Suboxone withdrawal

[determined45]

How long will suboxone withdrawal last? I am at 39 days off suboxone and still experiencing mild withdrawal. I was on sub. for around 2 1/2 yrs. and jumped off at 12mg.  It is definitely not as bad as the first few weeks but this is lasting forever. I had to withdraw from college this quarter and haven't been back to work for a while. Is anyone going through the same situation? The symptoms I am still having are: insomnia, fatigue, cold chills, hot flashes (through the night), creepy crawls (tingles), sweaty palms and arm pits, and little nausea causing diarrhea. Just wanted to know how much longer this will go on. It is becoming very aggravating but I will get through this. I understand everyone is different and this process takes time but d***!!! Anyways, I have read a lot of interesting posts, however I noticed they were from like 2 years ago, so hopefully I will get a reply this time lol.

[justijohn218]

I'm on day 40 Suboxone-free...
I just went cold turkey off of 16 mgs...
I've used drugs for 20 years & Suboxone for almost 5...
Its uncomfortable at first, but gets better & better...
I went a month a year ago, but was too fatigued....
so went back on 2 mgs, which turned into 16 after a couple months....
This time has actually been way easier...
Day 4 was the only day of real torture...
Then on day 7, I threw away my last 30 strips...
That was heartbreaking, like losing a girlfriend...
I took ibuprofen, imodium, vitamin Bs & Cs & used a E-vapor cig...
Plus coffee in the morning & a Red Bull or 2 in the afternoon...
I try to exercise as much as I can...
Somedays just a short walk & housework...
Other days weightlifting & long bike rides...
I eat constantly, almost 6 meals or snacks a day...
I try to socialize & relate to people & listen to lots of music...
I go to church & listen to self motivational stuff...
I pray, believe & try hard to help others...
I sleep just fine & have had no restless legs this time...
My energy levels are at about 90% already...
My palms & soles still get sweaty...
My skin still itches a little, but a lot less...
Hot showers & baths help that...
My love for my wife & son helps big time...
I try to go to a group meeting at least once a week...
We actually have a lot of fun & laugh our heads off...
Its sort of like a party with no drugs or alcohol...
Even the bad & sad stuff are just so ironic...
You play with the devil & you get burned...
All the older people can totally relate...
& the young ones will hopefully learn if they haven't already...
Hobbies help too...
I love playing guitar, video games, watching movies, internet research, etc...

Anyway my point is that its not as bad as most people on these websites say it is & if you go back to using, you'll just get caught up in the redudant cycle all over again...

Now that I'm clean, food tastes better, music sounds better, love feels better, life seems brighter & I feel so much better about myself...

I've gained =
Family, friends, fun, finances, flavorful food, fitness, faith, freedom, fearlessness, firmness, future, forever, feeling fine...

[jolynn426]

I am also on day 40 with no suboxne and it has been a nightmare for me. I must say things do get better. I still have no energy and still don't enjoy the things I used to. Including food and pop, and work. Struggling this quarter in school and I know it from this. I also missed 1 week of work. The only light I see is this is the first time in 9 years on no pain meds or suboxne. I wish I could enjoy it more being clean but have no energy to get up still. Taking B vitiams and Tyrosine still. THis is so much easier then week 1-3 they were a struggle. And great news I do not crave suboxne or have any desire to do. I did this all on my own and that was hardest with nobody knowing. Having someone to talk to helps wonders I'm sure. Goodluck everybody!

[Trota]

Just found a great article that covers most of the questions here!

Suboxone Withdrawal

[annemarie26]

good job things have a way of working out.. and congrats on the baby =) i have a 3 yr old and i really think men become some what diff when they realize they are becoming fathers so heads uo and ill pray everything works out for you and your hubby <3

[heylauramae]

I have laid off trying to talk him into coming off... hvent brought it up since I posted..... and he just told me last week hes ready to be done with it and hes tired of it so hes starting to come around on his own. Hehe. I am now almost in my 2nd trimester of pregnancy so I think that has alot to do with him realizing whats important and where he wants to be in life, we just heard the heartbeat last week!

