I was once a lost soul, battling addiction for years with seemingly no escape. I went through a lot of pain and suffering but managed to pull it together and come out on the other side. It’s been over three years since I abused opiates. My life and identity are completely different, as I made a huge shift in my health, psychology, and consciousness.
Over the past three-plus years, I’ve obtained the following professional certifications:
- Certified Substance Abuse Counselor
- Certified Strategic Intervention Coach
- Certified Level 2 Qigong Instructor
- Certified Advanced Food-Based Healing Instructor
I spent the last few years researching all of the best medication-based and natural remedies for opiate withdrawal. As a result, I’ve created a ton of informative articles that have helped many individuals recover from opiate addiction. I learned A LOT, and now the time has come for me to share with you one of my favorite combinations of opiate withdrawal remedies, which I refer to as “The Finch Formula”.
The Finch Formula Ingredients
After studying herbs, vitamins, minerals, amino acids and other supplements for quite some time, I’ve learned which ones offer the best benefits for opiate withdrawal. And as a result of my personal experience and research, I’ve also found the greatest medications for opiate withdrawal. The Finch Formula is a combination of natural remedies and medications that, when used together, have the ability to stop 80-100% of your withdrawal symptoms.
The Finch Formula consists of the following:
- Klonopin (or another benzodiazepine class drug such as Valium, Xanax or Ativan) – Prescription medications that decrease anxiety and insomnia and relax muscles.
- Loperamide HCL – An over-the-counter medication that acts like an opiate on the stomach, thereby stopping diarrhea and stomach cramping/pain.
- Opiate Withdrawal Formula – A concentrated, high-quality opiate withdrawal supplement that contains herbs, vitamins, minerals, amino acids and other supplements shown to help alleviate the following symptoms: anxiety, insomnia, nausea, sore muscles, hot and cold flashes, depression, fatigue, Restless Leg Syndrome.
- DL-Phenylalanine – Also known as DLPA, it’s an amino acid supplement that increases dopamine and endorphin levels in the body, thus reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings, and significantly enhancing mood.
- Exercise – Walking, swimming, weight-training and yoga are just a few examples of exercises that can help. Exercise kick-starts your body’s natural painkilling system and stimulates the production of endorphins (your body’s natural opiates).
- Hot baths – Soothes sore and aching muscles and limbs, calms the nervous system, reduces anxiety and insomnia.
How to Use The Finch Formula
The Finch Formula is a true life-saver. If you use this remedy as outlined below, you will likely have an easy and perhaps even pleasant time coming off opiates. I created The Finch Formula based on the power of synergy. All of the components together make an extraordinary mix that has super-opiate-withdrawal-symptoms-relieving-benefits.
Step 1
Take the Opiate Withdrawal Supplement on an empty stomach every morning and night during opiate withdrawal. Start taking Klonopin or another benzodiazepine medication on the first day. Make sure to take enough to make you fall asleep, but be extremely careful to not take too much.
Start off with a high dose, then lower the amount you take every day until day 4, then stop. You shouldn’t need it anymore at this point. Click on the blue links under The Finch Formula ingredients section to learn more about using these benzodiazepine medications.
Step 2
Take 1,000-2,000 mg of DLPA
on an empty stomach an hour before meals up to 3 times daily during opiate withdrawal. Most people benefit from taking DLPA for at least 1-3 months after coming off opiates. This will supply your body with an abundance of dopamine and endorphins, the two primary mood-enhancing neurotransmitters that become severely deficient during opiate withdrawal.
Step 3
Take hot baths or dips in the jacuzzi as much as you can while using The Finch Formula for opiate withdrawal. Doing so can greatly reduce muscle soreness and aching limbs. It can also help to relax your nervous system and promote better sleep. If you really want to supercharge the benefits take an Epsom salt
bath. Epsom salt is a pure mineral compound consisting of magnesium sulfate.
Taking one of these special baths can promote the production of ATP (increases energy) and serotonin (makes you feel emotionally relaxed), flush toxins from the body, and improve the absorption of nutrients. Pour 2 cups of Epsom salt into a hot bath and soak for as long as the water is hot (20-40 minutes).
Step 4
Use loperamide HCL
as often as you need to stop diarrhea during opiate withdrawal, but only take the bare minimum needed to achieve this. You shouldn’t need to use it anymore after the fourth day. To learn more about dosing guidelines Click Here.
