Getting off of Suboxone

[Whyme1116]

Has anyone successfully gotten off of suboxone after 5 years of use? Ive been taking about 1mg or less the last year or so....and pretty much the last few months Ive been taking no more than .5 daily. Im trying to take it as slow as possible and get through it with little withdrawal as possible.....any suggestions? Im thinking of skipping days when im ready....has anyone had expierience with that? And also....for the people who have gotten off, how do you feel now?? What life without it like?? Thank You Everyone!

[clean_in_ks]

Hello girl....and welcome back!  It's great that you are finally ready to get off the subs.  I was only on them for 28 days....so my experience isn't probably too valuable or applicable to you.
You have tapered down slowly and done really well....you have a plan to skip a day and then two....and then just stop.  You will have some symptoms to treat which you already know about....but you CAN DO IT!

I'm glad to hear you used the 5 yrs on subs to get some counseling, change your lifestyle, playmates and playgrounds.  VERY important.
The only question I had was what about some ongoing aftercare....addiction may lie dormant when not using....but our brains have been forever changed and there will be times our addiction SCREAMS at us out of nowhere.  The best insurance plan you can buy is some aftercare....even with a supportive boyfriend, good job and previous counseling.  I surely wish you well.....I'm glad you're ready to say goodbye to opioids forever!  It'll be the best decision you ever make~

[Whyme1116]

Thank you so much for your response. All you see are the horror stories of subs. Though im terrified now to get off, I think it helped me. I got my life in order, broke ties with the people I would hang around, was able to be a mom to my now 6 year old, have a great job, great boyfriend, I did counseling for the first 2 years. I get worried that the cravings will come back just like they were before subs, though I read that that actually doesnt happen...they arent full blown like before. I hope so. But again thanks for the response....just trying to get some helpful tips, and its nice to hear from others!!!

[weaver71]

I was not on subs as long as you, but know of many who have. The fact you where at a low dose so long and plan to skip days will help a lot. My doc suggested I skip two days after skipping one for awhile. A good vitamin, plenty of water and electrolytes, and regular exercise help a lot for detox. Avoid caffeine, refined sugar, red mean, and processed foods. With your taper and good nutrition, you will have the least possible symptoms. A friend in a similar situation as you, though he was at two mgs for the last year, had little problems. Restless sleep, but he slept; Digestive issues, but not explosive runs; and tolerable anxiety where his main complaints. It was very doable though. If you are an addict, hopefully you used your time on subs to deal with the mental part of this. With that handled, I think you will be just fine. Keep posting and you will get more responses. There is a lot of great advice and support around here, most the time, day or night. The holiday has been a bit slower, so many are busy at this time.

[Whyme1116]

Thank you for your reply!! And encouragement!

[katmandu516]

Hi there and welcome to our forum!!  Congratulations on wanting to get off the subs. I, personally have never taken subs, but heard they are given to opioid addicts, to get off opioids. I'm sure someone will be around soon to answer your questions, but we are not allowed to give tapering advice on this forum. That would definitely be a question for your prescribing Dr. Well, stick around and Good Luck!!