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The Suboxone Taper Challenge

While Suboxone can be a miracle medication for those of us who have suffered from opioid dependence, there comes a time when you must eventually start a Suboxone taper. After enjoying it’s benefits for weeks, months or years, the honeymoon comes to end and reality sets in. Many of us have thought to ourselves, “am I ever going to be able to enjoy life or function normally without subs?” To which our internal voice swiftly replied “no”.

If you can relate to these words, you’re not alone. Over three million Americans have been prescribed Suboxone for opioid dependence, and I’d bet there are thousands tapering right now as I write these words. I wonder if the numbers would be this high if everyone knew how hard it can be to taper off Suboxone.

The Solution

What if I told you there was a way to complete your Suboxone taper with minimal discomfort that didn’t last very long? While I don’t believe it’s ever easy, there are profound ways of reducing physical and psychological Suboxone tapering symptoms that you can utilize.

I’m a former opiate addict, Suboxone patient and counselor at an Opiate Treatment Program. I like to think I know what I’m talking about when it comes to opiates, medications and alternative treatment modalites. I’m going to teach you the same holistic method I used with my patients who were on a Suboxone taper, which often led to outstanding results.

The 4 Pillars

The most effective way to taper off Suboxone is using a balanced approach. Too many times I saw patients try and fail, coming back to treatment beat up and begging for mercy. In the addiction field this is known as “the revolving door”. Sadly, most addicts are in and out of treatment the majority of the time, while rarely stringing together any substantial clean time.

There are many reasons for this. In the case of Suboxone treatment, I’m of the opinion that this is due to treating drug addiction with more drugs, while failing to treat the root cause. I don’t say that because I think poorly of Suboxone. On the contrary, I believe it is an amazing medication that brings much more good than harm.

However, it being the powerful medicine that it is, most patients fail to realize that just having a great Suboxone taper schedule is probably not good enough for long-term success.

While I am going to go over Suboxone taper schedules in detail towards the end, they will be part of a complete Bio/Psycho/Social approach to transitioning off medication. I call this approach “The 4 Pillar”.

Subxone Taper: Pillar 1 – Physical

A Suboxone taper can leave your body feeling all sorts of unpleasant symptoms. Even though it’s only a partial opioid agonist, coming off can be challenging nonetheless. Despite your efforts at tapering slow, the nagging and persistent physical symptoms can be enough to make you give up.

As opiate addicts, there is nothing we fear more than the feeling of withdrawal. Even a slight feeling of withdrawal if prolonged over weeks or months can be devastating to our endeavor. When developing a Suboxone taper plan using The 4 Pillars, it is essential that you do all that is in your power to address this physical aspect.

The Importance of Exercise

There are so many benefits you get from exercise I could write an entire article about it.

On your Suboxone taper regular exercise can:

Endorphins are the bodies natural morphine. Morphine is a powerful painkiller. We actually have the ability to produce these neurotransmitters simply by exerting our bodies. The best part about this natural morphine is that it’s free and our bodies make it in the precise amounts that we were designed to handle.

One of my patients would go on long runs a few days per week on his Suboxone taper. He said at 1mg  he felt great, and he attributed his sense of physical and mental well-being to the massive amount of endorphins produced from running.

I don’t say this to suggest that everyone should run on their Suboxone taper. I say it merely to provide an example of what one person did who effectively tapered his medication.

Note: You can choose any exercise you like. The key is picking something you enjoy. That way you’re more likely to stick with it.

The Importance of Nutrition

Proper nutrition on a Suboxone taper can translate to:

Note: Everyone of us is biochemically unique. So I’m not going to be able to tell you exactly which type of diet you should be eating. The best diet to build endorphins for a Suboxone taper is one that is rich with protein, 20-30 grams per day at least 3x per day. I highly recommend reading The Mood Cure for more detailed information on nutritional therapy for addiction.

No matter what type of diet you choose, always try to follow these guidelines:

Note: Becoming health conscious can be a process. Take small steps daily and over time this translates into big changes in health, vitality and enjoyment of life.

Suboxone Taper: Pillar 2 – Psychological

The psychological aspect of a Suboxone taper can be the most difficult to face. Due to the decreasing levels of buprenorphine in your system, your brain is now functioning at a lower capacity than it was at a stabilized dose. Most people certainly notice this drop, and as a result emotions can get out of control. Some common psychological symptoms of a Suboxone taper include: anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, depression, irritability and low self-esteem.

There are many ways to combat these mental side effects. Exercise actually helps with all of these symptoms. Along with exercise, the following should be considered adding to your holistic Suboxone taper plan:

Supplements

I read a book a few years ago that absolutely blew my mind called End Your Addiction Now: The Proven Nutritional Supplement Program That Can Set You Free. I urge everyone struggling with addiction to read it as soon as possible. In the book the author, Dr. Charles Gant, states that most opiate abusers are severely deficient in endorphins.

To help balance your brain chemistry, he lists these as the primary nutrients that are usually low in endorphin-deficient individuals:

I recommend taking these supplements along with one of the following opiate withdrawal supplements starting as soon as you feel symptoms from the Suboxone taper:

Personal Growth

One of the best ways you can build this psychological pillar is to outgrow your problem. How does one do that, exactly?

Note: Personal growth is the antidote to addiction. If you harness the power of the strategies above, you’ll be well on your way to completing your Suboxone taper.

Suboxone Taper: Pillar 3 – Emotional

Being able to control your emotional patterns is one the most valuable skills you can acquire in life, regardless of whether you have a drug problem or not. Most people don’t know they have the ability to change their emotions in an instant. This is a skill you should develop before trying to taper Suboxone.

An easy way to change the emotion you’re feeling is to change your focus. If you think about negative things that happened in the past this can cause you to feel bad. If you’re thinking about the future, worrying about what may or may not happen, this can also make you experience unwanted feelings.

While it’s necessary to think about the past and future, most people spend much more time doing this than is necessary. This means they aren’t spending time enjoying the present moment. Practicing present moment awareness can dramatically help your Suboxone taper. Next time you realize that you’re obsessing over the past or worrying about the future, notice that is what’s happening. Bringing your awareness to this is the remedy. By noticing that you’ve drifted into the past or future it brings you back to the present moment.

Note: Try this exercise for an entire day. You’ll see how the mind likes to obsess about things until trained otherwise. It’s one of the most common diseases in the world! To learn more about present moment awareness, I highly recommend reading The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment.

Suboxone Taper: Pillar 4 – Spiritual 

If you’re atheist or agnostic I don’t expect you to follow the guidelines for this pillar. Replace it with something you feel will be useful for your taper. If you believe in some type of Cosmic Intelligence than I recommend you tap into the power of spirituality to supercharge your Suboxone taper.

If you have a solid relationship with God, or whatever you choose to call Him/Her/It, then ask for strength when tapering. Do this on daily basis and do it with sincerity. You might be amazed with the results. If you believe in some kind of Higher Power but don’t pray or communicate with it, give it a try. Ask that it provide you with strength and courage to overcome the physical and psychological Suboxone taper symptoms.

Suboxone Taper Studies

In one large study in 2010, persons tapering with buprenorpine during a nine month period, whether initially or after a period of substantial improvement, led to nearly universal relapse. Considering how I relapsed after using Suboxone the first time, and also considering how many times I saw patients of mine come in and out of treatment, this doesn’t really surprise me.

In another study, two groups of opioid addicted-youth were evaluated to monitor the effectiveness of different taper approaches. One group was detoxed for two weeks. The other was given Suboxone for nine weeks then tapered for three. The results showed that the longer taper was more effective, although after 6, 9 and 12 month evaluations there were increased rates of opioid use in both groups.

Many other studies look similar to these. The results confirm the poor prognosis. Opioid dependence is in fact a chronic, relapsing condition.

Note: The odds are not in your favor. In fact, it’s more like the tale of David versus Goliath. Don’t let this get you down! I’m here to tell you it can be done using the 4- pillars Method coupled with a strategic Suboxone taper schedule.

Suboxone Taper Schedules

To help you achieve your goal of having a successful Suboxone taper, I’ve put together the following guidelines to adhere to until you reach 2 mg:

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

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

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

To finish the Suboxone taper you only dose every third day:

Note: If this is too drawn out for you, you can change the frequency of decreases to every 10 or 7 days from 2 mg down to 0.0 mg. I used 14 days as an example of a very conservative taper.

And Remember…

Final Thoughts

You have the opportunity to overcome a great obstacle. I sincerely hope with all my heart and soul that you find the powerful resources within you to meet this challenge head on and prevail. I believe that all our so called “problems” in life are happening for us, not to us.

By breaking through these walls we grow stronger and are able to contribute more to the world.

Do not fear the Suboxone taper. Instead let it be the catalyst for your breakthrough.

If you have any questions on tapering off Suboxone, please don’t hesitate to leave it in the comment box below.

The post Suboxone Taper Plan: 4 Pillars Method appeared first on Opiate Addiction Support (OAS).

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Getting off methadone can be extremely difficult. Luckily, there is an alternative to tapering all the way off. Switching from methadone to Suboxone can be the perfect transition plan if done properly. When I worked as a counselor at an opiate treatment program, many of the patients asked me, “can you switch from methadone to Suboxone?”

The answer is yes. However, there are certain criteria that must be met in order for one to do so. In this article I’m going to explain to you what these criteria are. I’m also going to teach you step-by-step how to switch from methadone to Suboxone.

Methadone and Suboxone

Some people are confused about the differences between methadone and Suboxone. These differences must be understood before you make the transition. Methadone is a full opioid-agonist. This means that it completely mimics the effects of heroin, morphine, Vicodin, and other opioids. It’s the most powerful medication available to treat opioid dependence.

This can be a double-edged sword. Since it’s so powerful, it can work wonders at eliminating opiate withdrawal symptoms and cravings. On the flip side, coming off methadone can be hard due to it’s strength. This is where switching from methadone to Suboxone can help.

Suboxone is composed of buprenorpine and naloxone. Buprenorpine is only a partial opioid-agonist. This means that it still mimics the effects of opioids, but it’s not as strong as the full-agonist methadone. Naloxone is a partial opioid-antagonist. This means that it blocks the effects of other any other opiates.

