Painkiller Addiction

[PoppyQueen]

Anthony (Ansfan) I'm so glad you made it to the doctor for Sub. and you had a great experience! I kow how terrified you must have been leading up to that, I know I was scared chitless. But an hor after my first dose I was like you--I felt as if a great weight had been lifted and I felt joyous.

I'll take the kiss, you can keep the lick! lol. I'm old enough to be your mom.

Reverend, please write in English, or don't bother. I don't know what the heck you're talking about.

Everyone have a peaceful night!




PQ
Last painkiller used: 9/25/05
Suboxone started 9/26/05

[anrob11]

quote:Originally posted by reverend

you guys are crazy i mean it litterally i might not be the smartest one in the bunch but i do know that i eat 200 pills a week and when theres a droubt i aint trippin on anyone i aint wishing upon anyones death its mind over matter you have to realize this people who trip out during a droubt dont live to see the flood. pills arent the only thing either anything you gotta control your mind if you cant you need to expire.

Mr. Reverend:

Why bother to participate in this forum ? If you don't have anything positive to say, then say nothing at all. It is obvious from your words that you really have no idea of what we are talking about on this forum - either that or you are so high and full of self-anger and hatred [}] for not being able to do what many of us have done and others who are sincerely attempting to do, that you have no appreciation for what makes us human beings - compassion, empathy, and a willingness to help others who suffer from the terrible condition of addiction.
If you want to participate in a positive manner you are welcome - if not then stay away and have a nice life. [^]

Tony [8D]

To Be A Rock And Not To Roll

[anrob11]

Hello ANSFAN 17 - Anthony [^]

Congratulations on following through with your plan. Isn't it amazing the effect of Suboxone has on us ? I hope that you continue to follow your doctor's orders, stay clean, and continue to share your experiences with others.

Thanks for mentioning me - visit my Forum "Suboxone" lots of good info there too

God Bless and continued success, Tony [8D]

To Be A Rock And Not To Roll

[curious232]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I have been reading this forum for some time. I have never been addicted to painkillers, but am involved with someone who has been. Her addiction seems mild compared to some, but it doesnt really appear that there is a distinction. She was on hydros, lortabs, etc for about 1 and 1/2 years. The first year or so no more than 3 or 4 a day, but the last six or seven months 10-15 (5/325) a day. I dont know what most of that stuff means, but it seems like a lot less than others. Anyway, she has been clean now for 7 months. She quit cold turkey on her own with plenty of pills around for her if she wanted them. She claims she has never wanted them other than during detox. My question is are there people who have been clean for a long period of time, and just really dont miss them or want them? What is the likely hood that someone can just put them down and never want them again?

[BobbymcNoodle]

I want to say first off that I have nothing but sypothy for those of you suffering right now, from addiction or pain alike.

Today is day three for me... Im trying to kick an addiction to narco and its rough. all sorts of stuff has been going through my mind and my body and its not easy... Im not sure yet if Im far enough through this to really be postin advice. as you can see this is my first post as well. But I needed some sort of help and all of your posts have helped eminsly and lifted my spirits. But to those of you questioning kicking the habbit cold, I say just do it. Tough it out and time will pass. Slowly for sure, but soon enough it will be day three and you wont feel normal but better. But I can feel my mind coming back to me and im not vommiting and ****ing every five seconds anymore either.

Im a big dude 6'5" 220pounds and I was taking like 25 aday. I only mention size and weight cause I think it does effect dosage ussage... Maybe like taking 15 for a smaller guy. I dont know. But anyways. I was blowing all my cash on this stuff and there is really so much more to the story I want to share later on.

But wish me luck and I will log in tomorrow and let you guys know how im doing...

Much love.

[PoppyQueen]

To Curious232: You ask are there people who have been clean for a long period of time, and just really dont miss them or want them? Yes I was clean for a long time (5 years?) and I thought of them very very little over time. But if someone offered me one--I'd take it, and save it for a party ocassion. Nothing goes better with pain killers than alcohol!

Then you ask: What is the likelihood of putting them (pain killers) down and never wanting them again? For me; slim to none. I smoked for 30 years, I think of cigarettes now and again, too.

