Contrary to popular belief, opiate withdrawal doesn’t have to be difficult. Sound too good to be true? After healing from my addiction over three years ago, I’ve made it my life’s purpose and mission to research and write about all of the best natural remedies for opiate withdrawal. The result? I’ve learned a lot…and I’ve helped many people have mild withdrawals using these natural remedies for opiate withdrawal.
There are so many natural remedies for opiate withdrawal that it can be difficult to choose which ones to use. Fortunately, I’ve taken the guesswork away for you…so I now present you with the Top 4 natural remedies for opiate withdrawal:
1. Ibogaine – Natural Remedy for Opiate Withdrawal
Ibogaine is one of the least known natural remedies for opiate withdrawal. Ibogaine is a naturally occurring psychoactive substance found in Tabernanthe Iboga, a root that grows in Africa. This natural remedy for opiate withdrawal is used by the Bwiti people for medicinal and spiritual practices.
In the 1960’s it started to gain popularity as having anti-addictive and natural remedies for opiate withdrawal properties. Although it has been used to treat addiction to alcohol, nicotine, methamphetamines, crack and other drugs, it’s most well-known for being one of the strongest natural remedies for opiate withdrawal.
This powerful hallucinogen can stop even the most severe opiate withdrawal symptoms.
What’s more, in the majority of cases it not only stops withdrawal, but it also eliminates or significantly reduces opioid cravings for several months after treatment. How is this strange natural remedy for opiate withdrawal able to do this?
It is theorized that ibogaine, being one of the most interesting natural remedies for opiate withdrawal, binds to a myriad of receptor sites, including the opioid receptors. Ibogaine supposedly resets your biochemistry, restoring your brain to its pre-opiate addiction functioning. Ibogaine is one of the most controversial natural remedies for opiate withdrawal and has been referred to as an addiction interrupter. This means that it if you really work on improving your life during the months that follow using ibogaine for natural opiate withdrawal, there is a high chance you can stay clean long-term.
However, If you squander your time hanging out with old friends and engaging in the same behaviors, you will likely return to active opiate addiction.
This is a very important time. Those few months post-ibogaine many people feel physically and mentally healthy and recharged, while simultaneously not craving opiates. This positive momentum can be the catalyst to get your life back together.
Some people need to do ibogaine 2-3 times before they clean up permanently. Ibogaine, a natural remedy for opiate withdrawal that makes you hallucinate for an entire day, is currently illegal in the United States due to it being a Schedule 1 drug, meaning the FDA believes it to have no medicinal value and a high potential for abuse.
Ibogaine treatment centers focus on natural remedies for opiate withdrawal and operate legally in the following countries:
- Canada
- Mexico
- The Carribean
- Central America
- South America
- Many countries in Europe
Pros
- It appears to be one of the strongest natural remedies for opiate withdrawal to get off and stay off opiates long-term.
- Ibogaine resets your brain chemistry to its pre-addicted state, thereby eliminating dependence, withdrawal symptoms, and even cravings.
- Many people report having spiritual experiences that help them stay clean when they use this natural remedy for opiate withdrawal.
Cons
- Treatment costs several thousands of dollars.
- Ibogaine is illegal in many countries, so usually travel becomes necessary.
- People have died from it when used incorrectly.
- It’s a powerful psychedelic, making it one of the most hard-to-legalize natural remedies for opiate withdrawal in the United States.
Ibogaine is such a potent psychedelic that it probably won’t ever be legal in the United States. Researchers are currently trying to produce a medication from the Iboga root that will provide the natural remedies for opiate withdrawal benefits without the psychedelic properties. If they accomplish this, then hopefully in the future the powerful natural remedy for opiate withdrawal can be a legal treatment option in the U.S.
2. Mega-Doses of Vitamin C – Natural Remedy for Opiate Withdrawal
Did you know that one of the strongest natural remedies for opiate withdrawal is Vitamin C? Now, I’m not talking about swallowing a few tablets of Vitamin C. What I’m referring to is mega-dosing Vitamin C for opiate withdrawal. Many opiate abusers have used 25-85 grams or more of Vitamin C per day as an effective natural remedy for opiate withdrawal.
Some believe that Vitamin C (in the form of sodium ascorbic) might block opioid receptors in the brain of heroin addicts and block or reduce the rush produced from intravenous use of the drug.
This theory was based on a series of experiments performed by Dr. Alexander G. Schauss, Ph.D., at the University of New Mexico. The hypothesis was that opioids bind to specific opioid receptors and that Vitamin C can bind to these receptors, thereby blocking the neuromodulatory effect of the opioid.
In a study from 2000, high doses of Vitamin C on the withdrawal syndrome of heroin abusers were investigated. The patients in the Vitamin C group received 300 mg per kg of body weight per day, along with Vitamin E in the amount of 5 mg per kg of body weight. The control group received only conventional medication.
The results showed that the Vitamin C group had much milder withdrawal symptoms than the control group. The study concluded that high doses of Vitamin C may ameliorate the withdrawal syndrome of heroin abusers.
Pros
- Vitamin C mega-dosing is very inexpensive ($10 – $40).
- This can be done from your own home.
- It eliminates the most severe withdrawal symptoms.
Cons
- Mega-dosing Vitamin C usually causes “bowel intolerance” (diarrhea, stomach cramping, gas etc).
- It doesn’t help to ease any of the post-acute withdrawal symptoms.
