formeruser

I know I'm not particularly unique in having that sort of past, but it's comforting to hear someone else share these thoughts. Thank you.

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.

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.