Note: This is a true story from a real Workit Health member who requested that their name and photo be withheld for privacy.
I was clean from heroin and opiates for about 13 years, up until a few months ago.
Back then, I was in a Suboxone clinic that made me feel very judged. But I worked the program and weaned down on Suboxone until I was only taking a quarter of a strip a day. Then I lost my insurance and could no longer afford Suboxone.
That’s when I found kratom.
I maintained on a few kratom capsules a day for many years … until last spring. In late April, I injured myself exercising. I was in quite a bit of pain when someone told me I should try this new, stronger kratom. I stupidly believed that that’s all that 7-OH was. I had no idea how addictive it can be. Boy, did I learn fast! By June, I was taking upwards of 240 mg of 7-OH per day.
I tried to wean down on my own, but the withdrawals were so bad I couldn’t function normally. I was terrified that people would think I was back on heroin. It didn’t take me long to know I needed help, but I didn’t know where to turn. Mine is a job where I can’t just take off work for doctor appointments and counseling sessions, and there are no clinics within an hour of me, anyway.
One day, I saw an ad for those online GLP-1 clinics, and it hit me—I bet there are online Suboxone clinics, too! I did some research and found the Workit Health app. I learned that not only did Workit Health have good reviews, they also take my health insurance! I made an appointment and began the process.
I dreaded that appointment. I felt so stupid for being back in this position after all these years, and I wondered how I would be treated. That first session was such a relief! The staff have been so kind and understanding, and through the forum I have learned that I am not the only one who has fallen prey to 7-OH; many of us losing years of sobriety because of it.
A month has passed since that first meeting. The first three days were rough. I don’t know what 7-OH does to the limbic system, but for me, it has been a rougher transition than it was to get off heroin. Each day, however, gets just a little better. The staff is great about making sure you have comfort meds to help you through it.
I wish that everyone knew what poison 7-OH is. My husband is currently trying to wean off of it; not quite ready to admit that he needs help, too. I pray every day that my state makes 7-OH illegal soon, as we cannot afford his addiction.
I would say that if you are looking for help with an addiction—whether it be to 7-OH, opiates, or alcohol—you are in the right place. This community is welcoming, understanding, and supportive. You matter, and you are worth fighting for!
Please don’t wait another minute to start your recovery journey. You won’t regret it!