If you're not taking Suboxone, Subutex or the like, I would highly advise researching other avenues for "detox" or sobriety. After 3 and a half years of trying to find the right "balance" and stability" - so says the doctor - I was finally able to see it as poison it is. Yes, it impedes withdrawal. Yes, it minimizes cravings. But you will eventually feel these anyway. This simply makes that a seemingly never ending process and drains your bank account simultaneously. At minimum (taking the lowest dose), it costs $600 a month. I missed 3 days and, through the pain and the mind cloud) had a flash of understanding. I realized I was chasing the drug MORE than any other drug I'd ever been on. The pharmacists at CVS were constantly annoyed because I could never afford the whole script. I hid it from everyone. I felt horribly guilty when I told people I was sober because I knew I had only substituted opiates for another drug. Not only was it just as addictive physically, it was justifiable to continue taking it under the guise of "sobriety" and "at least it's not Percocet". I even bought it on the street if I couldn't make it to the doctor that week!
SO WHAT DO I DO?! You cry ...
Research first. Find out HOW you want to QUIT. Some people do great in detox centers. For me, I found kratom. Do your research on kratom before you scoff.. there's even a documentary on Netflix called "Pharmacy Thugs" that talks a little about kratom being a fantastic way to detox. The great thing is, I was able to get off Suboxone (and of course this works for other opiates) and still go to work every day - I actually functioned better after only 2 days, immediately realizing just how much Suboxone clouded my mind. If taken right, this works far better than trading your opiates for another (more easily justifiable and socially accepted) opiate.
Maybe it'll work for you. I thought it worked for me for 3 years - only now I can see that was totally wasted time. If anything, PLEASE do your research before you commit your life to being "sober" with Suboxone. And know this: your withdrawals from Suboxone will be least twice as bad as whatever your opiate is.
The reason I gave it 3 stars is because this doctor really does care, he just doesn't understand recovery that well (textbook experience only) and he's been educated (I think) by the fine folks at Rickett Benckiser. read more