[annemarie26]

hello i have been reading your post for a while just wanted to ask anyone for updates on how everything is working..or heylauramae how is everything going with the boyfriend.. and determined45 how many days has it been and are you at 100% yet? please if anyone reads this udate please ty

[determined45]

Well it has been 46 days off suboxone. I am actually feeling much better. I would say I am at about 90%. There are small things that are a little bothersome, but nothing too uncomfortable. The only things I am still experiencing are: sweaty palms and arm pits (which has gotten a little better), insomnia (getting better), and a little fatigue. I have heard your normal energy levels are the last to completely come around (3 month mark). So I am doing well. It just shows that you need to be strong and stick it out. I really went through a tough time for a very long time. Everything has approved so much, it is crazy how long it takes to physically recover. I understand it takes a lot longer to mentally recover. I have had dreams about using, however still clean..lol, weird because I really don't have cravings throughout the day. Anyways just wanted to update everyone.
Thanks for all your support. God Bless!  

[cindykauffman]

I have a suggestion, don't knpw if anyone wants to take it BUT....I was addicted to suboxone/heroin for at least a year, a few years back.  The subs got me high, were cheaper so i found myself hooked on them also.  I only took 4 mg's a day on the suboxone program, under a dr.s supervision and prescription and found myself in the hospital.

The hospital would not give me the suboxone!!!   I was SICK, for maybe two days, very sick and pretty scared as I always read that you had to be tapered off slowly.  Finally my Dr. got sick of hearing me complain and put me on seroquel (it's a med for bi polar, but small amounts, 25 mg for instance can be used for sleep).  It was a miracle, I took it the first night, slept like a baby and had very mild w/d after that...by the time I was released, I was fine....my dependency on the suboxone was completely over.  Just an idea, as I never heard of the seroquel before that and it worked like a charm!!

[heylauramae]

Thank both of you for your replies, its so nice to be able to come on here and get insight from people who have experience and understand this drug... I can talk to my friends about it, but they dont understand.. Some people have never even heard of suboxone.

I will never be mad at him if he says he isn't ready.. he knows his body and I know he will just relapse if he does it before he is ready.. but as I've said, I just feel like a big reason that he feels he isnt ready is because of how long those people in his group had been on them... and that doctor he had said he should be on them AT LEAST a year...... so I just feel like he will stay on them forever if he has the chance, lol.

[determined45]

Thanks for posting. I am glad to hear about your husbands recovery. I love to read everyones success stories regarding their sub. experiences. It takes a strong person to beat it. I am at 41 days now and my energy has definitely made a turning point about a week ago. It is still not fully back but much better. The other things are still there.

I imagine since your husband is over 4 months off that he is back to his normal self again (no w/d). I was wondering how long he was in w/d? Did things linger for him as well? When did everything completely go away? When did his normal sleeping patterns return? Just curious b/c going through this stuff everyday gets annoying and I would just like to be told a solid time period. I know that is difficult to do since everyone is different, but it would be nice to have a sigh of relief. I know things will get better with time, they already have.  

I haven't been able to chat with anyone here who is experiencing or has experienced the same thing. All the forums I have read are outdated and thats why I created my own. So... If you have any answers I would appreciate it.

Thanks and God Bless!

[Jaybay]

determined - I'll try to point my husband to this thread since he also detoxed off Sub since... October??  I can't remember the exact date, but he's over 4 months clean now.  He tried 3 times to get off Sub and even at 2 mg it was an abject failure.  He finally had to tough it out and nearly OD'd on the clonidine mixed with alcohol and flexeril and... you get the idea.  NOT a good thing for him - or for me to watch.  Exercise can help you with the lingering withdrawal you're experiencing.  My husband went back to martial arts training and it really does help with the creepy crawlies and insomnia.  You jumped from a really high dose so I'm not at all surprised you're still feeling funky.  Hang in there!  It only gets better and better with time.  :-)

heylauramae - You're in the same position I am being the spouse of an addict.  I applaud you for being so supportive of your husband, but I'm a bit worried that you think you have more power over the situation than you really do.  I thought the same thing:  "I believe he can do this; therefore he has to believe it too."  Worse:  "If he'll only let me help, I know he can stop."  Nope.  And the worst: "If he really loves me, he'll stop."  HA!  Love has nothing to do with it.  Just as he had to admit he was powerless over his addiction; I, too, had to admit I was powerless over his addiction.  

