Aa
Addiction
After about 2 years, I finally found an addictionologist in my area. He is licensed to prescribe Subutex. It is the "new" Buprenorphine only it comes in tablet form and is much stronger than the old version. The only glitch is we cannot find any pharmacies that have it. He could buy it directly from the manufacturer but it would cost him $700 - that is the smallest amount he can purchase at one time. He won't do it. He charges $175 per hour and I'm sure once the Subutex is available it will be expensive. There are no breaks for addicts in this country. I've waited a long time for this but now it seems like it will just be a big money thing like Methadone. I'm really depressed now and I feel like there is not a lot of hope. Is anyone else out there been trying to find this medication?
I too am having a hard time, I was gonna do a 2 day out patient detox using the buprenex until they told me I had to pay for it. It costs about 400 for a 2 week supply and ins does not cover it so my hopes were dashed once more, A lot of detox places even for in patient have dropped out of my ins so I have no options anymore. I will have to go cold turkey cause right now all my pill resources are gone. Badd
I'm sorry you are having a tough time. I am mad today reading this forum. There just isn't enough help available to treat this horrible "disease". I wish we could get every addict in the country together to storm up to the White House in protest of the treatment (or lack of) we get. The Center for Substance Abuse Treatment is going to post a list of the doctors who are licensed to prescribe the Subutex. They say it will happen in a couple weeks. We'll see. Maybe if you call them they can hook you up with someone near you? I wish I had more answers.
Day 48 guys! Getting better each day.
I am in very little, or no pain right now, other than the headaches. From what I have been reading, these may go away once I am off the ibuprofen completely. Just taking one per day in evening.
Thanks to all here who have helped so much.
"For those about to detox, we salute you..."
Seriously, if you are planning to detox, or thinking about it, or planning on planning, or just procrastinating, I say "Come on in the water's fine."
You will never know the feeling of freedom until you go through that week of hell, but it is all worth it.
Let me know if I can help in any way.
Rex
I am in very little, or no pain right now, other than the headaches. From what I have been reading, these may go away once I am off the ibuprofen completely. Just taking one per day in evening.
Thanks to all here who have helped so much.
"For those about to detox, we salute you..."
Seriously, if you are planning to detox, or thinking about it, or planning on planning, or just procrastinating, I say "Come on in the water's fine."
You will never know the feeling of freedom until you go through that week of hell, but it is all worth it.
Let me know if I can help in any way.
Rex
Rex,
Your posts give me so much inspiration. I am planning on detoxing starting Friday(because i'll have five days off from work--due to the flu:)I am honestly scared to death. But I know I have support, I have my boyfriend(who is going to stay home with me for those days), I have NA now, and I have this forum and all of you wonderful people. Wish me luck everybody!
-Anthony
Your posts give me so much inspiration. I am planning on detoxing starting Friday(because i'll have five days off from work--due to the flu:)I am honestly scared to death. But I know I have support, I have my boyfriend(who is going to stay home with me for those days), I have NA now, and I have this forum and all of you wonderful people. Wish me luck everybody!
-Anthony
I just found a doctor in my area liscenced to prescribe bup. I have an app't soon to see him. He did not mention anything to me about the expense, so I have no idea what i will be facing when I get there. He did mention that the pharmacies are having problems with regulation, hoping it will be solved soon. Anyways I have no idea if my insurance will cover this med I am on anthem blue cross/blue shield with work. But I will be finding out soon and I will let people know what happened here in CT.
Sharon
Sharon
First let me say that L-Tyrosine and B6 work beyond my wildest dreams. I am on Day 37 of a 3 year 15 to 20 a day 10/500 Tabs as well as 10+ Soma 350 addiction. As with all of us, this was not my first time dumping the drugs. However this time I went to Detox for a week. I attend IOP and AA everyday.(Our AA has more old timers than the NA group.) I have learned that the drugs are only 10% of the problem...I am 90%. My negative thoughts and pitty parties are what cause me to use. Everyone always says that when they got clean people died, they lost their jobs, wife left them and so on..well I now can see that this is LIFE. What we do when problems arise and how we think will keep us clean or,if we let it, push us to use.