Step 5
Start exercising as soon as you feel ready. This really helps you produce endorphins, which are our bodies natural painkillers (natural opiates). Exercise is one of the most powerful home remedies for opiate withdrawal. Bypassing this important step will surely impede your progress, so make sure to do a type of exercise you enjoy, that way you will be more likely to stick with it.
What If You Can’t Get Benzodiazepines?
If you aren’t able to get Klonopin or other benzodiazepine medications, don’t worry…the rest of the ingredients together will still help A LOT. Having an anti-anxiety medication helps, but the Calm Support has passion flower and valerian root in it, which are two herbs that act in a similar fashion to these drugs.
There is also another natural supplement that can be substituted for Klonopin or other “benzos” in The Finch Formula…
Phenibut
Phenibut is a Central Nervous System (CNS) depressant and derivative of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that produces feelings of calmness and tranquility. GABA inhibits nerve transmission in the brain, thus calming nervous activity.
I often refer to GABA as the brain’s “natural Klonopin”. However, since Klonopin and other anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) medications in the benzodiazepine class of drugs bind to GABA receptors, one could also refer to Klonopin as “unnatural GABA”. Phenibut is a powerful benzo alternative. Make sure to click on the link above to learn more about this supplement if you can’t get benzos.
Questions on Using The Finch Formula
If you have any questions about using the Finch Formula for opiate withdrawal, please post them in the comment box below.
Click here now to view my best home detox program.
I would like to say that lemon balm is a natural supplement that is shown to increase gaba and lift nervous exhaustion/debility as well as depression. I’ve taken a mixture of lemon balm and skullcap to help me sleep after dealing with seroquel withdrawal and it has been incredible the changes. those combined with melatonin has been a good way for me to find sleep while my body safely detoxed from the drug.
I was wondering which people find bettet….
The Finch Formula or the Thomas Recipe
Hey Matt. Ive been going through the on again off again opiate addiction problem for 13 years now. I was good for a year and the last 6 months ive been hooked again. I have recently tried stopping the diesel then taking 1 large dose of methadone to try to see if acts like a suboxone or subutex. It makes me feel good for like 3 days then the symptoms start. I should expect that though considering its a long acting opiate. I was hoping, while taking Valium as needed on the side I could get through. But then today on day 4 I relapsed and did a whole bundle and felt nothing. I still have a slight runny nose and minimal chills , but I can sleep. I work as a garbage man 2 days a week and a mover 3 days a week I cannot miss a day of work. I also live with my 90 year old grandmother and it would break he and the rest of my families heart if they knew what I was up to because im good at hiding it. But getting through the work day is hard. I have zero access to bupe which one or two subs gets me completely clean, so all I have is about .4g of good cannabis and about 9 10mg valiums. I have no way to get any of the other items BC my paycheck is owed it already. With the weather getting cold and having to work hard I don’t know what to so. My last dose was 4 hours ago and I feel like I wasted the last 4 days I should have just popped my Valium and went to work as planned, but it didn’t work out that way. Im thinking about just going cold turkey and using the Valium and cannabis as needed tomorrow, then I have 2 days off to add to my timeline, then comes Monday where I do garbage and its my most physically demanding day. I just need time under my belt. I know I can do it, but there is going to come a time where I can’t. I don’t know what direction to go in. I feel no different after the 10 bags of heroin I shot this morning then I did last night. Im cold, have slight anxiety and just want to be left alone. So you have any advice for me not sure if this works or ill get a notification so ill include my email. Its like I need a week to myself, but I can’t get a week off or i would be fired and be kicked out of my home. Please give me any advice you have. Thank you.
Matt, I am so ready to overcome this addiction.. I’ve been on H for about a year.. Can you please offer me some help.. I’m so scared this won’t work!! I have no health insurance and would love to go to a rehabilitation center but I’m not aware of any.
Great to hear this Nichole. Why are you scared this won’t work? I encourage you to look through the various free articles and detox plans on this website. As your knowledge goes up, so will your belief and courage.
Also, if you’d love to go to a rehab center, there might be options for you. Just Google “addiction rehab centers near me”
Call up the first place you see on the search results, and if they can’t help you, they should be able to provide you with a treatment program that can.
I started using Heroin in 2009, got clean in 2013, stood clean until 2016! I’ve been using heroin for a little over a year & I’m so ready to stop & begin living a drug free life once again! Like everyone else I’m totally scared of the withdraws! I’ve been reading this site & plan on ordering the program on The 1st of November since that’ll be when I have the money to order it! I would like to began a taper or some kinda detox before then so I’m wondering how much & how often do I take the Gabapentin? I have 137 300 mg capsules that were prescribed to me a while back but I never took them! I’d also like to know what else I should take to help w/ the withdraws? I currently use a gram to a gram & a half a day of heroin! I thinking a very quick 3 day taper! Then begin the gaba & whatever u suggest I take! Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated!! Thanks so much I’ve learned a lot through this website & am over excited to learn more once I order the program!!