Often I had patients ask me, “is Suboxone better than methadone?” Neither medication is better or worse. Furthermore, they’re used to treat different levels of opioid addiction severity. Here’s a brief description of their pros and cons:

Methadone

• Strongest medication
• Least expensive
• Can be difficult to come off
• Horrible stigma associated to it
• Often have to attend a clinic daily for the first several months until you start earning take-home privileges

Suboxone

• Not as strong of a medication as methadone
• Very expensive
• Can still be difficult to come off
• not as much stigma associated to it as methadone
• You can get a prescription from a doctor

Only people with the most severe cases of opioid dependence should be placed on methadone.

Reasons for Switching from Methadone to Suboxone

There are a few reasons one might consider switching from methadone to Suboxone:

• To feel less medicated
• To experience less side-effects
• To not have to come all the way off methadone
• Family pressure
• Wanting to avoid the stigma associated with methadone

Everyone is biochemically unique. Some patients feel better on Suboxone than they do on methadone. Conversely, many patients feel better on methadone than they do on Suboxone. I had two patients that switched from methadone to Suboxone and didn’t like the transition. They both ended up getting back on methadone, and feeling much better as a result.

How to Switch from Methadone to Suboxone

Step 1:

Switching from methadone to Suboxone needs to be done correctly. If you’re thinking about switching from methadone to Suboxone, you must first talk to the doctor who is prescribing the medication to you.

At the opiate treatment program where I worked, we offered both of these medications. This made switching from methadone to Suboxone very convenient.

If you attend a methadone clinic that doesn’t offer Suboxone treatment, you can have your counselor help you find a treatment center or private doctor that can prescribe it to you.

If you’re taking methadone prescribed by your doctor or pain management clinic, they too can help you make arrangements for transitioning to Suboxone at another location.

Step 2:

After meeting with the doctor, you’ll be put on a methadone taper schedule. This means that you’ll be decreasing the amount of methadone medication over a period of time. It’s best to taper slow, or at least moderately slow, to avoid shocking your system. This could lead to severe physical and psychological symptoms, opioid cravings, and a possible relapse.

The taper will end at about 30-40 mg of methadone. This is where you will begin switching from methadone to Suboxone. The transition point is entirely up to the doctor prescribing your Suboxone. The doctor where I worked had patients taper down to 30 mg before switching from methadone to Suboxone. This is pretty standard, although some doctors might have you stop at 35-40 mg.

Doctors have you get down on these low doses because anything higher makes switching from methadone to Suboxone much more difficult. This is because Suboxone is a weaker medication. So 30-40 mg of methadone is considered equal to a regular dose of Suboxone.

Step 3:

Once you’ve successfully tapered down to the amount of methadone your doctor has established, you’re now ready for the hard part! Unfortunately, you’re probably going to have to wait approximately 72 hours after your last dose of methadone before switching from methadone to Suboxone.

If you’re not in at least partial opioid withdrawal, the agonist buprenorphine could send you into precipitated withdrawal. I’ve heard some serious horror stories of opioid abusers taking street Suboxone too early and ending up in the hospital. Don’t let this happen to you!

Note: Subutex can also put you into precipitated withdrawal. This is because buprenorphine has a high affinity but low intrinsic activity at the mu receptor, the partial antagonist displaces agonist opioids from the mu receptors, without activating the receptor to an equivalent degree, resulting in a net decrease in agonist effect, thus precipitating a withdrawal syndrome.

*It is a common misconception that the Naloxone in Suboxone initiates precipitated withdrawal. This is false. The Naloxone can only initiate precipitated withdrawal if injected into a person tolerant to opioids. Taken sublingually the Naloxone has virtually no effect.

As long as you do everything your doctor asks you should be fine. On the day of your switch, your doctor will do some tests to see if you’re in enough withdrawal to give you Suboxone. If the doctor thinks you’re ready, you’ll most likely be given a small dose of Suboxone to see how you respond. If that goes well then CONGRATULATIONS! You’ve successfully switched from methadone to Suboxone.

My Clinical Observations of Patients Switching from Methadone to Suboxone

I observed many patients switching from methadone to Suboxone. As I explained earlier, only twice did I witness patients getting back on methadone. All the other patients I saw switching from methadone to Suboxone reported that they felt good. Many stated that they enjoyed more energy and less sweating after the transition. Furthermore, they often reported being happy to not feel so medicated anymore, as the methadone can have this effect.

The two patients who ended up switching back to methadone told me they liked the feeling of being medicated. Everyone is different. If you’re thinking about switching from methadone to Suboxone I suggest you set up an appointment to talk to your doctor about it.

Conclusion

Based on my clinical observations, switching from methadone to Suboxone can be an awesome transition plan. I should warn you, however, that coming off Suboxone is still not easy. Don’t underestimate the power of buprenorphine. Yes, it’s only a parital-agonist. But it’s still a powerful medication that exacerbates imbalances in biochemistry.

While tapering methadone or tapering Suboxone, you should work on natural ways of increasing your endorphins to promote physical and mental well-being. If you do this, you’ll be well on your way to being medication and opiate free.

If you have any questions on switching from Methadone to Suboxone, please don’t hesitate to leave it in the comment box below.

The post How To Switch From Methadone To Suboxone appeared first on Opiate Addiction Support (OAS).

Suboxone has the unique ability to give certain individuals massive amounts of energy. How can it do this? I’m going to teach you why some people get energy from suboxone, and why suboxone makes others simply feel normal. While working as a counselor at an opiate treatment program, I had many patients ask me, “does suboxone give you energy?” My answer was always the same. “If you’re lucky!”

Does Suboxone give you Energy?

Yes. Suboxone does in fact give some people energy. However, it by no means gives everyone energy. I’ll explain this soon. First, I believe it’s important to share my personal experience with suboxone energy.

My Experience with Suboxone Energy

Several years ago I was using illegal street suboxone to manage opiate withdrawal symptoms. I had been abusing prescription opiates for several months, and could no longer afford them. That’s when I found a connection that sold me suboxone.

It was a miracle drug. Not only was it considerably cheaper than oxys, but it also gave me ENERGY! Lot’s of energy.

What I also noticed was how well it mixed with caffeine. My morning ritual consisted of taking suboxone first thing after waking, then drinking a cup of coffee afterwards.

Now don’t get me wrong. Suboxone by itself was enough to give me a ton of energy. Mixing it with caffeine, however, supercharged me and gave me massive amounts of suboxone energy.

After my morning ritual I would walk to work feeling confident, energized, and ready to take on the day. Suboxone energy made me actually enjoy my job. I had so much energy and happiness I even did extra work during the downtime!

My Clinical Observations of Suboxone Energy

While working at an Opiate Treatment Program, I talked to many patients who told me how suboxone would give them energy. They’re experiences were similar to my story.

They would take suboxone and have energy, confidence and happiness throughout the day. Other patients simply stated that suboxone made them feel “normal”. It intrigued me why some people gained energy, while others did not.

Why does Suboxone give you Energy?

Answering this question is actually quite difficult. Luckily, I’ve been researching opiate addiction for a long time and believe I have the answer. It has to do with biochemistry. I’ll share a story to paint a picture of what I’m talking about.

When I was 22 years of age, a friend of mine got beat up while working as a doorman at a local bar. His shoulder was injured, and the doctor prescribed him vicodin to ease the pain. One day we were hanging out together, and he offered me one his vicodin. I had never tried any pills before, but I decided to give it a shot.

He took one as well, and off we went. About an hour later, my friend was passed out in his chair.

This didn’t surprise me, since hydrocodone is an opioid drug, and opioids are central nervous system depressants. What did surprise me, however, was that I had an opposite reaction. Not only was I awake, but I had more energy, confidence, happiness and enthusiasm for life than ever before!

I had so much energy I felt like going to do some fun stuff. Unfortunately, my friend was passed out.  So I had to wait for him to wake up before I could go use this artificial energy I had received. That was just the first of many experiences with energy from opioids.

Over the years I’ve met many people that pass out if they take a pain pill. Rarely do these individuals become addicted. I’ve also met a superabundance of people that get energy from opioids. In my clinical experience, I’ve found that these individuals are much more prone to developing an opioid addiction.

The Biochemistry of Suboxone Energy

Why does suboxone and other opioids give some people energy, when CNS depressants are supposed to make you drowsy? I believe there are two reasons why this can happen. The first reason is an obvious one.

Let’s say a girl named Kelly is physiologically dependent on opioids due to abusing heroin for a year. Kelly’s dealer gets busted and goes to jail, leaving her with no way to get heroin. On the third day of heroin withdrawal, she has no energy and is laying in bed going crazy.

Luckily, her friend Jason comes over with a suboxone strip for her. After taking the medication, Kelly feels an immediate relief of withdrawal symptoms. Not only that, but she starts to get a ton of energy and takes Jason out to breakfast. Later they go hang out at the beach for the day.

This is an obvious form of suboxone energy. Taking an opioid when you’re in withdrawal can give you energy. Most people know this. The second type of suboxone energy is much different.  Remember when I took that vicodin and became super energized?

I wasn’t going through opioid withdrawal. In fact, I had never even taken a pain pill before. Years later I took 8mg of suboxone for recreational use. I hadn’t used an opioid in many months, and had no addiction at that point in my life.

I received an unbelievable amount of energy from it. I had seemingly unlimited energy, confidence and happiness. What’s more, I gave a friend of mine about 1mg of suboxone, which was an eighth of what I took.  He ended up getting super tired and couldn’t stop vommiting!

So why does suboxone and other opioids have different effects on different people?

I believe the main reason people have different reactions to drugs is due to their biochemisty. I believe the reason many individuals get energy from suboxone is due to an endorphin deficiency.

Endorphins

Endorphins are neurotransmitters that act as chemical messengers. They are our bodies natural pain-killers. When a person is deficient in endorphins, they can be very sensitive to physical and emotional pain. This sensitivity can lead to energy being depleted from over-stressing.This person is much more likely to get energy from suboxone or other opioids than someone who has plenty of endorphins.

The large amount of artificial endorphins from suboxone enable an endorphin-deficient individual to relax. This frees up the energy that they’ve been wasting from stressing out. It makes this energy immediately available to them.

I believe this is the essential reason some people get energy from suboxone, though I’m sure it also has to do with many other biochemical factors. Let me give you another example of drugs having an opposite effect on an individual.

Case Study

I’m sure you’ve probably heard of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Symptoms include difficulty focusing, hyperactivity, and trouble controlling behavior. Logic would tell us that prescribing a calming medication would help someone who is hyperactive.  