3. Opiate Withdrawal Supplements – Natural Remedy for Opiate Withdrawal
A High-Quality Opiate Withdrawal Supplement is without a doubt one of the easiest natural remedies for opiate withdrawal to use, and it’s also extremely powerful. It contains a well-formulated blend of natural nutrients that have been shown to ease opiate withdrawal symptoms.
Opiate Withdrawal Supplements may provide you with the following benefits:
- Enhances Mood
- Promotes healthy digestion and appetite
- Increases natural energy and focus
- Calms anxiety
- Restores dopamine, GABA, and serotonin production quickly
- Reverses depression
- Reverses insomnia and helps you get more restorative sleep
If you can afford it, I also highly recommend taking this awesome supplement, because the benefits are just too good to pass up.
Pros
- Contains an amazing nutrient profile with concentrated quantities that will without a doubt help reduce opiate withdrawal symptoms
- It’s easy to use
- It can be used from the comfort of your own home
- There’s a Money-Back Guarantee
- Comes with a FREE shipping policy
Cons
- Expensive for most people
- You can’t buy it at a normal store close to your home; you have to order it online
4. Kratom – Natural Remedy for Opiate Withdrawal
Many opiate abusers have used kratom for opiate withdrawal to successfully end their addictions. It’s another one of the least well-known natural remedies for opiate withdrawal, though it’s gaining popularity. Kratom is a beautiful tree (member of the coffee family) that is not regulated by the Drug Enforcement Agency in the United States (making it legal), which has mu-opioid agonist qualities (like morphine), that can without a doubt help anyone ease their opiate withdrawal symptoms naturally.
Kratom eases opiate withdrawal symptoms in a fascinating way. This natural remedy for opiate withdrawal that is native to Southeast Asia is not an opiate, however, Kratom 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. You’ve probably heard of the medications Suboxone, Subutex and Methadone. These are also opioid agonists, and they tend to eliminate opiate withdrawal symptoms and cravings especially well.
Mitragynine, the major alkaloid in kratom, is a partial opioid agonist producing similar effects to morphine. An interesting minor alkaloid of kratom, 7-hydroxymitragynine, has been reported to be more potent than morphine. Both kratom alkaloids activate supraspinal mu- and delta- opioid receptors, which is the main reason this natural remedy for opiate withdrawal alleviates withdrawal symptoms so well.
Pros
- It’s an opioid agonist that eases withdrawal symptoms in a major way.
- Kratom is legal or unregulated in many countries.
- It’s very inexpensive and affordable.
- It’s available for purchase online.
Cons
- If you become addicted to kratom, it also has significant withdrawal symptoms associated with it.
- It’s still a powerful drug that you’re taking.
- You won’t be medically overseen by any professionals.
Good Luck
OK…there you have it – four of the best natural remedies for opiate withdrawal. Now you know the best options, and you also know the prices, as well as the pros and cons of each.
Click here now to view my best home detox program.
I wish you good luck on your quest for a mild opiate withdrawal…
Furthermore, I love connecting with my readers and helping in any way I can. Therefore, if you have any questions on natural remedies for opiate withdrawal, please don’t hesitate to leave them in the comment box below.
Hey Matt, in the vitamin c mega dose section you mentioned sodium ascorbic, my question is will ascorbic acid work as well? I already have a large bag of ascorbic acid, trying not to purchase more if not necessary. Thank you.
I linked to and referenced a study that used ascorbic acid which showed good results. The other studies used sodium ascorbate simply because it is easier on the stomach.
Matt my name is Michael Goodwin I live in Wales uk I have been a heroin addict for 9 years and i have tried every substitute there is to get off heroin but I always find myself relying on them long term and eventually ending up back on heroin I recently seen a video of YouTube about how large amounts of vitamin c can help with the withdrawals of heroin and I would like to know how much I need to take throughout each day to say I’m at rock bottom is a understatement I’ve lost everything that ever ment anything to me my children, my partner, family and every thing I ever owned I really don’t know how much longer I can hold on to this miserable existence that I call my life I’m actually contemplating suicide I’m at my lowest I’ve ever been obviously I really don’t want to do something stupid because there was a time when I actually loved my life I was always an achiever before heroin took over my life I was a few months away from turning a professional boxer I was the welsh amuture boxing champion 3 years in a row and won 44 of my 45 fights I just want to get clean so I can get my children and my family back in my life and I would be very very grateful if you could give me details of the dosage for the vitamin c I really think that it can help as it’s not another drug that I’ll end up addicted to so please could you forward them to me if you have a minute I’d really appreciate it thanks in advance Michael Goodwin
Matt, I wanted to add the treatment (some dr.-prescribed, some self-induced) options that I have been following so far, these past five days:
1. 1800 mg of Neurontin/day (Dr.-prescribed. However, I plan on stopping this immediately. It was prescribed for RLS, but it seems to be exacerbating the RLS)
2. .5 mg Clonidine/day
3. 80 mg Potassium/day
4. 500 mg Magnesium/day
5. 5 mg Melatonin/night before bed
6. 3 garlic tablets (not sure of dosage)
7. Epsom Salt baths about 1-2 hours after RLS starts. It seems if I do the bath when RLS immediately starts, it is not effective. Must let RLS “slow down” before getting in bath.
Sorry, Matt. Have to stop writing as symptoms are kicking in pretty strongly at the moment.