To Mr. McNoodle (I love your name!) Good for you being on your third day. Hopefully you are going over the worst hurdle and it's downhill from here. Perhaps being a big guy has helped your withdrawals, who knows. Keep up the good work and come back with your story. We all like a good story.

To BSG Junkie: Your story is really incredible. I too was busted for forging rx's many many years ago. So you're worried about mood swings when you're finished with the Oxy's. DIdn't you have mood swings while on the Oxy's, too? Try to get on an anti-depressant. I'm on Cymbalta (prior to that, Effexor) and I've been a pretty happy camper. Perhaps you could also use something for anxiety, a SHORT prescription as it sounds like you have addiction problems. It's pretty bad when the DEA knows about you.

To get on Suboxone (don't know what you're state requires, didn't even know that the drug treatment varies state-to-state) maybe visit another state nearby that is more leanient. My doc. just gave me the pills without me making other commitments. This forum is my N/A.

I hope your "team" doesn't kick you off and you're able to go on with life as normal. Man, I used to do all that corporate **** till I was downsized last year. Now I started my own biz and have never been happier. Working in the corporate atmosphere did help fuel my addiction, and then when I was fired, it got even worse.

So, on Thursday, tell the doc. what you want to do and if they're understanding they'll set up a plan for you to quit. You've quit before so you know what you're in for.

So good luck to all of you!


PQ
Last painkiller used: 9/25/05
Suboxone started 9/26/05

[justin278]

BSGJunkie:
I have just resently started on something similar to Subutex, its call Suboxone. This is a miracle drug. It was made and approved for problems such as yours and mine. First check out their site www.Suboxone.com they tell you about it, and will give you a list of doctors that are approved to persribe it for addiction, that are in your area. It is legal in your state, as it has been approved by the federal government. Here is a link to the organaztion that is in charge of Suboxone for the use of opioid dependence and another physcian locator http://buprenorphine.samhsa.gov/bwns_locator/ I would not worry about your past script probs so long as your going about this the legal way, your looking for HELP and not abuse. I will tell you Suboxone is expensive ( if you have insurance they may cover it)generally 3-9$ a pill and you'll need probably 3-4 a day. Its hard to get Suboxone because the doctors allowed to presrbe it for addcition are limited to 30 suboxone patients at a time so there is generally a waiting list, but you may get lucky.. call any doctor on those sites within driving distance.
As for me, i am on it, i got lucky to get in right away. They will not give you Subutex, they will give you suboxone ( it is much harder to abuse, as it has added ingredients to prevent abuse). Hopefully you can get in, the drug is amazing, you will have no withdrawal (other then you must be in 12 hours of withdrawal to start) it will manage your moods and your craving, it truely is the best thing out there to help you.
Anyway good luck, don't give up, help is out there. I will check back at the board if you have any further questions please ask.

[JesterX]

Well guys I must say, I have been writing in this forum for over 8 Months, talking with people about how bad it felt coming off of Oxycodone 80's. I got caught stealing them from a family member and got kicked out of my house. I had 2 80's left and then I ran out and for a while I was finding ways too get them. Then my luck ran out and I had no choice but too stop cuz noone could find me any. This is day 7 and I got too be honest, my mouth waters when I think about one. I want one so bad and I never really wanted too quit to start with but I have wanted too quit before. I had been on them for 2 years or so hell I don't even remember I was so high for all these months. I am done with the physical withdrawals. I hurt no more, my blood pressure is still a little off but the hell with it. The problem I have is if someone put one in my face I would take it immediately cuz I am weak when it comes too them. I don't care if it's a hydro 5 or whatever I will take anything with codein in it. I was just wondering how can I fight the mental cravings now that the physical is done. Anyone have any ideas let me know. And as for all the negative people that snuck there way in here......Bite Me!!! We are all trying too quit and some have more problems with it than others. I toughed it out , and I Hated it and I almost cried a few times. This is day 7 and i hurt no more, but jesus I want one so bad. Any suggestions.