This is not the case, however. The main medication prescribed for ADHD is adderall. Adderall is a mixture of four different amphetamine salts. SPEED!  That’s right…..people with ADHD hyperactivity are give a powerful stimulant to calm them down. A classic example of a drug producing the opposite effect in someone who is biochemically imbalanced.

There are many other cases as well, but this is the most common. So now you see why it’s possible to have an opioid, which is a CNS depressant, actually give you energy.

Conclusion

Suboxone can produce massive amounts of energy in individuals with certain biochemical imbalances. There is no way to know who will get suboxone energy, and who will not. Also, it’s important to remember that individuals who get energy from suboxone might have a very difficult time coming off the medication.

After being used to so much energy, coming off suboxone can be a huge shock to the body. Luckily, there are natural ways you can prevent this from happening by taking certain supplements, exercising, and eating a proper endorphin-building diet.

Does suboxone give you energy?  

If you answered yes to this question, make sure to read more about tapering suboxone.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to leave it in the comment box below.

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In this article I’m going to teach you how to get off Suboxone without withdrawal. I used to be addicted to heroin, prescription opiates and xanax. I got clean using natural methods and went on to become a counselor at an Opiate Treatment Prgoram (OTP), where I taught many patients how to get off Suboxone naturally.

How to Get Off Suboxone Naturally

By using the following techniques, you’ll be able to start coming off Suboxone without experiencing withdrawal symptoms. Sound too good to be true? After studying and perfecting Suboxone recovery over the last few years, I know for sure that this is the best way to get off Suboxone naturally. Simply follow these five easy steps exactly as I’ve outlined, and you too will be on your way to coming off Suboxone without withdrawal.

1. Start tapering off Suboxone

Individuals coming off Suboxone almost always relapse. In one large study in 2010, persons tapering Suboxone during a nine month period, whether initially or after a period of substantial improvement, led to nearly universal relapse. This is because tapering by itself doesn’t work and people still experience withdrawal symptoms.

When my patients would ask me how to get off Suboxone without withdrawal, I told them the secret was to use a strategic Suboxone taper plan in combination with a natural endorphin-building and brain chemistry rebalancing regimen. Steps 2-5 will help you rebalance your brain chemistry.

To taper Suboxone effectively, there are a few guidelines that you should follow:

2. Start taking Calm Support

If you really want to know how to get off Suboxone without withdrawal take Calm Support, an all natural opiate withdrawal formula that ranked the highest in the 2014 Opiate Withdrawal Remedies Review, receiving a 9/10. It’s a powerful blend of organic herbs and other natural ingredients that are clinically proven to decrease withdrawal symptoms from coming off Suboxone and other opioids.

This formula can help you come off Suboxone in the following ways:

3. Start taking DL-Phenylalanine (DLPA)

Whenever someone asks me how to get off Suboxone, I always tell them to take DLPA, a supplement that combines the D- and L- forms of the amino acid phenylalanine.

It’s my second favorite supplement for opiate recovery just behind Calm Support for the following reasons:

Note: I never knew how to get off Suboxone without feeling like crap until I started taking DLPA. My brain chemistry was tore up from abusing drugs for so long. DLPA quickly worked to correct my imbalances, specifically targeting the neurotransmitters that I had become deficient in from using Suboxone and other opioid type drugs.

4. Start eating an endorphin-building diet

Along with the first three steps, whenever patients of mine asked me how to get off Suboxone, I would encourage them to eat plenty of high quality protein foods. Consuming at least 20-30 grams of protein three times per day can radically increase your endorphins and other mood enhancing chemicals in the brain.

The following dietary guidelines can help you get off Suboxone without withdrawal symptoms:

5. Start exercising

This is the final ingredient to getting off Suboxone without withdrawal symptoms. If you do Steps 1-4 and pass on exercising, you might still experience some mild symptoms. I’ve designed this plan based on the power of synergy, so there is a huge amplification of benefits by doing everything together.

Exercise can help you come off Suboxone because it:

How to Get Off Suboxone Fast

If you use the 5 Steps I outlined, you should be able to get off Suboxone relatively fast. I wish you good luck on your journey now that you know how to get off Suboxone without withdrawal!!!

If you have any questions on how to get off Suboxone without withdrawal, please don’t hesitate to leave it in the comment box below.

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Suboxone is Powerful

In this article, you’re going to learn exactly why getting off Suboxone was easy for me, and I will also teach you how to duplicate my amazing results.

For most people, getting off Suboxone is one of the hardest battles they will ever face. If you are currently trying to come off Suboxone, I honor you for your courage, and I know you can do it with the right mindset and strategy.

The first time I tried getting off Suboxone was a nightmare. I was going through bad withdrawals on day four, and I needed to go to work, so I ended up getting back on the opiate replacement medication. I couldn’t believe I had withdrawal symptoms since I had tapered Suboxone and jumped off around 0.5 mg. At that point I realized that Suboxone was a much more powerful medication than I had given it credit for.

Now I knew that I needed a different strategy for coming off Suboxone. The most time I could ever get off work was a three day weekend, so I had to make sure my withdrawal symptoms were tolerable. I did some studying on the internet and came up with a new plan for getting off Suboxone.

Plan for Getting Off Suboxone 

The plan I devised based on my research consisted of the following components:

Getting Off Suboxone Was Easy

I followed this plan exactly and my results were amazing:

OK, so after reading this method you might think I’m a little crazy for using oxys to get off Suboxone, and you’d be right! I’m not normal haha. But I can tell you one thing: this method worked! I don’t recommend doing it exactly as I did though.

Note: I was buying Suboxone, oxycodone and Valium illegally from drug dealers. The proper way to do this method would be to get everything prescribed from your Suboxone doctor, that way you’re overseen by a professional and not breaking the law.

Here are a few things to remember about this method for getting off Suboxone:

Suboxone Withdrawal Supplements

One of the main reasons getting off Suboxone was easy for me is because I started using a powerful supplement specifically engineered to ease Suboxone and other opioid drug withdrawal symptoms.

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND anyone who is planning to come off Suboxone, Methadone, heroin, oxycodone or other opioids to take one of the following supplements:

Note: Both of these formulas help ease symptoms from getting off Suboxone. Along with these, exercise can counteract Suboxone withdrawal symptoms in a powerful way. I didn’t exercise when I came off Suboxone and it was still easy, but I would have felt even better had I done so.

One of the main reasons getting off Suboxone is so hard is due to the following:

This is why it’s so important to exercise to jump-start your endorphin system. Eating a healthy diet consisting of organic whole foods, fresh fruits and veggies, lean proteins and healthy fats will also help you get off Suboxone. Eliminating or significantly decreasing sugar, refined carbohydrates, alcohol, caffeine and processed foods will further improve your physical and mental health while coming off Suboxone.

Now that you know why getting off Suboxone was easy for me, I hope you have started to devise your plan for coming off medication.

Here are some other articles on Suboxone you might benefit from:

If you have any questions on getting off Suboxone, please don’t hesitate to leave it in the comment box below.

The post Why Getting Off Suboxone Was Easy For Me appeared first on Opiate Addiction Support (OAS).

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Suboxone Withdrawal Remedies: My Experience 

Suboxone withdrawal remedies can be used to ease your symptoms so that you can start feeling better right away. Suboxone withdrawal is a horrific experience. I went through it several times in the past, and each time I did I was always frantically trying to obtain Suboxone withdrawal remedies so I wouldn’t be in such agony.

I was never prescribed Suboxone by a doctor. I always bought it from my drug dealer because he gave me a good deal, but the only problem was that sometimes he would run out! After three days without the medication, I would start to experience some unbearable symptoms. Suboxone withdrawal remedies allowed me to feel good enough so that I could still go to work.

I’ve been clean for several years now, and I’ve since made it my life’s purpose and mission to help others recover from the opiate addiction plague that has spread throughout this world. During my time in recovery, I also became a Certified Advanced Food-Based Healer that specializes in supplements and nutrition for opiate withdrawal and recovery.

I have a deep inner-knowledge of specific foods, vitamins, herbs, amino acids, superfoods, minerals and other natural methods for easing Suboxone withdrawal symptoms. The following list of 35 Suboxone withdrawal remedies will include these, along with natural drugs, prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, and home remedies.

Suboxone Withdrawal Remedies: Prescription Medications

The most powerful Suboxone withdrawal remedies are prescription medications. These will offer the most strength in easing symptoms, however, they are often difficult to come by, potentially dangerous, and you’re still treating drug problems with more drugs. Nevertheless, these do work well, and under the supervision of a doctor for treating the worst symptoms for a few days, I believe they can be very beneficial.

1. Clonidine – A  blood pressure medication that is often a doctor’s first choice for treating Suboxone withdrawal symptoms. It helps with the goosebumps and chills, it can definitely take the edge off, and many people have used it to minimize their symptoms. When I used clonodine several years ago, it worked well but made my mouth super dry, which is a common side-effect. Clonidine can be habit forming, and if used should only be taken for a short period of time, two weeks maximum.

2. Gabapentin (Neurontin) – An anti-convulsant and analgesic developed to treat epilepsy, which is also used to relieve neuropathic pain. In a study from 2011, Gabapentin with a dose of 1600 mg per day was found to be effective in reducing some of the withdrawal symptoms in patients addicted to opiates undergoing methadone-assisted detoxification.

3. Benzodiazepenes – Medications used for anxiety such as Valium, Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin and Librium. Out of all the Suboxone withdrawal remedies, I probably got the most relief from my symptoms after taking Xanax. Having 3-4 days worth of these definitely helped me relax and sleep better. Use caution because these can be habit forming. I don’t recommend treating drug problems with other drugs unless it is absolutely necessary. Even then they should only be used for a few days then stopped. In Detox facilities they will often use benzodiazepines in combination with clonidine for severe Suboxone withdrawal.

 Suboxone Withdrawal Remedies: Over-the-Counter Medications

4. Loperamide HCL (Imodium AD) – One of the best Suboxone withdrawal remedies due to it’s ability to stop diarrhea, ease gastrointestinal upset, and allow you to have somewhat of an appetite. It acts as a mu-opioid receptor agonist in the myenteric plexus of the large intestine, though it does not affect the central nervous system. This is just a fancy way of saying that it acts just like an opiate on your stomach, but it doesn’t get you high.