Regards,
Gregg
You’ve gotten some of the better strains of Kratom, and the claims of helping with opiate withdrawal are correct, however there are a couple things people should know. First, it IS addictive, and the withdrawals can be worse than actual opiates. The withdrawals from Kratiom are almost like abrupt withdrawal from benzodiazepines. People with PTSD and or anxiety disorders should be very careful. Seond, it is imperative to get a good scale, single or double ought capsules and grinder. You want to grind it to where filling a capsule is as xlose to a gram as possible, as Kratom is very unigue in that 0-4 grams act in an very “high energy” type “supplement, yet at higher does 5-9 gms act like an opiate. For withdrawal support, during w/d’s NEVER try Kratom in any form other than the capsules! The taste and aftertaste are so mind-boggingly horrible, you will never be able to even SMELL it without instant explosive vomiting! EVER AGAIN! You can buy it powdered, but expense wise buying bulk can bring the price down remarkably. I hope this is of some help.,
I have ordered the kratom. There were so many kinds but I ended up ordering one ounce of both premium Red Vein Thai Kratom and also Maeng De Kratom. I have no idea how to take it or how much to take and how often. With that said I also ordered everything off the website called opiate freedom center. They offer a whole kit and more. I have bought everything. I have tried everything to get off suboxone and nothing has worked. I’ve gone thru hell trying to get off. I’ve gave it months and never felt better and always went back on it. As of now I’ve been trying to taper off n even skipping days if n waited until I started getting sick to take a small dose. I keep going back bc I have a one yr old son and I have to put him first which means I can’t be sick and in bed. Ur website n the freedom one has gave me a little more hope. I wish I cld get the ibogaine treatment but again I have a son I can’t leave and the travel is a problem. I’m on 2 mgs once a day as of now. Wld it b better to keep tapering? Wld any of these work on suboxone or sld I switch to a opiate? I don’t even kno how to use the kratom or if I got the right ones. The worst parts of the withdrawals for me are the restless leg and no appetite. It leaves me weak n blacking out. I am also prescribed Xanax Paxil and adderall for severe anxiety disorder. I have stopped taking adderall tho bc I’m trying to get off all medication. I been off heroin for years now. Just stuck on stupid subs. I have just got married n want so badly to get off medications to have another baby. I can not bare to see another baby go they withdrawl. It haunts me every second of everyday. If u cld visit the opiate freedom center website to see what is in the bottles n if I sldnt mix them. Thank you so much. Also cld I mix the vitamin c also? Like I said…. I wld try anything. I’m sick of being a slave to addiction and just want my old life back. I’m in tears writing this. I want to b drug free more than anything. I can’t keep going much longer.
Hi Guys and Girls, This site is great and I used to live close to Matt until I had to come help my mom in Florida who’s now past on along with my x-wife and the kids are back in San Diego somewhere and I have no kin or friends here because these people are fiends and will cut your throat if they know about your problem. I hate it as I’m stuck going to a Pain Clinic once a month and just got over being sick from prolonging using a pain patch, can’t eat the whole 9 yards. I was hurt in the Navy in San Diego as an aircraft mechanic in 1982 and had to work that way until 1995 since I was married with 3 step-kids. Pain is hard on one, but long term pain relief from you name it is hell. I’m 100% disabled through the VA but see a doctor outside. If we are all still in pain and want to get off these meds then something is wrong with science and medicine in America. I’ve seen a woman with bladder cancer in a Drug Free Hospital in China literally have the cancer Chanted away by about 5 Chinese workers as they watched the tumor on a computer screen. It’s said God spoke Time, Space and Matter into being. So we can’t put ourselves down when hurting, keep your Faith and treat yourself and others with Love because what goes around comes around, so this is very hard for us all and being able to write each other helps others. I see a shimmer of light in this website. That’s nothing I’ve seen with the VA or any doctors or Insurance companies.
Thanks Matt and Hello Everyone! I feel I have a fighting chance now and Hope is better than dope from my experience. I’ll be 60 in March and can’t tell you half the things I’ve done in pain, somehow we all seem different from the masses and that’s not a bad thing. OH, I also use CBD which I get from a company named Bluebird Botanicals, they have other health items there also and are nice people Take Care All!
Hi. My husband is addicted to opiates. We are trying to find away to get him off of them. He will take anything from hydro’s to diladid. He has an extremely high tolerance. I’m scared he will end up dead. I don’t take any kind of opiate so I don’t know how to help.
He sounds like he could use some professional help. There are many ways to get off. I encourage you to browse through this website, and look into other resources as well. If there is anything I can do to help, please let me know.
Hi Matt,
My concern is the ibogaine indicates that it’s not obtainable in the US so is there a substitute that you are aware of that is as effective I’m anxious to get started and get this ball rolling so I can get these opiodes out my system an the road to recovery I am sick and tired of feeling sick and tired.
Please read the following article:
How To Mega-Dose Vitamin C To Stop Opiate Withdrawal
Hello my name is Jami and of the 4 natural remedies I can’t afford $135 for 30 day supply can you please advise a more affordable remedy for a heroine addiction probably about a gram a day habit
The least expensive Opiate Withdrawal Supplement is Calm Support for around $59.
OK, so I have a question what if the medication you need to get off of, is methadone, I’ve been on it for over 5 years and I’m only 27, my doctors said I would be on it the rest of my life, but yet when the pain gets bad I’m finding myself taking more and more and then I run out. I’m on my second day now without, and I’m feeling the withdrawal symptoms bad. I’m trying to keep it together for my 3 kids but it’s getting harder and harder, to stay in control so I guess my question is, what would be the best natural remedy for that…
Hi Amanda,
Sorry to hear about what you are going through. I’ve been there too and so I know the physical and more importantly the psychological agony that comes after stopping poweful opioids. I don’t know which method would work the best for you, and there are many options, but many people in your position choose to use kratom for methadone withdrawal. Click on the article below to learn more:
How To Use Kratom For Opiate Withdrawal
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.
