I've been on opiates for 14 years now; and have been on Suboxone for 2 of those years. Over the past 6.5 months I have tapered from 12mg daily to 2-4mg daily of sub. Here's what has helped:
1. Healthy Diet. I cook vegetarian food for myself and my boyfriend, but I'm not strict about it. What I am strict about is always eating fresh food, never drinking soda (10 years and counting), and never eating fast food (13 years and counting.) I quit nicotine in 2008. It's common sense that eating well makes you feel well. I've found that eating really well--mostly veggies, fruits, and lean protein like fish--makes my withdrawals that much more tolerable.
2. Exercise. This has been the single most helpful defense against withdrawals that I've found. I just make myself do 30 minutes a day. Getting the body accustomed to producing natural endorphins is the key here. It's also a good way of distracting myself from the discomfort of withdrawing. I switch it up to avoid getting bored: I do yoga, hike, walk, have sex, jog....if it's outside it feels even better. The more rigorous, the more sweat, the better. To reward myself and keep sweating I take a long hot sauna or hot tub--these almost make me forget about withdrawals completely.
3. Vitamins and Supplements. Every morning with breakfast I take Omega 3s, Vitamins B6, B12, C, D3, Magnesium, and Folic Acid; each works to regenerate and strengthen my neurotransmitters and help soothe the nervous system. Withdrawal is just as traumatic for our brains as it is to our bodies. We have to take good care of both as we battle the withdrawals each day.
4. Meds: A combo of gabapentin (WORKS WONDERS), Aleve for aches and pains, and diphenhydramine to help sleep is my daily combo of OTC + comfort meds.
Just my experience so far. I'm far from being out of the woods. But I thought I'd share some tactics to perhaps help others who can relate to my story. I wish you all good luck on your paths toward health.
