Hi Kelsey,

Thanks for this article on tapering off opioids. About 15 years ago, I was prescribed Suboxone to avoid w/d symptoms from oxycodone abuse. It worked.

Unfortunately, it's still working....... Suboxone is itself an opioid, but does not provide the usual opiate "high". Problem is, getting off Suboxone can be just as problematic as stopping opioids and the resultant w/d symptoms.

I take the lowest dose of Suboxone possible. Only once did I stop taking the drug, and on the 3rd day had vicious w/d symptoms. Suboxone has a long half-life, and so stays in your system longer.

My advice to anyone considering using Suboxone to avoid opiate w/d, think through the trade offs.

Yes, Suboxone all bet eliminates the w/d symptoms from opiate abuse.

Second, Suboxone itself is addictive. Suboxone also blocks the pain-relieving effects of opiates. I've had to use Rx NSAIDs

If I could do it over, I'd probably do a supervised opiate detox, inpatient/outpatient.

It takes about one week to get over the physical craving for alcohol and w/d symptoms. The risk of seizure is high and should be treated by a medical professional.

Getting off opiates, from what I have heard over many years in sobriety, is that the first month is hard, sometimes very hard.

I hope this helps someone. Questions are always welcome!

Joe