doctor for help. I know I’m almost over the hump. But buying pills on the street just isn’t cutting it. Where can I get Kratom. And these other things. HELP ME!
Mike
You can find decent Kratom vendor online. Most operate is Southeast Asia so it will take at least a few days to receive package. I haven’t taken Kratom since Suboxone has been so easily available. If you don’t like the tastes of herbs buy the capsules.
Jamie
Hi Maddie,
I feel your pain, as I’m currently detoxing from suboxone (I was on it for about 4 years and weened myself down to less than a 1/4mg the last few days) and it’s no joke that’s for sure. Kratom and gabapentin have been extremely helpful. I have a friend that imports kilos of Kratom so if u want it faster Than getting it overseas, I can get it to u in a day or two and then you don’t have to worry about it taking too long. I’d be happy to get u any info u would like. He uses PayPal, it’s the best way he’s found so far. I feel for you. I have cats and sometimes can’t find the energy to feed them or me, so you’re amazing for doing this as a single professional mother. More power to you!! Since its been two weeks already, it seems as if your brain is now in the healing and rewiring phase, building new neuropathways. From what others have told me this doesn’t last terribly long. If you don’t mind me asking, what mg did u jump from?
Jay
Ive been on suboxene since 2009 and quit cold turkey and i had to work thru it. Im fine till this day!:) mind over matter withdraws lasted only 4 days im suprised cuz i was on it for years..I feel your stuggles and hope everybody gets thru the addiction…
andrew
that is such bs and impossible symptoms don’t even start till day 3-4 because of the short half life. You say since 2009? I call bs
BRANDON LUJAN
I cannot believe you had no withdrawal symptoms. I am about to quit Suboxone for the 2nd time. Down to 1mg a day. When it’s been longer than 24 hrs I start to feel like absolute dog shit. Watery eyes, chills, hot cold flashes, body feels like it’s dying. You say it’s all in your head, I say that is impossible. It’s impossible you have no withdrawal. What are you taking to keep you from withdrawal?
Kat
Hello! First of all thank you for the very valuable information. I am on a different medication – norco – so my withdrawal is probably not nearly as bad as others but I’m still miserable. I have 2 questions – I experience a lot of coughing as soon as I run out – do you have anything to recommend for that? Regular otc cough syrups don’t touch it, obviously. Also, is there anything else besides grapefruit juice to use with the kratom? Like orange juice? Thanks for your time!
Matt Finch
I’ve also heard that turmeric is a kratom potentiator. And for the cough, I’m not sure what could help since otc medications don’t even help. Oh, and my friend took kratom with orange juice and she said it amplified the effects for her…a lot!
Melissa
I make Kratom smoothies for my husband. I use two tablespoons of kratom with a couple veggies and fruit with apple juice and it seems to help him a lot
Tiffany
Where can you get all the stuff you are saying. I want my life back sub is the hardest I’ve ever had to get off of
Matt Finch
Tiffany this site has kratom: Top Extracts Review
Robert
Matt, as of this writing my son is going thru withdrawal. He has no appetite, therefore, what would you recommend for him to eat. I thank you in advance for your response.
Matt Finch
If it were me in that situation, I would drink protein shakes. Such as apple juice, strawberry, banana, and whey protein mixed together in a blender. Disclaimer: This is for informational use, and is not medical advice. Always consult with a doctor before using foods during opiate withdrawal.
Justin
As simple as it sounds, for a cough, try tea or hot water with LOTS AND LOTS of honey, I am a smoker and I understand that problem, WD”s make my nose run and I get a cough. Also, a strong, acidic lemonade can get the mucous out of your throat. Follow that up with some honey and you should be good to go! I know it seems really simple, but it works wonders, hope I helped!
suez
Mr. Matt Finch, thank you for your helpt. You have no idea how much you are needed. We have a healthcare system that is very deficient in helping those who suffer in silence. I cannot being to tell you the dead-ends that a mother goes through in a system that is totally uncaring, and yet I worked in it. Shame on us. The Suboxone is now governed by psychiatrists and God knows how some are milking those who cannot help themselves and yet they know this. I can only hope and pray that Karma catches up with them. It is a tough journey. The HIPAA law surely is no help for those who care. Dr. Drew is a hope but he is there for the rich and famous….who is here for those less fortunate?
Matt Finch
Thanks so much. I’m glad this article was of value to you. And I hope the field of addiction treatment makes a lot of progress in the future…because it sure can use it.
Erin
Do you know if lozol which is a blood pressure medication would be helpful in substitute of what you recommend as I have a prescription for that but have been hesitant to take it because I know some medicines can have an adverse effect
I want my life back
I’ve also been taking a multi-vitamin,B12, & Magnisuim (sp?)
I want my life back
I have been taking 2-3 mg/day for the last yr or so (this time). Today is Wednesday & the last I had was 2mg last Friday @ 6am. So I’m just wondering should I start back tapering or just keep going since I’ve cold turked this long? My back is killing me. I’ve been using xanax, Imodium ad, advil, zanaflex & trazadone to help with the withdraws so far. HELP!
Matt Finch
It’s really up to you what to do with your body. I missed this comment as it slipped past and I just now saw it. I hope everything is going well with you.