Say your husband was a cancer patient rather than an addiction patient.  You wouldn't be able to cure his cancer would you?  You can't cure his addiction.  If he had cancer, you could drive him to appointments and keep him fed, pray, keep track of his meds, and be a cheerleader, right?  It's the same thing for his addiction.  He has to choose the therapy he is comfortable with, but all you can do is help get him to where he needs to go, keep track of his meds, pray, and be a cheerleader.

Your husband's eventual detox has to be on his own terms and it will happen when he's ready to make it happen.  While I think it's a bad idea to go back to his old "friends" for an illegal supply of Suboxone to tide him over, it's great he's not going back to his drug of choice.  That shows he's still committed to moving in the right direction.  

What he CAN do right now until he finds another doctor is go to an AA or NA meeting.  No excuses since they're free.  You might check out Al-anon for yourself.  It will you get educated on what you're facing and also set an example for your husband.

I can't lie to you.  This is a dangerous time for him.  If the search for a doctor stretches out too long, he'll go in one of two directions.  He'll keep using illegally (which costs a whole lot more that legal treatment) of either Suboxone or something else, or he'll look at this as an opportunity to bite the bullet and detox now.  

Right now is also a good time to at least begin a taper plan.  See if he'll sit down with you and put a plan in writing.  Seeing your goals in black and white on a calendar can help you stick to any kind of a goal, and it also helps to chart your progress.  My husband kept an Excel spreadsheet of his dose and withdrawal symptoms that he and his doctor found to be of huge help.  The doctor really appreciated all the detail because it helps him help his other patients.  Yes, my husband finally found a GREAT doctor in the end after allowing himself to be screw'd by one of those expensive, cash-only Suboxone "clinics."  Beware the cash-only clinics.  They're nothing but legal dealers who want their patients on maintenance for the rest of their lives.  

I know your schedule says it makes all the sense in the world for your husband to detox before the baby arrives.  If addiction were a rational disease, that would be true, but addiction isn't rational.  My fear is that if your husband attempts detox before HE is ready, the odds of relapse are greater.  Yes, Suboxone therapy can be expensive, but the cost of relapse is a whole lot higher.  

You said he's been an addict for years.  Simply stopping the Suboxone is only one small step in his recovery.  He has to have mental support through either AA/NA or private therapy so he can have coping skills in place BEFORE he detoxes.  It took him years to get to this point, and he has to learn a completely new way of life.  Dealing with the stress of raising a child is challenging for anyone, and far more difficult for a newly-detoxed addict.  You'll actually be taking care of two children.  When your husband detoxes, he'll be like a newborn baby who has to learn everything about life all over again.

Sorry, I tend to run on at the keyboard once I get rolling.  LOL!  Feel free to PM me any time if you like.  :-)

[determined45]

Yes, it really seems like you are a great person for him to be with. One person can really make a difference. Wow, that is scary that the people in his group were on subs that long. Sorry to say but that has probably been a major influence in why he wants to be a longterm user. I never personally knew anyone who has been on sub. over 2 or 3 yrs. Being on suboxone for 10 yrs is pretty crazy, those people may end up being lifelong sub users.

I didn't want to be on suboxone the rest of my life, couldn't imagine depending on medication that long (liver would be done for). You may need to do some research on clinics who do fast tapering. It may take him another 6 months or so but they will use a comfortable tapering process. It does seem that a slow taper to the crumb really helped people have a more smooth w/d experience. It does seem he wants off but doesn't know when. He should read some of these posts, it may be helpful, it sure helps me. I think he needs to talk to people and hear their stories, he might find some inspiration in doing so. I don't think he needs to be seeing that dr. you mentioned. If he isn't ready now then he needs to find a legit dr. who can help.

I remember running out of suboxone a few times and having to find others to borrow them from. Yeah it is hard that you know those people are around for him to regain his supply, however it didn't influence me at all when I quit. I didn't even think about asking anyone for some didn't have the desire too. I surely didn't want to back peddle, thats all it would of done just prolong things.

Like me he probably gets aggravated when you talk to him about it. My parents pushed and pushed me to get off suboxone and I would get so annoyed. But, if I didn't have people pushing then I may have still been on the subs.  

Him being clean is huge right now, especially with you having a child. I would maybe ask him to set a reasonable goal time to get off them. Thats what I did, I told myself I was going to get off by the winter and I did. I know sometimes people will say, "I will quit next month". Then next month turns into a year. Everyone is different and approaches their recovery differently. Just be supportive and try to smoothly talk to him about it. Don't get mad if he says he is not ready b/c he probably isn't. There have been people quit suboxone too soon and ended up back on their DOC (drug of choice).