Hi Celena! Congrats on deciding to quit heroin again and live a drug-fee life. Since you’ve done it for so long before, I’m totally confident you’ll do it again. And this time stay quit right?! 🙂
I”m going to post a few articles I want you to read regarding what can help, including an article on gabapentin with dosing protocols. Make sure to read the comments at the end of the gabapentin article, as you’ll see a lot of success stories and also see the exact dosages those people used in many cases.
How To Use Gabapentin For Opiate Withdrawal>>
Top 10 Medications For Opiate Withdrawal Symptoms Relief>>
Thanks very much for advice. This has been the easiest withdrawal from heroin. Now I just have keep off it. Will continuous use of DLPA really help?
Regards
Ryan
Dear Matt,
I have gathered many supplies to kick this thing once and for all. My question is with the Finch Formula could I also add in some other things as even more help. I have some zanax, gabapentin, the absorbic acid, and elimidrol day and night. I have also tapered down to 1 mg of suboxone per day but only have 2 subs left. I think I have everything I need but super scared to start. I can’t miss work, like so many other people I have read about. Should I just stick to the Finch Formula exactly or is it ok to add a couple gabapentin at night if I can’t sleep? Also should I wait until I am completely out of subs to start the vitamin c regimen. Oh, I also bought DLPA and started them and the elimidrol already. It sounds like I created my own formula, but I am hoping its not too much and could do more harm than good. Plus I get one chance because I don’t know when I could get any more subs or percs (drug of choice) .
I am very scared that this won’t work.
I’m very sorry to hear this. Why are you scared it won’t work?
Hi Matt
If I can’t get klonopin or phennibut is it okay to do the finch way without it?
Thanks
S
I am preparing to detox at home. Been using $60 (6 caps) of heroin a day. Snorting it every day for 4 months, using off an on for 3-4 years before that. I have lots of suboxone, but I’d rather not use it. I have purchased Calm Support, Kratom (Bali Red Vein), Immodium and my doctor prescribed 60 tabs of Buspar (10mg). I also have a prescription for Trazadone. I am not sure how to go about using these products, that is how much, how ofter, can they be used together, etc. Any advice would be appreciated. I am desperate to get off heroin and have been tapering down my usage. Went from 6 caps to 4, then 2. Tomorrow I’ll have 1 cap of heroin left. Do I start taking these meds and supplements when I’m starting to feel ill? or wait until I’m really sick.
Hi Matt,
I am so glad I stumbled upon your website! I started taking the dlpa a while back and it seems to help a lot. I am still on 8 mg of Suboxone a day. I just received your email about Tianeptine sulfate and was wondering if I can take that while I am still on Suboxone? Your feedback is greatly appreciated, thank you so much your a lifesaver!
HI Matt,
I have been on subutex for over 15 yrs. It started with a horrible horse accident. I ruptured my left femoral artery. Crushed my pelvis, broke my back neck knee, I have had over 20 surguries. One day I just could not live like that. So on a blog someone told me about subutex. Drs were handing it out like candy. Not really knowing what they were doing. That was 2002. I had an 8 to 10 tablet a day Lortab habit. Looking back they should have just detoxed me. Subutex is far far worse than where I was. I can’t seem to get off the subs. I started at 16 mgs dropped to 8 etc I have steady on about .5 or 1/2 mg . 30 tabs last me about 4 months. I have been here for years. But due to surgeries Im afrade to get off. I still need shoulder, knee, neck, feet, both feet, wrist. Pick a body part. I hate subutex. I have gained wieght. Lost all motivation . I’m afrade to go off subutex because I can’t afford to get any lower. But I want off. I’m in the ying and yang.
Question.
So I’m on info over load. How many supplements must I buy to do this? I’m in no shape to research and run around town gathering things. I have no help. If I had that ability Id already be off if this merry go round. I just see supliment after supliment. Do I buy from you? Do I buy from health food stores. I don’t feel like leaving my home. I need help!
Please tell me Matt you are still here, seems like not to much recently
I am here Linda.
YEA!!!!! I am so grateful for your concern for other addicts!!! I know I will win over my withdrawals. I think my biggest concern is staying off!!!!