-JesterX (Matt)

If you belive in you heart you can, than you shall succeed

[phre0n]

Well i havnt had time to visit the forums latly, too many things happening hehe but i finally cought up from where i left off and i am definetly not happy to see so many people not educated well enough about suboxone, though the recent posts finally shed some light, but as i was reading so many think suboxone is the devil and from what i can tell these people must have it confused with methadone, suboxone does NOT get you high even if classified as opiate, you will feel NORMAL and no withdrawls, from time to time you might get some shakes and sweat but its very light, as far as droping one addiction to another, far from it, it helps you drop an addiction and slowly get off pain killers WITHOUT GETTING HIGH , okay now that i got that off my chest i feel a little better but it was making me angry to see how certain opinions were discouriging people from a treatment that works, i still have a couple more months to go before i can finally have my surgery in germany and i suspect a couple of more months after that of takings pills if all goes well and i am not in a wheelchair, but after that i am definetly going back on suboxone and am pretty damn positive i can be completly clean within 6 months of everything even suboxone. This forum is a wonderful tool for all of us its very important that we each help educate each other i've seen to many people get on methadone and make a horrible hell you can even consider it a tragic mistake doing that is droping a bad habbit for a worse one. Well thats all i have to say for now hehe i should have some time soon to be on the forums more but i really hope that everyone here can see that suboxone is not the devil and a amazing solution to long time opiate addicts.

[Arkie88]

Hi Everyone - its been a little while. Well its over - the pharmacy nailed me with a script from a different doctor - I had been going from 2 docs to 3 now over the past 6 weeks. I have legitimate back pain for the last 20 months - including after a laminectomy L5/S1 in July of 04. I have left 2 messages for my doctor to find out what the next step is - to come clean. I have come clean with my wife to some extent - talked about my addiction but not the amount of pills per day i was taking (30)day.

One thing someone wrote scared me - about running a DEA report - is that real? Any help would be great .... I am going to an NA meeting Friday - and I am only on Ultracet right now which I will stay on for a while. NO W/D symptoms either.
Peace and Strength to everyone.

[chrish1]

phre0n, I have done a lot of research on Suboxone, and I have concluded that it can be very helpful if used in the right situations and used the right way. Right situations- high daily intake of pills. Used the right way - Used for a short time and then wean off. Those who are taking a few pills a day can wean off and go clean through NA meetings (support from peers), outpatient programs (usually covered by insurance), and actively finding a life outside of drugs. I personally was taking about 4 percs/ days, so I chose the NA route. I weaned down over a couple weeks and then stopped. I will say this - even though I was only taking 4 a day, I would not have been able to do it without the support of my NA groups. That being said, I know how hard it was for me to come off taking that amount, so I can only imagine how hard it would be for some of the people on this board who are taking much higher quantities. So, in some situations I believe that Suboxone should be used. This is my 16th day clean. I hope this helps somebody control this horrible addiction. Good luck, God bless.

[BobbymcNoodle]

Day 4---> going ok... Head hurts bad off and on, fevers last night and no sleep. My bed was wet from sweat, but Im alive. Managed to make it into work and be functional. Really the worst is over and the rest is down hill like you said poppyqueen.

Thanks for listening, I really just need a place to vent so thanks... And Ill be back with my story when I have more time.

I said good day!

[iknowit]

What up junkie,
I would really like you to understand if nothing else, that you are not alone! I hate to sound like an after school special, but just a few months ago everything you are saying came out of my mouth!
i started suboxne a month ago, and so much of mind has come back, I also realized that alot of my anger and frustration wasn't just withdrawl, it was a combination of guilt and pain I've been carting around with me so long , that i've forgot while self medicating all these years, and I'm only turning 23!
I am very adimit about getting my life together and the suboxne has given me my life back. I just want to make sure i do it right.
I still struggle with urges. I know i can not take it one day and go straight to the vicodin, then straight to the bar, where I'm sure sombody's keeping my seat warm.
But then like a gift from god somthing will happen. like today a great house came along that i will only be able to afford if i 'm not spending $ on pills. and when i check my funds and realize how much better i'm living my life, even with taking suboxne, i can settle in that thought.
My question of the night and also my biggest problem is fear!
I am terrified for anything good to happen and i think i purposly self destruct because i feel its the inevitable? It really hurts to admit i truly have NEVER been happy, and i really want to try?

