Subutex withdrawal period

[AnonymousUser12]

I had a heavy prescription pain killer addiction following a bad car accident at 16 (300+mgs, 4 years or so oxys/percs/hydros/w.e), got put on Suboxone (the tablets) then a few years later onto Subutex (the strips) for a total period of around 4.5 years by a total quack doctor clearly in it for the money.  

He had no intention of weening me down, so I did it myself if very slowly. The last few months I got down to 1mg a day for a month, then .75 for 2 weeks, and then .5 for a week. My last dosage was Saturday morning at 7am(.25mg). Its now Wednesday at 12:50pm. I have had yawns/constant sneezing/RLS/diarrhea but all very mild.

I guess my question comes down to, can it really be this easy? Are the horror stories all over these internet forums just that? I'm at 100+ hours without taking any medication whatsoever besides over the counter sleep aides and vitamins, been working out constantly even if it makes me feel slightly sick. Took the week off work, I probably could have worked through these symptoms.

[AnonymousUser12]

Life has pretty much returned to "normal." Exercise and keeping busy seem to be the true saving graces.

[pillguy]

I've been following your story from the start.  Bad doctor with no intent to help you get off the subs.  You took charge of your own situation and designed your own taper plan, then executed it.  Two months under your belt.  Just awesome.  I'm a little over 6 months and life is very good.  I hope my experience with subs will offer encouragement to you.  It continues to get better.

We're really proud of your accomplishments.  Keep it up.

Cheers,

Larry

[mombojombo]

AnonymousUser12, I always think someone's success story is inspiring.  Do you have any tips?  Words of encouragement? The 'after' is hard once you get past the immediate issues of getting clean.  Or at least I think so.  Anyway, I love to hear success stories.  

[AnonymousUser12]

Sorry I didn't see this for 18 months, but I think you just have to sit down in the mirror and have a hard talk with yourself. We know the things we do that enable us to continue to get high, we know the friends or spouses or life situations that cause relapse. Being truly honest with yourself, and deciding what you want out of life is a huge step. I'm at roughly 6 years without going anywhere near an opiate, it is possible. That was maybe my biggest fear during active addiction, that "normal" life was something I could never return to. The best time for you to get sober was 5 years ago, but the second best time is today. Make your life happen.

[AnonymousUser12]

Over 3 years later and re-reading all of this seems much like a bad dream in a previous lifetime. Long term sobriety is possible. Stop waiting and make it happen.

[Mondaysgirl77]

I'm one week today! I did the same as you my key worker kept making me feel a failure for not jumping but I had my children to think about so just kept chipping away finally dropped at 0.1 last week got mild wd and feeling a bit anxious but nothing like when I tried dropping at higher doses! This is the only recent post and positive one I have found thank you for giving me hope and well done hope you've got the life now you deserve!

[AnonymousUser12]

I hope it worked out for you

[AnonymousUser12]

19 months and going strong.

[nikkirs1988]

Hi! I w/d from subutex a year ago. If you want to MSG me you can. Good luck. Its rough but you can do it! There aredifferent vitamins and supplement you can by take to help your symptoms.

[AnonymousUser12]

Gained nearly 20 pounds in my first 14 months off suboxone, I've managed to lose 15 of it starting a new workout regiment. Sleep, bowels, and anxiety are all back to "normal." It's doable if you want it bad enough.

[motye51]

That's awesome to hear!  I've been clean from subs for over 2 1/2 years from those demon pills and I also gained 10lbs since quitting.  I work out 6 x's a week and the 10lbs ain't going nowhere!!!!  I'm just going to assume it's the weight I'm supposed to be at!
Glad to hear you're doing well.

[AnonymousUser12]

It'll be one year tomorrow. A long, slow taper made all the difference.

[Soulscapex]

SO great to hear a success story , congrats to you. Enjoy your world !
im in a taper and soon to be off in a month . wish you best,
God SPeed

[AnonymousUser12]

10 months yesterday. Forgot about this page for a while. I hope everyone is doing good.

[AnonymousUser12]

Half a year clean, and I'm feeling great. Not sure whether I'll keep posting on here, if not good luck to everybody. It is possible.

[AnonymousUser12]

5 months strong. Longest I've been 100% substance free since junior high.

[pillguy]

Thats really wonderful.  I love to read about people getting their lives back.  Your story should also serve as an example to others on Subs.  You don't have to be on them for life!  There IS a way off.

[gnarly_1]

Hey  congrats on 4 months  your doing great  thanks for dropping by  it shows people it can be done..............Gnarly..................

[VICourageous]

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Over 4 months down now..Way to go!!!!  Keep on working it, whatever has been working for you!

Bless

[AnonymousUser12]

A few days late, but this makes over 4 months. Being free from all prescription drugs is possible, even if it doesnt seem to be while you're on them.

[atthebeach]

Fantastic!!!!!! 3 months clean... this is great news.
CONGRATULATIONS!
You are doing it my Friend.
Freedom, freedom.
good for you.
Keep on keepin on.

[ImInAwe]

Thanks for posting this! I'm coming off subs after 5 years at a really good clinic that helped me do a proper taper(and counseling, support, etc.), but I'm the "get ahead of myself" type, and jumped at 4mg(half a pill) and I'm feeling it today on day 7, so hearing your story, being able to read all your updates has been a huge encouragement! You are an inspiration for me!

[AnonymousUser12]

After nearly a decade of being dependent on one type of opiate or another, I really didnt know if I could ever reach this point. Waking up each day and not needing to take something. But as I pass 3 months, its real. Went on vacation for a week and didnt need to check doctor appointments or count suboxone strips, just packed my clothes and went. Freedom is possible.

[AnonymousUser12]

Thank you all for your support. I have not attended any counseling or N/A meetings, but my battle with addiction was always very personal. Thats how I was able to taper, and eventually come off of suboxone. Mind over matter.

[VICourageous]

Congratulations to YOU!!
Most of us could not taper..BUT the ones who do always have the detox a bit on the lighter side.

This is a wonderful post with lots of positiveness coming out. Proud of YOU! Keep up the good work and take it one day at a time.
Keep that Guard Up at all times and wear that Armour at all times. Ha!
Bless

[atthebeach]

Thanks for the update. Congratulations and kudos on  your two month
Anniversary. Continue to be patient with the process. You are healing.
It takes quite a while for your mind, body and emotions to rewire post opiates.
Keep the faith.
Have you been to any counseling, support groups?
Keep up the good work. You are doing awesome.

[AnonymousUser12]

Tomorrow is officially two months, I still cant concentrate on tasks in any meaningful way but all physical symptoms including sleep have subsided.

[AnonymousUser12]

Coming up on day 40, and outside of sneezing randomly I feel physically great. Sleep has returned to normal, though my appetite is ridiculous. I could eat all day everyday, is that normal?

[61chevy]

Great job!!!!   Great to hear your success story!!