How to help

[Helpless_wife]

My husband has been on Sub's for three years. He is on day 15 of detox. He is doing really well with the exception of sleeplessness. He just can't fall asleep and is so tired. I'm trying hard to understand and be supportive but I don't know what I can do to help. Any suggestions are appreciated!

[killerwds]

Hey helpless_wife....just want to give you some first hand knowledge with what your husband is most likely experiencing and hopefully make you feel better.  My background is.....10+ year opiate addict with an additional 6 years on suboxone.  I tapered to 2mg/day suboxone and then quit 17 days ago.  During the first 2-3 days I felt a bit sick....but things weren't too bad.  Day 4 was my first step into the hell that is restless leg syndrome (rls) and insomnia for this episode.  I had quit cold turkey about 10 years ago....it didn't stick. ;)  So yeah, Day 4 - Day 15 I don't think I got any sleep....at all....I'm not kidding.  Day 16 I got about an hour broke up into 4 15 minute naps...and today I slept for at least 20 minutes this morning.  The wee hours of the morning probably are very hard on your husband, but things will get better.  I take some OTC stuff called Malign ...I believe to help with the rls, I also take a multi-vitamin, magnesium caplet, eat at least 1 banana a day, take hot Epsom salt baths whenever the creeps in my legs have just taken over and I'm starting to walk at least a couple of miles a day.  All these things seem to help, but they aren't miracle cures.  You aren't going to do one thing and bam...all wds are gone and you are back to normal.  It took time to function under the meds....it's going to take time for your body to recalibrate and get back to zero.  God bless for helping with your husband and I hope he begins to feel better.

[Helpless_wife]

Thank you everyone for your suggestions. He seems to be doing better with his sleep. So hopefully we are on the uphill side of this!

[vicki595]

In addition to the above...he can try Alteril, an OTC which is all natural...also, magnesium capsules at bedtime help and you can take both together...

[VICourageous]

I agree with Attthebeach..You can also add the Calcium,Potassium and Ds at bedtime..Time is our healer in detox..hang tight it will all balance back..
Bless
PS..This Post could be moved over to "Living with a Addict" like Rosy said, it is a good place for you as well..Take care of YOU Too..

[atthebeach]

He is blessed to have your support. Did he attend support groups or therapy when he was on suboxone? If not be should to help prevent relapse.
Sleep takes some time to return. His natural brain chemistry needs to repopulate. Exercising will help with that and as time goes on he will continue to heal.
Eating a protein rich diet, fruits and veggies, drinking protein shakes.
For sleep over the counter melatonin, alteril, sleep by nature made, valerian root, sleepy time tea, a hot bath or shower before bed.
how long was he on suboxone? Did he do a taper?

[ROSYouralright]

You may also want to try the living with an addict community where people face the same issues. Best of luck to you!

[lild713]

Tell himg hang in there! It will be worth it and life a better life as well, also no one wanna be addict spending a lot of money when you can use it to buy nice things or save as well.