You should both research together, it may help. I know it is hard for you to understand but it's not that easy. It is pretty awesome that you are on here fighting for him and trying to find answers. He needs someone like you and even though I don't know you, I am glad you came into his life. I know he can get through this, especially with you on his side. God Bless!  

[heylauramae]

Fast reply :)!!!

All you've said is really helpful.....

I cannot figure out why on earth his doctor kicked him out though, really.. because, he was 15 minutes late, but he still showed up with his 50$ for the meeting that night and was still ready to pay and sit down and be apart of the group....... UGH, whatever!

I know its up to him its just very hard... I guess maybe you're right, he may not be ready, but my concern is that he never will be...... Or not for a long while. The other people who were in his group before he got kicked out were all long term users..... 4,5,6, up to 10+ years...... I feel like he doesnt fully understand suboxone and has been misinformed or lead to believe you NEED to be on it ATLEAST a certain amount of time... when in reality, from the reading I've done.. it seems more like, whenever you are ready...... But, I dont think he gets that.... :\ I dont know!!

I'm SO worried about him not having a steady, reliable supply of suboxone. Its so upsetting and frustrating having to ask around EVERY DAY and stressing out for him about how hes going to get his pills....

Yesterday was the first I talked with him about it... Im just going to let it be for a little while, and talk to him again about it, or show him some info here and there that I come across. Maybe I should even show him these forums.. I dont know... I just feel that if anyone could get through to him, I could.

He was a big jerk before we got together, just dated (hooked up with) tons of girls, and never really had a good relationship.. but his whole family commends me and has fallen in love with me because apparently I've helped him become a much better person and they always say how they've seen such improvements in him... So I think I could be the one to help him with this next problem as soon as he is ready..

[determined45]

I have to honestly say that I do not think he is ready. I sounds like he needs more time. I didn't feel ready at a year either. You are right it does become very expensive and having a baby isn't going to make financial matters better. You do have to consider his recovery as an addict. It is hard to push an addict because we don't like to listen. I think if he quits now he may relapse (as he even says so). As addicts the cravings will always haunt us and being on suboxone helped me mentally. I become so strong minded that I know I will never touch a pill again. No matter how long I have to suffer through these w/d I WONT do it.

Yeah, being kicked out for being 15 min. late is ridiculous! You should search for other doctors in your area. It is hard because it seems some of these doctors don't care about the well being of their patients. I can understand failing a drug test, but to make your patient suffer for no good reason doesn't make sense. Doctors are suppose to make us live a healthy comfortable life. That is crazy that he is letting him go at 8mg a day. He probably has a waiting list and to him getting a new patient who isn't late better suits him and his practice. Pretty S****!!!

Anyways, I know you are pushing for his sobriety but it is really up to him. I understand you love and care for him but the addict is the one who needs to make the best choice. Afterall, it is better to be on suboxone than herion. I am sorry you are having a tough time through this but addiction is a disease and it is hard to understand if you haven't been there yourself. You seem very supportive of him and I congratulate you for sticking it out with him through his addiction. It takes a very strong person to deal with an addict. He will know when it is time, I know I did. I think it is best to keep pushing him to get off them but don't be obsessive about it. Good luck to the both of you and God Bless!!

[heylauramae]

Thank you so so much for your response....

I think hes been on the sub close to a year..... And right now I believe hes doing about 8mg a day.......He had originally been prescribed 12mg but hes down to 8 now. The thing is, he was in a suboxone group..... but he was kicked out about 2-3 weeks ago for arriving 15 minutes late. He was unable to get a new script that night, and his old script ran out a couple days later, so for the past 2 weeks he has been bugging friends for pills (luckily they have been helping him out quite a bit, but theres been a day here and there where hes had to go without), and scrambling to find a new doctor. He has had no luck with finding a doctor he can afford, or will see someone who is already currently on the pills. I feel alot of anger toward the doctor that kicked him out... He never had his best interest in mind, and I don't know what kind of doctor would just cut off a recovering addict for being late to a meeting, 15 minutes late! ...... (I am thinking of driving to the doctors office to talk to the doctor myself because he will  not return any of our phonecalls since this incident) .....