Here is what has been successful for me thus far:
Tons of Prayer
Going to Meetings
Call my Sponsor
Work the Steps
Reading the BIG BOOK
Reading the Bible
Doing my best to tell the truth
Telling my Doctor
Firing some friends
Remember this H.A.L.T. are triggers. Hunger, Anger, Loneliness (sp) Tired. For the most part life is a trigger.
We all must stick together if we are to make it.
As far as tapering, you are only extending the WD's. Get mad at the drugs and flush them. God's Speed to all.
Where is Thomas? Thank you for the advice on the L-Tyrosine and B6.
- Sturgil
Here is what has been successful for me thus far:
Tons of Prayer
Going to Meetings
Call my Sponsor
Work the Steps
Reading the BIG BOOK
Reading the Bible
Doing my best to tell the truth
Telling my Doctor
Firing some friends
Remember this H.A.L.T. are triggers. Hunger, Anger, Loneliness (sp) Tired. For the most part life is a trigger.
We all must stick together if we are to make it.
As far as tapering, you are only extending the WD's. Get mad at the drugs and flush them. God's Speed to all.
Where is Thomas? Thank you for the advice on the L-Tyrosine and B6.
- Sturgil
Hey Brother,
OUTSTANDING !!! Thanks for your posts during my WD and your personal interest in my well being. Your right about that freedom, no more sitting in Dr. offices for hours, lieing about how much pain I have ect. For me, I am so grateful not to have to deal with the pharmacists, the few that are compassionate, I respect, the others there were times when I would want to pull them over the counter and say just fill the friggin script, you little dweeb. What can I say, I am an addict who wants what he wants when he wants it.
Today, I am a recovering addict taking it a day at a time and realizing the biggest problem for me is between my ears. It was my best thinking that got me addicted. It wasn't like when I was 10 years old, I said, gee when I grow up, I want to be a drug addict.
Once again, congradulations and I salute you!!!
Strength and Honor
Greg
OUTSTANDING !!! Thanks for your posts during my WD and your personal interest in my well being. Your right about that freedom, no more sitting in Dr. offices for hours, lieing about how much pain I have ect. For me, I am so grateful not to have to deal with the pharmacists, the few that are compassionate, I respect, the others there were times when I would want to pull them over the counter and say just fill the friggin script, you little dweeb. What can I say, I am an addict who wants what he wants when he wants it.
Today, I am a recovering addict taking it a day at a time and realizing the biggest problem for me is between my ears. It was my best thinking that got me addicted. It wasn't like when I was 10 years old, I said, gee when I grow up, I want to be a drug addict.
Once again, congradulations and I salute you!!!
Strength and Honor
Greg
Hey Guy, did you happen to see 20/20 last night? They did a segment on "rebound" headaches! Bottom line was that all of the OTC pain meds will cause severe rebound headaches if you take them on a regular basis. They said probably 2-3 days a week, on a regular basis. Anyway if you want to read more, you can go the the ABC website and look it up. It explained that people who take these meds often, actually cause the nerve receptors to fire up strongle once the dose you just took wears off...triggering people to reach for more!!! They actually had people who go to detox (inpatient) to get off these meds!
Also, it is funny, I also lived in S.fl. and now Atlanta, wonder if I'm going West next? ;)
Also, it is funny, I also lived in S.fl. and now Atlanta, wonder if I'm going West next? ;)
Goo d honest thread. Sharon had a website that listed Dr's in your area with the bup. Maybe one of em has it on hand or knows how to get it i dont know. But..you can detox wihtout it! We are all proof of that! I am now in my last days of detoxing at home from stadol and ultram. Yes i am nauseated, runs, shakes, rls, etc.. but this too will pass! Peac e and courage to you all who are wondering if you can do it. I agreee that flush that **** down the toilet but i di d not do it that way. Used all i had first. Oh well...at least now i have no access to that deivl anymore! I am so relieved that i will be free from it. And yes, na or aa is awesome. I had a friend who steeered me in that direction from here and he was absolutely correct in its program and its efffectiveness in becoming, staying clean and how much it can add to your spiritual growth and way to live liffe more fuly in all aspects!