HOPE
THANK YOU SO MUCH!! Finally, someone that provides help & encouragement to get off of these meds!! I was able to get off all of my meds except subs (lowest dose) for my 2 pregnancies, but after both of my perfect boys were born, docs convinced me I needed to be back on anti depressants, anti anxiety, full 8mg suboxone, & mood stabilizers because my brain didn’t “have the ability to do those things on its own.” But knowing that functioning as a mother & wife depends on these meds is making me more depressed than i’ve ever been. I am getting more anxiety & stress from being on meds that I am ashamed of being on. And the kicker… The best i felt was during my pregnancies, when I was almost off of everything! I have been on n off these meds for almost 10 YEARS! I NEED MY LIFE BACK! I want to be me again!!! Thank you so much for making this website & sharing this information. As soon as I can figure out the most cost effective way to do this, I’m going to start shopping! I have almost an entire decade worth of rebuiding to do, so it’s going to take a long time to recoop!
Matt Finch
I’m so glad this has helped you!!!! Your mindset is in the right place. Take care!
MovingOn
Matt,
First off, I have to say a huge thank you for sharing this wealth of information for free. There’s no price tag large enough, and if we could afford it we’d pay it, but years of paying Dr fees and prescription fills have likely left us all in a tough spot financially. If I told you what my last dose was about a week ago, which is where I completely jumped off, you’d all call me crazy! I found myself in a familiar situation yet again, out if films a week before my next appointment only this time my Dr said absolutely no early script. In the last 12 years I’ve been thru Dr after Dr starting with percocet, in to vicodin, then oxys, then phentanyl patches with oxys and vicodin for breakthru pain…..I was a walking zombie. Other then my spouse nobody had the first clue I had more opiates in my body than any one human should. But then I decided enough was enough…..unfortunately my body felt different. I stopped cold turkey and the withdrawal was so severe I literally thought I was going to die. My PCP recommended Methadone. Right about that time a suboxine clinic opened up close by and I was one of their very first patients.That was a little over 8 years ago. But last week I knew it was now or never and I’ve heard the horror stories that detox from sub’s can be even worse than opiates. That night I found your site, stocked up on some of the OTC items you shared and other than a little sleep deprivation, I feel amazing! I’ve been getting about 4-5 hours of sleep every night and a little cat nap here and there during the day. Vitamin C, Turmeric, 5-HTP, Immodium AD of course and 1000 mg of Valerian Root which helped me sleep. To anyone reading this who is scared, I feel for ya….but both your mind and your body must both be ready to get through this. I haven’t even made it to the other side yet, but I know I’m not going back on Suboxone. I’ve wasted so many years and I’m ready to move on. I wish everyone the best of luck, be strong in mind, body and spirit and you’ll make it too!
Matt – thank you again for sharing, this road would have been a lot harder to navigate without your words of wisdom ❤
Matt Finch
Wow what an incredible story!!! Thanks so much for sharing your experience using these OTC medications and dietary supplements, as I’m sure it will help many other readers. And what you’ve accomplished is totally extraordinary! Well done!
I LOVE hearing about these success stories, and I sincerely appreciate you taking the time to write about your experience in such detail. Best of luck to you on your journey! 🙂
Judy
Hope – I also weaned down to 1.5mg before my son was born. Luckily, my doctor only convinced me to go back up to 4mg after, but I am still kicking myself that I didn’t just continue to wean all the way off when I was so close.
Motherhood comes with enough guilt as it is and adding these medications only makes it worse. My doctor also doesn’t think I am ready to wean off of suboxone and also pushed me to start Prozac. I took it for a week and felt like a zombie. I cancelled my next appointment with him and am determined to wean all the way off with the suboxone I have. It’s a shame that my addiction DOCTOR is unable/unwilling to help me with my addiction, but that seems to just be the case. Either way, I just wanted to say that I know how you feel.
Thank you for this article! It has truly given me the confidence to get off suboxone for good!
Natasha
This is what I would like to say to you my friend,
LIFE is so much better without those drugs.
DO IT FOR YOU> DO IT FOR YOUR FAMILY> DO IT FOR GOD. WHO HAS BLESSED YOU WITH SO MANY GIFTS TO SHARE WITH OTHERS>:)
Have you noticed, every place has taken GOD out of the equation! NO religion required. You’ll know when GOD is speaking with you!
DON’T EVEN BEGIN TO THINK THAT YOU CAN DO THIS WITHOUT GOD”S LOVE:)
THIS COULD BE YOUR VERY BARRIER TO GETTING YOUR SENSES BACK!
JUST SIT BACK AND CALL ON GOD:)
Be safe my friend.
Natasha
GMB
If you are reading this and you have a tendency to be addicted to opioids, kratom is not safe for you to use if you are trying to get clean. Many “remedies” listed here are just to relieve symptoms temporarily and are not long term solutions. My friend got addicted to kratom, took immodium in high doses to fend off withdrawal from that, and was put on suboxone for three years because of the kratom and immodium. Please do not use kratom, and if you want to actually get clean, do yourself a favor: get real help and don’t be your own doctor. Seek an integrative approach that brings wellness in your mind, body and spirit. Here is a link about kratom, if you find it unsatisfactory do a little more research yourself, please.
http://www.narconon.org/drug-abuse/kratom-signs-symptoms.html
Matt Finch
Kratom is a natural plant (member of the coffee family). While it can become addictive, what would be healthier for your body to be taking everyday…pharmaceuticals or a natural plant? Just food for thought.
