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Avatar universal

How long?

First of all I'm new here and want to go ahead and thank anyone who responds to me. I'm basically living in pure hell as a monster fentanyl addict. My consumption level has evolved through many years and at this point I'm chewing almost 100 mcg's a day. To make matters worse my wife is also close to my levels. This has caused great loss for us both. I've been forced into withdrawals on a few occasions. I can not express in words the hellish torture I've experienced. After three days at the most I was seriously considering ending it all. It's getting to the point that my quality of life is zero. My question is a simple one. If I go through it again either voluntary or involuntary HOW long can one expect the worst of symptoms to FINALLY subside. The crawling in the skin, vomiting, diarrhea, can't sleep or eat. I've done all kinds of research and have read the warnings and horror stories. I also know that it varies on body type, age, amount and length of abuse. I have also concluded that cold turkey although not suggested or liked will not kill you. Although I myself have wished for death. Bottom line is I may as we'll already be dead because this is no life and if I don't stop I'll be dead soon anyway. Also I was laid off recently and have no insurance. Yes I've tried suboxone and did have minor success with it but unfortunately could not continue with that particular program for reasons that were not my fault. Again thank you all who take the time to read and or respond.
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1684282 tn?1614701284
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
There is really no easy way of detoxing from home. I have dealt with hundreds of addicts who have all told me horror stories of doing it by themselves.  I would only guess that if are successful in doing it at home you don't end up in my clinic.
Just in case you are curious, it takes us three to four days to detox a patient and get him/her back home drug free and feeling well on Naltrexone therapy (no opiates).
At home, the basic technique is to space out the amount you take on a consistent manner until you take only at night, than half that amount at night, than every other night and then none.  See if your doctor can write you a prescription for some Requip for restlessness, Neurontin for anxiety and malaise, some Flexeril or Soma for a few weeks for muscle spasms and maybe some Seroquel low dose, for sleep.
Clonidine is very helpful  for the creepy-crawly feeling and control of blood pressure variations. It will make your withdrawals easier.  Valerian and Magnesium is sometimes helpful remedies over the counter.
The residual symptoms of insomnia and depression can last another few months. Thus, it is not easy, but it gets better and better over time and you can look forward to a drug free healthy energetic you in the future. When you take opiates for a long time like you have, your body's physiology has been altered. Your central nervous system has created a multitude of opioid receptors that all are screaming for endorphins (opiates) to fill them, but your body has now forgotten how to make them by itself.  It will take time - two to four weeks at least, for your receptors to down-regulate (for the brain begin to heal) and to start making its own endorphins. Brain heals pretty slowly, so it may take you as long as a couple of months to get rid of feelings of sluggishness, restlessness and depression. The best thing you can do is take good care of yourself, eat healthy food, stay hydrated, keep active and busy. Stay away from sugar, soda, and simple carbs. Do not consume caffeine at least 6 hours prior to bedtime.
Take a look at my blogs about options for detox and recovery. You may also take a look at my clinic website where I also have my blogs and a lot of other info about drug addiction and recovery. Look especially into the blog and the info on Naltrexone therapy after getting clean. It really improves your chances of staying clean for good by cutting down your physical cravings. Look into my clinic website as well. All this can be done by clicking on my name in blue and on clinic logo.
There is an injectable form available now that is covered by all major medical insurances called Vivitrol that you would need to get only once monthly to stay clean. Just keep it in mind for the future. Good luck to you and your wife.  
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Avatar universal
Hey there i completely understand what u are going thru bcuz i have gone thru what YOU are going thru and it happened in jan. Of this year. I was chewing a tatol of 150mcg's a day and then my son and fiance was here to help me mainly my fiance... i stopped chewing them totaly in march if my memory serves me correctly... Then i just started to wear them like iwas told to do by the Dr... now i am weening off them and i am now on 25mcg's and i take percocet also... if u have any other questions just ask hope that helps... and i forgot to mention i also take when i dont have anything i take subs and subutex...
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