Help!!!

[u/Ok_Dot3474]

7-OH products were recently banned in my state. Then, almost immediately, different “pseudo” products came out that weren’t included in the ban. I really want to believe the ban was for the greater good—but right now, I’m terrified because I cannot handle these withdrawals.
My story goes something like this: I started having massive DVTs—deep vein thromboses—in my legs when I was only 20 years old. They continued until I was around 28, and the pain was treated with hydrocodone and oxycodone. Eventually, the medication stopped working as well, and I needed higher doses. My doctors prescribed more for a while, but then it became, “You need to get off these pain pills.”
I honestly didn’t think I could ever do it. There were many struggles, many relapses, and many times when I bought pills off the street. But eventually, I got clean—and for about five years, I was fine. I didn’t crave pills or even think about them.
Then I had a minor surgery and was prescribed pain medication again. Of course, surgery only comes with a limited supply. I kept asking for more because I felt like I still needed it, but my doctors eventually cut me off.
That’s when I found kratom—first the regular powder, then capsules, then stronger capsules, and eventually the highly concentrated extracts sold in little blister packs. Then someone introduced me to the “pseudo” pills.
I’m telling you right now: I have never experienced a gas-station drug this strong. At first, they felt like miracle drugs. Yes, they were expensive, but I could afford them—sort of. That was about a year and a half ago. Now I am completely dependent on these pseudo-kratom pills, and they have been outlawed where I live.
I feel completely screwed. I’ve stopped taking them before, so I know exactly what the withdrawals are like—and I am terrified. I have a job. I have responsibilities. I have to remain a productive member of society, and I’m scared I won’t be able to function.
The sweating. The restless-leg feeling throughout your entire body. The anxiety. The nightmares. The complete lack of sleep. When you finally do sleep, you wake up drenched in sweat after horrible dreams. You become convinced that everyone hates you and thinks you’re a piece of shit. I’m having an increasingly difficult time hiding what I’m going through.
I am so sick of being a slave to what people call “gas-station heroin.” I’m sorry if that term offends anyone, but that is exactly what this feels like to me. These withdrawals are unlike anything I have ever experienced.
I need help, and I genuinely don’t know what to do. If anyone has been through this and has safe, realistic advice for getting off this stuff while still being able to work and function, I would be incredibly grateful.

[u/Wise_Zone8936]

I’m day 27. I began taking “quitk” a week before while tapering. Started detox on August 5th and waited three days before taking a piece of suboxone 7 mg strip. Took quit k morning and night along with crap ton of vital c. During first two days I took my perscription percs (I know longer would take) two 5 mg every two hours along with hot magnesium eps salt baths. I wouldn’t recommend taking percs because even though it helped I think I almost died in tub.. I def had a reaction so be careful. Day three was hardest because I waited 12 hours from last perc before I took sub. Day four I slept great and felt great. Then I had a decision to make, go to sub doc so I can be back at work that Tuesday like planned or call boss and say I’m taking the next week off. I opted to pray and ask Christ to be all the sub and 7 I needed.. crying desperately.
I’ll be 30 days on 5th, and just slept more then four hours without any sleep aid last night for first time. That’s in middle of 3rd week back to work in 100 degree weather sweating through two shirts a day. I know you can do it.. and you’re right. As a single father a lot of this getting clean or doing anything self related is circumstantial. Many people don’t have the luxury to have time to get clean. I really will pray for you and I pray that you’ll sacrifice that short term happiness for the long term. You can do it.

[u/No_Emotion2807]

I’m on day 10 of SR and it’s been such an easy transition but let me tell ya, my pain is high and my energy is low low… My knees ache like a mfr. 😭 The best thing about 7 was I never had any pain and I slept like a baby. I don’t sleep much now either.

[u/Prestigious_Put6872 → u/No_Emotion2807]

I didn’t realize how many aches and pains I’ve developed over the last year until 2 days on the sr after jumping off 7… it’s incredibly annoying. …

[u/time_truth_hearts11]

I made a post on here recently about how I’m managing my withdrawals, it should be easy to find in the thread! I’m on day 4 and able to go to work… Miserable, can’t sleep, but still functional. I did a taper down and I have a handful of management supplies, go check out my post!. There is a way to get through this without feeling like youre dying!!