A lot of what I am reading is Greek to me. Guess I have lots of studying to do. I’m a 62 year old female with peripheral neuropathy and a herniated disc along with IBS. I have been on hydrocodone 10mg for about 3 years now. I have gone through long periods of time when I would only take 2/day but the past couple weeks I have been taking up to 10/day. I have now found myself in trouble trying to back off. I had no idea how bad and hard it would be. Depression and energy level very bad. What have i done to myself? I can not believe at this age I have become an addict. What can I expect as I cut back and how slow/fast do I do this? I’m embarrassed to let anyone know. Even my sweet husband has no idea I’ve gotten this bad. Help!
Linda I believe the article below would be a great place for you to start:
How To Get Off Hydrocodone At Home
Hi Matt,
Do you have a recommendation for the type of Kratom to use? I have not been on opiates long but the withdrawal is horrible and I need to work and I am feeling a lack of energy and horrible mood. Do you have any recommendations?
Please read the following article which answers that question as well as others:
How To Use Kratom For Opiate Withdrawal
Hi Julie,
Kratom has worked very well by itself for many people. However, it can be difficult to come off the kratom afterwards, which is why I talked about the supplement. Also, kratom is great for acute withdrawal, but it does nothing for post-acute symptoms, and the supplement in my opinion has the ability to help with those.
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.
Hey Matt… If I were to put the Kratom inside of empty capsules and take them, then drink the grapefruit juice… Would that have the same effect as the way that you had suggested consuming it?
Yes, exactly the same.
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor. This comment is for informational use only. It’s not intended to treat, diagnose, or prevent any disease. Always check with your doctor before changing your diet, trying any new supplements, medications, exercise or opiate tapering programs.
I’ve been on Tramado for about 6 yrs. I was taking quite a bit in the beginning. Over time I have cut it down to 2 1/2 50 MG pills a day. I started tapering 2 weeks ago at 20% a week. This week I started with one a day split in four doses. Withdrawals both physically and mentally have been pretty brutal at times. My question is I was looking at your herb product and it has things in it that contraindicates with Tramadol. At least that is what I have been told because these could cause Serotonin Syndrome. Example Valerian Root 5 HTP. I can’t remember what else right now. In the beginning paragraph you list it could help with Tramadol withdrawals. Could you clarify this with me as to whether this would be OK please? Thank you.
Sorry so late to respond, but your comment was found in the spam folder for some reason. I will be checking this daily for now on so this doesn’t happen again. Anyways, depending on the dosage of tramadol a person is taking, or if they actually come off completely, 5-HTP, passion flower and perhaps other nutrients might put someone on tramadol at risk, or they might not. You must always ask your doctor before trying any new supplements. Also, I couldn’t find the reference to tramadol on this article. Maybe I missed it?
I was on oxy for 2 years for a herniated neck. Finally after surgery got releif but couldn’t get off the oxy so doc put me on suboxone I started at 8 mgs a day and now down to 2 1/5 a day. I am suffering with severe body aches. Taking about 8 Advil a day I’m finding it very hard to come down fiurther I’ve been in the ER three times due to dehydration three days after dropping just a 1/4 mg is there anything natural that would help with the severe aches and what is the safest amount to drop at a time. Thanks
Hi Emma, please read the following article:
How To Taper Off Suboxone Like a Champion
I am almost 33 years of age( female) and have had an opiate addiction for 13 years. 3 years ago I went to jail and had to come off of methadone cold turkey, but they gave me some kind of protocol and I was able to sleep during the protocol. Anyway… I got off ended up going to a halfway house and was sober for a little over a year until i gave birth to my daughter. They gave me morphine in the hospital and something to take home. Well, that really screwed me! Got that feeling again and was scared of going thru withdrawl or at least that’s what I told my mom to get some of her suboxone. Smh… Got married to my daughters father and told him a year later that I was on suboxone. ( he is in recovery and now 4 years clean from heroine) He left me and took my daughter to his home state. I went to detox and and tried hard to get off of suboxone but the withdrawals were way to hard and I felt like my whole world came crashing down with not being with my child. I manipulated and lied my way back to my daughter. So now I’m in another state far away and I’m still on the suboxone. It’s been a long horrible ride and I’m so done with this! I take 8 mg a day and sometimes I take another 8 mg if I run out of energy. I’m very involved in church and read my bible every night before bed and I pray for God to help me. I know I’m gonna have hellaious withdrawals and maybe God will help. I’m planning on buying Phenibut because I here that the Gabapentin/ Nuorotin helps and this is like it. Matt after hearing everything I’ve said, what would be good to pair with the Phenibut? Remind u that my husband does not know and I want the best home remedy. I also have a 2 year old to take care of while I do this on my own. Please help!
sincerely, jz
Hello, I just responded to your comment on the gabapentin article. My response should have all the info you need. I wouldn’t do the phenibut if I were you, the Vitamin C protocol should be the most powerful for a cold-turkey withdrawal. Please see my response on this article:
How To Use Gabapentin For Opiate Withdrawal
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.