Peace, love, hugs, to all!
Suzie
Peace, love, hugs, to all!
Suzie
so is there any good news for people who are taking bup.
after reading the 1st post it sounds like and impossible situation for addicts to look foward to bup as a solution.
peace hippy
after reading the 1st post it sounds like and impossible situation for addicts to look foward to bup as a solution.
peace hippy
Hey Dude,
That is the most accurate, concise how to maintan the recovery process I have ever read. Well said and well done.
I am 34 days opiate free and am activly doing all in your post. I used the Thomas Recipe to, I hope all is well with him.
Strength and Honor
Greg
That is the most accurate, concise how to maintan the recovery process I have ever read. Well said and well done.
I am 34 days opiate free and am activly doing all in your post. I used the Thomas Recipe to, I hope all is well with him.
Strength and Honor
Greg
Thomas Detox Recipe
PLEASE NOTE: I am not a doctor, simply a long-time Rx opiate junkie who has had many opportunities to develop a way to detox. This is a recipe for at-home self-detox from opiates based on my experience as well as that of many other addicts. It is not intended as professional medical advice. It is always wise to make sure none of the recipe ingredients or procedures conflict with medications you may be taking. Likewise, if you have any medical condition, disease, allergy or any other health issue, consult your doctor before using the recipe. Thanks, Thomas
This recipe is designed for cold turkey opiate detox. It assumes that you can get about 5 to 7 days away from your job or household responsibilities during which you can sleep, veg and act as miserable as you feel. Opiate WD mimics the symptoms of the common flu, so, if you need a smokescreen, hide behind a bad case of the flu.
If you can't take time off to detox, I recommend you follow a taper regimen using your drug of choice or suitable alternate -- the slower the taper, the better.
For the Recipe, You'll need:
1. Valium (or another benzodiazepine such as Klonopin, Librium, Ativan or Xanax). Of these, Valium and Klonopin are best suited for tapering since they come in tablet form. Librium is also an excellent detox benzo, but comes in capsules, making it hard to taper the dose. Ativan or Xanax should only be used if you can't get one of the others.
2. Imodium (over the counter, any drug or grocery store).
3. L-Tyrosine (500 mg caps) from the health food store.
4. Strong wide-spectrum mineral supplement with at least 100% RDA of Zinc, Phosphorus, Copper and Magnesium.
5. Vitamin B6 caps.
6. Access to hot baths or a Jacuzzi (or hot showers if that's all that's available).
How to use the recipe:
Begin your detox with regular doses of Valium (or alternate benzo). Start with a dose high enough to produce sleep. Before you use any benzo, make sure you're aware of how often it can be safely taken. Different benzos have different dosing schedules. Taper your Valium dosage down after each day. The goal is to get through day 4, after which the worst WD symptoms will subside. You shouldn't need the Valium after day 4 or 5.
During detox, hit the hot bath or Jacuzzi as often as you need to for muscle aches. Don't underestimate the effectiveness of hot soaks. Spend the entire time, if necessary, in a hot bath. This simple method will alleviate what is for many the worst opiate WD symptom.
Use the Imodium aggressively to stop the runs. Take as much as you need, as often as you need it. Don't take it, however, if you don't need it.
At the end of the fourth day, you should be waking up from the Valium and experiencing the beginnings of the opiate WD malaise. Upon rising (empty stomach), take the L-Tyrosine. Try 2000 mgs, and scale up or down, depending on how you feel. You can take up to 4,000 mgs. Take the L-Tyrosine with B6 to help absorption. Wait about one hour before eating breakfast. The L-Tyrosine will give you a surge of physical and mental energy that will help counteract the malaise. You may continue to take it each morning for as long as it helps. If you find it gives you the "coffee jitters," consider lowering the dosage or discontinuing it altogether. Occasionally, L-Tyrosine can cause the runs. Unlike the runs from opiate WD, however, this effect of L-Tyrosine is mild and normally does not return after the first hour. Lowering the dosage may help.