5. Topical pain relievers – Products like Bengay, Self-Heal Balm and Icy Hot can be used as Suboxone withdrawal remedies. Rubbing these ointments on sore and aching limbs can relieve pain and restless leg syndrome (RLS).

6. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) – This refers to Suboxone withdrawal remedies such as Advil, Aleeve and Tylenol, which are over-the-counter pain relievers. They can be used to help ease aching muscles and limbs. To be perfectly honest, you’re not going to get much help from these, though they will be able to reduce a fraction of your pain, and every little bit helps.

 Suboxone Withdrawal Remedies: Natural Drugs

8. Marijuana – In a study published in 2005, patients reported cannibis to be effective at treating opiate withdrawal symptoms, though they found benzodiazepines such as Valium to be more effective. Another study that was published in The American Journal of Addictions found that out of 91 patients seeking Methadone treatment, the ones that used cannibis had less opiate withdrawal symptoms. I met a man when I lived in New York who stated that he got over his 400 mg per day Oxycontin habit with cannibis alone, experiencing only mild symptoms.

9. Kratom – One of the least known Suboxone withdrawal remedies, kratom is able to ease symptoms especially well. This beautiful tree native to South Asia (member of the coffee family) is not regulated by the Drug Enforcement Agency in the United States (making it legal), has mu-opioid agonist qualities (like morphine), and can without a doubt help anyone ease their Suboxone withdrawal symptoms naturally.

Kratom is NOT an opiate. Kratom, simply put, is an opioid agonist. This is just a fancy term meaning that it mimics the effects of opioid drugs such as heroin, morphine, hydrocodone, oxycodone etc. Mitragynine, the major alkaloid in kratom, is a partial opioid agonist producing similar effects to morphine. An interesting minor alkaloid of kratom, 7-hyrdoxymitragynine, has been reported to be more potent than morphine. Both kratom alkaloids activate supraspinal mu- and delta- opioid receptors, which is the main reason the plant alleviates Suboxone withdrawal symptoms so well.

Suboxone Withdrawal Remedies: Supplements

10. Mucuna Pruriens (velvet bean) – A tropical legume that is native to Africa and Asia. It contains levodopa (L-dopa), which converts to the chemical dopamine in the brain.
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that promotes enjoyment and interest in life.  It also increases mental focus and feelings of pleasure. Addiction destroys the pleasure/reward center in the brain. That’s one of the reasons the psychological terror of opiate withdrawal is so intense.

11. DL-Phenylalanine (DLPA) – This is by far one of my favorite Suboxone withdrawal remedies. DLPA is a supplement that contains both the D- and L- forms of the amino acid phenylalanine. The L- form comes from protein-rich foods and increases dopamine and norepinephrine. The D- from is made synthetically in laboratories and causes an increase in endorphins, which are your natural painkillers.

DLPA is great for Suboxone withdrawal depression, anxiety and fatigue. Furthermore, it’s the most important supplement to take for the next few months after getting off Suboxone because of it’s ability to increase dopamine and endorphins. It’s truly a Suboxone recovery all-start supplement.

12. L-Tyrosine – Another amino acid supplement, this Suboxone withdrawal remedy is very similar to DLPA. It helps your body produce dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine, so it’s extremely beneficial for Suboxone withdrawal depression, fatigue and anxiety. I much prefer DLPA, however, due to it’s ability to increase endorphins as well as these other neurotransmitters.

13. Passion Flower – This powerful herb is known for the treatment of insomnia, anxiety, gastrointestinal upset related to anxiety, and relieving opiate withdrawal symptoms. It is an excellent natural sedative that promotes calmness and relaxation.  Passion flower works by increasing levels of a chemical called gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA is your brain’s natural valium.

14. Ginseng – The name ginseng refers to any of 11 different species of slow growing perennial plants with fleshy roots. This powerful Suboxone withdrawal remedy is useful for treating fatigue and acts as a natural stimulant and balances all body systems that are out of balance. This is due to it’s adaptogenic properties. Adaptogens are a class of plants/herbs that, when administered, result in stabilization of physiological functions and facilitation of homeostasis.

15. Valerian root – Another one of my favorite Suboxone withdrawal remedies, valerian is an herb that is native to Europe and parts of Asia, which has also been introduced to North America. In the brain, this Suboxone withdrawal remedy is thought to bind to GABA receptors. By blocking some nerve impulses from reaching the brain, the herb is able to shorten the amount of time it takes to fall asleep, as well as improve the quality of sleep that results. Valerian is also believed to lessen anxiety, because in blocking brain receptors for the neurotransmitter GABA, it also inhibits nerve impulses and stress-related messages from reaching the brain.

16. Ginger – A root that is used as a spice and also for it’s therapeutic properties, I put it on the Suboxone withdrawal remedies list due to it’s natural ability to ease nausea and stomach aches. In Peru, ginger is sliced in hot water as a remedy for belly aches. It’s used as a folk medicine remedy for upset stomach, nausea and muscle soreness.

17. GABA – A chemical made in the brain which also comes in supplement form. It’s on this Suboxone withdrawal remedies list because it can help relieve anxiety, improve mood, relieve pain and promote sleep. GABA is the brain’s natural vailum. Can you see why this is on my Suboxone withdrawal remedies list?

18. Melatonin – A hormone made by the pineal gland in the brain, this Suboxone withdrawal remedy helps regulate sleep and wake cycles. Your body has it’s own natural clock and controls how much melatonin is produced. Typically, melatonin levels start rising in the evening, stay high during the night, then decrease sometime in the early morning. To get Suboxone withdrawal remedies benefits, try eating the two highest food sources of melatonin: cherries and walnuts.

19. Vitamin C – An antioxidant that was shown in a study to ameliorate the withdrawal symptoms of heroin addicts when taken at doses of 300 mg/kg b.w/day, supplemented with vitamin E (5 mg/kg b.w/day).

20. 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) – A precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps you feel emotionally relaxed. It is also the precursor for melatonin, the hormone involved in sleep patterns of the human body. It can improve mood, help you sleep, and instill feelings of relaxation and calmness.

21. Phenibut – A derivative of the natural neurotransmitter, GABA. GABA has inhibitory qualities which can produce tranquilizing and anxiolytic effects.The benefits of phenibut often relate to calmness and a reduction in anxiety. Phenibut may also help to reduce stress and encourage a better sleep, making it one of the most powerful natural Suboxone withdrawal remedies for taking at night before bed.

22. L-Theanine – An amino acid abundant in green tea which has been shown to have a direct influence on brain activity, such as reducing stress. It has the ability to relax the mind without causing drowsiness.

Suboxone Withdrawal Remedies: Home Remedies

23. Epsom salt bath – Suboxone withdrawal remedies can even be found in the tub. Not even a real salt, it’s actually a naturally occurring pure mineral compound consisting of sulfate and magnesium.

Both of these are easily absorbed through the skin, making epsom salt baths an ideal way to gain the following benefits during Suboxone withdrawal:

Research also shows that magnesium increases energy and stamina by promoting ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production. It helps to produce serotonin, the chemical in the brain that helps you feel emotionally relaxed. Stress drains the body of magnesium, so it’s important to replenish it while going through Suboxone withdrawal.

24. Movies – These are decent Suboxone withdrawal remedies. I prefer comedies, because when it comes to powerful medicine, laughter ranks at the top of my list. A hearty laugh relaxes your entire body and triggers the release of endorphins, the natural feel-good chemicals that can reduce pain. Another genre I suggest is inspirational movies. They can help you manifest the inner strength and courage needed to get past the first few days of Suboxone withdrawal.

25. Music – It can do wonders to help Suboxone withdrawal symptoms. Research suggests that music can: reduce pain, improve sleep quality, reduce stress, relieve depression and elevate mood.

26. Dark Chocolate – Eating dark chocolate can help your brain produce endorphins are other feel-good chemicals to elevate mood. To add this to your Suboxone withdrawal remedies shopping list, make sure to get dark chocolate with at least 85% cacao.

27. Water – Suboxone withdrawal remedies work best when you stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water throughout the day during Suboxone withdrawal.

28. Gatorade – Helps you replenish electrolytes. Especially beneficial if you have diarrhea or if you’re vomiting.

29. Ginger ale – Can help to ease stomach discomfort during Suboxone withdrawal.

30. Crackers – Easy food to get and keep down, fast energy, salty crackers go good with the Gatorade.

31. Cool/dark/quiet room to sleep in – This makes falling and staying asleep much easier. Try to get to bed before 12 am to have the best chance at getting some sleep during Suboxone withdrawal.

32. Exercise – Swimming, walking, jogging, lifting weights, and other types of exercise can help you produce endorphins, which are your bodies natural morphine. This is one of the most powerful Suboxone withdrawal remedies and it’s totally free. I know it’s not fun to exercise during withdrawal, but if you can manage to even go for two long walks per day it will help a great deal.

33. Sunshine – I know the last thing you want to do during Suboxone withdrawal is go outside and face the world. However, if you can manage to do so, spending some time outdoors on a warm sunny day can help to elevate your mood, especially if you exercise outdoors.

Suboxone Withdrawal Remedies: Opiate Withdrawal Formulas 

Opiate withdrawal formulas are natural supplements that are specifically designed to ease symptoms of withdrawal from Suboxone, heroin, hydrocodone, oxycodone, Methadone, and other opioid drugs. If learning about all of the Suboxone withdrawal remedies thus far has been a lot to take in, these withdrawal formulas can make things a lot easier on you. They contain many of the supplements I wrote about in the right combinations and dosages to ease Suboxone withdrawal symptoms.

34. Calm Support (Read review…)

35. Elimidrol (Read review…)

If you have any questions on Suboxone withdrawal remedies, please don’t hesitate to leave it in the comment box below.

The post Suboxone Withdrawal Remedies THAT WORK appeared first on Opiate Addiction Support (OAS).

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How to Get your Sex Drive Back 

Hey there guys and girls. Are you suffering from low libido while taking Suboxone, Methadone, heroin or Rx opiates? If you answered “no” to this question, this article is not for you. However, if you screamed “YES!”, I believe I can help…and I’ve also been in your shoes.

While I was on Suboxone, I basically had no sex drive whatsoever. But then as soon as I got off I had a different problem…I could no longer last as long in bed! Luckily this subsided in a few months, but I still would’ve rather avoided it, ya know?