Matt, I stumbled across your site last night and began to feel hope for the first time in 15 yrs. I am a 49yr old grandmother of 6 beautiful grandchildren (all toddlers). I am more desperate than ever to get clean! Fifteen yrs ago I injured my back and my doctor was giving me 90 Percocet 10mg. a month for about four to five months. When she took me off of them I was so sick I thought for sure I was going to die. I immediately found a way to start buying Lortab online. I was on pain pills for 5yrs before I discovered Suboxone. I thought that this was the answer to end my addiction…well 10yrs later Im still on Suboxone 8mg. Ive tried several times to get off the Suboxone on my own and I always give up because the withdrawal symptoms are so bad I just can’t get through it. Do you recommend using any of the remedies in conjunction with the others? Also, what did you use to get through it and to stay clean, and last question, would Kratom work for getting off Suboxone since it is so similar would I just be going from one addiction to another? Thanks for your inspiration! I hope one day I can also make it my mission in life to help others overcome this horrible disease.
Hi Angel,
Thanks so much for sharing a part of your story. Suboxone can be difficult to come off, and that is why I’ve developed specific protocols that can help a great deal. Please review the following articles:
How To Get Off Suboxone Without Withdrawal
Why Getting Off Suboxone Was Easy For Me
Suboxone Taper Plan: 4 Pillars Method
(I know you moderate comments, so this comment may need to be moved to a more general place.)
After reading this ENTIRE site — a page-turner as good as any great novel — I’m overwhelmed with the quality and quantity of information here. I’ve done lots of online research for 10 years into my own challenging health issues so I believe my perspective is good. Your own story lends credibility to the content — I’m sold that you are indeed a man with a mission, following a “Purpose-Driven Life”, to steal that phrase from Rick Warren.
Originally prescribed off-label for intractable widespread chronic pain of apparent auto-immune origin, Suboxone is far more insidious than I was led to believe. After taking it since Feb 2011, I’ve lost track of the underlying illness and I wanted to re-establish a “pain baseline” and so decided to get off Suboxone for a while. So naive — far easier said than done. I’ve never been dependent or addicted to opioids so I can’t compare withdrawal severity, but I can say that Suboxone withdrawal for me is horrendous and seems to go on forever — so long that I haven’t made it yet after several tries. I was proud of reducing from 8mg to 1 mg over 2 years and maintaining acceptable analgesia, but online resources say I ought to get to 1/4 mg or less before trying withdrawal. I must be patient.
I have two comments on the Vitamin C option. First, before taking megadose Vitamin C, it’s important to be tested for a genetic mutation that affects adequate G6PD enzyme production. With low G6PD, the oxidizing effects of C could result in hemolytic anemia. (I had this test done and I don’t have that mutation.) Second is to consider megadose IV vitamin C. As the seminal vitamin C researcher Dr. Fred Klenner noted, far more vitamin C can be administered IV and much faster than via the oral route and with no bowel distress. I’m now in the process of selecting a holistic practitioner in my area who offers this treatment and my plan is to proceed with this therapy. I have a rough idea of the cost from a friend who used this therapy over several months to successfully treat a fibromyalgia-like condition. If I’m able to do this, I’ll report back on the experience, positive, negative, or neutral.
Hi Charlie,
I just responded to your other comment on the Vitamin C protocol. Thanks for sharing all of this amazing information on both that post, as well as this one. I’ve learned a lot over the past year I’ve been blogging from readers such as you. The information you’ve provided about your mega-dosing protocol you intend to do is outstanding. You’re obviously an educated man, and it sounds like you’re going to have a great detox plan with your holistic practitioner.
And I’m astonished that you read this ENTIRE site! Thanks for the kind words about the content you read…it made my day. I totally believe that if one (such as yourself) were to read this entire site, they would be very well-equipped to tackle opioid dependence.
Charlie, I’m very interested in your chronic pain. I too suffered for years from this, and after trying NSAIDs, massage therapy, qigong, meditation, natural painkillers and natural anti-inflammatory’s, physical therapy and more, I finally learned about something called TMS (Tension Myositis Syndrome). According to the doctors I learned from, most chronic pain is due to psychological issues, not physical abnormalities.
After using this TMS healing approach, I’ve now been free of chronic pain for two months. Not sure if this could be what you have, just had to throw it out there. I’m going to write a detailed article on it soon.
The following books were instrumental in my healing:
Think Away Your Pain
The Great Pain Deception: Faulty Medical Advice Is Making Us Worse
And the following website is for the TMS doctor that gave me the appropriate diagnosis:
Again, thanks for your comments and valuable insights…and I look forward to hearing about your experience from the customized detox plan. Take care.
DK here to report – 14 days now opiate free, 21 days off Subutex. still having bad night sweats, but sleeping (changing t-shirt 3-4 x’s a night) depression is lifting a bit, feeling a little stronger daily.
The best part of this has been the return of “regularity” Buprenorphine not only induced SEVERE constipation, after 4 mnths seeing a specialist for impaction issues, everything ruled out except SUBUTEX. I now have diverticulitus and the beginning of hemroids. To anyone reading this, trust me, at 58 yo this is no joke. Dr. had me on Miralax 2x day and Lactulose 120 ml every 3 days. (this Lactulose is serious shit, excuse the pun, but look it up.
As far as wd symptoms, no diareaha at all, but able to move things regularly, not 1x per week like b4.
All for now…
Thanks again for the update. Sounds like things are getting better slowly…that’s how the body heals. Opiate addiction and opiate replacement medications take a long time to heal from after getting off, even while using medications and natural remedies. You’re doing great! Thanks for providing info about some possible constipating side-effects of bup, and methadone can do this even worse. Talk to you soon DK.