Hi Matt, I have spent the last few hours reading through as many of your articles as possible to ensure I am not asking something you have already addressed, but may have missed something. I have been on Sub-oxone for 12 years & have been tapering from 4-8mg / day down to 1/2 2mg every day. I am now out and to get more I have to see my dr, go through the whole drug test & counciling requirements and I have come to despise the routine, cost, taste, hassle and how I feel on sub-xone. I have ordered several strains of Kraton, purchased from the TopExtracts link you provided. My question is this: I used opiods primarily for the focus and energy it gave me. I could stay up all night when needed if I had a work assignment to finish, wanted to paint my interior walls, deep clean, etc.
The sub-oxone would give me a simliar buzz. I am wondering what is the best combo to ehance the focus & general euphoria part of my brain, but doesnt give me too much anxiety? (I have Clonodine btw that I can use). I think this is the mu-opioid receptors but not sure. The 3 remedies that seem to be the most compatible for eliminating withdrawls, providing focus/euphoria and not making me too relaxed/sleepy are: 1) Kraton- combo of Red &Green strains? 2) Mucuna Pruriens (Velvet Bean) 3)DLPA . I just dont know how to combine these or if that is even a good idea. I am also on Well Butrin, Zoloft, Staterra which I take for basically the same reasons i was addicted to Opiods and would like to taper off as well and hoping the right combo can make this easier for me. I apologize if you have already addressed this in your articles-I really did try and do my research before sending this! Thank you also for your generous contribution to alternate opiod withdrawl methods. By far, the most helpful I could find.:)
Hey Matt- where can I reach you I have a few questions- please get back to me. Thank You- Joanie
What can I help you with?
drug free !! Jumped at 1 mg. no withdrawal. Don’t let fear stop you it can be done, off 6 weeks. No problems. Only Med I used was Imodium x2 day
Hi Matt I dont even know where to begin. I think I am the worst addicted I have seen on this site. I have been on oxys for 17 years daily now. For 6 to 7 years I was on 550 to 640 mil daily. In the last year and a half I have weaned myself to 120 mil per day. I stock piled knowing that Obama care would make me in ineligable for PAP programs. The Dr that prescribed this dose is still in business and my scripts were actually filled by the maker of this drug. He got such a bad reputation that NONE of the pharmacy will fill pain meds for him anymore. The last time I tried to go to this dr to get my Prozac they drug tested me, refused to see me but did not dismiss me as a patient. I live in the middle of now where and almost impossible to find a DR. I am going to try to go off these meds some time soon and am already trying to cut down. Its hard Drs helped me get to this point and now I am afraid to go to another Dr because of the judgement. I am a care taker for my 86 year old mother which I am horrible at right now, I am going to try to get to a hospital soon. I have lost 40 lbs in the last about 8 months and now weigh 89 lbs. I have extreme pain upper abdomen and also a painful cyst like growth in that area. I also have a hernia above my belly button along with back problems, extreme fibromyalgia and chronic coccydenia. I have no energy or strength. I cant believe this has become my life and dont even know why I am posting, maybe just to vent. I feel abandoned by Drs and this site is the only glimmer of hope I have seen in a while. I see that yuou have given help and hope to many.
Dag, your story hurt my heart. If you need a friend to vent too I will gladly listen. My mom just passed and I took care of her til the second she did. I feel your pain and would love to offer an ear or advice. I’m a very soon to be recovered addict myself thanks to Matt. He’s an Angel. Anyway my email is ankhcestors@gmail.com if you need help. Sending you blessings
Hi Matt
I am on 30 mg. Valium
100mg amitryptalin
20mg Cipralex
Do you have any suggestion for how to taper off these wth not too uch problems
KSS
Kirsten,
The medicines that you are taking aren’t opiates and that is where we have dedicated much research. For the meds you take, you’ll need to find information elsewhere. Good Luck!
~Mary
OAS RECOVERY SPECIALIST
I have to say for anyone contemplating using Matt as a coach, do it. I had been taking hydro and ultram for 4 years medically and then recreationally. I will tell you that Matt has developed a plan for me and hand picked supplements that fit my individual needs. The guy is really with the money. Counselors and therapists are nothing compared to the calming effect Matt has. I will say I am down to 50% of my dosage and I feel ok, but most importantly, I feel hopeful that I will come out on the other side. Don’t read the stupid forums on blue light or other sights, they just scare you. This site is all facts and Matt is helping me through. Thanks Matt
Thanks Nick!!! I appreciate the feedback brotha. You’re doing awesome!!!