[justin278]

Hey Junkie.... Don't give up man. You CAN do this. I think if you are up front and very honest with a doc they will help you, tell them about your past, to me its all the more reason to need help. if your having a real hard time with w/d psychologically maybe staying on a low dose of something (and give up the snorting) untill you get into a program, isn't the worst idea. I'm not encouraging drug use, but if it gets that bad in w/d i think you could potentially do something worse to affect your life then eat a coupla of pills . So maybe staying level headed is more of a priority at the moment . I had the same prob with moods, i did and said things that deep down i know i wouldn't noramally do if i wasn't in w/d. Just set some realistic goals and weight the pros and cons of going cold turkey program, or just 'getting by' untill you can get into a program that was designed to get you through this, don't let your past discourage you either, its just a form of self sabotage. Just keep your head up and don't look back, and i think everything will work out!

iknowit: Good job getting to the Suboxone , i too am on it and i has changed and improved my life. I see you said you still get urges for vics, if so you may want to see about a change in dosing of the suboxone, you should not crave while on it if your on the correct amount, just talk it over with your doc. As for the fear of good things happening... first of all don't use the word never, your already setting yourself up for failure. the best thing to do is make some life changes, make some small goals, set yourself up to win and the rest will follow. Sounds to me like your thinking of & living in the past and dwelling in it, don't compare past and present... MOVE ON! Make some new paths and don't look over your shoulder. Getting on Suboxone was prolly scarey as hell to do, right? it was for me. But ya did it anyway an look where you are... happier, maybe not happy but better then you were b4 , just keep making small steps like that and you WILL get there!

Bobby good job! the physical w/d is almost over, as hard as it may be keep yourself busy and don't let the mental part get to you. Again excellent work!

Jester don't take them vics or anything with codeine it will only make your withdrawal longer. As for the urge, you gotta stay away from it , outta sight outta mind. You can do it. If you can't resist it when its in your face then don't put it there, don't go anywhere where it might be. If you manage to stay off it then , you the man. But if you find yourself slipping back maybe you should talk to a pro about it or a doc about suboxone as it helps withdrawal physical and mental and helps with the cravings. but if ya can stay off it try to sleep the next few days, get something to make you sleep or stay real busy so you don't think about it. Whatever you do DON'T GIVE UP

[ANSFAN17]

Iknowit,

Boy do I know where you are coming from...... At 31, I too realized that I really have never been truly happy myself.

That when it hit me that If I kept on taking drugs they were gonna kill me and I wouldn't be alive to live in a realm of the possibilty of ever being happy. Thats why I made the scary step of going on the Suboxone. One step at a time.

I really believe that when we are doing things right alot of possiblities open up to us.

If we stay on the drugs, we will NEVER be happy. Except for the lousy 30 minutes or so of euphoria that the pill brings us. That really isn't happiness.

I promise you that if stay on the right track, happiness is sure to follow.

The most devastating thing that can happen to any of us, I think, is broken promises. If we rely on ourselves and make ourselves the promise that we will stay clean, and do the work that keeps us there, we WILL be happy, I just know it.

Anthony

[jlc]

How is it legal for these online pharmacies to have a so called consultation with patients without meeting them?

It is truly amazing what you can actually buy online.

[Arkie88]

Went to my 1st NA Mtg last night and I have to tell you that the topic was "Self Acceptance" - most of us are probably in the same boat that we take drugs because there is something missing inside of us. On the outside I may look to alot of people like someone who others want to be. Inside I hate myself - I hate my addiction - and i hate the pain I'm in 24/7. But that physical pain I have turned into mental pain too. We take pills to escape - cause they make us feel good - but they will ruin our marriages, our children, our jobs, our lives. Today is the first day in the rest of my life and my wife was so proud of me when I got home last night. She was actually crying tears of happiness after I admitted - finally that I'm an addict.

Not to get overly preachy - but this helped me last night - its the NA Motto. "God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I can not change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference." We can all change - just have to want to 1st. Peace ........Arkie