Celph14
Amen to that . And for people saying Kratom is addicting. Everything is addicting coffee for one. Kratom falls under the category of mild withdrawals if you do abuse it and/or for too long. You got too cycle it. I’ve noticed mild withdrawals before from Kratom but it was my fault
hope
Can u pls help me Matt…I’ve been through this withdrawl many times & never suceeded. This time around, I’ve been on 2-3mg subox for the last yr or so. Every other month or so taking a short break for a few days by taking my norcos, which only last no more than a week. Last Friday @ 6am I took 2mg sub & then cold turkeyed. I wish I woulda found your tapering method before but unfortunatly I didnt. Today is Thursday 3pm & I feel like hell trying to take care of 2 small children & continue my busy life, which is almost impossible. Should I start back taking subs & do the tapering method or continue cold turkey like I am. I have been using xanax, trazadone, Imodium ad, multi vitamin, B12 , magnisuim (sp?), advil & zanaflex to help with withdraws. Any suggestions? Keep going cold turkey,start back & taper or go back to taking norcos? I have MS ,Fibro & 5 spots on my brain…so more tham likely unfortunately I will always have pain, but this is hell…Tia
rhonda k
I have been on suboxone for 2.5 yrs. Was addicted to tramadol which I was prescribed by my physician for back pain. I was told tramadol was safe and not addictive. That is furthest from the truth. I was on for 7 yrs at the highest dose that’s allowed. I built such a tolerance I started taking more than prescribed making me run out b4 my next script. That’s when I found out about tramadol withdrawal which I will tell u is horrible. I began buying vicodin on the street to avoid withdrawal until I was able to fill my tramadol script. Needless to say it became a vicious cycle and took over my life. Some1 told me about suboxone so I decided to get help. I’ve been tapering down my dose starting at 12mg now on 8mg. But I’m now stuck and scared to death to continue to taper. I feel like I just replaced one problem with another. I hate that I’m in this position abs just want my life back to where it was. I’m willing to listen to a taper plan from someone who experienced it personally. How they did it. How do I implement the suggestions in original post. What do I start first start do I take together etc. I won’t take benzos though. Someone please help me successfully get suboxone out of my life with the least withdrawal possible. Thanks in advance.
Rhonda
sam
Good luck
rhonda
Thank u
Matt Finch
This article may be of help:
How To Taper Off Suboxone Like a Champion
rhonda
I’ll check it out. Thanks so much.
Brandon
I started at 8mg a few years ago. Honestly it is way to much. Subox is so powerful. I am able to get down to 1mg a day. It takes time to get to 1mg. It can be done monthly. Dial down a mg. Every month. It let’s your body adapt. But where I struggle so badly is quitting after that one mg. Why is it so freaking difficult? It’s the physical pain that is the problem. But get down to 1mg a day and see how long you can go without it. It’s possible to get to the one mg. It’s after that where the nightmare begins. At least for me.
Melissa
In my opinion, anything can be addictive. Kratom is a natural resource that is helping many with chronic pain, drug withdrawals and so much more. Please educate yourself on Kratom! My suggestion with the use of kratom is DO NOT concentrate the dose. Mix it in a smoothie or milk shake. I think it distributes better.. If I take it concentrated I feel awful, if I space it out, it is so much better. My husband just tapered off of suboxone and the prominent symptom for him is sleeping and muscle pain, headaches an stuffy nose. I know this is going to be a challenge for us both while I am trying to support him through this as much as I can without getting aggravated and etc. Epsom salt, Ginseng, vitamins (mens one-a-day) and collagen (whole foods collagen) has actually helped with joint pain.. also working out helps your body release the toxins and relaxes your body more too. I just wanted to give my two cents, I wish everyone luck with coming off of this stuff!
rhonda
It’s funny as I’m thinking about trying the Kratom my local news channel just had a news segment on the dangers of Kratom. How it’s just as bad as herion and pills. Will I be again switching to another addiction. I want off these suboxone bad. But I dont want to end up on the same boat. Comments please.
Matt Finch
I’ve experimented with it numerous times and never even became close to getting addicted. However, some people get addicted to it. I’ve tried pills and heroin, and kratom is nowhere near as strong or addicting for me, but maybe for others it is. In my experience, three beers would get me more loopy than a large dose of kratom, though everyone is different.
rhonda kohne
What is the best way for me to go about getting Kratom. What is the best brand to buy. I am also wondering if the fact I get up every hour through out the night has to do with suboxone. I never sleep through the night, and I’m so tired the next day that I can fall asleep standing up. I’ve also become kinda sedentary and have no drive. I’ve gained 20 lbs. I lost all motivation and mentally drained. Can this all b from the suboxone? Thank u
Matt Finch
This is the company I like the most: Top Extracts
Brandon
Kratom does work. But it ends up costing a fortune. I mixed it with hazelnut cream and now the smell of any hazelnut makes me gag. Kratom was hands down the most horrific tasting thing I have ever put in my mouth. The pills are more expensive but it is worth it. Kratom made me feel like I was on percs. It’s powerful and definitely takes the withdrawal away. But it kills your stomach. Green bowel movements and constant bubbly stomach. If a legit method could be created that allowed the physical pain of withdrawal to not exist so many people would be successful. I am scared to death of what’s coming. I am about 3 weeks away from no suboxone. Even at 1mg a day it’s a nightmare to quit.