With breakfast, take the mineral supplement.
As soon as you can force yourself to, get some mild exercise such as walking, cycling, swimming, etc. This will be hard at first, but will make you feel considerably better.
PLEASE NOTE: If you have any medical complications, first check with your doctor before detoxing to verify that this regimen is safe for you.
PLEASE NOTE: I am not a doctor, simply a long-time Rx opiate junkie who has had many opportunities to develop a way to detox. This is a recipe for at-home self-detox from opiates based on my experience as well as that of many other addicts. It is not intended as professional medical advice. It is always wise to make sure none of the recipe ingredients or procedures conflict with medications you may be taking. Likewise, if you have any medical condition, disease, allergy or any other health issue, consult your doctor before using the recipe. Thanks, Thomas
This recipe is designed for cold turkey opiate detox. It assumes that you can get about 5 to 7 days away from your job or household responsibilities during which you can sleep, veg and act as miserable as you feel. Opiate WD mimics the symptoms of the common flu, so, if you need a smokescreen, hide behind a bad case of the flu.
If you can't take time off to detox, I recommend you follow a taper regimen using your drug of choice or suitable alternate -- the slower the taper, the better.
For the Recipe, You'll need:
1. Valium (or another benzodiazepine such as Klonopin, Librium, Ativan or Xanax). Of these, Valium and Klonopin are best suited for tapering since they come in tablet form. Librium is also an excellent detox benzo, but comes in capsules, making it hard to taper the dose. Ativan or Xanax should only be used if you can't get one of the others.
2. Imodium (over the counter, any drug or grocery store).
3. L-Tyrosine (500 mg caps) from the health food store.
4. Strong wide-spectrum mineral supplement with at least 100% RDA of Zinc, Phosphorus, Copper and Magnesium.
5. Vitamin B6 caps.
6. Access to hot baths or a Jacuzzi (or hot showers if that's all that's available).
How to use the recipe:
Begin your detox with regular doses of Valium (or alternate benzo). Start with a dose high enough to produce sleep. Before you use any benzo, make sure you're aware of how often it can be safely taken. Different benzos have different dosing schedules. Taper your Valium dosage down after each day. The goal is to get through day 4, after which the worst WD symptoms will subside. You shouldn't need the Valium after day 4 or 5.
During detox, hit the hot bath or Jacuzzi as often as you need to for muscle aches. Don't underestimate the effectiveness of hot soaks. Spend the entire time, if necessary, in a hot bath. This simple method will alleviate what is for many the worst opiate WD symptom.
Use the Imodium aggressively to stop the runs. Take as much as you need, as often as you need it. Don't take it, however, if you don't need it.
At the end of the fourth day, you should be waking up from the Valium and experiencing the beginnings of the opiate WD malaise. Upon rising (empty stomach), take the L-Tyrosine. Try 2000 mgs, and scale up or down, depending on how you feel. You can take up to 4,000 mgs. Take the L-Tyrosine with B6 to help absorption. Wait about one hour before eating breakfast. The L-Tyrosine will give you a surge of physical and mental energy that will help counteract the malaise. You may continue to take it each morning for as long as it helps. If you find it gives you the "coffee jitters," consider lowering the dosage or discontinuing it altogether. Occasionally, L-Tyrosine can cause the runs. Unlike the runs from opiate WD, however, this effect of L-Tyrosine is mild and normally does not return after the first hour. Lowering the dosage may help.
With breakfast, take the mineral supplement.
As soon as you can force yourself to, get some mild exercise such as walking, cycling, swimming, etc. This will be hard at first, but will make you feel considerably better.
PLEASE NOTE: If you have any medical complications, first check with your doctor before detoxing to verify that this regimen is safe for you.