Hello Matt :
I hope you remember me , I am 69 years old and feel like 90 lots of times .
I have been using Methadone PAIN Pills for about 15 or 16 years IF I Remember Correctly .
My Methadone Pills are 10MG and I try NOT to take more than 4 pills in 24 hours .
My Doctor Prescribes the Methadone Pills for me BECAUSE !! he knows that I am 100% ADDICTED to Methadone pills .
I worry Constantly that I might DIE Early in Life because I have been taking these Pills from HELL !! so long now .
I read some where on the Internet that the BEST way to KICK the Methadone Addiction would be IF !!! I could find a Hospital or a CLINIC that would AGREE to put me in a Medically Induced COMA !! for 2 to 3 weeks .
Then after that much time being in a COMA the WITHDRAWALS would be 100% GONE and FINISHED then all I would need to do would be to NEVER start using the Pain Pills again because even taking just ONE Pill would probably get me Addicted all over again .
I am very willing to be put into a Medically Induced COMA as long as I will NOT DIE or have Long Lasting Medical Problems when I will come Out of the COMA .
It does make sense to me about that type of a way to QUIT Methadone ,, BECAUSE anytime that I fall asleep I can usually go to sleep and MISS taking my Methadone Pill for 2 or 3 hours LONGER than normal .
Example , when I am AWAKE I must take my Pills every 5 hours MAX or I will start getting Withdrawals .
But IF it is late at Night around 3am to 5am then I might Fall Asleep BEFORE it is time to take my Pill .
Example ,, If I am supposed to take my Pill at 5am but I fall asleep at 4am then I would wake up at 9am or 10am then Quickly take a Pill BEFORE the Withdrawals START then there will not be a Problem BECAUSE Falling Asleep is almost like being in a COMA .
I guess being asleep SHUTS Down all Parts of the Brain that Cause the Withdrawals ,,, RIGHT ??
Do YOU !! know any Hospital or Clinic that will be willing to HELP me and put me in a COMA for 2 or 3 weeks so I can STOP using Methadone ??
I am DESPERATE !!
I hate having my LIFE CONTROLLED be any type of PILLS .
Another Problem I have is that I have Diabetes Type 2 and Neuropathy in both Legs and both feet and my Left Arm and Left Hand .
I can walk about 40 feet then I need to sit and Rest .
I weigh around 353 Pounds and SLOWLY Losing 2 or 2 pounds every 1 or 2 weeks because mostly I only eat a Half of a Chicken Breast Sandwich 2 or 3 times Daily .
I Drink Water and some Coffee with small amout Milk added to the Coffee .
Also I am NOT Wealthy ,, I survive on Social Security and SSI .
My Healthcare is with Kaiser Permanente and they will NOT put me in a COMA .
I am VERY !! SERIOUS about wanting to be in a COMA so I Really might be able to QUIT needing to take my Methadone Pills .
PLEASE !! TRY to HELP ME Find a Hospital or Clinic that will be willing to Help me .
Bill,
I definitely understand your desperation. I was on many different prescription pain medicines for 10 years for chronic pain issues. I was afraid of withdrawal (most of us have this in common) and also spent time calling facility after facility to see if I could find a medically supervised rapid detox that allowed me to get the medicine out of my system and make me sedated or even sleep through the withdrawal. At the time I was taking very high doses of oxycodone AND high doses of hydrocodone. I did find a couple places but they didn’t accept my insurance and the cost was well over $10,000, payable upfront.
As time went on, I chose to enter an outpatient treatment program for MAT (medically assisted treatment). Recovery gave me the time to study more about addiction and addiction treatments. Learning about the dangers associated with rapid detox made me glad that I didn’t take that route.
In my opinion rapid detox is dangerous, especially since you already have health problems. Then when you add in the fact that your drug of choice (DOC) is methadone, this even increases the dangers. If you are interested in finding a rapid detox center to discuss your options you can call 1-800-423-2482
Another form of rapid detox that is Not available in the United States, but can be found in Mexico & Canada is called Ibogaine Therapy. Of course, insurance will not cover this and the cost to receive treatment at a good reputable facility comes with a hefty price tag. This treatment involves placing the patient on a hallucinogenic drug from a medicinal plant called Iboga. This medication takes the opiate out of a person’s system without them suffering withdrawal. For months afterward any cravings are minimal to none. Some consider Ibogaine therapy a “miracle” while others say it can have serious consequences from the extreme hallucinations. If you are interested in Ibogaine therapy you can research facilities online.