Celph14
Kratom is a beautiful plant no need to bash it. It has been the number one helper of me going through opiate withdrawals and I have done it at least 20 times through and through. If your friend got addicted to kratom then he simply abused it and did not use it responsibly Furthermore your friend Going on suboxone for kratom withdrawal doesn’t make any sense like kratom is NOT an opioid it’s an Antagonist and can mimic the effects of opiates in certain strains.
rhonda
I’m considering Kratom to help with my tapering off of suboxone. How well does it work for withdrawal. Ur personal experience
Marie
You are clearly not an addict and have never experienced suboxone withdrawals.
“Getting help” is not as easy as you make is seem when the “help” is a medication so strong that it takes months to years to recover from.
Keanu
How do I feel more comfortable while withdrawing?? This sucks
Keanu
I’ve been addiction for like half a year, and this is my third full day with no drugs. I snort it as well, and found it on the streets. Smoking cannabis eases the withdraw symptoms. I still feel like shit. Help, how long will this withdraw last?
Matt Finch
Was it Suboxone you were taking?
Kp
I feel like death. I look like death. I can hardly move. Never been addicted to opiates. Just suboxone. Been prescribed a few times but couldn’t afford what my insurance wouldn’t cover. So I hit the street and came by it fast. Going on 4 years on 8mg dose. I use it all different ways. By mouth. And sadly i learned from my dealer that up my nose works better. So I guess will my withdrawal be different?? Will these remedies still work on me? I’m desperate. In my head. Lack of sleep. Thank you.
Matt Finch
Kp I can’t imagine that your withdrawal would be different due to using it up your nose instead of the way it’s meant for. In my guess, it would be the same w/d symptoms, and the same remedies should still work.
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
Capt. Spoont
I imagine up the nose would work less, as. it would most likely be swallowed as it’s filled with binders, so the absorption rate would be minimal. I’ve been slamming it, but my veins have collapsed, so i now mix it in a 5ml and plug it… that works well. From experience, subx is by far the easiest op8 to detox from – it’s more like a bad flu than real withdrawal – but of course, if this is yr first addiction, it’s all relative, so it’ll hurt. IMO subx does take a while, but is minor. On h i couldn’t do anything at all except scream/cry/twitch/tear-up/restless legs etc etc. I’d take subx anyday. I’m quitting for the last time too. I’ve been on about 4-8mg per diem for a few months, but my dealer was killed the other day (luckily – i’d already picked up). I have a bit less than an 8 left, a bunch of clonodine, ganja. I’ll be fine.
Kaine
What works better for suboxone withdrawal, calm support and other opiate withdrawl medicines or Kratom?
Matt Finch
If it were me going through withdrawal, I would use both together.
T.Acco
I am currently down to a half a milligram, I have been taking lots of vitamins all water was told to put lemon juice or fresh lemons I’ve been doing that I have been unfortunately prescribed K-pin (I been on them for a few years unfortunately and I will be getting off of them as well soon as I kick this nasty habit but I will need to go away and I’m well aware of that one) as a lot of people I have children who are still young and need me 24/7 I was told to take hot baths and put lemon slices in my tub it helps release the toxins that are in your body. Have you heard of that? Today is Friday I took my last piece this morning at 5 a.m. I believe I have a babysitter for my youngest only until Sunday which suboxone has a long life line I have never did this before I begged my doctors both of them who are both shut down by the DEA to help wean me off I was given one subutex and that is it from the wonderful world of doctors who see money. Before drinking all the fluids my blood pressure was so low that I was admitted into the hospital and I finally confessed to them what I was going through and that’s who recommended the water with the lemon I got my blood pressure taken yesterday and for the first time it was average.
I’m not going to say I’m weak but I am so scared.. I started weaning myself off as of August 15th withdrawal after withdrawal after withdrawal every time I drop down finally it starts at 2 o’clock RLS, jitters, and very angry.
I am still sleeping 4 hour’s a night..
Is there any anything at all that you recommend that I do to help with this?
Matt Finch
Please refer to the following articles for recommendations:
How To Taper Off Suboxone Like a Champion
How To Stop Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome From Opiates
RollTide55
I was an opiate addict for 11 yrs b4 rehab 4 years ago, where I was introduced to saboxone. I have been debating stopping on my own but trust me it tough . honestly after I read this site I believe and started a regimen today..
Valerian root
L- tyrosine
B12 complex
. restless leg blend
And still taking very small doses of suboxone(.5) daily and slowly stepping off.
