Suboxone Treatment

[HopefulSobriety]

Getting nervous. Down to my last 9 Norco. I've been tapering, given the bottle to someone else to give me single doses as directed. I've decided to kick the Norco for good by getting into a Suboxone program. I tried "cold turkey" seven times. Each time the wd's got to be too much,honestly, I feel like every time I tried to kick it and gave in, the next wd was even worse.

I guess it means I'm weak but the way I see it, anyway i can kick this Norco is better than not. I was taking up to anywhere from 6-8 pills a day. I'm not exactly sure when it happened but before I knew it I was doubling my dosage and ending up being strung out the last week before my refill. /i hid it so well, I never even called early. But it was always on that one date. I started taking them just to feel normal. Last week, when I called for my refill, my doctor informed me that:
a. I'm going to need knee surgery, the mri proves it, and b. she was shutting me off, her excuse? She could no longer do "long term pain management" I wish she had just been forthright and said, you have an addiction. instead she just dumped me. Highly unprofessional in my opinion, but hey I'm the one who kept calling right? Tommorow I'm seeing a different doctor and am scared because I will ask for a liver function test. Even though I never went above 3500mg, it has been long term usage, and everyone is different. I've been taking Milk thistle the last 6 months, and will be doing a liver flush this weekend. Still scared =(

I've done some research, and it seems people have a much lower incidence of relapse when following the suboxone treatment, AND councilor. Has anyone here tried it? If so, how did it work for you? The day I can wake up and not think about that stupid little white pill will be great. I just need some support, it's easy to feel alienated like this...I can't wait to be Sober again.

[bellaandme]

Heyyyy yea I guess when people look for stuff concerning wds this website is one of the first to pop up that's how I found it lol they also have a social forum for addiction but I'm just so use to this one I just stay here and lurk and read lol,accountability is everythng when it comes to addiction specially when quitting we can't keep secrets I'm not doing to well I screwed all up but I will get it together that infection and dry socket really screwed me up but oh well I'll get better before I get married lol well its like 3am here on the east coast so ima try and go back to bed talk to you tommorrow or shall I say later today lol nikole    

[HopefulSobriety]

Hey Bella =) Thanks for writing on the post. I was actually wondering because I saw so many completely wd related, that's good to know! I'm 31, so we are in the same age bracket roughly. Thank you for all your encouragement. I decided to go outside and watch the rain, then take pictures rather than use. It's important I taper off, so it is sooooo hard having a bottle knowing you can't misuse. But I also having someone do a pill count to help me be accountable. How has your weekend been? It seems like your doing pretty good.

[bellaandme]

Hey doll I've been checking on ur thread but lost it and couldn't find it I figured u would post soon,and as you did lol. This is def not just for withdrawals stay as long as you like and don't get discouraged it will get better I'm n ur same boat so if you need anything please don't hesitate to mesg me I'm kinda young (26) so I might not be to knowledgeable but I can giving an ear hope your weekend has been good ttys nikole

[Dav125]

Hey Hopeful,,I'm here :). 18 hours to go and I will be rolling thru the operating room doors. Today is so so for me as I process the thought of whats going to happen tommorrow cross my mind. So after today, I won't be online for a number of days..David

[HopefulSobriety]

So....it's been a few days since anyone has replied. Should I still continue updating here or is this thread dead? Is this a sole place for withdrawals? I might..I just would like to still have people to talk to, I got my refill and I'm to taper down until July but it's tempting to just blow through it..Feeling alone today. :(

[HopefulSobriety]

I ended up holding out till 5 am 12 hours after my last dose so I'm glad I did that. Now the sleep cycle thing, heh. I recieved a call this morning from my new doctors, they called in my last script, with directions to taper until Suboxone starts. Still nervous..but who isn't when they've been emotionally numb and high since fall of 08'? Thanks for your support, I really appreciate it. If you ever need it, I'd be glad to extend a hand. I called my old doc, left a message telling her I'm quitting opiates, and that I signed an agreement to pledge that promise. So, hopefully she will speed my records up, especially since ortho needs them for the surgery.

