OP, I've gotten clean a few times. The first couple I used Subs, and I think that made it harder to get clean. I couldn't really find a dose that worked well. It seemed the dose was either too low to stop cravings or too high and made me feel doped. That doped feeling led to cravings as well because the Suboxone doped feeling is nothing like an actual dope feeling.
I think you are making a smart move in not using Subs. The hardest part was going through PAWS, but once that subsided, I felt a lot better and I was glad I wasn't on anything for maintenance.
Like I said in my earlier post, benzos are great for quelling anxiety and helping you (attempt) to get some sleep. Loperamide can help with the diarrhea and if you take enough of it, all the withdrawal symptoms. Benedryl is great for the watery eyes, runny nose, and also sleep. And then alternate Ibuprofen and Tylenol for aches and pains.