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- DSIP for Opiate Withdrawal?
Happy Tuesday!
Quick PSA, (just because I have received so many questions this week) BioLongevity Labs has retatrutide in stock, but you must buy through this link. Use code HUNTERW for 15% off
A few weeks back, I was scrolling through the submissions in my weekly question box (by the way, if you’re not submitting your peptide questions, get on it!), and I noticed something I’d never seen before.
A reader tipped me off to a study showing that DSIP eliminated nearly all symptoms of opioid withdrawal.
Now, after years in the trenches researching therapeutic peptides, I don’t get surprised easily.
But DSIP? For opioid withdrawal?
That was new—even for me.
But the data is promising, and today I want to break down everything I’ve learned for those of you facing the monster of opioid withdrawal, or for anyone helping a loved one through it.
What the Heck is DSIP?
Let’s start from ground zero.
Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide (DSIP) is a naturally occurring neuropeptide originally discovered in the brain and named for its ability to promote deep, restful delta-wave sleep.
Unlike sedatives, DSIP doesn’t “knock you out”—it seems to nudge your nervous system toward the kind of healing sleep that actually restores your brain and body.
It interacts with various neurotransmitter systems—including those responsible for pain, stress, and mood—and appears to influence the body’s response to withdrawal from addictive substances.
It’s been investigated since the 1970s and 1980s, mostly in Europe, as a potential tool for handling alcohol and opiate withdrawal.
Unlike benzos or heavy-duty narcotics, DSIP doesn’t sedate you into oblivion or carry a risk of dependency.
Instead, it seems to modulate withdrawal at the source, by stabilizing the disrupted neurochemistry and blunting some of the harshest symptoms.
How DSIP Works for Withdrawal
So, why would a “sleep peptide” help with opioid withdrawal?
Mechanistically, DSIP is a bit of a Swiss Army knife.
The research suggests it interacts with several systems that get trashed by chronic opioid use.
First, DSIP appears to modulate the endogenous opioid system—think of it as gently “resetting” the body’s natural pain-relief and stress-response machinery.
Animal studies show its effects can be blocked by naloxone, which hints that DSIP acts at least in part through opioid receptors or by boosting the production of natural opioid-like compounds.
Beyond that, DSIP also dampens overactive stress responses (cortisol and ACTH), which go haywire during withdrawal.
People in clinical trials noted rapid improvements in symptoms like agitation, insomnia, muscle aches, and anxiety—all those “waves” that hit hard during detox.
But—and this is important—DSIP isn’t a magic bullet or a substitute for a comprehensive recovery plan.
It seems to help take the edge off, making the process more tolerable so you can focus on the deep work: therapy, social support, and repairing your life.
What to Expect (and What Not to Expect)
If you’re considering DSIP as part of a withdrawal protocol, here’s the no-BS rundown of what you can expect—and what you shouldn’t.
What to Expect:
Clinical data (see below) shows that the majority of opiate-dependent patients experienced marked improvement or even disappearance of withdrawal symptoms with DSIP, especially things like insomnia, anxiety, muscle cramps, and overall malaise.
Relief often sets in quickly (within hours to days).
DSIP is well-tolerated in studies, with headaches as the only recurring minor side effect.
It’s not sedating in the classic sense, so you won’t be groggy or impaired.
What Not to Expect:
DSIP won’t do the heavy lifting for you. It’s not going to “cure” addiction, erase cravings, or magically fix your brain chemistry.
If you’re still taking opiates, it won’t block their effects or protect you from overdose.
It’s not a replacement for clinical support, nor does it work for everyone.
The results, while promising, are based on small open-label studies—no massive gold-standard RCTs yet.
Also, you still need lifestyle and social support—this is a “nudge,” not a miracle.
Dosing Protocol
Based on the clinical literature and anecdotal evidence, a reasonable protocol is:
Dose: 250 micrograms (mcg) per day
Duration: 8 weeks minimum (some go longer, but most benefits appear within 1–2 months)
Timing: Usually taken in the evening or before bed, to leverage its sleep-promoting effects, but timing can be adjusted if you notice grogginess.
Why 250mcg? The clinical studies typically used a range of 100–300mcg per dose, sometimes repeated over several days.
250mcg is a sweet spot that’s both effective and well-tolerated in most people. If you’re extremely sensitive, start lower (100–150mcg) and titrate up as needed.
As always, consult with your health provider before starting any experimental protocol.
How to Mix and Inject DSIP
If you’re new to peptides, here’s the simplest way to reconstitute and dose DSIP:
Obtain a 5mg vial of DSIP
Draw up 2ml of bacteriostatic water with a sterile syringe.
Slowly inject the water into the vial (aim it at the glass wall, not the powder, to minimize foaming).
Gently swirl (don’t shake) until fully dissolved.
You now have 5mg DSIP in 2ml water. Each 0.1ml (10 units on a standard U-100 insulin syringe) contains 250mcg.
To dose: Draw up 0.1ml (10 units), inject subcutaneously (belly or thigh fat), once daily in the AM or PM.
Lifestyle Caveats
Let me be crystal clear: this dosing is experimental.
It’s based on a blend of limited clinical data, personal experience, and my understanding of peptide pharmacology.
DSIP isn’t FDA-approved for opioid withdrawal, and results vary.
You should not view this as a stand-alone treatment. To maximize your chance of success:
Pair DSIP with social support (groups, therapy, accountability partners)
Optimize your nutrition, hydration, and mineral intake (withdrawal trashes electrolytes)
Exercise and sunlight, even in small doses, will help rewire your brain
Sleep hygiene matters more than ever
DSIP is just a tool. Don’t skip the hard work.
If you’re in crisis, reach out to a medical professional or addiction specialist.
Further Reading and Clinical Studies
Successful treatment of withdrawal symptoms with DSIP (1983)
DSIP in alcohol & opiate withdrawal (1984) https://europepmc.org/article/med/6548969
Opioid detoxification with synthetic DSIP (1998)
Soyka & Rothenhaeusler letter on DSIP (1997)
Delta-sleep-inducing peptide overview (Wikipedia)
As always, this is for educational purposes only. If you or someone you love is struggling with opioid withdrawal, work with a trusted health professional.
Peptides like DSIP may be a valuable addition to your toolbox, but they are not a replacement for real, whole-person healing.
If you’ve tried DSIP (or any other peptide) for withdrawal, drop me a note in the question box!
Best,
Hunter Williams
P.S. BLL is currently out of stock of DSIP, but you can go here to be notified once it’s back in stock.