[Dav125]

Hang in there Hopeful. Your doing good. And it appears everything is falling into place with exception to your old doctor..She must have an attitude problem or something.Doesn't sound like she's acting very professional if she's being stubborn with your records like you say she is.

[HopefulSobriety]

Sigh. It's 12am and I'm thinking about giving in and taking a fourth pill. My knee really hurts, I was out earlier and walked around a bit much. There was this weird parachute thing with some machine hooked to it, some dude riding in it..I got intrigued. I saw the new doctor she is nice, I explained the situation. She wants to help. I had to sign a narcotics agreement, and do a urine test. After that she said she can prescribe me until I see the suboxone doc. Omg. I can't wait till I'm not thinking every four hours about taking two Norcos. Today was the last day I doubled my dose. I tried to "enjoy" it but it seemed so serious...UGH!!!!! I'm scared I won't get my script for some reason, my old doc won't return her call, or not transfer my record. I'm seriously anxious. I've done everything right, but sometimes things screw up anyway. I also am seeing the councilor next Wednesday. Hopefully, I will be able to go, if I'm in mega WDs i wont be able to leave my bed let alone go out. :( Feeling scared..

[Dav125]

Quote " Dav, I asked her this and she immediately took herself out of the equation by saying well you will have to talk to ortho about that." End Quote:

Sounds like your Doctor feels its time for you to make a decision about surgery and therefore is directing you toward an Ortho Surgeon as there is nothing more she can do for you Hopeful.. And being the case, (speculating some here), doesn't want to continue to prescribe you meds being that the situation is out of her hands now. Alot of doctors are getting away from pain management these days unless there's a clear case of an inoperatible condition involved which allows them justification to continue to prescribe.Like a permanent disability...In your case, you have a verdict and your next move is to the specialist..One would think though that she would consider giving you one more perscription to make the transition though..Doctors are getting funny about pain meds though these days. Let us know how the appointment goes tommorrow..Hang in there

[bellaandme]

Huh yea I totally understand oh nah girl nothings to personally around these parts we all spill beans well at one point I was taking around 200 to 250 milgs of vics went through withdrawals for 7 days yea I'm dumb shoulda stuck with it but the insomnia kills me and as does the rls I hate hate hate it lol so then my tolerance went down and when I quit I was taking around 125milgs I could beat the wds if I could sleep I just can't function with no sleep I'm a ***** now can ya imagine without sleep lol my poor boyfriend please keep posting this place is so awesome and if you need anythng mesg me anytime :)

[HopefulSobriety]

Badshadow, Firstly, your answer is wonderfully written. You touched on a lot of issues I deal with also. There is a lot of hope in what you wrote. Utilize that! Perhaps it isn't me being weak, but it sure does feel it. I'm a very independent person for the most part, so it bothers me deeply that I have an addiction. I'm going in this with both feet, and both eyes open. I've already talked to a substance abuse councilor, and the doctor, she's very strict and will only see me if I go to the counseling too. I will also start going to N/A meetings, I'm sure having a "buddy" will help. Have you thought about support system? People are routing for you, you will get this done. :)

[HopefulSobriety]

Cr, I found my addiction specialist through a hospital outpatient program. They were really awesome and understanding. Much different than those dang 1800 number operators that sugar coat until they get your not wealthy enough to be air flown to their private facilities. They scared me by saying state places make you all lie in a room while dt'ing uncomfortably. Which is total bs from what I hear. I have insurance, and this will be covered thankfully. I'm glad you got in and stopped hemorrhaging cash. I also have anxiety, and was on xanaxx but never developed a problem oddly enough. I take it once in a while. Thanks for sharing your suboxone story, I'm looking to use it as a short term tool also. Definitely dont want to be trading one demon for another....best wishes :)

[HopefulSobriety]

Hi Norc, did you have the surgery? Thanks for explaining I was concerned about pain management post op. I wish you a well recovery too. :) Feel free to message if u want, because your not alone in that boat.