Do you have any suggestions or recommendations or something I may need to add? Thanks for helping me believe!!! #ONMYWAY#
Matt Finch
Congrats on your purchase of those supplements, and I love hearing you now believe! As for suggestions, please read the following articles:
DLPA: A Miracle Supplement For Opiate Addiction
Dark Chocolate is Amazing For Opiate Addiction Recovery
How To Use Passion Flower For Opiate Withdrawal
How To Taper Off Suboxone Like a Champion
Anonymous
What can help specifically with the cold sweats and chills?
Anonymous
Thanks! : )
Matt Finch
You got it!
JayDog311
clonidine works wonders for the chills/sweats/ as well as that awful feeling of panic during peak withdrawal. Try it, trust me it works
Gabrielle conte
I’ve been using heroin for 6 years I came out to California with 25 8mg subs in May. It’s now October. I took my last tiny piece 6 days ago. I’ve been taking about .75 mg a day for a couple months. I feel the restless legs and anxious all the time I can’t sleep but I’m not as sick as I ever was withdrawing before. . I think because I tapered for a long time. My real question is
How long will I feel restless how much longer till I start to feel better? Did I peak yet and will my process be shorter because I used minimal substance. I feel like it’s all in my head but I Need answers to I have some sort of idea what’s going to happen and when I’ll be okay for real life again.
Btw I don’t have any other wd effects except restless legs. Some hot cold sweats and lack of sleep with major anxiety
Matt Finch
I don’t know how much longer it will affect you because everyone is different, but perhaps the following two articles can help:
How To Taper Off Suboxone Like a Champion
How To Stop Restless Legs From Opiate Withdrawal
Michael Rep.
My name is Michael, I am on 8mg a day of suboxin, I went down 1mg thinking weening off would be the right course. I am active in recovery and am ready to get off this stuff. I am open to using anything to help with the discomfort. Including pot. I would like any suggestions anyone could give me . This is the FIRST place I have found some awesome help. I felt really alone with the suboxin . There isnt allot of good advice even in the rooms of recovery or the DR office. So here we go one day at a time. I dont want to miss a bunch of work if i can push through and show up that would be good. I do have time off if I need it. Thank you in advance
Matt Finch
Micheal I want to warmly welcome you to this website resource, and I honor you for the courage it takes to do what you’re doing. I believe the following article might be of value to you, and I encourage you to give it a look. If you have any questions, please post them I and will personally respond in a timely manner.
How To Taper Off Suboxone Like a Champion
Michelle L
I don’t get sick. My legs are so restless iwant to scream. I’m a single mother to two small children so I need to still be up to par as I start this detox process from suboxone. Unfortunately I don’t have the money for all of these products but I am going to bath in epsine salts after they go to sleep. I’m so exhausted all day long also what can help with exhaustion and restless legs?
Matt Finch
Please read the following articles for exhaustion and Restless Leg Syndrome:
How To Get Your Energy Back After Quitting Opiates
How To Stop Restless Legs From Opiate Withdrawal
Michelle L
Thank you!
Matt Finch
🙂
Lucas paigo
Anyone try opiate freedom centers products? They have a stack of three supplements, active, attitude and rest for morning, afternoon and night. I see some of the same ingredients that you mentioned plus some others. Was planning on using calm support and Dlpa, than came across their website and wanted a bit more info, but can’t find it outside their website. Please help.
Matt Finch
Hi there Lucas,
I’ve had one other person ask me about these products. I have reviewed that entire website, and in my opinion the products are just OK. In my opinion, they are truly lacking some important nutrients in the products they have. If they were truly amazing, I would be writing about them and recommending them on my articles. However, I don’t believe they are near the best ones out there.
That being said, they are still good products, and could be beneficial, I just think there are much better ones.
Anonymous
Help
Michelle Henry
My husband is going through withdrawals from stopping suboxone. Your list is long and helpful. What top 3-4 over the counter medications you recommend that he should take to help relieve his depression, fatigue, and insomnia which he has right now. I was thinking DLPA & 5HTP for depression, and Valerian Root for insomnia. Any others?
Matt Finch
Hi Michelle,
The supplements you mentioned can work well for depression, cravings, and insomnia. Some other remedies I like are passion flower, mucuna pruriens, and Asian ginseng.
Also, please read the following article:
Best Herbs For Opiate Withdrawal, Tapering, and PAWS
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.
jacksparrow
i have some kratom,i plan to use kratom for sleep only when going through suboxone withdrawal,i want to use kratom for only a week,but i heard that kratom will prolong the withdrawal?is that true??
Matt Finch
If kratom is used the correct way it acts as a gentle step-down approach off stronger opioids. If used incorrectly, it can prolong withdrawals. Please read the following article:
How To Use Kratom For Opiate Withdrawal
Dobber
Got sober 4/9/94. Ten years later started with knee problems and after 13 surgeries was on 850 mil of OxyContin and Oxycodone a day. Once I tapered to 150 mil a day I couldn’t seem to take it any farther. Was also losing my mind. Dr. Put me on Suboxone. That was four years ago. My Dr. Retired at end of May. I had already decided to tapper starting last April. At .75 mil a day right now I am starting to feel definite withdrawl. My tapper schedule calls for 25 % reductions every 6 days. That will put me making jump in about 4 weeks. I am going to get katom and elimidol. My ? Is does this plan sound realistic without me climbing the walls. I have 30 mils of sub films left. Great site lets you know you are not alone. Lar
meg
Thank u for this..i tapered down on subs n im on day 5 without it…i feel so so but the insomnia n restless leg is terrible…i feel like im over the hump but not sure …which of these would u say works best for insomnia n restless leg?