[anrob11]

quote:Originally posted by phre0n

Well i havnt had time to visit the forums latly, too many things happening hehe but i finally cought up from where i left off and i am definetly not happy to see so many people not educated well enough about suboxone, though the recent posts finally shed some light, but as i was reading so many think suboxone is the devil and from what i can tell these people must have it confused with methadone, suboxone does NOT get you high even if classified as opiate, you will feel NORMAL and no withdrawls, from time to time you might get some shakes and sweat but its very light, as far as droping one addiction to another, far from it, it helps you drop an addiction and slowly get off pain killers WITHOUT GETTING HIGH , okay now that i got that off my chest i feel a little better but it was making me angry to see how certain opinions were discouriging people from a treatment that works, i still have a couple more months to go before i can finally have my surgery in germany and i suspect a couple of more months after that of takings pills if all goes well and i am not in a wheelchair, but after that i am definetly going back on suboxone and am pretty damn positive i can be completly clean within 6 months of everything even suboxone. This forum is a wonderful tool for all of us its very important that we each help educate each other i've seen to many people get on methadone and make a horrible hell you can even consider it a tragic mistake doing that is droping a bad habbit for a worse one. Well thats all i have to say for now hehe i should have some time soon to be on the forums more but i really hope that everyone here can see that suboxone is not the devil and a amazing solution to long time opiate addicts.

Hello phreOn11

Greetings from anrob11 (Tony). Good to see you back on this Forum again. I've been wondering what happened to you and the progress you were making with surgery for your nerve condition and possible operation in Germany. You certainly sound a lot more upbeat than your post of 9/9/05

I too have a severe , inopererable nerve / spinal condition and have been on Suboxone for 2 weeks (after de tox from Morphine) [}]. If you have the time, go to my Forum "Suboxone" - this will tell you alot more about me and many others who you may or not want to start a dialogue. Also, 2 other Forums have recently started - "Suboxone Treatment" and "Suboxone Status". Lots of brothers and sisters there could use your input .

Whatever you choose to do, I have a great deal of respect and admiration for a man your age for the bravery and courage you have displayed under your circumstances [^]. Hoping to hear from you soon. If you choose, you can e-mail me direct at tonyp@stx.rr.com.

God Bless ... Tony [8D]

To Be A Rock And Not To Roll

[chrish1]

Great job Arkie88, going to your first NA meeting. It takes courage to look to others for help. That takes a lot more courage than trying to do it all yourself. Most attempts to quit painkillers without getting to the underlying reasons are eventually unsuccessful (relapse).

I must say, I am really impressed with everything I am hearing about this drug Suboxone. However, I am concerned if people are using this to get off opiates without any kind of outpatient or NA meeting help. Eventually, this can lead to relapse a year or 2 down the road. Addiction is a serious issue that must be faced by every addict (including myself). We must all get to the root of the problem and find coping skills to deal with future cravings. People can have opiate cravings literally years after taking their last pill, so we must always be on the lookout for trappings of our minds, which may lead us back to painkillers. I am 19 days clean, and I am amazed that every few days my mind tries to trick me into using again - that is our biggest challange, and it is the nature of addiction. Anyway, God bless anybody who uses Suboxone or just quits clean. But, since I am currently doing intensive outpatient and daily NA meetings, I am becoming more educated on this every day. I am becoming convinced that quitting is not enough for us addicts - we need to face up to our root issue, addiction, and be on the look out for the trappings of our mind. After all, abstinance is not recovery. Recovery comes with our personal growth, and help from our addict peers and outpatient help can help us truely recovery. I hope that I don't sound like I am preaching NA or outpatient because I mean what I say sincerely - from the heart. I hope that we all arrest our addiction and never go back. That's my 2 cents. Good luck, God Bless. Chrish.

quote:Originally posted by Arkie88

Went to my 1st NA Mtg last night and I have to tell you that the topic was "Self Acceptance" - most of us are probably in the same boat that we take drugs because there is something missing inside of us. On the outside I may look to alot of people like someone who others want to be. Inside I hate myself - I hate my addiction - and i hate the pain I'm in 24/7. But that physical pain I have turned into mental pain too. We take pills to escape - cause they make us feel good - but they will ruin our marriages, our children, our jobs, our lives. Today is the first day in the rest of my life and my wife was so proud of me when I got home last night. She was actually crying tears of happiness after I admitted - finally that I'm an addict.