Hello, I use to post here a lot.
I've noticed this forum is mostly filled with topics on opiate/pill related addictions. Anyone think it's become an epidemic? or do you think it's an old problem that just more people are coming forward with? I definitely think it's nothing new to some people, but I do think it's become more of a problem and I do believe it's an epidemic. I live in the state of Maine, we've had over 28 overdoses related to pills throughout the year, that's a state record & it seems to be hitting kids, not just adults. Which is abnormal, because pills were never really the drug of choice among teens & younger kids. I've been suffering from this addiction for years now, I'm only 20. I've gotten to the point where if I don't take them, within a day, hours, I become shaky and the withdrawal symptoms continue to get worse. I almost look at it as what a heroin addict would go through if he/she was denied usage of heroin. Which is weird because I remember back on how I would view people like that. I basically play a game of chess against myself, I refuse to seek help for my addiction through any medical facility because I know that's an automatic "red flag" a term used here for when you're shut off from getting anymore pain killers from hospital/doctors. Unfortunately I think this is a game I won't win. I can feel things in my body acting abnormally, sadly I believe I've probably caused irreversible liver damage and who knows what else opiate abuse can cause. I've certainly fell victim to this legal drug. I look back on what I once considered a skill, being able to convince the doctors to prescribe me narcotics for a nonexistent injury. Now I feel like just collapsing at their feet and pleading for help, but instead I use my ability to manipulate and walk out with another bottle of pills. This certainly sucks, I was once a girl with high hopes on a path to success, now I'm another hopeless case, slowly killing myself, I ask myself all the time, how is this possible? It's unfortunate and I feel for the people in similar situations as I am. -Sis
I've noticed this forum is mostly filled with topics on opiate/pill related addictions. Anyone think it's become an epidemic? or do you think it's an old problem that just more people are coming forward with? I definitely think it's nothing new to some people, but I do think it's become more of a problem and I do believe it's an epidemic. I live in the state of Maine, we've had over 28 overdoses related to pills throughout the year, that's a state record & it seems to be hitting kids, not just adults. Which is abnormal, because pills were never really the drug of choice among teens & younger kids. I've been suffering from this addiction for years now, I'm only 20. I've gotten to the point where if I don't take them, within a day, hours, I become shaky and the withdrawal symptoms continue to get worse. I almost look at it as what a heroin addict would go through if he/she was denied usage of heroin. Which is weird because I remember back on how I would view people like that. I basically play a game of chess against myself, I refuse to seek help for my addiction through any medical facility because I know that's an automatic "red flag" a term used here for when you're shut off from getting anymore pain killers from hospital/doctors. Unfortunately I think this is a game I won't win. I can feel things in my body acting abnormally, sadly I believe I've probably caused irreversible liver damage and who knows what else opiate abuse can cause. I've certainly fell victim to this legal drug. I look back on what I once considered a skill, being able to convince the doctors to prescribe me narcotics for a nonexistent injury. Now I feel like just collapsing at their feet and pleading for help, but instead I use my ability to manipulate and walk out with another bottle of pills. This certainly sucks, I was once a girl with high hopes on a path to success, now I'm another hopeless case, slowly killing myself, I ask myself all the time, how is this possible? It's unfortunate and I feel for the people in similar situations as I am. -Sis
Hey Anthony,
Let me know how you do on detox. I just
got the job I have been waiting for
so it blew a cold turkey detox out of
the window. I am on percocet and found out
I cant take any days off till after
probation for this job. I am going to
try to taper down and then hopefully
when I can take days off it will only
be a few. I am interested in knowing
of anyone who has succesfully taperd
off of percocet. Can it be done, or does
it have to be CT. So afraid of that.
Thanks guys for listening
Madeline
Let me know how you do on detox. I just
got the job I have been waiting for
so it blew a cold turkey detox out of
the window. I am on percocet and found out
I cant take any days off till after
probation for this job. I am going to
try to taper down and then hopefully
when I can take days off it will only
be a few. I am interested in knowing
of anyone who has succesfully taperd
off of percocet. Can it be done, or does
it have to be CT. So afraid of that.