Matt, almost done with day 9, last night was very tuff, but I was able to sleep 6 hours. Waited 18 hours between Kratom dose 4 gms. and expereinced my most uncomfotable day today. Its 8pm and I just dosed with Kratom and feel fine now.
Again the big question, was my withdrawl today from Subutex still (16 days off), the norcos (9 days off) or Kratom withdrawls. Or was Kratom prolonging or really masking. There are so many conflicting arguements regarding using Kratom as wwell as high doses of imodium (lop)
The other goodies I have… Calm Support, DLPA, klonopin, clonidine dont help much, smoking bud slightly distracts.
DK, thanks for update. As for your concerns:
1) If you never took even a gram of kratom, at day 9 coming off Norco, following years of Subutex usage, you would still feel frickin horrible. The dependence you developed to opioids over the years has completely transformed your brain chemistry. You’re going through severe dopamine and endorphin/enkephalin deficiency, among many other imbalances.
Every person is biochemically unique with varying levels of opiate dependence severity. When you first told me the shopping list of “goodies” you had, I was convinced you would have an easy time. The fact that even the powerful medications clonodine and klonopin aren’t dong much concerns me a great deal.
Generally a young and otherwise healthy person (minus addiction) would be fine using everything you have mentioned. I recently worked professionally coaching a paying client of mine. He used CalmSupport, other natural supplements, and finally Medical Marijuana with very low THC and high amounts of CBD (he has a peripheral nerve disease leading to leg pain and numbness.)
It took this client of mine over 30 days to really get past the worst feelings. But you see, he is 69 years of age. So it took a larger toll on his body than say, a 25 year old. I still don’t know your age DK, but that could have something to do with it.
Anyways, as far as the kratom goes, here is my take on it:
In a sense it is prolonging the inevitable, because even though it’s not an opiate, it’s still fitting in those opioid receptors to stop withdrawal. However, the way you are taking it is to “gently taper with a weaker and natural remedy”.
So yes, when you come off kratom there will be withdrawal symptoms, but they will be so much weaker than if you were to come off strong opiates cold-turkey.
Again, I wish the medications and CalmSupport were doing more to help. Perhaps the dosages are not enough?
Also, on another note, I’ve found in my working at an Opiate Treatment Program (OTP) that people coming off long-term Subs can go through long withdrawal symptoms for many months. Many patients of mine tapered off successfully, then re-admitted to the program and got back on Subs after 1-3 months, because they still felt like shit!
Hang in there DK. The damage you did to your body was obviously severe, you’re doing everything right, and it appears that you’re still going to have some pain, both physical and psychological.
But you will get through this! You’re going to do it! I’m going to help you every step of the way! I look forward to our call today. I usually charge $90 per hour for coaching calls, but I feel a kindred spirits feeling with you, and thus I only wish to serve you in the best way I can.
On our call I can perhaps give you some more strategies to “fine-tune” your detox. I’m waiting back on your email to find out the best time to call you. Talk to you soon friend.
Matt, day 5 went good…Kratom use is down to 4-5 gms t.i.d., slept through the night woke rhis morning without chills or pain in my legs. Just using the Calm Support, DLPA 1000mg tid, with klonopin 1 mg p.r.n.
This is the first morning I have not felt the need to use the Kratom. Pursuant to your ? concerning emotional and mentally… suprisingly I am feeling better than I have in awhile. Emotions are a bit raw…get choked up watching anything on TV with “family issues” even an emotional sceen on Southpark orr the Simpsons.
My depression is much better, but I am still feeling foggy. Thanking you for your continued support, I hope we continue to stay in touch.
I remember going through the raw emotions as well. Especially when there was a kid that didn’t have one parent, as I almost died due to my addiction, and that would have left my daughter without a father. You’re doing so good. Happy to hear about your progress. Talk to you soon.
Completed 4th day w/out opiates, the Kraton is working great but ran out and had to get some pill form, (something like da pimp) not as sedating. I wake at 4:00am with the pain in my left leg from sciatic nerve amplified 10 fold, take 6-7 gms of red vein borneo and am pain free in under 30 min.
Thanks for the update. You’re doing so great…day 4 way to go! The full Self-Heal Balm topical pain reliever is on it’s way to the address you emailed me. It should help…and of course the Red Vein Borneo is a very strong painkiller. How are you doing emotionally/mentally?
Daily check in…36 hrs since last opiate (7.5mg hydrocodone). The Kratom works great but I am somewhat concerned about, am I just prolonging withdrawls or actually masking them.
Kratom is not an opiate but the chemicals in kratom do, in fact, bond to opiate receptors in the brain, medical researchers have found, explaining why it’s historically been used in Thailand both as a painkiller and as a treatment for addicts undergoing opiate withdrawal.
I have used 8-9 grams disolved in 1/4 cup boiling water mixed w/ grapefruit juice every 8-10 hours… but need to make sure I am not going to still have w/d if I only use the Kratom for 4-5 days.
Luckily kratom is only a “partial opioid-agonist”, meaning it is kind of like a short-term natural buprenorphine alternative. It’s not a magic bullet, but using it responsibly is kind of like taking tramadol (another non-opiate not derived from poppy plant, but has opiate effects).
Most of all, make sure to take the least amount needed to avoid getting sick, taper it down, and don’t use for more than 4-14 days (4-7 is best). You said only 4-5 days so that should be great. Use the other “goodies” you mentioned in another post after getting off the kratom and I really am excited to see how the rest of your detox goes! Keep it up!