Not to get overly preachy - but this helped me last night - its the NA Motto. "God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I can not change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference." We can all change - just have to want to 1st. Peace ........Arkie

[iknowit]

THANK YOU YO EVERYONE WHO REPLIED TO MY POST, I REALLY APPRICIATE IT.
I DON'T KNOW WHERE TO START, I JUST GOT DONE READING THE BOARD AND TOOK IN SO MUCH, HOWEVER NOW THAT I AM WRITING I CAN'T REMEMBER ANYONES NAME, BUT I WOULD LIKE TO ANSWER SOME THINGS:
WHEN I SAID I STILL HAVE URGES, I MEANT THAT I WOULD LIKE TO GO OUT AND DRINK(SOCIALY)NOT OFTEN, BUT MAYBE EVERY OTHER WEEK.
AND SINCE YOU CAN'T DRINK WITH THE SUBOXNE, AND I'M NOT YET STRONG ENOUGH TO STOP FOR A FEW DAYS I WOULD REPLACE THE SUBOXNE FOR VIKS JUST TO ENJOY A NIGHT OUT.
BUT I DO NOT WANT TO DO THAT BECAUSE FOR ONCE IN MY LIFE I WANT TO SOMTHING RIGHT.
I DON'T MISS THAT ENTIRE SCENE AND I REALIZE THAT GETING MY LIFE TOGETHER IS A PRIORITY AND THAT IT WOULDN'T HURT TO NOT DRINK FOR AWILE. I NEED MONEY AND A FEW YEARS FROM NOW THERE WILL BE "THE SAME PACK OF FOOLS ON THE SAME STOOLS", BUT I GUESS I WANT SO BAD TO BE "NORMAL" HAVE MY NIGHT OUT AND NOT HAVE ISSUES WITH ADDICTION.
ITS HARD TO ACCEPT ,AND UNFORTUNATLY I STILL HAVE URGES TO DO SO ,
DOES THAT MAKE ANY SENCE?
THIS ADDICTION SH$T IS PRETTY VERSITILE(SPELLED WRONG), AND I KNOW THEY SAY THAT AN ADDICT IS AN ADDICT IS... BUT I THINK THAT ALOT IS TO BE OVERCOME AND THAT IT IS POSSIBLE FOR SOME PEOPLE TO GET IT TOGETHER.
ONE MORE QUESTION:
HOW MUCH SUBOXNE ARE YOU GUYS TAKING? I'M TAKING 1 8MG PILL A DAY.
NOT AT ONE TIME I BREAK IT INTO 4'S.
I WOULD APPRECIATE ANY RESPONSE.

[PoppyQueen]

I'm currently taking 10mg. daily.

PQ
Last painkiller used: 9/25/05
Suboxone started 9/26/05

[iknowit]

maybe my posts are to long?
DOES ANYONE ELSE HAVE URGES TO DRINK? IF SO , ANY ADVICE?
IF NOT WHAT DO YOU GUYS DO FOR FUN?
ON A POSITIVE NOTE![8D]

[anrob11]

quote:Originally posted by iknowit

maybe my posts are to long?
DOES ANYONE ELSE HAVE URGES TO DRINK? IF SO , ANY ADVICE?
IF NOT WHAT DO YOU GUYS DO FOR FUN?
ON A POSITIVE NOTE![8D]

To answer your earlier post, I am currently on 16mg per day of Suboxone.

To answer this posting, I drank for 22 years of my life. I now have over 18 years of continuous sobriety. About your urges to drink / what do you guys do for fun ? I'll answer both by advising you to get involved in AA &/or NA. You will find your answers there. You may not like what you hear there, but as they say in the program "Just Keep Coming Back". You will not regret it. God Bless and Good Luck ... Tony [8D]

To Be A Rock And Not To Roll

[PoppyQueen]

Iknowit: First off, your posts are not too long, but pleaase don't type in all capital letters, it's difficult to read.

You're on 8mg. only? That sounds low. I started on 16mg. and after 5 weeks am now down to 8mg.

Drinking: I have some drinks with my husband about once a week. I'm not an alcoholic and I hate the feeling of being drunk. I have not had any problem drinking responsibly, and beer or wine only. DO NOT DRIVE! if you're gonna drink. Don't take this as permission to go out and tie one on. Only you know what you can handle.

You mentioned taking a break from Suboxone to use painkillers. Perhaps you're missing the point of why you're on Suboxone in the first place! Aren't you on it to be off painkillers? I think you should really increase youur amount if you feel that way

As for me, I'm still having difficulties with pain. I'm gonna see my Sub. doctor today and ask what can be done. I'm taking 100mg. of Tramadol in the a.m. and it's not really working.

Have a wonderful day!