[HopefulSobriety]

Dav, I asked her this and she immediately took herself out of the equation by saying well you will have to talk to ortho about that. I have no idea, it's out of my hands. As for the pain management she claimed they would help. I know she knows thats a load of bs, cause ortho here likes to put people on ridiculously high doses of nsaids. Which I already take in combination with the Norco. I have an intake apt with a new doctor "in my area" tomorrow. I'm going to be honest with them about my plans and hope they give me a script to last until I can get into the suboxone clinic. Already talked with the doctor there, but I need to be at no more than 40mg a day.

[HopefulSobriety]

Hi bella, Ouch, dry socket is awful from what I hear. :( hope your doing better now. Honestly, I really don't know why this happened. She seemed more inclined to get me OUT of the office than anything. I have no idea what I did wrong. I never pushed for more, never asked for a higher dose after the first time. And even checked in with her when I injured my other leg, I refused percocet at the er, because I knew someone who got shut off doing that. I noticed  during the apt, she kept making excuses to get rid of me as a patient as well. I moved back up north, her reaction was well your gonna need to find another doctor. I can't treat you. I was like why she said cause its too far away. Funny thing is, when I moved here last year there didn't seem to be a problem. AND she added extra refills to my norco! So she is fibbing for some reason, I don't know what is going on. I say I have a problem because well 200 norco in 34 days is definitely a problem. My pain management spun out of control. Sadly..I'm glad the suboxone is working for you, I hope it works for me too. Now, I'm in limbo, running out of meds and have a legitimate reason to need them-at least a small dosage per day, until I get in for suboxone. As you know it's not easy to get an appointment at whim. I'm curious- what was your daily dosage before suboxone? If it's too personal sorry for asking, kinda a newbie at this forum stuff.

[badshadow]

You are not "Weak," you are Addicted.  Most people when faced with "Extreme Discomfort," even if they weren't Addicts would want some type of relief from that Discomfort.

Withdrawal is Hellish.  Suboxone makes it easier.  Yet continue to get outside help where-ever you can and feel comfortable with.

I learned alot in 12 Step Programs.

I wish you well on your Road to Recovery.

[badshadow]

What I've learned about Suboxone is that it is effective for "withdrawal" on a short-term "1 week" basis.  However, the reason most people feel so well on Suboxone is because it acts as an opiate in the brain.

The reason it works well for Withdrawals is because it is an "Agonist/Antagonist."  It "Fills In" the same Receptors Sites in the Brain as Opiates do, and it "Pushes Out" the Opiates.

Any Dr. that Prescribes Suboxone can only have a certain number of Patients on it at any given time.  That Dr. has to have a Special License to prescribe Suboxone.

Suboxone has Naltrexone in it, so if you do use other types of Opiates while on it, it's supposed to act as a "Block."

Suboxone does have Withdrawals and most people are  "Tapered Off."

Suboxone is not a "Wonder Drug," although for some it seems like it.

You feel fine, no cravings, and you can go on with your life.  No more lies, go to work, be a better parent, whatever you want to do.  Part of that is because the Suboxone is acting as an Opiate, filling those same Receptor Sites, it also can keep the "Numbing Cycle' going, and the frustrations of daily life, probelms with spouses, lovers, parents, don't seem so "difficult."

What can happen is if an Addict does not seek other types of help in NA, Addiction Counseling, etc. WHILE during Treatment, and AFTER getting off the Suboxone, many of those Demons can still be there and cravings can start again, leading back into the Cycle of Abuse and Dependence.

Different People have different reactions to being Tapered off Suboxone.  Some Individuals can come off it without that much difficulty.

Suboxone Maintenance is the same as Methadone Maintenance, in the sense that "One Additctive Substance" is being  replaced by "Another Addictive Substace.

After I was on it for a year, a year in which I had not worked on my Problems, I did not go to any support groups, nor sought any help, I went to the Dr. who prescribed it for me and said I wanted to stop taking it.

