I've been a methadone addict for about 2 yrs, illicit use, no Rx. Came off twice before cold turkey - both times off about 40-50mg/day. For those of you who've gone through it, you know...I was sicker than I've ever thought possible. No sleep for a week (literally, even after popping Ambien like candy), RLS, couldn't eat, the whole nine.
I read these boards and others obsessively both times, tried my darndest to muscle through....but I just couldn't deal with the w/d for weeks on end, and went back to using both times. I've got a family, grad school, a ft job, a dog...I can't be out of commission for weeks.
Here i am in round 3, and I'm posting because I found a method for me that's really worked. I'm tapering 2.5mg every 3 days, and am currently down to 7.5mg from 50mg - in a little over a month, with very little discomfort. I never thought this would be possible. My only symptoms have been a little anxiety, some goosebumps (but no sweats/chills like the last 2 times), and some fatigue. But I'm going to work, playing with the kids, doing all my normal activities - I'm okay. It's not terrifying and horrid like cold turkey withdrawal.
I want to make it very clear that I'm not a doctor, and am only reporting on what's worked for me this time.
A friend told me about Kratom, which is an herb with properties that can aleviate opiate/opioid withdrawal. I bought capsules (120 of them = 112g) - not the super potent extract, just regular old powdered leaf. It's legal, at least in the states. I take about 4-5g worth at a time, at most a couple times a day, and plan to taper off these when I'm done with the methadone. From what I witnessed with my buddy, the withdrawal from kratom can be unpleasant, but not nearly akin to methadone withdrawal symptoms. Most days I don't need 2 doses, only 1.\
I have read a lot of posts praising kratom for its usefulness in withdrawal, and I am so glad I tried it. This has been a very rapid taper with very minimal discomfort, and I'm not dreading being off the done for good.
My two cents - its working miracles for me. Make sure it's right for you - especially if you have addiction issues - before trying it. Coupled with the Thomas recipe, regular walks, and my family's support, I really think I'm going to make it through this. It's been surprisingly easy.
Good luck everyone...