subutex yes or no

[emUK]

I have been battling heroin addiction for the last 7 years and have NEVER been clean....until recently.  I have now got myself onto subutex (UK) and have managed to stay pretty clean (one or two slip ups) the thing is, ppl that i no that have taken it have said its really good, much better than methadone and easier to come off...its just that i have been reading loads of contradictory stuff on the net saying the WD's and PAWS are really really bad.  I have just done a methadone detox after being on pyseptone for 2 yrs and just been through a really bad cluck just to get onto the subutex.  I reaally dont wanna put myself onto something else that is gonna put me through hell.

I would really appreciate any thoughts/advise on this.  My DR is planning this to be a 3 month reduction starting on 10mg.

[salsinator]

You have received some excellent advice here.  In the US, we use suboxone more than subutex, but the active ingredient is the same thing.  I used sub long term for nearly 4 years and it worked great for me.  Like IBKleen said, you do need to have some other form of care with therapy/counseling.  If you just take the sub, all the issues that need to be dealt with will still be there when the sub is gone and you will most likely use again.  I have been off sub since June 2009 and have never had a craving - done very well.  I know that it not typically the norm, but I worked hard on myself and remain active with several forms of aftercare - so using is not an option.  Getting off sub can be challenging if you take it long term, only taking 3 months should not be that bad, but you will want to follow the plan your doctor puts into place for you.  All the best for you.  Keep posting.

[pattifan]

Hi

Although I'm not a big fan of subutex, I do think it's appropriate in your case.

Subutex is a programme, and not a magic pill. so please make sure that you follow all your doctors instructions exactly. Don't be tempted to adjust the dose. If you feel it's not right then contact the doctor first.

As IBKleen suggested, this works best with support. You can ask your doctor to refer to to a counsellor, or you could join a group such as narcotics anonymous. Both Turning Point and DASL also arrange free counselling and you'll find them in the phone book.

You will still have cravings for Heroin after you stop the subutex, and a counsellor can help you with a strategy to deal with these.

Wishing you the very best of luck

Take care

[lex225]

hi mate, just wanted to give u my experience wt the subiz, i was on heroin for abt 10yrs, the last 3 were v bad.. when i finaly had enuf which took losing alot ieventualy took the meth seriously and came down to 30ml and went onto subutex, startd at 12mg and slowly reduced down at 2mg a month that may seem slow but after the years of hell it seemed a small price to pay, im down at 2mg now and it has been ok the main thing is i have had no desire to use at all for a long time and that whole sorry chapter of my life feels at an end, but all im saying is with the help of the subiz and finaly the right frame of mind i have my life back, they say the last 1-2mg is the hardest bit but im now coming down 0.4mg every 2wks. I got a bit freaked out at alot of the negative stuff on here abt subz but to b honest as the guy above says it depends where u are personaly.. for me it has been great. good luck mate, take carex

[IBKleen]

Hi & Welcome!

I am sorry this post got pushed down and you didn't get an answer. I will try and help you.

While I try not to push maintenance drugs on anyone, they do have their place. Methadone could have helped you with you Heroin addiction as can the Subutex. The thing is, if you are not getting help for the underlying problems, then relapse is inevitable.

I did not read where you were in counseling, outside support or a relapse prevention program. Were you, are you? If you are just taking the pill to get through the physical withdrawal then what is going to be different once you come off of that? Yes, there is withdrawal associated with the Subutex but since you will be on it a short time the withdrawal will not be as bad.

Please talk with your prescribing doctor and ask for help so that when you are ready to come off, you are armed to face the issues and situations in your life.

I wish you the best. I hope it all works out for you.