Now, as for being able to detox from methadone quickly without suffering through the withdrawals, these seem to be your only options; neither of which is an option for most, especially considering the cost.
If neither turn out to be options for you, all is not lost. If you have a sympathetic Dr. who is willing to work with you, there are ways to make the transition from feeling like you’re tied to pills. But I’m not going to lie, even more important than a caring Dr, is the fact that you will need to be 100% committed to your own Recovery.
Let us know if we can help you with other alternatives to using rapid detox.
I’m 62 yrs old. I’m near the end of an oxy/hydro taper using gabapentin.
I went to Mexico 2 years ago to get the ibogaine treatment. The trip wasn’t as extreme as I expected and when it really kicked in it puts you in a place of no fear. Afterwards I was OK but really weak with horrible RLS. It just wouldn’t go away. I believe they didn’t give me enough ibogaine, although it did eliminate withdrawal symptoms. Bad RLS caused me to go back on the oxy for relief. so here I am again . Nice website Matt-thanks for all the info.
Matt I want to sign up for the coaching because I know nothing about this stuff. So I read all the packages and I’m going to go for the six hour one. i’ve been reading everything that you have to read online. But they’re so much, I think coaching would be a good way for me to go. I have got the kratom, And the Xanax, I’ve just got my regular multivitamins and fish oil. And I’ve tapper down from 20 -10mg to 15-16 (Vic’s.) I day. I used to take my last dose around 5 o’clock and then go to bed around 12. Then get up between five and six. So right now I know I have to start and take my last dose right at bedtime because I get terrible R.L.S. I used to get them in the late 50s and early 60s when I was a kid and no one knew what it was. My mom called him nervous legs. So even though I’m taking Still a large amount of hydrocodone it’s already starting to affect and causing RLS and I haven’t had nervous legs since I was a kid. PS I’m having a hard time getting my credit card to go through , Because it keeps saying whatever I do nothing matches up. Plus I’ve been reading all the comments and everything . And nobody seems to take is much is I take is always 8 or 10 so I’m even less. I’ve been injured before in taking 8 A day for a bad injury in my withdrawal that I didn’t know I was going to have was uncomfortable for three days and two nights and there wasn’t even a question about missing work. So I’m really concerned about how much I got up to taking. Plus in the coaching course you are the coach . If you are I’m definitely ready to start. I appreciate what you’re doing
Hi Mark,
I’m so happy to work with you and I’m sorry the credit card isn’t going through. I’m going to email you right now. 🙂
As I live in the uk I can’t afford the phone call to the United States as I only use my cellphone!
All I need to know is the cost of this treatment!!
Also, over here, it is impossible to get the medications that you describe!!
Syd Howard Cox
Matt, I am on day three of suboxone tapering, for the last three years I have cut an 8mg strip into 21 small pieces (roughly .4 each). Four days ago I took my last .4, followed the next day by nothing (this is what I’m calling day one of my taper) followed the next day by a .2 (at this point measuring isn’t exactly easy or accurate), followed last night by the smallest sliver that was still visible. I have been using klonopin, as I am prescribed 3 a day for a seizure-disorder but have only used 1 a day for about 5 years now so I have quite a few built up. I’ve been taking them at night along with the medical marijuana that I’m prescribed for my seizure-disorder. I have also been using all of the supplements that you recommend: Calm Support, DLPA , Melatonin, Valerian Root, L-Methionine, Glycine, L-Tyrosine, Rhodiola Rosea 3% Rosavin (an adaptogen, I know it wasn’t on your list but I have found it helpful), plenty of water, plenty of Gatorade, exercise and 3 balanced high-protein meals a day but a few weight-gainer shakes which help me get in a little more protein and calories. I also take a multi-vitamin and I also take a drug for narcolepsy called Xyrem. My main question is this: Will Phenibut still work on me if the Sodium Oxybate is occupying my GABA receptors? Or does Phenibut and Xyrem occupy different receptors? I also ordered Kratom (red), Kava extract, and passion flower extract from TopExtracts.com like you had suggested. Those should be arriving today or tomorrow but I would like to not use the kratom unless I absolutely have to. This is the third day, like I had said, and I feel really good, I’m about to go hit the weights in my basement but I know I still have a long way to go until I’m “in the clear”, or through the withdrawal symptoms. My main concern is that I have a very refractory seizure disorder which is triggered by sleep deprivation. The reason that I’m on medical marijuana is because no seizure medications (from pharmaceutical companies) have any effect and I’m not a candidate for brain surgery or for a nerve stimulator. I’m still on the klonopin because my neurologists are afraid that the rebound seizures from tapering off of it would not be worth it, especially since I’ve already tapered down to 1 mg a day. I would love to hear some advice concerning the Phenibut, and whether or not they cling to the same receptors as Xyrem, and any other advice that you can offer me. Thanks for all of your hard work Matt, my dream is to one day open my own drug and alcohol rehabilitation center that operates on the principles that you have laid out here on your site.