I expressed my concern to him last night about the pills, and he agrees he should get off of them....... But he is scared, I think. Coming off suboxone would mean being completely drug free.... something he hasnt been in YEARS.... he also expressed that he is afraid he might get cravings to do heroin again, and he said he doesnt think these few months are the time to do it with a baby on the way...... On the contrary I think they are the BEST time to do them.... even if he can get himself down to a VERY low dosage for a long while...I know he can do it... It will be less costly. I think the suboxone is an unnecessary expense with us being young parents with a baby on the way....

I am very sympathetic and udnerstanding of him and I know this will not happen in a month or two, but it would be really nice to see him start working at and recognizing he cant live his whole life on suboxone... (well, I guess technically he could...haha). I know he has to want to do it...but I wish there way something I could say to motivate him more or give him the kick in the butt he needs to see that theres so much more to life...

[determined45]

Yes, I agree that he should get off the sub. before the baby arrives, however he has to be ready. I can only imagine how hard it would be to try to be a parent while in withdrawal. How long has he been on the suboxone? What is his dosage? I was a longterm sub. user and I jumped off at a high dose. Everyone is different, one person can have a much different experience than the next. I have read a lot of posts here, and you are right I have yet to come to a updated forum, thats why I started this one. I would strongly recommend that he taper. I have read how people taper down to .25mg (a crumb) every other day for a month or two before they stop. With all I have read, It seems the more ppl taper the milder the withdrawal.
I am at day 40 and still have w/d's. They are mild, but still there. I heard it can take up to 70 days until you are 100%. The fatigue and insomnia are the w/d's that really linger on. I heard sleeping patterns start returning to normal at the two month mark and sometimes it can take three months until energy levels are completely back to normal. I have read that it takes 3 full months to fully recover, especially psychologically. When we start feeling better cravings come back, but once an addict gets through the first 3 months they are less likely to relapse.
I wish him the best of luck. You have to want to get off. I just remember having this overwhelming feeling of wanting to be done and thats why I jumped. I had no idea about the duration of withdrawal, but it is what it is and I'm doin it. I really wish you both the best of luck. Hopefully knowing you are bringing a lil one into the world he will find the inspiration to quit.
Hope you know I am not trying to bad talk suboxone. Suboxone really helped me as it has helped thousands. Being on suboxone for over 2yrs. actually helped me change yrs. of bad habits, and also helped me get away from all the negative influences. It felt good to feel normal again. I tried to quit pills twice in the past and relapsed both times. When I took sub. I had no desire to do pills, still don't. I am too strong minded to ever go down that road again. I didn't like myself then and my true friends didn't either.
Anyways, just can't wait til I'm 100% again but I know it coming, just takes time.I hope you gained some insight from my post. I wish you both the best! God Bless!!  

[heylauramae]

Hey,

Just wanted to wish you luck, and although I am not myself a former addict or suboxone user...but my boyfriend is. I was hoping to join these communities to gain insight and advice from people who are in his shoes... I want to help him the best I can. We are expecting a baby in September, and I REALLY hope he decides to get off (or soon be off) suboxone by then. I think it would be better to do it prior to the arrival of the baby, just judging by reading all the withdraws and mental anguish you all go through during the whole process....

If you have any advice for my situation, or words of encouragement you could suggest me to give my boyfriend, that would be great... I truly care about him, and I've made him begin to care about himself again. Hes been on suboxone for about 10 months I think... was a heroin addict prior.

Sorry, Im not trying to rain on your thread, teehee... I just joined today and its hard to find threads that are still active!

[determined45]

Thanks it is nice to know ppl care. It's hard because I have no one to talk to about my situation. It's hard to talk to others when they haven't gone through the same experience. Thanks for your concern, it means a lot. Congrats on your recovery, pulled up some forums from yrs ago and read some of your posts. It's cool you are still here trying to help people out. I try to get on here everyday; I make it part of my recovery. So if anyone out there can help I would appreciate it.  

[IBKleen]

There you are. Good. Hang here and you will get replies. It is always quiet on Sunday night so be patient.

I am not surprised you are still having difficulty. You were on Sub quite a while and jumped off at a high dose. Give it some time.

There are members here who can give you specific information so hang around until they see your post.

Best of luck!