PQ
Last painkiller used: 9/25/05
Suboxone started 9/26/05

[mom@home]

I have bee addicted...it is so hard to use that word. I dont want to admit it to lortab and oxycodone for over 4 years, my bottom point was yesterday, I ran out of my oxycodone 5's that I am to take 2 every 4 hours I went through 360 in 12 days, my husband takes them every once in a while as well and seems to think nothing of it. My question is if the drug fiorcet will help with the w/d symptoms or if there is any herbal relief. I have a appt in 7 days, and really am thinking of cxling it if I feel better......Please any info will help. Thank you

[PoppyQueen]

Hi mom, I gotta think that if you were taking 30 oxy 5's a day and you're gonna just stop you're gonna need more than Fioricet. Fioricet is Butalbital, caffeine and acetaminophen. The Butalibital part may make you a little sleepy but I don't see how it'll help. I have seen Fiorinal with codeine, and that would help.

If you want to take drugs to get off your oxy's consider Suboxone, but you'll need it quick. If your gonna go cold turkey, it'd be best to have Clonodine to bring your BP down, Ambien to sleep, and perhaps some Valium-type thing for anxiety. And don't forget the Immodium AD for diarrhea! Drink tons of water and try to have someone help you over the next 5 days. You may be pretty much bedridden.

Good luck to you, check back in with us!


PQ
Last painkiller used: 9/25/05
Suboxone started 9/26/05

[pill-layer]

quote:Originally posted by PoppyQueen

Iknowit: First off, your posts are not too long, but pleaase don't type in all capital letters, it's difficult to read.

You're on 8mg. only? That sounds low. I started on 16mg. and after 5 weeks am now down to 8mg.

Drinking: I have some drinks with my husband about once a week. I'm not an alcoholic and I hate the feeling of being drunk. I have not had any problem drinking responsibly, and beer or wine only. DO NOT DRIVE! if you're gonna drink. Don't take this as permission to go out and tie one on. Only you know what you can handle.

You mentioned taking a break from Suboxone to use painkillers. Perhaps you're missing the point of why you're on Suboxone in the first place! Aren't you on it to be off painkillers? I think you should really increase youur amount if you feel that way

As for me, I'm still having difficulties with pain. I'm gonna see my Sub. doctor today and ask what can be done. I'm taking 100mg. of Tramadol in the a.m. and it's not really working.

Have a wonderful day!


PQ
Last painkiller used: 9/25/05
Suboxone started 9/26/05

POPPYQUEEN....please dont tell people its ok to drink while on this drug....you are going to get them killed......the instruction SPECIFICALLY TELL A PERSON NO ALCHOHOL, WHILE TAKING THIS DRUG......your post IMO is amount to invite someone into a game of russian roulette....I am sorry if this gets you mad, but come on, people are trying to get off drugs , and you are saying its ok to drink ( which is a drug ) while trying to get off. This is why I am so glad my doctor has enuff sense to put people in a program, istead of letting ADDICTS control their own recovery, and I am seeing more and more why he does this. You are going to get hurt or worse get someone else hurt. You tell the poster not to drink and drive, but you tell him/her to possibly kill themself, and therefore cause their family an enormous amout of pain in and of itself.

I would think as someone who is suppose to be trying to kick such a nasty and gripping habit that you would think twice, or 4 or 5 times before giving the advice to drink.


I like what anrob said , you guys need aa/na, because an ADDICT is the absolute last person to control their own recovery.


Like I said , I hope this doesnt get you mad....but really I couldnt care less, esp. since you are giving such FOOLISH advice, to someone who obviously needs some help with the mental part of this awful addiction, because by coming to you all that person got was , " yea its ok, just dont drive" or in other words, IGNORE THE MEDICAL ADVICE WITH THIS DRUG AND DO WHAT YOU WANT EVEN IT IF KILLS YOU, AND HEY I DO IT SO IT MUST BE OK.

MAYBE YOUR DOCTOR NEEDS TO KNOW THAT YOU ARE DRINKING WHILE ON THIS DRUG, why dont you tell him what you are doing and see what he does then!!!

[PoppyQueen]

Pill-Layer:

"MAYBE YOUR DOCTOR NEEDS TO KNOW THAT YOU ARE DRINKING WHILE ON THIS DRUG, why dont you tell him what you are doing and see what he does then!!!"