Matt as ive said b4 you are the man,and you’re shared wisdom is a blessing. Let’s hear some remedies on combating the long lasting fatigue you get from opiates. That seems to be a bit of an untouched ishue. Thanks casey
I’ve written a detailed article specifically on that:
How To Get Your Energy Back After Quitting Opiates
Matt can you use kratom rather then phenibut for a replacement for your method. I have calm support and the dlpa but dont have phenibut but i do have 3 different strains of kratom thou. What do you think sir?????? Going to try tomorrow
Kratom actually works better than phenibut in my opinion, but it still occupies the opioid receptors, so when you stop taking kratom, it might lead to withdrawal symptoms still. However, done in the right way, this method can work well. I encourage you to read my kratom article:
How To Use Kratom For Opiate Withdrawal
Disclaier: This comment is for informational use only, and is not medical advice.
I did read it and its workin havent takin opiates sense friday and im cutting the kratim down day by day. Hope to be complete by tomorrow. Thanks matt
Sounds good my friend! Thanks for the update. 🙂
Hi Matt , sat here an read all of they stories an I hope all of you are doing better each day , I Was doing 8-12 norcos a day an started a pretty rapid taper an it fn sucked but bearable , zero days of work , used the weekend for rapid taper , ok I’m down to breaking some 5’s in half I’m on day 2 took 3 Halfs today , would you recommend calm and Dlpa in my situation ? Thanks Matt your a great man for doing this for “ALL ” us that need help !!!
Congrats on making a plan to get off opiates and going through with it! That’s awesome. If it were me in that position, I would take the supplements, however, I’m not a doctor and so you must ask your healthcare provider what you can safely take. But in my opinion those supplements are awesome together!!! Depending on what other medications you’re on they might be contraindicated, and that’s why it is necessary to speak with your healthcare provider about this.
hi Matt I’m helping my 26y whit methadone withdrawal at home, is berry scary some time don’t know what to do my question to you is if methadone is the same as methamphetamine but my son was in methadone clinic but I just want to May sure that is not the same
Methadone is a long-acting full opioid-agonist prescription drug. It is a CNS depressant and painkiller. Methamphetamine is a CNS stimulant. They are completely different.
Hello. Hope to start soon. Can you tell me what to do for energy please. I got -0.thanks
Hey. Matt…what if a person [me] is trying to come off subutex but, I cannot quit working. My job involves standing on my feet all day, I cut hair.so, I can’t really sleep all day. What should I do?
So which is more effective? The vitamin C or this approach? My main concern is RLS.
These approaches are both very powerful, and if it were me and I had access to medications I would do both approaches together. If I could only pick one….hard decision, but would probably go with the mega-dose Vitamin C protocol in addition to taking Calm Support.
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.
These approaches are both very powerful, and if it were me and I had access to medications I would do both approaches together. If I could only pick one….hard decision, but would probably go with the mega-dose Vitamin C protocol in addition to taking Calm Support.
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.
Hi matt so about to attack opiate withdrawal head on & was wondering for a guideline. Just read the finch formula and i have klonopin can get the loperamide. Dont think i can get the calm support but can get lyrica. And where can i find the dlpa ? Also how should i do this ? Really new too this. Please hlep
Hi Nick,
Congratulations on creating a plan to quit! The DLPA can be found at health food stores such as Whole Foods, Sprouts, and others. As for how to use these ingredients, please refer to the following articles:
DLPA: A Miracle Supplement For Opiate Addiction Recovery
How To Use Klonopin For Opiate Withdrawal
How To Use Loperamide For Opiate Withdrawal
how long do I use the klonopin to help with the withdrawals?
3-4 days is preferable, but maximum of 5-7, tapering dosage daily to avoid getting addicted to it.
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.
Great article Matt, I used the above method with the addition of Kratom. This site has great info on Kratom. I can’t say all my withdrawl symptoms were alieveated, but I am 32 days off Subutex (buprenorphine) and 25 days off all opiates, and I am now sleeping 4-5 hours per night, eating well and walking 1 mile a day. I am 58 and have been dependent on heroin, methadone, buprenorphine, and all Rx opiates since age 16. I have experienced withdrawl in all forms… cold from 80mgs of methadone, tapering, naltrexone induced (unsedated) at home and in more 30 day treatment programs than I can even remember (also 2 yr therapeutic community twice).
