Ultimate Fix, you were on the right track to begin with--- in that you know what you're doing. And there's a LOT of very good advice here.
On why it seems like the end of the world when it really isn't: I think is has a lot to do with anticipatory anxiety but also the fact that opiates make you feel so good and WDs make you feel so bad. So, you're going from one extreme to another--- not just feeling OK and then sick, but feeling great to feeling horrible . Polar opposites. It's jarring.
Here are my tweaks on the good advice, from personal experience. YMMV, of course:
- Be sure you have at least a week of NO responsibilities. Zero. This, in my opinion, is crucial.
- Part of that means making sure you're stocked up on anything and everything you may need.
- Exercise? Yes, but I don't agree with "strenuous" unless you already do that regularly. You don't need any extra strains, sprains, aches, or pains. Take it easy.
- Water. Lots and lots of water. And fruit juice. Very moderate alcohol consumption can help-- BUT I mean VERY moderate. Don't get drunk, or even tipsy. I'm talking one or two beers (or glasses of wine) a day, tops. No liquor.
- Vitamins, ibuprofen, loperamide, melatonin, diphenhydramine, and LOW DOSES of benzodiazepines are all your friends. Be careful with benzos. IMHO, benzo addiction is worse than opioid addiction.
- Long hot showers or soaks in hot baths are amazingly helpful. Take as long as your hot water lasts.
- Masturbation. Normally, sex with another person is better, of course. But WDs make me extremely antisocial and the other person's pleasure is not a priority. If you have an exceedingly kind and understanding partner, go for it. Otherwise, jerk off. A lot. I mean A LOT.
- Movies. The genre is up to you-- whatever you can really get into. The "suspension of disbelief" becomes quite therapeutic when you can become so immersed in the movie that you completely forget about reality (and how you feel) for a while. Ideally, you want access to hundreds of hours of films.
- My dog, a rescued pit bull, has "rescued" me many times. She is absolutely non-judgmental and adores me unconditionally. Just scratching her belly while she lies next to me does wonders for my emotional well-being.
- Finally, always remember "This is not forever. It WILL end." Keep reminding yourself of that fact.
Hope some of this helps. We're rooting for you.
Oh, and I almost forgot! Yes, kratom can be quite helpful but it affects everyone differently and it can vary strangely even with the same person, same dose. Start with low doses, wait a while, increase in very small increments.