nicksndimes
Bluelighter
I posted this somewhere else, but it seems like this is a much better home for it, so here goes.
In all actuality, getting through any kind of WDs is a lot easier when you have some supplies to combat it with. Going to subs to kick does make it a hell of a lot easier to get off the big boy dope, but you do have to be prepared mentally for a two step withdrawl (First coming off the dope or OCs or whatever, then coming off of the subs). The first three days off of the strong stuff you will have chills and sweats, but the subs do make it tolerable and three days in, you begin to feel better, especially if you can get some water and vitamins into your body. Then when you come off the subs its going to seem like its not getting any better, but you'll start noticing a huge difference around day 20. Just remember, methadone withdrawls are a fuckload worse and you are smart for not going that route.
Honestly, I would never take more than 2 mgs of bupe at a time ever in any situation, so that should be the max you start out with regardless of your previous habit (Its strange how doctors push these massive doses.)
Anyways though, the regimen shouldn't last more than two weeks and will be more comfortable if shorter, I have noticed. The way that is working for me is 2mg for 4 days, 1mg for 4 days, 0.5mg for 2 days, 0.25 for 2 days.
First of all, it makes things easier to put yourself in a place that is peaceful and will have little little risk of uncomfortable events (if you are lucky enough to be able to go to such a place). Music can really take your mind off of using as long as you avoid depressing and drug related songs (This is a good time to explore the happiest music you can stand, you will be surprised how much of a mood booster it can be). Also, porn for certain circumstances is entertaining as long as that is not a habit for you as well.
A few other things to have on hand would be a few benzos unless you are also addicted to them (which you may need to taper off as well),
one emergency vicodin (or other weak, short acting opioid if you think you may need it)
Catapres (clonodine) for anxiety and sleep (No more than 5 days)
loperamide (immodium) for diarrhea (this also can take the edge off a little bit, it is technically an opiate, isn't it?),
diphenhydramine (benadryl or other pm or sleep time otc) for sleep if it doesn't give you RLS (Tramadol works well too, but you have to take it and go right to bed or it can keep you up all night).,
Juices including OJ, Grape, apple and Grapefruit to replenish vitamins along with powerade or gatorade to rehydrate, Naproxen Sodium (Aleve) or acetaminophen (tylenol) for pain (Aspirin can make your stomach feel tore up),
Pepto, Tums or Rolaids for upset stomach,
If you enjoy it, Cannabis in any form can provide relaxation and combat anxiety (basically you get too distracted to still and romanticize about dope (Rarely, but anything is a step up, right?),
Chocolate seems fight off urges to use sometimes(works for me, dont know why),
Also, Alcohol in small amounts to relax or sleep if it is not a problem for you (Use sparingly since you don't want to pick up a new habit).
Also, I might sound like a perv, but masturbation, or I guess sex too for that matter, can ease a few situations including (I just heard on the Colbert Report that it is appropriate therapy for those diagnosed with Restless Leg Syndrome, since it provides a huge blast of dopamine, a chemical you are lacking with RLS, or when you are in withdrawl) the general depression, and pretty much make you feel a shitload better, especially the first few days.
I've been through this too many times to count, so I know it will work to get your head back to where you want to get it, regardless if youre trying to kick for good, or just get your tolerance back down. If you use at that point, its on you. It is what it is, you know. Just be prepared that it will take a good month to even get to a point where your thinking isn't colored by dope so bad. It will come, just be patient.
In all actuality, getting through any kind of WDs is a lot easier when you have some supplies to combat it with. Going to subs to kick does make it a hell of a lot easier to get off the big boy dope, but you do have to be prepared mentally for a two step withdrawl (First coming off the dope or OCs or whatever, then coming off of the subs). The first three days off of the strong stuff you will have chills and sweats, but the subs do make it tolerable and three days in, you begin to feel better, especially if you can get some water and vitamins into your body. Then when you come off the subs its going to seem like its not getting any better, but you'll start noticing a huge difference around day 20. Just remember, methadone withdrawls are a fuckload worse and you are smart for not going that route.
Honestly, I would never take more than 2 mgs of bupe at a time ever in any situation, so that should be the max you start out with regardless of your previous habit (Its strange how doctors push these massive doses.)
Anyways though, the regimen shouldn't last more than two weeks and will be more comfortable if shorter, I have noticed. The way that is working for me is 2mg for 4 days, 1mg for 4 days, 0.5mg for 2 days, 0.25 for 2 days.
First of all, it makes things easier to put yourself in a place that is peaceful and will have little little risk of uncomfortable events (if you are lucky enough to be able to go to such a place). Music can really take your mind off of using as long as you avoid depressing and drug related songs (This is a good time to explore the happiest music you can stand, you will be surprised how much of a mood booster it can be). Also, porn for certain circumstances is entertaining as long as that is not a habit for you as well.
A few other things to have on hand would be a few benzos unless you are also addicted to them (which you may need to taper off as well),
one emergency vicodin (or other weak, short acting opioid if you think you may need it)
Catapres (clonodine) for anxiety and sleep (No more than 5 days)
loperamide (immodium) for diarrhea (this also can take the edge off a little bit, it is technically an opiate, isn't it?),
diphenhydramine (benadryl or other pm or sleep time otc) for sleep if it doesn't give you RLS (Tramadol works well too, but you have to take it and go right to bed or it can keep you up all night).,
Juices including OJ, Grape, apple and Grapefruit to replenish vitamins along with powerade or gatorade to rehydrate, Naproxen Sodium (Aleve) or acetaminophen (tylenol) for pain (Aspirin can make your stomach feel tore up),
Pepto, Tums or Rolaids for upset stomach,
If you enjoy it, Cannabis in any form can provide relaxation and combat anxiety (basically you get too distracted to still and romanticize about dope (Rarely, but anything is a step up, right?),
Chocolate seems fight off urges to use sometimes(works for me, dont know why),
Also, Alcohol in small amounts to relax or sleep if it is not a problem for you (Use sparingly since you don't want to pick up a new habit).
Also, I might sound like a perv, but masturbation, or I guess sex too for that matter, can ease a few situations including (I just heard on the Colbert Report that it is appropriate therapy for those diagnosed with Restless Leg Syndrome, since it provides a huge blast of dopamine, a chemical you are lacking with RLS, or when you are in withdrawl) the general depression, and pretty much make you feel a shitload better, especially the first few days.
I've been through this too many times to count, so I know it will work to get your head back to where you want to get it, regardless if youre trying to kick for good, or just get your tolerance back down. If you use at that point, its on you. It is what it is, you know. Just be prepared that it will take a good month to even get to a point where your thinking isn't colored by dope so bad. It will come, just be patient.