Matt Finch
Please read the following article:
How To Stop Restless Legs From Opiate Withdrawal
Nipper
If you can go to your PC and get Clonidine and something like Ativan which I did was just honest with him and he was more than willing to help,was on subs for 3 years and jumped off after tapering to about 2 mgs/day but it has really helped last day was July 27 feel little tired but other than that pretty decent
meg
I’m so thankful for this article! Im on day 12 without heroin and day 5 without suboxen…i tapered off the sub pretty well n i feel so so but the insomnia n restless leg is terrible! I just want to feel normal again….ive actually been doing a few of these but def gonna try some more! Thank you!
lorrie
I just purchased the krater and elimidol. I will stay close.
Matt Finch
Sounds great Lorrie.
lauri
Thank you for this list. I have searched the internet so many time and am petrified to move forward. I tried to stop once 3 years ago and i couldn’t do it. I was vomiting every 30 minutes. It was hell. I want to finally get off this awful evil drug.
Where do I start??
Matt Finch
Hi Lauri,
It all starts with a decision. “I WILL NO LONGER LIVE LIKE THIS!!!” Please read the following article to learn where to begin:
Within You Is Greatness: 6 Steps To Quitting Opiates For Good
Dick
This is probably the 20th+ attempt at living clean. The oxycotin started it and the suboxone is ending it. 9 days clean using your non narcotic remedy. 3 days ago I was ready to run through a wall, now I am back to work. I never entered a rehab or attended meatings, I no this did not help, it is amazing what you can hide from your spouse of 35 years.
Matt Finch
Thanks for sharing a bit of your history Dick. And it is in fact amazing what people are capable of hiding. Opiate addiction is commonly hidden from spouses and others. So glad you are now 9 days clean using the non narcotic remedy! Take care.
Sarah
Where can I find Ibogaine? I am out of suboxone and have been wanting to stop for a very long time. I’m so scared. Cannot miss work but do not want to be a slave to this medication any more! Please please someone help. I’ve never been as scared as I am now
Matt Finch
Just Google “ibogaine treatment centers”. There are several in Mexico, Canada, Puerto Rico, and other countries where it is not regulated.
lorrie
I am here with you! I looked up the same drug and you have to stop Sub 7- 15 days before you even try this drug. Thats what the website said. Maybe there is another way ???
Samantha
How do I know which Kratom to buy? I have been on suboxine for about 2 years, and have decided to quit. I am on day 2 and just preparing myself.
Matt Finch
Hi Samantha, please read the following article:
How To Use Kratom For Opiate Withdrawal
Anonymous
were you successful? its takes min of 7 days before its off of your receptors and are in full withdrawal
Erika
Hey Matt! I wanted to let you know that I made it to day 14. I finally turned a corner for the better today! I feel almost normal now. Your story, along with others, were very inspirational for me. I wanted to thank you again for everything you do. Please keep up the fantastic work! It really means a lot to know someone out there is
on your side.
Matt Finch
Thanks for the update Erika!!! Wow that’s so amazing to read this wonderful news…I’m so proud of you! To feel almost normal after 14 days is truly remarkable. You really used a great mix of remedies that apparently worked well for you.
I’m also really happy to hear the story’s were inspirational for you! And I sincerely appreciate your kind words…I’ll always be on your side. 🙂
Kay
Hello Matt, I have been on Buprenorphine (generic Subutex) for a little over a year now. My doctor started prescribing it to me for chronic pain, and just recently the state I live in passed a new law that prohibits this drug from being prescribed for any off label use. The same doctor has been prescribing me Klonopin, Trazodone and Xanax for years for a severe panic disorder. Subsequently, the doctor that was prescribing all this to me also is giving up his practice so I am just kind of left hanging, so to speak. I started out on 8mg a day of the Buprenorphine and am down to 4mg a day and only have about a months worth left @ that mg per day. I know it would help me greatly if I could still be on the other medications, but now it seems I will be withdrawing from all of it at the same time. HELP!!! I know I will be going through pure hell!! I have been taking Klonopin for over 20 years (very small dose, 1mg 1X a day) and the other medications for over 10 years also. Do you have any suggestions for me at all? I have read all of your suggestions, however I have no idea where to find most, if any, of the supplements you suggest. I just want to do the best I can to get these things out of my system without going through the horrible pain/discomfort that I know will be involved. Any help for anyone would be greatly appreciated.