This has been the least uncomfortible detox yet, and through reading articles on this site and corresponding with Matt I have discoverred some of the serious medical, psychological, and emotional issues that do and WILL develop with long term synthetic opiate replacement therapies. Also, more importantly how to cope and find alternative methods of reversing these issues. Great resource here, thanks Matt!!!
Glad you are doing so well DK. Congrats on your clean-time, and I’m so happy to hear about all of your improvements! Annnnndddd I’m ecstatic that you are even walking 1 mile per day!!!
I was so happy to read your comments. This is me, even the age. It gives me hope that I too can do this! At what dose did you jump off? Thanks again!
Hi Matt, I ve come across a couple of your writings and see you’re empathetic to this withdrawal conditioning.
I’m at my wits end with this pill thing. I had a bad fall over a year ago and had shoulder surgery, I’m due to have hip surgery, pinched nerves, back and neck problems. I was referred to pain management and saw the dr for now about a year, taking 60-80mg oxycodone per day. Recently my dr closed shop and left us patients scrambling to find a new dr. I’m down to my last pill and have been trying to find another dr, to no avail. Im tired of needing these pills for my happiness, it wasn’t so much the pain that it was working on but more my psyche. I found I had more energy and motivation when I took my meds. This , being depressed and having anxiety disorder, helped keep me positive and motivated. I’d take my pills to “enjoy” life. But at this point with being treated like a POS by offices I’ve called (and been denied), talked to like I’m a horrible person, the fact im tired also of the constant pill need, feeling like my life can only be enjoyable on meds(I also smoke marijuana). I’m scared going into these next few days without, I have kids and daily living to deal with. I have no choice to quit cold turkey. I’m panicked and not sure what to do. Any ideas or advice is much appreciated. Thank you
Hi George,
I completely resonate with what you said. I too experienced the same benefits from pills. From the very first time I tried my first 500 mg hydrocodone, I was energized, confident, happy and motivated beyond belief. My friend took a pill too and started to drool on himself as he passed out, falling completely asleep as the hydrocodone took effect. Yet opiates have the opposite effect on me, you and many others.
I used to use opiates to help me work long hours. They gave me energy and also made me enjoy being at work. It all seemed harmless until I could no longer afford them anymore, as I was using them recreationally and not for a physical issue.
I’m so sorry you are about to be in withdrawal from being without pills. You asked me for advice or ideas that would help you quit cold-turkey. There is a ton of information on this website that can help you George.
Please read the following article, as I believe doing so could greatly benefit you:
How To Mega-Dose Vitamin C To Stop Opiate Withdrawal
Good luck George. I’m here to help you along the way with resources and support. You can do this!
Y
The information Matt gives for free is so amazing. Look up also megadosing on vitamin C for opiate withdrawal,this is also from Matt–THIS WORKED for me– BUT you HAVE to keep taking the vit C– if you say wow I am doing great now I dont even need it you can get in trouble– every couple hours take the vit C as he tells you with ALL the Calm Support and other vitamins and you can make it.
Wow I feel the same way I can not enjoy life and have NO energy without my oxycodone
I feel like you were meant to be here for me… I started to stop taking my norco all the wrong way for the second time… Spent my time in the first 24 hour misery searching for answers when I found you
I’m very happy to know you found the answers you were looking for. If there is ever a question you need answered, or guidance needed, I’m here to help. Thanks for leaving a comment, and I wish you the best.
What about layering in Gabapentin? Any benefit there? I have tons of Klonopin and Gabapentin. Weening down from 200+mg of oxy down to 15 mg Norco 2 days ago now nothing but kpin. Still feel awful. Suggestions?
Tp,
Check out this article :
https://opiateaddictionsupport.com/gabapentin-for-opiate-withdrawal-symptoms-relief/
Hey the last time I quit cold turkey off of Oxy 30s I hurt for 6 months with extreme pain in shoulders and S1. I couldn’t walk much and stayed in bed. I since fell back with a pain dr. In a years time I quit methadone Oxsee more phone and a few others the last being the Fenton all patch 50 µg But using Oxymophone 20 ER… they are not helping the withdraws from the Fenton all either… So I’m over it ready to stop again …I know I will hurt for a long time and I am very afraid. any words of encouragement will help me please… Thank you so much
Did you get a response?