The truth is, regular use of opioids can result in some seriously unwanted sexual side-effects. Whether you’re male or female, the information in this article can help to shed the light on why you may be having difficulties in the bedroom.

Furthermore, I will provide you with some extremely effective tips for boosting sex drive while you’re still on Suboxone, Methadone, heroin or Rx opiates. And just because I’m feeling like I want to make this article truly complete…I will provide the men reading this with natural and simple ways to last longer in bed after coming off opiates!

Every Individual is Biochemically Unique

Though we are all human and have the same organs and bodily systems, we differ in our biochemical makeup. This is why one person who switches from heroin to Suboxone takes a huge loss in the libido department, while someone else in the exact same situation will experience a huge increase in sex drive after being placed on Suboxone.

The Dilemma 

While Rx opiates can help with pain, and Suboxone and Methadone can help you stay clean, hold a job, and take care of your family, the loss of libido as a result of taking these medications can cause considerable problems in a relationship. A good sex life is paramount to the sustainability of a healthy relationship. Furthermore, when there is a significant loss of libido in one or both partners, passion can fade.

If a male suffers from erectile dysfunction (ED) in a relationship, this can lead to psychological problems. Feelings of insecurity and despair can result from not being able to perform in bed with the person you love. If it’s the woman who lacks libido, and she doesn’t want to have sex, this can aggravate certain men.

When I was a counselor at an Opiate Treatment Program (OTP), many of my patients on Suboxone and Methadone (both male and female) complained of having no sex drive. For the single people it was no big deal. However, there were plenty of couples on Methadone where both partners were suffering from no sex drive, and I saw it cause some serious problems in their relationships.

Opioid-Induced Endocrinopathy 

If you’re suffering from a significant loss of libido while taking opiates, there is a chance you could have opioid-induced endocrinopathy. Below is a quote from the article Opioid-Induced Endocrinopathy, written in The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association:

“Concern has grown regarding the adverse consequences of opioid treatment, which range from fatigue and depression to sexual dysfunction. Opioid-induced endocrinopathy is one of the most common yet least often diagnosed consequences of prolonged opioid therapy. Sustained-action opioids used on a daily basis for more than a month have a number of adverse effects on human endocrine function.”

I highly recommend reading the entire article. It’s extremely complex, and you’d probably have to be a doctor to understand it completely, but you should be able to get the general idea nonetheless.

Common symptoms of opioid-induced endocrinopathy are:

Note: If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms on sustained action opioids such as Suboxone, Methadone, time-released Rx opiates etc., you can talk to your doctor about getting checked for opioid-induced endocrinopathy. They will run some tests which include, but are not limited to, measuring your testosterone and other hormone levels.

Currently, the most prescribed treatment for opioid-induced endocrinopathy is:

*Also, rotation to a different opioid is sometimes beneficial, particularly for women.

Natural Ways to Boost Libido on Opioids

The most obvious way to increase your libido would be to come off the opioid you are taking, or to taper down to a lower dose level. But that’s a very drastic measure to take just to get your mojo back. You will come off the opioid you are taking when the time is right for you. In the meantime, there are some things you can do to pump up your sex drive on opioids. Regardless of whether or not you have opioid-induced endocrinopathy, the following list of all-natural supplements can boost libido in a major way.

1. Maca Root Powder

Maca is a plant that grows in the Andes mountains. It’s used for a wide variety of conditions. The benefits I will focus on are those that are relevant to this article.

Maca is commonly used for:

Maca may be particularly beneficial in the treatment of opioid-induced endocrinopathy.

In a study from 2006, maca applied to early-postmenopausal women:

In a study from 2001, maca was shown to increase sperm volume, sperm count per ejaculation, mobile sperm count, and sperm motility.

To sum things up, maca is a powerful adaptogen plant that can balance hormones, increase sperm by up to 300% or more, and increase libido in both men and women. I go on phases where I take a tablespoon of maca root powder everyday. It gives me energy, stamina, enhances mood, and boosts my libido in a major way.

Directions: I recommend starting with one teaspoon of maca root powder first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. Mix it with water, juice or milk. Work your way up to a tablespoon per day over the next few weeks and watch your libido go through the roof!

To order Maca Root Powder, click below:

HealthWorks-Wild Organic Peruvian Maca Root Powder Wildcrafted Raw Superfood 1 Lb

2. Horny Goat Weed

Epimedium, better known in America as “horny goat weed”, is an herb that has been a traditional remedy in China for centuries. It’s most commonly used for low libido, erectile dysfunction, pain and fatigue. There have been several studies that have suggested horny goat weed can improve nitric oxide flow to the penis, resulting in harder erections. The active compound present in the herb is called icariin.

Icariin does two important actions:

I recommend taking the Pure Healthland formula below. It’s an extremely high-quality and strong formula that combines horny goat weed with maca and other nutrients for treating sexual dysfunction.

Directions: Take two capsules daily with food, 1-2 hours before physical activity.

To order Horny Goat Weed, click below:

Horny Goat Weed Herbal Supplement Capsules 1000mg. Help to Increase Sexual Performance and Stamina. Pure Natural Ingredients. Safe, Potent, Effective Natural Testosterone & Libido Booster for Men and Women

3. Yohimbe

Yohimbe is an evergreen tree that is one of the most popular herbal remedies for male sexual dysfunction, and has been shown in studies to increase blood flow to the genitals of both men and women, proving to be helpful to individuals with low libido. The active chemical that offers these benefits is called yohimbine, and it’s found in the bark of the tree.

Benefits of yohimbe include:

Note: I used to take a fat-burning supplement that had yohimbe mixed with caffeine. It gave me a ton of energy (due to the 100 mg of caffeine), but I had to stop taking it because the yohimbe made me way too aroused. I was basically a walking erection. Strong stuff indeed! Use with caution…

To order Yohimbe, click below:

Primaforce YOHIMBINE HCI 90 CAPS

4. Cordyceps 

Cordyceps sinensis is a tiny fungal growth found in the Tibetan highland. Cordyceps highly influences the release of testosterone, by increasing the blood circulation and thus making the erection sturdier. Three Chinese studies including over 200 men with “reduced libido and other sexual problems” showed remarkably similar results.

On average, 64% of the coryceps-users reported significant improvement at the conclusion of the experimental period compared with 24% of the placebo group.

Note: Cordyceps is not for men alone. Women were shown in studies to experience an increase in sexual desire and satisfaction while on a regular cordyceps regimen as well.

To order Cordyceps, click below:

Now Foods Cordyceps 750mg, Veg-Capsules, 90-Count

5. Ginseng 

Ginseng is a root that is commonly used in Asia for the treatment of sexual dysfunction. Studies in laboratory animals have shown that both Asian and American forms of ginseng enhance libido. Ginseng, like a lot of herbs, is thought to work by helping the body make more nitric oxide…as Viagra does. There is also good evidence that the ginsenosides in ginseng can facilitate penile erection by directly inducing the vasodilatation and relaxation of penile corpus cavernosum.

Note: Ginseng is also one of my favorite supplements for fighting fatigue and increasing natural energy while tapering or coming off opioids completely. My qigong instructor introduced me to the highest-quality ginseng tincture on the market, and now nothing else even compares. I definitely notice a libido boost whenever I take Dragon Herbs Ginseng Sublime. 3-6 droppers per day I’ve found works extremely well at increasing energy and libido.

To order Ginseng, click below:

Dragon Herbs Ginseng Sublime, 2 fl oz (60 ml)

How to Last Longer in Bed After Coming Off Opiates

When you take opioids, they have a strong tendency to delay ejaculation. Some men have become rock stars in the bedroom due to lasting forever taking Methadone, Suboxone, heroin or Rx opiates. However, when you stop taking opioids your body can often rebound in the opposite direction. This can result in sex that ends about as quickly as it begins.

The following list of tips can help to make men last longer after coming off opioids:

If you have any questions about any of the supplements I mentioned or about opioid-induced endocrinopathy, please feel free to leave them in the comment box below.

The post How To Boost Libido While Taking Suboxone, Methadone, And Other Opiates appeared first on Opiate Addiction Support (OAS).

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Tapering Off Suboxone Just Got Easier

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

This is now the fourth article I’ve written on getting off Suboxone, and it’s BY FAR the best one yet. In fact, I was going to make this an eBook and sell it…but then I realized not as many people would read it and benefit from this Epic Step-by-Step Suboxone Taper Plan.

From this point on, whenever somebody asks me how to taper off Suboxone, I will first direct them to this article as a great place to start! This plan is detailed, effective, powerful, and TRULY INSPIRATIONAL.

Step 1: Make a Decision!!!

Learning how to taper off Suboxone is not difficult. Anyone can read this plan I’ve created and understand the principles I teach. That’s the easy part.

But I can tell you right now with absolute certainty…most of the people on Suboxone reading this will not get off medication and stay clean for life.

Why??? Because most individuals on Suboxone never make it A MUST. Rather, they tell themselves things like I SHOULD get off Suboxone. They hope they will be successful, and when they are not, they take it as a failure.

But I’ll tell you right now, every time you fail you learn something. You learn what doesn’t work. Then the next time you try it you have less anxiety. That’s progress in every sense of the word.

Do you think I was able to get off Suboxone the first time I ever tried? No way!!! I fell FLAT ON MY FACE.

Life will always knock you down; that’s inevitable. But it’s not whether or not you get knocked down…it’s how many times you are able to get back up, brush yourself off, learn from your mistakes, and try even harder (+ smarter) the next time.

In the end, I was successful at getting off Suboxone because somewhere along the line I made a decision that I didn’t want to be on medication.

One of my top values in life is health, so I couldn’t stand the thought of being on a medication that altered my brain chemistry…especially one that made me go though a horrific opiate withdrawal syndrome if I stopped taking it!

Furthermore, Suboxone gave me side-effects; even at a dosage of 1 mg. It gave me red and flaky skin, and even though I could still “perform”, I had NO SEX DRIVE whatsoever. 

Make Tapering Off Suboxone A MUST

If you’re serious about learning how to taper off Suboxone and doing whatever it takes to achieve your goal, this plan is for you. If you want to be successful, you’ll need to decide right here and now that getting off Suboxone is a MUST, not a SHOULD.

