I tapered off of my Suboxone prescription gradually over a long period of time. By the end of it, I was taking very tiny pieces of the film. They were small enough that at some point, it was probably more mental than anything.
I wish you all the best! After getting off of it, the hardest part for me was still maintaining a clean lifestyle while avoiding the types of people and behaviors that lead to scoring or abusing other drugs (alcohol included) as well.
How long of a taper did you do? im not on a very high dose but was still thinking about like 3 months. but I also am 50/50 like I'm worried about the after effects you have - this is working so well now I see very little downside to long term use and the upside is really big imho - except probably harder to eventually taper off the longer I'm on.
By not high, do you mean around 2-4 mgs? If so, 3 months is probably a good timeline for taking a 25%-50% reduction every 1-2 weeks or so. I might have even taken longer for the last few doses. I think the big thing is not to rush it and take a pace you're comfortable with. Like you say, taking buprenorphine is much preferable to turning to alternatives.
My first experience with a taper was at rehab as they were pushing me out the door. They rushed it, and I was dopesick as I left. You can imagine that didn't turn out well.
Another thing I credit my recovery to is having strong support along the process. Also, building new lifestyle habits like going to the gym helped me improve my self-image. I don't know how much making that sort of change would apply to you but thought I'd mention it.
great advice - thank you. it's helpful hearing success, and triple from those who have successful business lives especially tech/engineering/etc
yup on on 4mg.
i go to the phoenix snd got into my preferred sport again! something i gave up while using that was a huge part of my life. and it's been so good to get it back both community, new friends, and just getting back into shape.