Blue seas
@Kay says, I so feel your pain. I have no insurance and have lost my job so now I can’t afford to go to the doctor. I have been on suboxone and kolonapin for years now. I do want to stop taking or depending on all medications but the fear of the withdrawal process scares me to death. I do nothing but lay around my house these days. I have never been so depressed in my life. I also have 2 little girls and this is not the example I want to set for them. I also do not know where to find half of the things I read about and also do not have a lot of money to spend on these things. I just really related to you when I read your comment. If you have any suggestions for me please let me know. Good luck on your journey…
Johnny V
Hello . Thanks for your reply. First I want to say you sound like a respectfull mom. But it is a bad monkey on our backs. In your case without insurance you would need to apply for assistance some how with 2 children and no job. Then there are meds like clonodine for withdrawals. But I can tell you by what I was taking 3 subs a day for 9 years down to.a quarter a day was battle. But strong mind and determination will be first priority . What I would do is take over the counter pain relives and walk or try to exercise even with you kids to keep them in the loop. That will build up your endorphins. That’s the natural high you will get to feel a little better. I myself have been doing acupuncture and Chinese herbal concoctions at about 20 bucks a session. I think you might be over the worst. But you will get through it. Not sure on how much and how long you’ve been doing but 1 sub has a 2 day half life. Meaning it can take 5 days of a shit storm. But you will get through it. Please let me know how you make out. I’m in Wakefield Ma. Where are you from if I’m not being to foward. Best of luck and hope you feel better soon. God bless you !
Lisa
Hey I am in thr same boat… Lost my job and off subs. Not because I wanted too, but because i lost my job and insurance. Today is 28 days for me. My back hurts today went to sons wrestling tournament and sitting on bleachers for 6 hours has me in tears. When will I feel better?
Erika
Hey Matt, it’s Erika again. I was wondering how much ginseng is recommended?
Matt Finch
Hi again Erika. About 6-12 droppers of Ginseng Sublime.
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
Erika
Thank you for the info, Matt. It has truly been a lifesaver. I’m on day 5 w/o subs and am beginning to feel better. I weened myself down to .25mg and jumped. yesterday i went out and bought DLPA, L-Tyrosine, L-Theanine, 5 HTP, Passion Flower, Immodium AD, and Epsom Salt. They sure have improved my mood! I know I’m going to make it!
Matt Finch
You’re very welcome for the info Erika. I’m so glad that combination of remedies are improving your mood! Those are some of my absolute favorites. Well done! You’re totally going to make it!!! Congrats to you. Take care.
PAT
I’m trying to get of suboxone for a couple o years now and i could only stay not less than 2 mg a day, i’m also taking a lot of medication trazodone, gabapentin, mirtazepine, clonidine, lisonopril, pristiq . What do I do to taper sub to zero? my Dr. just keep given me more meds and i can’t stand anymore. From your list i don’t even know if my meds can interact to it. Help!!!
Matt Finch
Hi PAT,
Please read the following articles:
How To Get Off Suboxone Without Withdrawal
Why Getting Off Suboxone Was Easy For Me
Suboxone Taper Plan: 4 Pillars Method
These articles can assist you to transition off Suboxone. As far as the meds you’re on interacting with supplements, always check with your doctor before taking these.
Joe
I used pain meds for 13 years and have been on suboxone for 10 years…..I’m sick and tired of being sick….my suboxone Dr bailed on his practice and I don’t want to do this anymore….I’m down to 4mgs.a day and am preparing to stop…I’ve been through many withdrawal stages and I really need to know the best recipe for me being a long term user…I am dedicated to stopping but fear the road ahead without the proper help.
Matt Finch
Hi Joe,
I hear you loud and clear. You’re sick of all this nonsense. I urge you to read the following articles to help you get off Suboxone:
How To Get Off Suboxone Without Withdrawal
Suboxone Taper Plan: 4 Pillars Method
mandy
Where do I get the Kratom?
Matt Finch
Hi Many,
A great website that sells high-quality kratom is:
KratomUnderground.com
Jane
Just checked out the Kratom site. They offer several varietals (?). Is there one you Wld recommend?
Been on subs for 8+ yrs. 16mg down to 1/32 of an 8mg strip.
Melissa
Red Vein helps with pain more, white helps with energy and anxiety more. There are some that mix the strains, Bahli is a good one. I have used BotanicalWellness.com and Mmm, Speciosa. Also, I recommend reading reviews on the different strains (if people have posted any), it can help to determine if that is what you are looking for.
You can make a Kratom smoothie, milkshake or even a tea. There are all kinds of recipes for taking Kratom doses since Kratom doesn’t really taste the greatest.
Erika
I went to order from hat site u suggested and it said “not for human consumption”…is it their way of disclaiming what this is really for? Is it truly safe to consume?
Matt Finch
They put that to avoid any hassle from the FDA and FTC. By putting that it’s not for human consumption, they avoid a lot of potential legal stuff. Please ask your health care provider if it is something you should try. I have used it many times and have never had a negative experience.
nate
I love this site found kratom for suboxone withdrawal been on 8mg of sub for a year and half on day 8 with no sub with just using 3 grams of kratom a day with a couple clonadine and its amazing takes away 90 percent of my symptoms thank you matt for all the information it helped
Matt Finch
Nate I’m so happy to read your comment! That’s amazing you’re on day 8 with no Suboxone only using a tiny bit of kratom and some clonidine. A 90% symptom reduction is simply outstanding. Glad the info on this website helped you out. Take care Nate.
Tara
Can you tell me how you recommend taking all of these items, when, & the doses?