Get out a pen and piece of paper and write down all of the reasons why you MUST taper off Suboxone. Commit to your goal. Know that you might fail several times, but as long as you keep going for it and learning from your mistakes, you’re sure to succeed in the long run.

To help increase your chance of succeeding the first time, use the following strategies I’ve outlined for you. They can give your body and mind a significant boost; thus helping you feel happy and energized while tapering off Suboxone.

Step 2: Develop A Strategic Suboxone Taper Schedule

When people ask me how to taper off Suboxone, I tell them one of the things they’ll need is a strategic Suboxone schedule. This is by no means the only thing necessary (though many people believe so)…but it’s often a great place to start.

Tapering is systemically reducing the amount of Suboxone medication at regular, preassigned intervals and dosage decreases. Tapering Suboxone is preferable to coming off cold-turkey because it’s much less of a system-shock to your brain chemistry, thus reducing withdrawal symptoms.

Suboxone Taper Studies

In one large study in 2010, persons tapering with buprenorpine during a nine month period, whether initially or after a period of substantial improvement, led to nearly universal relapse.

In another study, two groups of opioid-addicted young adults were evaluated to monitor the effectiveness of different taper approaches. One group was detoxed for two weeks.

The other was given Suboxone for nine weeks then tapered for three. The results showed that the longer taper was more effective, although after six, nine, and twelve month evaluations there were increased rates of opioid use in both groups.

Note: Many other studies look similar to these. The results confirm the poor prognosis. Opioid dependence is in fact a chronic, relapsing condition. However, this is why I said that using a strategic Suboxone schedule is simply not enough. In the steps that follow this one, you’ll learn how to harness the power of nutrition, supplementation, exercise, and more to improve your chances of getting off AND staying off Suboxone for good!

Suboxone Taper Schedules

Based on the outcome of the second study mentioned above, along with my personal experience helping people taper off Suboxone while working as a counselor at an Opiate Treatment Program (OTP), it appears that 2-6 months is an optimal time to taper for most individuals.

I’ve learned that most people can generally taper off Suboxone with ease until they reach about 2 mg.

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

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

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

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

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

Next you start dosing every third day:

Note: If this is too drawn out for you, simply adjust the frequency of decreases to every 10 or 7 days from 2 mg down to 0.0 mg. I used 14 days as an example of a very conservative taper. Also, you can jump off at an even lower dose (.125 mg, .063 mg and down) of Suboxone if you want. Click on the link below to watch an awesome YouTube video showing you how to cut your Suboxone strips down to the desired amount. 

Suboxone Film Cutting Guide: Video Tutorial

And Remember…

Step 3: Learn How Suboxone Affects Your Brain 

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

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

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

Endorphins and dopamine are neurotransmitters, which are substances that transmit nerve impulses across a synapse. The brain uses neurotransmitters to tell your heart to beat, your lungs to breath, and your stomach to digest.

They also play a HUGE role in mood, concentration, sleep and weight, and can cause a number of negative consequences when they become out of balance.

Brain chemistry can become disrupted in the following ways:

Note: It is estimated that 86% of Americans have suboptimal neurotransmitter levels, and in opiate abusers…I’m sure it’s 100%. 

There are two types of neurotransmitters:

Note: As I stated earlier, the continued use of Suboxone or other opioids causes two primary deficeincies: endorphin (inhibitory) and dopamine (excitatory and inhibitory).

Endorphins

Endorphins are our natural painkillers (natural morphine). Our bodies release endorphins when we exercise. Perhaps you’ve heard of “runners high”, which describes a euphoric feeling produced by the massive production of endorphins after running long distances.

Endorphins promote joy, euphoria, and contentment; and that leads us to why opiates make you feel so good…

Different drugs mimic different neurotransmitters. Suboxone and other opioids specifically mimic endorphins. That’s why opioids are so beneficial at relieving pain and producing euphoria. When Suboxone or another opioid is taken, the body produces massive amounts of endorphins in quantities our bodies weren’t designed to handle.

If you use opioids consistently over a period of time, the body starts making more opioid receptors, and that’s how tolerance is developed. Now the brain has become dependent on opioids to produce endorphins, and it stops making them naturally. 

The problem arises when someone on Suboxone or other opioids lowers their dosage considerably or comes off completely. You are now supplying your body with less endorphins from the drugs, but your brain doesn’t supply you with the rest.

Your brain short circuits, and therein lies the problem. What results is a massive endorphin deficiency leading to increased sensitivity to physical and emotional pain, among other problems.

Dopamine

Dopamine is our main focus neurotransmitter. Dopamine is also responsible for our drive or desire to get things done…our motivation. Dopamine lifts the dark clouds of depression, is responsible for feelings of pleasure, and plays a role in the “reward system” in the brain. Prolonged use of Suboxone or other opioids leads to continuous spikes in dopamine levels.

Over time, the brain eventually adjusts natural production of the neurotransmitter to compensate for the presence of drugs. Due to both the over-activation of dopamine during periods of opiate intoxication and long-term changes in brain chemistry, natural dopamine levels become lowered and depleted. Once your dopamine levels are depleted, it’s virtually impossible to experience pleasure without using the drug.

Things that used to provide you with pleasure no longer do so:

You no longer derive enjoyment from these activities. It now takes a huge spike in dopamine (drugs, sex, gambling etc.) to feel pleasure. This is one of the top reasons why individuals often relapse within a few months of getting off Suboxone…they have anhedonia (pleasure deafness), life basically sucks, and they are also sensitive to physical and emotional pain due to the endorphin deficiency.

Enough is enough…they feel like they can’t go on feeling so bad every day, so they use…thus, the cycle continues. Fortunately, you’ve read this far…and now I’m going to teach you how to break the cycle!

Step 4: Harness The Power Of Nutrition

Nutrition plays a critical role when you’re trying to taper off Suboxone. A big reason why some people turn to addictive substances in the first place is because they are not getting the nutrients they need from their diets.

This can result in a variety of health problems. When this lack of nutrition leads to disruptions in brain chemistry…anxiety, depression, and other mental issues can develop. If you’re serious about learning how to taper off Suboxone like a champion, the following nutritional guidelines can help you achieve your goal.

Amino Acids & Neurotransmitters

Tapering off Suboxone puts a huge strain on your brain chemistry. Remember learning about the opioid-induced endorphin/dopamine deficiency from Step 3? You might have thought to yourself: “Well that’s just great! But how am I supposed to correct these imbalances?!  

There are several ways, some of the most powerful being:

Note: I will cover supplements and exercise in the following steps…but for now, let’s really dive in to the basics of a Suboxone taper nutritional protocol. 

There’s so much information available on different types of diets that it has actually made my brain hurt! Oh my oh my…which one to choose?! After years of trial and error, I finally found a great way of eating healthy for my unique biochemistry, and I urge you to do the same.

At this moment, however, let’s concentrate on a solid dietary plan to restore healthy brain function, shall we? The foundation of this nutritional protocol involves the regular consumption of high-quality proteins. Protein foods are made up of amino acids.

The body converts these amino acids into neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are responsible for many functions, and many of these chemical messengers significantly affect our behavior and moods.

Below is a list of the most important neurotransmitters for mental health:

Note: A deficiency in these neurotransmitters can lead to you experiencing the opposite effect. For example, if you aren’t producing enough catecholamines you will tend to be tired and have a hard time concentrating. If you are deficient in GABA this can easily lead to anxiety. A lack of serotonin can cause depression. Become deficient in endorphins and you risk becoming overly sensitive to both physical and emotional pain.

Drugs Mimic Neurotransmitters

If someone were abusing amphetamine or methamphetamine drugs, they would become deficient in the class of neurotransmitters known as catecholamines. Alcoholics and individuals taking Xanax or other benzodiazepine drugs find themselves suffering from a GABA deficiency once they stop using these substances.

To view an epic table showing the relationship between drugs and neurotransmitters, click on the link below:

Impacts of Drugs on Neurotransmission

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

This is the main reason why many people end up stuck on Suboxone for years; when they taper off Suboxone they feel horrible and life basically SUCKS, so they up their dose to feel good again…and the cycle continues.

Eat Quality Proteins

Whenever someone asks me how to taper off Suboxone, I teach them about the benefits of eating a diet rich with quality proteins. Protein contains amino acids, so it has a powerful effect on enhancing mood by increasing neurotransmitters in the brain; including endorphins and dopamine.

While you’re tapering off Suboxone, it can be very helpful to consume a high amino acid diet. You certainly don’t have to eat like this for the rest of your life, but it can boost your mood and energy levels a great deal while coming off Suboxone.

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

Here are some examples of Suboxone taper meals:

Note: For healthy brain chemistry functioning while tapering off Suboxone, consume at least 20-30 grams of quality protein 2-3 times per day. If you’re vegetarian, choose foods such as legumes, quinoa, eggs, etc. 

Consume Fruits, Veggies, and Healthy Fats

If you want to learn how to taper off Suboxone the healthy way, make sure to consume plenty of fresh fruits, veggies, and healthy fats. This nutritional protocol is all about boosting mood, increasing energy, and overall health/well-being. Therefore, don’t leave out the fruits and veggies!!!

They are packed with nutrients, fiber and water, they provide the body with alkalinity…and they taste delicious. Healthy fats such as olive oil, coconut oil, hemp seed oil, avocado, nuts, and seeds can help boost brain chemistry functioning, along with many other health benefits.

These nutritional guidelines can help you learn how to taper off Suboxone like a champion:

Note: Learning how to eat healthy is a process. Start taking small steps right away, and continue to work on improving your diet. Don’t worry about overnight perfection…in fact, don’t worry about perfection at all! Don’t stress out about it; strive to eat healthy 80-90% of the time, and the rest of the time eat whatever you desire.

*Also, you might go through withdrawal while you’re cleaning up your diet…FOOD withdrawal!!! Reducing or eliminating Sugar, white flour, cheese, caffeine, and other dietary ingredients can make you feel horrible. Hang in there. Once you’re no longer addicted to these foods you will feel much healthier and energized. 

Step 5: Take Supplements To Help You Taper Off Suboxone

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

To taper off Suboxone like a champion, you’ll need to start taking a strategic blend of supplements that can stop “tapering symptoms” in their tracks.