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
The tapor and switch with CalmSupport, DLPA, and especially Kraton seems to be working. Took hopefully my last norco 5-325 8 hrs ago. Used 1.5 twice yesterday and wook at 4:00am with bad leg cramps, but nothing else to bad. Have Drs appt. today to get stitches out another appt. to ask Dr. for some halcion for sleep.
The Kraton really seems to work, but mixing it with grapefruit is like drinking seaweed. Can you suggest an alternative. Guess I can put it in caps.
No subutex in 8 days, will keep you informed.
Thanks for the update. The kratom works immediately, while the other supplements tend to start working better and better over a few days and especially within a week. And I’ve puked a few times while mixing kratom with grapefruit juice, it’s one of the worst tastes ever!
Like you said, putting it in caps works well for this, then cutting the grapefruit juice with water helps that taste as well. Congrats on your successful transition off opioids! Talk to you soon.
Im not going to lie, ive taken 3 scoops of the daytime and i really don’t feel a difference :*( what can i do to relieve the cold sweats !?
Did you taper off or did you just go cold-turkey? The nighttime formula is the one for the cold-sweats, but a hot bath works wonders as well. In all my all articles I generally write about using the supplement you’re taking with other natural or medication-based remedies in conjunction, especially if you’re coming off cold-turkey.
For instance, you could take the supplement with a hot bath and Imodium AD. Also it takes a few days to really kick-in. I recommend people taper their opiates over a few weeks if possible, then start taking the supplement 3-7 days before getting off completely…otherwise it’s still not going to be pleasant on a cold-turkey withdrawal.
What day of withdrawal are you on?
Read the following article that can help in conjunction with the supplement you’re taking. All you need is Vitamin C!!!
How To Mega-Dose Vitamin C To Stop Opiate Withdrawal
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
Hoops, try The Red Vein Borneo Kratom. It works.
Well i just can my first glass with one scoop of the day time so wish me luck! I was only doin 1 to 1 1/2 roxys everyday though but im so ready to quit! Im so excited and nervous!
Im stating this tomorrow! I have the day and night time formula! I will update and let everyone know how it is!
Good for you Hoops!!! Looking forward to your update 🙂
I’m as real as it gets! Took a very negative experience and have dedicated my life to helping people recover from opiate addiction. It’s my life’s mission and purpose. I’m happiest when I’m blogging and coaching clients about natural remedies for beating withdrawal and feeling happy and energized without cravings within weeks afterwards.
My addiction took me to places so dark I don’t know how I survived many episodes. I believe God was putting me through all of it so I would be able to help others in a global capacity. I’ve had many friends die of addiction, and I know I obviously can’t help everyone, but writing these articles on my website has helped many people learn strategies that they were not already aware of.
And what you said about me making a living doing it being utopia….that’s right on. By making money I can devote 100% of time to further research and articles, thus helping more and more people, and it’s growing exponentially the number of people leaving comments and sending me emails that these methods really helped!
My greatest joy is when I get to help someone. When people read an article then comment how the tips helped them have an easy withdrawal, it lights up my whole day!
And of course we will continue to corespond. I’m always here for you, and I appreciate you trusting me to assist you.
Matt, I am still trying to access the link you gave me for a free sample of SelfHeal Balm and the site is still down. Can you please email me and I would gladly provide you my address. Thanking you in advance.
Hi Dk,
I informed my dad about his website. He called In-Motion Hosting and they said he was hacked. This happened a few months ago but he caught it quick and the hosting company was able to reboot a back-up or something like that. He informed me that after talking to the hosting company, apparently it was too late, because the hackers uploaded a hacked back-up? Something like that I don’t understand all that stuff.
They told him it was fixable, but he doesn’t know how to do it, and I have no clue either. I just know basic posting and page-creating on Word Press. He’s going to wait a few days until my brother returns from Northern California, as he is tech-savvy with Word Press security etc. If my brother can’t do it, he’ll have to call Talent Evolution, the company that designed his website, to go in and do it, though they would charge money.
It’s a sad thing but I’m super glad it didn’t happen to my website. I can’t believe people do that sort of thing…hack someones website?! I will be having my brother look at my back-end to see if I am vulnerable, because now I want the best security there is…I would lose my mind if I lost all this long, hard work I’ve done.
I don’t have your email, but you can send me one with your address and I will have my dad ship it out tomorrow:
My personal email address is:
finchy444@yahoo.com
Take care.
Matt, I agreed to keep you updated, I used the morphs 30mg tid for 4 days. Starting yesterday 15mg of methadone, barely holding… but tolerable. I am hoping to get the CalmSupport, Kraton and DLPA tomarrow and could use some advice on dosing. I still plan on 15mg (mthd) 2 more days, then hopefull 10mg x’s 3-4 days, 5mg x’s same or if 5mg won’t hold, just stopping and using a couple norcos prn. All for now
Sounds like a solid plan you have for now. The doctor I studied from (Dr. Charles Gant) recommends taking up to 2,000mg DLPA 3x per day on an empty stomach 45 minutes before meals. Kratom is an individual thing. I found with my experimentation of the plant that 9-10 grams on an empty stomach mixed with fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice (potentiator) stimulated my mu- opioid receptors, while smaller doses hit mostly delta- and kappa- receptors. The CalmSupport says on the bottle to take with meals.
Matt, are you related to John Finch, the Herbologist.
Yes I’m his son.
Matt, as I mentioned in my reply to you earlier today I ordered CalmSupport, but now after reading more about Elmidrol…I feel like Im getting buyers remorse. I am getting 150 of 500mg DLPA, I have Melatonin also. Am I worrying to much?
