Coping with Buprenorphine Withdrawal
If there is a more appropriate section of the forum for things like this, please do move it. I looked and couldn't find any kind of "Recovery/Withdrawal" section, but I'm not all too familiar with every sub-forum on this site. I apologize in advance if this isn't the appropriate area for this post.
Unfortunately, my Subxone treatment is ending rather abruptly tomorrow (last trip to the doctor), though I should have ~a month's worth of pills to taper with. What I'm wondering is, I know the longer you can stay at each "step" in your taper schedule the better, but is there a minimum amount of time that is recommended to stay at a certain dose before cutting it again? And, also, what prescription medications should I try asking my doctor for to help with the process? I know clonidine is supposed to help. I'm going to ask for benzos, but I doubt I'll get any. I'll probably have to acquire a few of those elsewhere. Which brings me to my next question, any other recommendations are appreciated. My friend, who has also recently gone through the same process, swears by kratom, which I have tried in the past when dope sick and had good luck with. Has anyone else attempted using kratom to detox off of buprenorphine? How well did it work for you? Any "kratom buying advice" is much appreciated--my friend recommended a site to order it from, etc., just making sure he knows what he's talking about--I know there's a lot of it for sale that isn't very good. Lastly, any other "getting through withdrawal" recommendations are appreciated. I know there are various methods/concoctions out there, and would love to hear what worked well for you. My strategy is essentially going to be:
1. Taper
2. Benzos/Kratom/and Ambien at night for help with sleep
3. Weed/Kratom/Melatonin (once I start feeling a bit better)
as well as lots of loperamide and advil. I know exercise/water/healthy food once you can eat/sunlight/hot showers, etc. help you feel better faster. What is the strongest OTC sleep aid that is readily available? All I'm really aware of is Melatonin and the Tylenol PM stuff that is sold alone. I doubt I'll have that many Ambien or whatever benzos I can get a hold of, nor do I want to get addicted to them either. My ex-girlfriend was a psychology major, and when I attempted getting clean in the past, I recall her recommending taking Tyracine I think? I'm open to recommendations of any readily available supplements, etc.--basically anything you've found helpful in making withdrawal less unpleasant, particularly recommendations of things to ask my doctor for, but really any of your suboxone withdrawal/kratom use experiences and "withdrawal strategies." I wasn't really ready to quit my treatment just yet, but then again I'm not sure I really ever will be. I graduated from college this year, haven't found a job yet, and this is really the last major obstacle standing in my way. The main issue, though, is the expense of this treatment without insurance, something with which I'm sure many of you are, unfortunately, all too familiar. I'm aware of the coupon that's good through March, but I can barely afford the doctor appointments alone (my doctor requires his patients come in twice a month). I'm really hoping this will be the "last time" for me and a couple of good friends doing the same thing (we're all basically broke and losing our insurance at the same time due to our ages being the same)--hopefully some careful preparations will help ensure that it is. I've never really prepared for withdrawal before, other than keeping some ibuprofen and loperamide handy. It's been a couple years since I've been truly sick, so it is kinda freaking me out. If nothing else, at least this may help ease my mind a little. Your recommendations and insight are much appreciated and will hopefully be effective and helpful. Thanks!
