Hi there fellow East-Coaster & Welcome! :)
Congrats on tapering to 3 mgs. I would have to agree with Gnarly that the acute withdrawal from M'done takes about 10 days. It's great that you managed to get down so low. That's on your side. So is your age, btw. :)
Like my friends above, I'd suggest that you just make the leap but I'd have a solid plan in place before you do so. You'll need some time off & should stock up on healthy food & vitamins/minerals. I'd also check the middle three links at the bottom of this page ('Most Viewed Health Pages' -- The Thomas Recipe -- Foods that increase Dopamine naturally & Amino Acid Protocol). As VIC mentioned, hydration is extremely important. There are others things that may help get you through the rough patches, which we can talk about if you like.
It sounds to me like you already intuitively have the answers: You realize that keeping your remaining doses around is a set-up for failure (very, very true!) & that you should just make the jump. I understand your anxiety but think of it this way: You're currently not even metabolising the whole 3 mgs. So, you're even lower than you realize. Please, don't be intimidated by reading M'done posts here. I won't lie. It's no cake walk but if you're ready..If you really want this, you can Absolutely do it. Don't fear it -- fear not coming off! Your attitude going into this is key. You've got a chance to rebuild your life, here. So, determination is the order of the day! Don't wait because each kick gets harder & each year that passes allows the drug to store in your bones & tissues & to slowly destroy your thryroid & pancreas. (This is something they won't tell you on your clinic). Worst of all -- you won't be truly experiencing life & relationships until you do. (I didn't realize this until I came off my last clinic after 20 yrs. of use.) You & your near & dear deserve the best. So, now is the time! :)
Please, let us know how you're doing & what you think, okay? We're here & we're pulling for you! :))
Hi if I where you I would just jump and get it over with anything 5 or below is good thew withdrawal last about 10 days with methadone the recovery has a lot to do with age how high a dose your started from and maintained and how many years you where on it.... I was at 150 for most of the 7 yrs I was on it my detox took 10 days for the phyical detox to be over and recovery was slow it was a good 90 days to really get back to the swing of things some people with light us get over it in a month or 60 days but every detox is different we will support you in what ever you decide keep posting for support............
.....................................Gnarly..........................
Hi!! Well in my opinion I would Jump because you are down very Low. Methadone does stay in the body and I could go a day or so before I felt it..BUT I was also doing 2 other meds at the same time. My story is a bit different then some..I did not even go into Bad w/ds for days and then it took months to come back physically. I was on this for 12 years or so and also I am not a spring chic. Many factors play on how we will balance back. BUT I will say that if you are eating very Healthy and are taking some good Vit/Min and drinking LOTS of water right now then you have built your system up to be stronger for the fight. I have come off the other opiates but the Dones was a bit different. It was more Anxiety on the moon then anything else, but that too had to do with the Benzo and illegal Adderral. The physical should go fast for you at such a low dose. It is the mental that is a bit difficult but it will pass..Lots of changes will be going on up stairs in the Brain which will affect the Body too..This just all takes TIME to balance back. Maybe just do it and get it all over with! Many went to work during their w/ds and in a way it is good because it re-direct your thinking. Whatever you do, I wish you the best..Feel free to ask me whatever you want. I will get back when I can.
Bless
Vickie