Detox from Subox

[ImInAwe]

I have been addicted to opiates for about 8 years now. I've been trying for about 3 to get off them. I started out being prescribed lortab for sciatica in my back after having an epidural go wrong when having my son. The doctor I was going to got shut down, so I began getting pain pills off the street (I was in high school when I had my son, so it was easy to find pills). My mother is an active addict, and she introduced me to morphine. 3 years ago, I decided I was sick of it, and I quit everything, and went to a Suboxone clinic. I got involved in a local recovery group, Celebrate Recovery, and even helped to start another one. I do art classes for recovery ministries and churches, so needless to say I have a decent support group, and I'm involved. At my suboxone clinic, I've been tapering since the begining. I've gotten down to about a quarter a day, and about a month ago, I went in to get my last prescription. The day before yesterday was the day I took my last dose. Yesterday I had nothing, today I had nothing. I've given my husband my phone, money, debit card, etc. I've experienced detox symptoms before, and that is the only thing keeping me from being clean. I got rid of my old 'playmates, playgrounds, and play things' a long time ago. The thing is, I always took pain pills, or the suboxone, to function. I never liked getting messed up, I just took enough to get up and be super mom, etc. I prefered the ups, not the downs. So withdrawals are so rough for me because I don't feel up to doing everything I'm so used to doing. I know suboxone's half life is a lot longer than regular opiates, and I've been told that detoxing will take longer.. I went out and got a few things I read about on here: L-tyrosine, melatonin, magnesium. I also have 10 xanax. Any suggestions, tips, support, etc.?

[clean_in_ks]

Great post, Dig.....and ImInAwe....GREAT name~

[digger1976]

So you live in the mountains, just think how much better all your great surrounds will look, feel and smell when the opiate clouds roll out of town. I remember thinking wow everything looks so clear and bright, I couldn't believe it. You say you are an artist, you won't believe your own eye's, truly you won't. I remember after a week or so it was like someone had turned my brain back on, I was truly shocked at how much the opiates had clouded my vision, feelings and thoughts. So you never know you could be painting your very own masterpiece very shortly. :)

Getting outside for a hike in all that fresh air will be so helpful to you. Yup Immodium was my best friend during detox, so helpful, you don't need as many as you think though so go easy with them. The insomnia is a nightmare, I won't lie to you, I hated it too. The more you try for sleep early into a detox from subs the worse you'll feel. The more you try and forget about it and keep yourself busy the better you will feel. Sleep will come when your body needs it and not before, once I gave into it I realised I wasn't even tired, its the yawns that fool you into thinking you can go get some sleep. Just be patient with it is all. Try not to take Xanax if possible like the peeps mentioned above. You sound like a strong person, just remember guard up where your Mother is concerned, just be careful around her and ask her to do the same thing.

By the way so proud of you for getting involved with the recovery programs and helping to open a new one, very good work, we all applaud you for that my friend.

Now go paint your masterpiece, I won't let you give up as I want to be one of the first to see it, lol. wishing you all the luck in the world ImInAwe.

[nursegirl6572]

Hi there!

Sounds like you've put a great plan in place, and it sounds like you have a good knowledge base to start with, so that will help you a lot.

I agree about the Xanax.  I would recommend trying not to take them if possible.  Sometimes, they actually make a person feel worse.  Just tread very lightly there.  It's hard to get away from the need/want to medicate away any symptoms.....but the more "naturally" you can allow yourself to readjust, the better.

It's tough having one of your bigger risks/triggers being your Mom who lives so close.  You're REALLY going to have to put a solid plan in place to ensure you aren't going to end up using her as a source when your addict mind start talking.  Maybe for a while, make an agreement that you won't go over there without your hubby?  That will increase your accountability.  Also, you're going to have to be VERY firm and very clear with your Mom that you're in recovery, and that she is not to talk about pills, have them around you, etc.

Of course, in the end, the responsibility lies with you as you know...addicts can not remove the world of triggers and temptations, but you CAN put up as many roadblocks as possible.

Very best to you!

[ImInAwe]

Thanks everyone for the support. I'm only just now getting a headache, and the sweats. I live in the mountains, so hiking is my go-to excercise. I bought a bunch of bananas, gatorade, and immodium. My mom's addicted to the xans, and I've seen what they do to people. I personally hate how they make me feel, but insomnia and RLS have always been so bad. Hopefully with the melatonin, I won't need them. That is a challenge, though. Trying to stay clean living so close to an active addict. For those who pray, please keep me in your thoughts!

[ricart70]

Yes what Digger said . We all took opiates for the "up" feeling and to get things done etc.  That is what got us hooked. Most of us have taken other drugs of abuse and found the side effects less than desirable. When we found opiates we thought we had found the "magic bullet" . Now that you are clean of ALL opiates you can begin to experience a true clean life and true feelings. It will take a little time but You will find that you don't need opiates or Sub to get things done. You are doing a great job.Just keep it up and like Digger said exercise. I run 3 miles every day and it really helps get my natural endorphin flowing.  Keep up the great job my friend !!  ;)

[Bon133]

Digger is so right....great advice! Exercise is SO important while detoxing, even though its the last thing you'll feel like doing. The chemicals that your brain produces naturally were replaced all these years by your pills, so now your brain needs to heal and begin producing them naturally again. The more you exercise, the more endorphins your brain will release which will aid in healing. Take it one day at a time, dont worry about what you MIGHT feel like tomorrow. Right now is what counts.

You'll have a lot of support on this site, a lot of people who care and who are rooting for you. And no matter how hard it gets, think of the merciful freedom from plotting, planning, obsessing and counting those damned pills. Release yourself from the heavy chains of addiction...one day at a time.

Good luck and keep us posted!

[weaver71]

If I read it right, you quit 2 days ago at 2mgs. You are doing all the right things. Digger gave some great tips. EmergenC helped me drink more and has lots of c, b, and electrolytes. Swimming and walking where very helpful. In my experience, subs have a strong mental aspect in detox, you've been working recovery, set up boundaries, and have support. You are doing amazing. 2mgs is a bit high to quit, but many do it. With your program, I think it shouldn't be as bad. The Amino Acids are really good, your brain will need those to repair itself. The insomnia is a big one, unfortunately, Xanax or any other drug really won't help for the acute part. Be careful with those. Try not to take them, they are very addictive and dangerous. No matter how bad it feels, it will be worth it. I didn't realize how much they effected me until I stopped the subs. Congrats on day 2, you are on your way.

[digger1976]

You should start forcing yourself to exercise, drink plenty of water and eat soft fruits. All these thing truly helped me pull through a subutex detox. I know it sound impossible right now but believe me it helps so much in the end. Bananas and pears were the easiest to eat as they are easy to swallow. Cold water and lots of it is real important as a subs detox causes bad dehydration. Exercise, just do as much as you can manage, it really does help if you can though, go for short walks in the fresh air anything to get the endorphins in your body going. Exercise really helps with RLS too. Try not to fight the no sleep as this will just get you agitated more, listen to music, watch funny re-runs, movies, anything other than just lying in bed and waiting it out. I am on day 45 from subs now and I can tell you I started to feel a massive shift in its hold around the 2 week mark so keep going you will get there just be patient with yourself. Keep posting though as you will find so much help on this site, there is a lot of people gone through subs detox on here. Keep up the good work your doing great my friend..