This Dr. told me that it was so hard to "Get Off" I might as well stay on it for the Rest Of My Life.

I was horrified.  I made it my Number 1 Mission was to get off that Medication.  It took me over a year, and I felt sick the whole time.  After I was off it, I went right back to having Cravings and taking Opiates because I had done nothing during that time span.  Everything was there waitig for me.

I finally "came to," that no matter what, I had to learn how to live MY life Clean and Sober.  I had to learn how to deal with My Life's everyday petty frustrations, and I had to start working on the Big Issues, like - the abuse I suffered as a child - the difficulties in my Marriage - all the things that I had been putting off because I didn't want to deal with them, etc.

My Story is not Your Story, nor anyone elses.  I do not feel at all Judgemental about anyone's Choice of what they need to do to help themselves as an addict.

I have been off Suboxone for over a year, and I am happy every day that I got off it.  I don't know why it was so hard for me.  I have been involved in 12 Step Programs and have a Sponsor.  Yet I don't feel that 12 Step Programs are the entire answer either, at least not for me.

I have had many challenges in my Life, and have overcome many of them.  I didn't become an Addict until my 40's.  I don't want to be an Addict anymore, so I'm learning better Coping Skills, and I'm working on the Hard Stuff, the Stuff that hurts deep down.

What I know, is that I'm working towards my own Freedom.

[NorcBgone]

A. they stop your meds before surgery if they note you are taking too much so they will know they WILL work AFTER surgery....not yelling, just saying. I tried that too before a herniated disc surgery which required major pain meds to keep me at bay. B. I'm about to be in the same boat, which is misery coming off these things and get healthy all together. I finally scheduled my surgery to get the meds i wanted, and sure enough it took me longer to recover "i thought" and more pain meds were required.
. so msg me anytime (if i have service I'll reply) God Bless

[crgadow]

I've been on Suboxone for 18 months now, I'm in the maintenance phase of treatment, for heroin, vicodin, oxycontin & fentynol (sp?).  I have found it to be a lifesaver - I had barely any withdrawal symptoms, and it actually made me feel better than any of those drugs did.  At first, I took 3 8mg subs a day to help curb cravings &  help with any symptoms.  Now, I've been clean since February 2009  but I'm still an addict because I'm addicted to xanax for anxiety! Anyway, Suboxone worked wonders for me & I highly recommend it to anyone with an opiate addiction.  I don't know where you are from, but I had to find my psychiatrist online.  He doesn't accept insurance, so the initial visit was 300 bucks, and 100 bucks each visit thereafter.  Hospitals & doctors need a license to dispense Suboxone and many hospitals do not have that license.  Now I'm down to 8mg/day hoping to taper off of it completely.  I do definitely recommend doing the research - it made my sobriety (whatever) so much easier than it could have been!  Good Luck!!

[bellaandme]

Ya know I was thinking the same thing,what reasons did you give her to think you were an addict? I mean just cause u call on the refill date same time every month doesn't constitute being an addict?I'm sorry for the questions I'm just curious to knw why the dr acted that way and if any what reasons you may have gave her. Kay bout the suboxone I'm on the treatment but I'm only doing a short term treatment like 2 weeks if that I might even try to do 1 if feasible because I don't want to have yet another addiction and have to go through w/ds I take one 8mg sub every three days I had to start all over because I had a tooth extracted and developed a bad infection then a dry socket it was pure misery and without a doubt I took pain meds I woke up one nite begging god to take me in my sleep because I couldn't deal ok sorry lil of tangent ;) anyhoo that's what I do and it seems to work well for me I am gettn aftercare and I believe that is were my success will come from I just hope to bypass the funky w/ds cause boy does it drive me crazy well I think I asked more questions than gave answers but I hope we can both get alil insight good luck and keep posting let us knw how it goes  nikole  

[Dav125]

Did you happen to ask your doctor about,,"A",,when can the surgery be scheduled? ,and "B" what are yoursuppose to do for relief until you get in for surgery?