Matt Finch
Hi Tara,
I’ve written many articles with dosing protocols on many of the items on this list. You’ll find them in the following blog categories:
Natural Remedies For Opiate Withdrawal
Medications For Opiate Withdrawal
Opiate Withdrawal Supplements
mary
Matt, I love this site and often refer members of the groups I’m in (suboxone/recovery groups) with the link. I am also tapering off of suboxone myself.
I have a few question/comments. First, about passionflower and clonidine. According to the NIH (national Institute of health ) taking passionflower with clonidine when used for opiate withdrawal, increases the effectiveness of the clonidine.
Another comment is about 5htp and l-tyrosine; it has been brought to my attention that these should be used togethrr. One being for dopamine and the other for seratonin production. If you use only one and not the other this could lead to being deficient in seratonin or dopamine .
Now for my questions.
Since dlpa turns into tyrosine is is ok to take both. I am currently using 5htp, dlpa (because it has pain relieving properties ) and l-tyrosine. Should I leave one of the last 2 out?
I am also using ashwashwagandha and rhodiola now as I taper. I am hoping they will help with energy. Should I wait to take these when I stop suboxone or is it ok to use as I taper.?
my last question; do I need to add mucuna pruriens if I am already using l-tyrosine & dlpa. Don’t they essentially do the same thing?
Matt Finch
Hi Mary,
I’m so thankful you are getting good info on this site and sharing it with your groups. I remember your previous comments and questions you’ve posted.
Isn’t that incredible about the passion flower and clonidine study? I reference to it in my article:
How To Use Passion Flower For Opiate Withdrawal
And I’ve heard the same thing as you regarding the use of 5-HTP and L-tyrosine in combination to avoid a serotonin deficiency (though I’ve always used dopamine precursors myself without serotonin supplements and have still felt amazing.)
As for your questions:
It is ok to take everything you listed together. DLPA, L-tyrosine, 5-HTP, ashwagandha and rhodiola. The best time to take all of these is NOW, and for 1-6 months after you come off Suboxone entirely. The neurotransmitter supplements can help correct brain chemistry imbalances which can improve your mood. The two adaptogen herbs you listed can help return your body to homeostasis, which can result in more energy production and more.
Since you are using DLPA and L-tyrosine the mucuna pruriens isn’t necessary, though could still be helpful. Mucuna is actually more powerful than L-tyrosine in my opinion. I took a wonderful formula that isn’t available anymore which had all three of these together and it worked very well.
Mary, I just wrote an article that you would benefit from reading if you haven’t already done so:
The Best Addiction Recovery Book in the Universe! Why Supplements May Be The Most Important Part of A Recovery Program
Dr. Chales Gant, the author of the book I review, used some of the supplements you are taking and more with his patients in New York and had an 83% success rate! Since you are into supplements I HIGHLY RECOMMEND reading his book. It will revolutionize the way you view addiction, and hopefully it will you get off Suboxone!
Good luck Mary. And as always, please continue to post any questions you need answered. Have a great day.
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
Stephanie
You’re definitely right about that being a lot of info to take in…espically when my brain is not at full function. Here I thought Subuxone was my cure…after 2 years, I’ve found out the hard way, that its not. I guess my first question is, of all the remedies you’ve listed, which should I initially start with, and is there a certain order to go in, or do I need to try all of the above at once. The hardest symptoms for me to handle are 1) sore, achey limbs, legs espically, and especially when I still have to go to work and take care of my 2 young children 2) cold sweats; I’m ok with being cold or sweating, but both at once is one of the worst feelings I’ve ever had and 3) lack of energy; not only do I have a full time job, but I also have a 4 and an 8 year old, so no matter how i feel, I still have to be a mother….which is no easy task when I have zero energy, achy limbs, blurry vision, and dirrhea….is there a better combo to help myself stay functioning, without the option of an inpatient treatment center? I know that was several queations …again, my brain is NOT at full function at the moment! Any advice is greatly appreciated!
Chris
With your in home remedies from b12, dlpa to l-theanine can these all be taken together? What would be your recco without taking benzos?
Matt Finch
Yes if it were me I would take them together.
Patrick k
I jus wanted to add, that I found that men’s bycycling / workout pants (compression pants) seemed to work pretty well for me when it came to the restless legs. The added pressure from them really went a long way, helped for sleeping as well. Atleast for me. Hope this may help someone!
jesse
Just wondering, is ibogaine an effective treatment for suboxon? It’s a halusinagen available at walmart, or open market.
Mary Price - Certified OAS Recovery Specialist
Jesse,
Ibogaine treatment can be a very effective treatment for some. However, the are risks involved so it should only be administered by an ibogaine treatment center where your health can be monitered. This is not something that should be tried at home!
~Mary
OAS RECOVERY SPECIALIST
Anonymous
Hello. So, I am actually about to begin a medical detox outpatient with my Dr. However, I am so very nervous about this journey. I have been taking this particular opiod medication for sometime. I also take other prescribed medications for things such as high blood pressure etc etc. Atenonol, an Hydrochlorothiazide for high blood pressure. Would I still be allowed to A. Use some of these remedies while being blind detoxed to ease the pain , and discomfort of withdrawal? and B. While taking my prescribed high blood pressure medications? I am aware that detox on any level, can and does affect the blood pressure. It would be important to continue taking that medication as prescribed, correct?