The Top 3 complaints I hear from people tapering off Subxone are:

Note: This is by no means a complete list of symptoms from tapering Suboxone. Depending on your own unique biochemistry, as well as how slow or fast you’ve tapered, you might experience a different or similar set of symptoms, including, but not limited to: Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS), anxiety, decreased appetite, sweating, hot and cold flashes, sneezing, sore/aching muscles and limbs, stomach distress, diarrhea, watery eyes, yawning, irritability, etc. 

CalmSupport

Calm Support (Read review…) is an all-organic, 100% natural supplement that was specifically designed for people getting off Suboxone and other opioid drugs. It contains a powerful and synergistic blend of amino acids, herbs, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that have been shown to significantly ameliorate opioid withdrawal symptoms.

Dr. Heath McAllister, a Board Certified Naturopathic Doctor and Herbalist out of Santa Monica, California, played an important role in the formulation of Calm Support’s impressive nutrient profile.

This supplement can help you taper off Suboxone in the following ways:

DL-Phenylalanine

More and more individuals are starting to enjoy the benefits of using DL-Phenylalanine to taper off Suboxone. DL-Phenylalanine, also known as DLPA, is a combination amino acid supplement consisting of L-Phenlalanine and D-Phenylalanine.

L-Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid found in protein rich foods. It has the ability to radically spike dopamine levels in the brain, so it gives your brain chemistry a much-needed boost while tapering off  Suboxone.

D-Phenylalanine is made synthetically in laboratories. It slows the action of the enzymes (particularly carboxypeptidase A and enkephalinase) that destroy endorphins. DPA does this by acting like a “downfield body blocker” in football.

When the endorphins are trying to reach the traumatized area, the endorphin-degrading enzymes are on their way to eat them “Pac-Man” style. DPA comes right up and blocks them from reaching the endorphins, thus enabling the endorphins to successfully reach the traumatized area.

In one study, a man that took a single dose of DLPA experienced a 300% increase in endorphin levels, and they stayed that high for six days. Taking DLPA while tapering off Suboxone can result in a rapid increase in dopamine and endorphin levels in the brain, thus boosting mood and energy levels.

*Take between 1,000-2,000 mg of DLPA on an empty stomach (45 minutes before meals) up to 3x daily while tapering off Suboxone. Continue this dosing protocol (or decrease dosage if needed) for up to 3-6 months after getting off Suboxone completely. If you already have issues with high blood pressure, start with a low dose of 500 mg to see how it affects you. DLPA is also an “opioid potentiator”, so it increases the effects of Suboxone and other opioid drugs, making it a very beneficial supplement to use while tapering.

Multi-Vitamin & Mineral Supplement

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

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

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

The “Morning Tonic”

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

The Morning Tonic consists of the following:

To make the Morning Tonic:

1. Pour 4 ounces of water into a glass.
2. Add 3-6 droppers of Ginseng Sublime.
3. Add 3-6 droppers of Wild Reishi.
4. Add 1 Good Belly probiotic drink.
5. Add 1 tablespoon maca root powder.
6. Mix it all together and drink tonic first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.

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

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

Additional Supplements

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

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

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

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

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

Step 6: Exercise!!!

If you really want to know how to taper off Suboxone effectively, I suggest you make exercise an integral part of your life from here on out. There is absolutely no better way to get your body pumping endorphins into your system.

To taper off Suboxone like a champion, you’ll need to start stimulating your endogenous opioid system by exercising on a regular basis.

But first, let me differentiate between a human’s natural painkilling system and opiate/opioid drugs:

Note: One of the main reasons I was finally able to quite opiates for good was because I made exercise a huge part of my life. I started surfing, swimming, and circuit training about 3-4 days per week. As a result of this dramatic increase in natural opioids flowing through my brain, I had next to ZERO cravings for opioid drugs. 

More About Endorphins…

Endorphins are chemicals (peptides) made by the body. They are released by a number of things, including exercise, or even eating certain foods like chocolate or spicy peppers. Endorphins also reduce the appetite for drug and alcohol seeking behavior.

If you don’t exercise, eat enough protein, or take DLPA while tapering off Suboxone, you’re at risk of developing Endophin Deficiency Disorder (EDS).

Some of the possible symptoms of EDS include:

How To Taper Off Suboxone With Exercise

There are many different types of exercise to choose from while you’re learning how to taper off Suboxone. The trick is to find something you enjoy, that way you’re more likely to stick with it.

If at first you have trouble getting motivated, listen to some upbeat music while you’re working out, as this has been shown to boost performance and enjoyment. Also, exercising outdoors produces more endorphins than doing so indoors.

Some popular forms of exercise are:

Note: Starting an exercise program is sometimes hard in the beginning. But once your body and mind get used to it, it keeps getting easier. Furthermore, after you’ve been working out for about six weeks or more, your body will need it (CRAVE IT), and you will look forward to your workout days.  

After I get done with a good workout, I feel like this woman in the picture below (only I feel like a man). 

Step 7: Take a Week-Long Vacation From Responsibility

If you really want to know how to taper off suboxone like a champion, I encourage you to take time off from ALL responsibilities. When planning out the dates you will taper off Suboxone completley, try your absolute best to get a week off from work, taking care of kids, school, or whatever responsibilities you have.

At the bare minimum, make sure you schedule at least 3-4 days of “alone time” when you’re coming off Suboxone. I understand this is not always possible. Just do your best to eliminate as much as you can from your day-to-day life. The less you have to do…the better.

The methods I teach you in this article will eliminate the most severe withdrawal symptoms, so it’s possible to continue with your day-to-day life while coming off Suboxone completely, but I don’t recommend it. A relaxing, stress-free, and quite environment will help to promote a smooth transition off Suboxone, thus increasing your chance of success.

Step 8: Make a Suboxone Detox Shopping List

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

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

Step 9: Complete Your Suboxone Detox at home

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

However, that being said, if you’ve done a good job tapering and following the other steps in this article, you should be fine.

The following schedule will give you an idea what a typical day during a Suboxone detox could look like:

Note: This is just a sample of what a day of a planned Suboxone detox at home could look like. You can switch it up and adjust things as you see fit. Make sure to drink plenty of liquids throughout the day. Don’t forget to take your supplements throughout the day, and avoid alcohol, coffee, and energy drinks at all costs!!!

* If the food I mentioned doesn’t sound good then don’t worry…simply eat what sounds good to your body. If you have any diarrhea take Imodium AD. If you have aching muscles and limbs take Advil and rub Icy Hot on the problem areas.

Step 10: Stay clean!

Now you know how to taper off Suboxone like a CHAMPION!!! However, the real challenge is staying clean. You are probably going to feel like using in the next few weeks or months. Don’t give in! Continue taking your supplements, exercising, and eating healthy.

Continue writing in your journal and reading your self-help book. Start another book as soon as you finish the first one. Feeding your mind is essential for developing a healthy recovery free of addiction.

Natural Pain Relief and PAWS

If you are one of the many people who were originally prescribed opiates for issues with pain, you might benefit from learning about natural remedies for pain relief. I’ve written an article completely devoted to this titled:

Also, now that you’re going to live life without Suboxone, there is a high percentage chance you will go through Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS), which is a set of symptoms that manifest after the acute withdrawal. To combat this disorder, please refer to the following article:

Final Thoughts…

Learning how to live life without Suboxone can be difficult. We get so used to reaching for Suboxone to give us energy and happiness. The next few months after tapering off Subxone will test you. The first 90 days after getting clean is when 90% of people relapse. Don’t let it happen to you!

I’ve been clean for several years now, and I feel better than I have in my entire life at the age of 35. It took me about six months to really feel amazing after I got off opioids, so I encourage you to be patient. It takes the body some time to recover from all the brain chemistry imbalances that Suboxone created or exacerbated.

Find other people who successfully tapered off Suboxone to talk with and use them as your support system during this early recovery phase. I have faith that you will stay clean now that you’ve learned how to taper off Suboxone like a champion.

If you have any questions on how to taper off Suboxone, please leave them in the comment box below. I love hearing from my readers. Feel free to ask me about tapering, supplements, exercise, nutrition, or anything else that your heart desires.

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

The post How To Taper Off Suboxone Like a Champion appeared first on Opiate Addiction Support (OAS).

My Story

I am 109 days off of Subs. My original DOC was opiates intravenously….dilaudid, oxy, opana, morphine, etc. I found my way to the methadone clinic in 2012 and stayed on methadone for nearly a year. I tapered off of methadone and then relapsed a few weeks later.

I decided then to take the Suboxone route.

I never took the amount prescribed. I never went above 2 mgs because I knew I didn’t want to get too dependent due to my experience with methadone.

I was stable at 1 MG for nearly 7 months. I then got a wild hair up my ass and decided to abuse the subs intravenously. That is when I knew it was time to make a change.

What do you do when you are abusing the drug that is supposed to keep you from abusing drugs? I made some huge changes in my diet when I went on subs.

Embracing Nutrition

I became a vegetarian and began eating all organic. I gave up all junk food, sugar, and processed products.

I watched several documentaries that convinced me that nutrition was the answer to healing. Fast forward to February 2015…. I knew this time I was serious about getting and staying clean.

Even though I was still on subs I did not feel clean since I was abusing them. I tapered down to .5 mgs and as luck would have it, my company closed it’s doors in March and I was laid off.

I prepared myself for a painful jump. It was at this time I began taking DLPA and 5-HTP supplements. Before I jumped I could already feel these supplements changing my mood.

I felt happier and encouraged. On April 7, my 40th birthday, I made that final jump. I waited patiently for the horrible withdrawals to start, and to my utter amazement, I never had any withdrawal symptoms.

I did have some kratom on hand just in case. Looking back I wish I hadn’t even had it in my home because I never even touched the kratom until I was 19 days sub free.

Veering off my Path with Kratom

I didn’t start taking kratom to combat withdrawals. I started taking it because I suffered a family tragedy and my addict behaviour told me that the kratom would numb the pain and it would be a better alternative to the other drugs.

It did work…..too well.

I am one of those people that actually gets a high from kratom. For me it was no different than taking any other opiates.

I would wake up every morning with horrible withdrawals from the kratom and I found myself feeling trapped again. So I tapered off of the kratom and gave away about 300 grams just to get it out of the house.

If it is in the house I am weak.

I joined the gym a few days before stopping kratom because I knew I would need to continue to heal my mind, body, and spirit.

My Recovery!