You gave it the best rating in your 2014 review and seem to know your stuff.
You’re worrying way to much…relax! DK, the list of stuff I read that you have is absolutely incredible. And I’m coaching a gentlemen right now that is taking CalmSupport…he loves it and states that it’s working very well!!! They are both great products and you literally can’t go wrong.
Plus, not to mention you have the benzos, Imodium, kratom and everything else. In my opinion you have the perfect package of medication-based and natural remedies to have the easiest time coming off Subutex of your life.
Your difficulty won’t be coming off the acute withdrawal, because I’m sure you’ll comment back how incredibly easy it was for you. Your challenge will be staying clean after all those goodies run out! Not sure if you read this article or not, but if you haven’t, please check it out.
It’s some of the most important things you can do to have an easy time staying clean and healthy and happy long-term after quitting:
How To Stop Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome From Opiates
Again, don’t worry! You have everything you need and more…now just keep a positive mindset. I’m telling you, if I had those items on your list I would not worry a single bit. Most of my readers cannot obtain that impressive of a detox shopping list. You’re so stocked up it’s very impressive.
Please keep me updated on your progress. Take care and keep a strong mindset.
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
Matt, thanking you ever so much… you’re exactly right, I over think everything.
Thanks for the link on PAWS, as I’m sure you will agree, the detox is really the easy part. Dealing witth PAWS, cravings, boredom, etc., that is the real battle.
I will continue to post here and keep you updated. Thanks for being here, positive reinforcement is truely the best remedy of all.
Thanks Matt,
Your quick response and judgement free words were / are an inspiration. Most everyone else thinks I should stay on Subutex for life.
Had my top teeth pulled yesterday at 8:00 am, last Sub was 4mg the previous day @6am , I have only used 5 morphs so far and I feel OK, pain is mild, but the Woody Kush has helped.
I ordered CalmSupport and 112 gms of Kraton (the RedVein you reviewed / recommended. I found DLPA (DL-Phenylalanine for 50 x’3 for $8.99 free shipping from Puritans Pride. They also have L-Phenylalanine same qty (150) @ $15.99
Question: should I get just the DL or both. Are there any other suggestions. Also found 150 melatonin. Also hope to use the Methadone: 15mg for 4 days, 10mgs for 4 days, 5mg for last 4 days.
Last question: 40 yrs ago they used med. hospitals for medical detox – morphine shots tid for 3 days, then demeral shots every 4 or 6 hrs. decreasing the dose gradually. The thing was, I went through an hour of hell out of every 4 hours. The last day they used valium, but walked out 7 days later feeling good. Any thoughts on this… like using 1 Norco 5/325 every 12 hrs after the methadone?
I did this when I was young, but is it physiologically possible to detox as noted above: w/ severe w/d one hour out of every 4, 6, 8 etc..
Props to you, not selling anything on your site, just solid info. My days as a CADAC in CO were the best. Someday….
Hello again DK,
DL-Phenylalanine is a combo of the D- and L- forms of the amino acid, so there is no need to get just the L- form buy itself. The two doctors I read books from both strongly recommended DL-Phenylalanine to combat opiate withdrawal and post-acute symptoms.
And my thoughts on going back to 1 Norco every 12 hours after getting off the small methadone dose:
Sounds wonderful. I came off Suboxone with ease one time from switching to a low dose and frequency of a short-duration opioid as well (though it was 3x per day), then I used Valium to finally get off. Check out this article to see how I did it:
Why Getting Off Suboxone Was Easy For Me
That’s really cool to hear you were a CADAC II in CO. A very fulfilling profession, and I’m sure you helped a lot of people. The cool part is that you know so much about addiction and getting off drugs, now you’re implementing what you know. You’re an inspiration!
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
To Matt Finch: have been reading your website
Everything pertains to recreational addictions. I was given hydrocodone for pain after a bad accident. I have taken it for 10 years and want to stop at some point. I am 79 years old. Anyone have good advice?
Hi Roxie,
Thanks so much for reading my website. I want to clear a few things up for you so that you might better understand how to come off hydrocodone.
There is no such thing as a “recreational addiction”, though I know what you are referring too. The continuum of use is as follows:
1) Experimental use – first contact with a substance.
2) Recreational use – using the substance from time to time for pleasure.
3) Habitual use – regular use on a consistent basis.
4) Abuse – the substance is now causing significant problems in a person’s life.
5) Dependence – full-blown addiction in which you cannot go without the substance and your whole life revolves around getting and using the substance.
Roxie, since you were in a bad accident and have been taking prescribed hydrocodone for 10 years, you do not fall anywhere along this continuum of use, however, I need to tell you something very important:
Though you are not an “addict” or even a “recreational user”, you have been taking hydrocodone for pain for 10 years nonetheless. Your body has become physiologically dependent upon opiates. Your body doesn’t care whether or not you take hydrocodone as prescribed or for “recreation” or “full-blown addiction”.
Therefore, since you are physiologically dependent upon them, the methods I write about on this website for coming off hydrocodone and other opioids all work the same. I used to work as a counselor at an Opiate Treatment Program (OTP), and many of the people I helped come off hydrocodone and oxycodone were on it for pain prescribed by their doctors.
Every method I write about on this website can help you. There are many different methods, ranging from medications to natural herbs and everything in between. I know you will find something that resonates with you to help you get off hydrocodone.
Thanks for reaching out and if anyone else reading this would like to give Roxie some feedback I’m sure she would appreciate it. Have a wonderful day, and if you need any further assistance I’m happy to help.