I saw him today and told him exactly that, that I have some drinks (beer or wine) about once a week. He was initially worried that I might replace my pill taking with alcohol drinking, I told him I doubted it because when I drink, I can't function and I dislike feeling drunk. So he knows what I'm doing.

People are gonna do what they want. Perhaps it is wrong of me to tell him it's OK to drink, so let me rephrase and tell him I drank and did not die. You're not supposed to take anti-depressants while on Suboxone, either. But my doc. has me on them.

For all who are concerned here is some info I took straight from the Suboxone info on this website:

• Avoid alcohol while taking buprenorphine and naloxone. Alcohol may dangerously increase drowsiness and dizziness caused by the medication.
• Buprenorphine and naloxone may dangerously increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), other pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any other prescription or over-the-counter medicine, including herbal products, without first talking to your doctor.

So now everyone can make their own informed decision. And I'm not mad at all. I understand that N/A and AA do not advocate ANY recreational drug except caffeine and nicotine.

I'm reading a really interesting book called "A Million Little Pieces" by James Frey. It's in the top 10 best selling books in the country. It's really interesting to all who are fighting addictions.

Peace! I'm sure God will still love me.


PQ
Last painkiller used: 9/25/05
Suboxone started 9/26/05

[chrish1]

Pill-layer is right. Alcohol absolutely should be avoided by addicts because it is in fact a drug itself. The thing that makes alcohol especially dangerous is it lowers inhibitions. Yeah, like we addicts need our inhibitions lowered further! Many addicts have relapsed from just a little recreational alcohol use, and some of them have become addicted to alcohol, which is one of the most dangerous drugs to become addicted to. Since we are addicts, it starts as a few drinks here and there, but over time the alcohol becomes more and more frequent. Then, it has the addict by the throat - by the time we addicts realise it, it is advanced... just like our pill usage. It has all of the same trappings.

I've said before that I condone the usage of Suboxone in severe painkiller addictions, but some type of education on addiction and therepy (NA and/or outpatient, OR one on one sessions for those that don't feel comfortable in a group setting). If the Suboxone is used with one of these, chances of relapse decrease significantly. I have done the research. So, please... use the suboxone if necessary, but do yourself the biggest favor of your life and get educated on the desease you and I have. It will prevent future relapses and save your life.

Your best bet is going drug free (including alcohol). For those that are taking Tramadol because their doctor told them it isn't a narcotic, take a peek at some of the message boards for Tramadol addiction. It is becoming one of the most serious pill problems out there. The average doctor is not educated on pill addiction, and will just prescribe something the big pharm companies told them wasn't addictive. Come on people, they are out to make money at the user's expense - just about every dangerous and addictive pill out there was introduced as "non addictive." By the time it can be proven it is addictive many lives are ruined. I'm not singling anybody out - I only say it because I notice a lot of opiate addicts seem to drift towards Tramadol (Ultram).

Okay, I hope I don't sound like I am rambling, but one more thing. 22 days drug free today! That means NO drugs, including alcohol. My mind is always drifting towards usage, but God give us all strength to resist. God, grant us the serenity to accept the things we cannot change, the courage to change the things we can, and the wisdom to know the difference. God bless, good luck. Chrish

[PoppyQueen]

Chrish, what do you do for chronic pain (I'm assuming you have pain)? I think Tramadol is basically junk and it's not really working on my pain.

The Suboxone and Cymbalta really have given me relief of all pain in my neck and shoulders which I think is miraculous. I have had that pain just about every day for 30 years. But I do have a lower back injury and the drugs just aren't helping. It's all very strange.

Congrats on your 22 days! What are you doing to get over the urges? Are you having any of those pill dreams yet?

You keep mentioning that addiction is a disease. The jury is still out on that one, for me at least. I am not convinced. As for myself, I don't think it's a disease, but a choice. Unfortunatly the choice leads you to physical and psycological dependence. On my last go around of pain killer abuse, (the last 5 years) I knew that as soon as I was handed that prescription for hydros that I was gonna open up that can of worms again, but it was my choice to take those pills. I could have told the doc. I was addicted to such things, but I make a choice not to. So, that's my opinion.

Anyway, sleep well, tomorrow's a new day!



PQ
Last painkiller used: 9/25/05
Suboxone started 9/26/05