I am now 2 weeks off of kratom and 4 days off of weed…..my final vice of mind altering substance. My goal is complete abstinence and I am finally there….. Early stages but 100% substance free…. Other than my supplements.

How do I feel?

I feel AMAZING!!!!

I feel like I’ve been given yet another chance at a clean life and there is no way in Hell I will throw it all away this time.

This has been a long journey but I have a great support system with this group and I am 3 months into a new relationship with a man that has never done drugs and has been a huge source of inspiration for me.

I love my new lease on life and wild horses couldn’t drag me away!
If I can do this ANYONE can.

My Advice to those Tapering or Jumping…..

Again…. This is how I did it (minus the kratom) and my advice. I’m not professing that my way is the only way but maybe my story will help someone.

I believe in all of us!
Love and Light!!!!

The post Suboxone Success Story: How I Healed My Body, Mind, and Spirit appeared first on Opiate Addiction Support (OAS).

The Beginning…

Boy, where do I begin?! Okay here it goes. First off, my name is Angelica ( Angel for short) ..I’m 30 yrs old. I was an IV heroin addict for 10 years. I shot dope from the age of 19 years old to 27 yrs old. But I’ve smoked weed and tried other things here and there before my real addiction started. I had no trauma or abuse in my life.

My parents were/are loving and hard working.

My dad is retired from the army. Served 20+years. My dad was a bit strict. There was always yelling in the house from my dad. He yelled about any and everything. But he was never physically abusive.

Now I know it was emotional abuse, but at the time I didn’t know that. Every time I got in trouble, my dad would always give me a big ol lecture. I hated it. It increased my anxiety even more. I didn’t wanna be home because of it.

I guess it all started when I was a teenager.

I was very naive and easily influenced. I had a void deep within my soul. I would stay out late when I was like 14-16 yrs old. I would easily get attached to boys. Always got in long term relationships.

I started running away from home to be with my boyfriend at the time. My parents actually had to put out a missing report on me cause I ran away for like 2 months. But I finally came back and continued on with high school.

I did well for a while.

I made friends with this girl. She also lived in the same subdivision I lived in, so I was always at her house after school. We would smoke weed and drink beer.

Introducing the Hard Drugs

And then she introduced me to crank. We did that for a little bit. Then I got introduced to B-town (heroin) and I snorted it a couple of times. Never really like it cause it didn’t do much for me at that time. So I stopped all that and just smoked weed.

And I eventually dropped outta school. Fast forward a year later at 18 years old I met this guy, just one year older than me and we started dating. Little did I know, he was an IV heroin addict.

But I was already wrapped up in him. I snorted H here and there, then I started sha-banging it (where you put it in a needle and spray it in your nose). And I then eventually had him shoot me up. I was hooked. I fell in love with heroin.

Full-Blown Heroin Addiction

I had no job, so I started stealing. From my family, strangers, whomever. It quickly became about needing a fix to survive. Didn’t get high anymore.

My life quickly went on a downward spiral from there on out.

From being in the streets, bouncing from house to house, hustling, prostituting to overdoses. I managed to avoid jail time if you can believe that. I eventually learned to inject my own self, so I did things on my own.

I had a few dope partners throughout the years. But I ended up being on my own. I couldn’t support someone else’s habit too. So my days were just an endless cycle of hustling and shooting up. It was exhausting.

But I was a slave to heroin.

I’ve been in some detox centers but it was never my choice to quit. I just wasn’t ready even though I was living in misery all the time. I had my time with methadone too but I got high as a kite on that shit and abused it big time. Just took it to avoid withdrawals. My health was horrible. I was so skinny. I had bad tracks on my arms, hands and feet. I’ve had many abscesses.

I had trouble shooting up cause I was using up all my veins. I caught Hep-C. I’ve overdosed a few times. My heart even stopped for 2 minutes from a combination of Xanax and heroin. The daily use of heroin got boring as I was just maintaining my addiction. I started doing speedballs, and crack too.

And even still I hadn’t hit rock bottom.

All the while I was living with whomever let me stay at the time. I lived with a very much older guy for the last 3 years of my heroin use. He was actually cool enough to let me live with him with no strings attached. So I had a place to stay but I was still in the streets searching for my next fix.

Okay, this next part I’m going to share is very hard for me to talk about. I ended up getting pregnant and used throughout my entire pregnancy up until my water broke NO JOKE!

Sinking Deeper

That was my rock bottom. At 8 months pregnant, my mom finally convinced me to seek help. But seriously at the time, I had no idea that there was help for pregnant drug addicts. I was so consumed in my addiction.

I was in complete denial.

I had my baby in the hospital via c-section. I didn’t see him until the next day. This is where my life was about to change. As soon as I saw him, that was it for me.

A New Chance at Life

My fears and urge to use went out the window immediately so to speak. I knew right then and there that I had to change. Not only had to but I really wanted it. I stayed in the hospital for 3 days and started treatment immediately. I was already excepted into a methadone clinic.

But I decided to take Suboxone which they also dispensed.

Of course, my son suffered from heroin withdrawal and I visited him everyday. He stayed at the hospital for 22 days. Thankfully he didn’t suffer all that bad according to the nurses that were caring for him. Also, of course CPS was already set in motion.

I was living with my parents at this time. My parents were the safety-plan, meaning my son was in there custody for the time being.

As long as I abided by my CPS case-workers rules, I was able to live there with my son under supervision of course. If I had one dirty drug test, I would be forced to leave my parents house. That would put the beginning of my sobriety at risk and I would lose my son.

But that never happened cause I was done with that life.

I did everything I was supposed to do. I went to BABY-U (a program for mothers on MAT treatment) at the treatment center I was going to and I had counseling 3 times a month. I also got referred to a therapist, mandatory due to my CPS case worker. Which I am forever grateful for. I was able to work out my issues with a counselor and a therapist.

Got to the root of all my troubles. Things went really well. I was only on CPS for like 10 months. My CPS case-worker could tell I was serious about my recovery and more importantly being a good mom.

And my son did great. No complications of any kind. He is now 3 years old and is just the light of my life. He saved my life (My Savior). I also took care of my health. I started gaining good weight. My hep-c was/is in remission. Most of my track marks cleared up. (Still have scars of course) I took back my life!

Tapering off Suboxone

I was on Suboxone for 3 years. I started at 2 mg and gradually went up to 12 mg within a year. Then successfully tapered down to 1 mg within another year. It was time to come off this drug. It’s served its purpose for me.

But it was also giving me unpleasant side affects such as fatigue, major mood swings, numbness, swollen hands, excessive sweating, constipation, teeth problems etc. I felt safe and ready to be free of MAT TREATMENT and my counselor agreed.

So I discharged myself at 1 mg.

I already had a good stockpile of Suboxone so I was able to taper further. It was around this time last year that I found the most awesomest, helpful group on FB. A Suboxone Taper Support Group. Those people’s experiences and info helped me to get off Suboxone.

They gave me hope. Before hand all I could find on the net were horror stories about coming off Suboxone.

My Taper Schedule

I did a looonngg taper. I tapered from 1 mg to 0.13 in a 9 month period or so. I was on 1 mg for 3 months, 0.5 mg for 2 months, 0.25 for 2 months, and finally 0.13 for 3 months. Jumped from 0.13 mg and never looked back. To my amazement, I didn’t suffer all that bad from withdrawals.

I had the common withdrawal, like body aches, sweating, watery eyes, running nose, sneezing and yawning so much that my jaw hurt. I was able to tolerate all that.

It was my horrible leg cramps that got to me.

And the sleep disturbances due to sweating. I was able to fall asleep pretty easy but kept waking up every 5-10 minutes. And I also had vivid dreams.

Supplements to the Rescue

I followed some suggestions from the FB group and started taking magnesium, B-6, B-12, sublingual B-12 complex. Cut down on sugar and junk food. Drank plenty of water. Had some Tonic water and Gatorade once in a while. I knew that all these things combined were ultimately helping me get through my sub detox. I didn’t suffer with leg cramps anymore. My bowel movements were improving.

My detox was becoming more and more tolerable.

Soon enough I didn’t even think about what I was going through. My emotions were coming back. I could cry easily and loved laughing. Music sounded great and was very therapeutic.

Overall, I felt great. At my 2nd month off Suboxone, I started taking DLPA, 5-HTP, passion flower, and ashwagandha. And these things combined made an even more positive impact in my recovery.

My New Life!!!

I am now 4 months off subs and I’m doing great. Feeling about 80% good for the most part. There’s highs and lows but I’m managing. Continuing my vitamins and eating healthier along with being as active as I can. I gotta keep up with my energetic, full of life son after all.

I have found a fulfillment within myself to help others.

I stay active in my FB Suboxone group and give advice and suggestions. I share my experiences and what I’ve learned. It gives me joy knowing I can help someone out there in similar situations.

In conclusion…

I haven’t really had major cravings. I’ll just get subtle triggers but I’m able to stay grounded. I don’t know what it is but I’ve gained so much self-control, it’s awesome. Plus, if I were to ever get that urge, I’d just look back on how my life was before. I definitely never wanna live like that again. It’s NO LIFE for anyone. I have so much to lose now.

I don’t know how I survived it, but I’m obviously here for a reason.

I’ve come out on the other side. My son is my # 1 reason. He is where my strength and determination comes from. As of now I’m a stay at home single mom still living with my parents.

Right now, I’m not back into society yet. My only support is my family and my FB groups. I know I should probably go to meetings but I’m afraid only because of my past experiences with them. I guess I need to find one that’s right for me. I’m just extremely proud of myself for how far I’ve come.

So, just know, you’re not alone.

Everyone has there vices. I was ashamed of my story once…But I’ve shared it with many people and gotten positive responses. It feels good to be able to inspire someone. If you’re still struggling, just know that it’ll get better, but you’ll have to want it. I’m 3 years clean from heroin and 4 months off Suboxone.

And life is good!

The post An Epic Success Story: How I Was Able To Quit Heroin Using Suboxone, Then Taper Off Successfully To Become 4 Months Medication-Free appeared first on Opiate Addiction Support (OAS).

This post contains affiliate links   On October 8th, 2002, the FDA announced the approval of Subutex and Suboxone tablets for the treatment of opioid dependence. Subutex and Suboxone also became the first narcotic drugs available for the treatment of opioid dependence that could be prescribed in an office setting under the Drug Addiction Treatment Act (DATA) of […]

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