[magsj]

You guys are amazing! I am amazed at your committment to everyone here. I read your responses carefully. I have dealt with treatment-resistent depression for many years which led to my opiate (Norco/Methadone) addiction. I only see a "pain management" doctor who prescribes the medications for me. I long ago gave up on psychiatric care, etc. because I live in an area where mental health care, substance abuse facilities are literally non-existant. I live in a county in California that has virtually no county mental health and one, very busy pschiatrist for over 100,000 people. Anyway, I haven't been seen by anyone in about 4 years. So, I decided I needed the depression and substance abuse problem properly assessed and made an appointment at UCLA Neuropsychiatry Department for early in March. They have a "dual diagnosis" program (treatment for mental health issues AND substance abuse). I am telling you this because I am sure that I will end up on a buprenorphine taper. You seem to know exactly how to taper off this. Is it true that if it is done VERY slowly w/d sx will be tolerable? I must tell you, I have been through withdrawal from about 18 Norco a day, I have been literally paralyzed with fear about withdrawal.

I will keep in touch with all of you and monitor the site to see if I can be of help. Upon my return from UCLA I will let you know what the plan is. I would be soooo grateful if you would help me with the taper? I can be so motivated and determined to get off the opiates initially, but when the w/d sx get bad I become very despairing and desperate and eventually end up blowing it. I DO NOT WANT TO GET TO THAT POINT THIS TIME.

You asked about my pain. I had the gradual onset of low back pain starting about 4 years ago. The pain got worse and worse. During 2 outpatient substance abuse programs, while tapering off Norco (with no medicinal assistance) I was constantly told it was "all in my head" and just form withdrawal. I believed this and constantly admonished myself for it, but this last year the pain became constant and intollerable and eventually led to sciatic pain all the way down my right leg to my foot. MRI showed probable torn disc, but the ortho surgeon was not sure. Anyway after talking to him and examining me, he thought I had facet joint syndrome. I had two steroid injections into the facet joints in October and November and my back pain is a good 80% better!!! So, I feel I am in a good place to get off the rollercoaster. I am telling you all this because you seemed to want details about the people you want to help. I appreciate this.

Thanks to all of you. I'll be checking this site and seeing if I can be of help to anyone. I truly ADMIRE those of you who are undergoing w/d and those of you who have succeeded. THAT IS WHERE I WANT TO BE!

Affectionately,
Magsj

I AM SO SORRY EVERYONE, I KEPT TRYING TO REPLY BUT KEPT ADDING TO MY ORIGINAL THREAD....LOSER THAT I AM. HOPEFULLY I DID IT RIGHT THIS TIME![/SIZE][/FONT]

[Robert_325]

If you read the link on suboxone/subutex therapy I gave you it's easy to see how important it is to use the subs properly and for the right amount of time. If you want some help with this let me know. I'll be happy to help you. God bless.

[magsj]

Robert-

Completely forgot about the link to Suboxone. Did read it and printed it off for future reference. Very informative. Glad I read it because now I can be super vigilent about not starting off at a high dose.

Magsj