Thanks guys for listening
Madeline
Hey, youre here admitting the problem; thats half the battle.
We all know what you mean. What doses etc are you on and how long?
Youre 20, you can beat this.
Im on day 9 or 10 from a 100 microgram duragesic patch, about the same as 600 mg oral morphine. Plus bunches of OC 40s here and there.
You can try to taper (I did a few months ago) and I got pretty far, down to 1/12 my regular dose, then relapsed. Oops..
Then last wens I quit cold turkey, It wasnt anywhere as bad as I though and it probably wont be for you either.
Get back on that road to success. The pills will just stagnate you.
Keep posting here, we'll all be here for you.
God Bless
DM
Unless you are loaded with cash, you might want to call this doctor and find out what costs are involved.
The manufacturer wants to make money off this venture, so you can be SURE the drug won't be cheap. The bup that is out now is called Buprenex (liquid) and it is very very expensive. Plus my doctor charges $175/hour and wants to see me twice a week. I could do a 1/2 hour session which would be $100 but I don't see what I'd get from so little time. I'm really stuck
I read somewhere on this thread that someone said we didn't "need" Buprenorphine to detox. This is true. However if a person wants to be tapered down while stilll maintaining their job and lives, this is a very painless way to do it. I don't really have the luxury of taking a lot of time off from work and from past experiences detoxing, I would need it. And, some people might want to be "maintained" on it like they would Methadone.
The point is that this med is nearly impossible to find at this point and it is very frustrating.
The manufacturer wants to make money off this venture, so you can be SURE the drug won't be cheap. The bup that is out now is called Buprenex (liquid) and it is very very expensive. Plus my doctor charges $175/hour and wants to see me twice a week. I could do a 1/2 hour session which would be $100 but I don't see what I'd get from so little time. I'm really stuck
I read somewhere on this thread that someone said we didn't "need" Buprenorphine to detox. This is true. However if a person wants to be tapered down while stilll maintaining their job and lives, this is a very painless way to do it. I don't really have the luxury of taking a lot of time off from work and from past experiences detoxing, I would need it. And, some people might want to be "maintained" on it like they would Methadone.
The point is that this med is nearly impossible to find at this point and it is very frustrating.
I will ask him when he calls to make the app't. They are waiting for the questionaire that I filled out first before they even decide if they are going to see me. I don't think that they are using the liquid form here. They are using subonex (pill form)which is probably less expensive. I too am trying to taper off meth while I continue to work, it isn't easy. I do not want to maintain on bup. just get through the last of the meth detox.
Sharon
Sharon
i have watched thomas not post for months.
when people so gifted do the rimbaud thing
they almost gain mythic statis.
thomas is so elequent , n his receipe
speaks for it self.
i do hope he is fine.
peace !!!!!!!!!!
when people so gifted do the rimbaud thing
they almost gain mythic statis.
thomas is so elequent , n his receipe
speaks for it self.
i do hope he is fine.
peace !!!!!!!!!!
i AM in regular contact wiht the infamous Thomas. (lol) Have not heard from him now in about 3 days. I'll let you know when i hear from him.
Thanks REx for posting his recipe! I noticed many need it lately!
You're da man!
Suzie
Thanks REx for posting his recipe! I noticed many need it lately!
You're da man!
Suzie
As you might of read I am on day 38 of a Hydro and Soma ride from heck. 15 to 20 of the 10/500 hydros a day and 10 of the Soma 350mg all in one day. I have tried cold turkey, I never seemed to make it stick. Last month I went to Detox for the first time. I was there a week, they really took care of me and I did see just how far along I am in my addiction. When the pain gets bad enough we will make a move to stop. Right now you can not feel anything. If you do stop the first day you will start to get a little of your feelings back. Cry, pray and get mad at the drugs. Most of all get help. One day you will look back at the drugs and thank them for all the things they have taught you. Before we can be successful we must learn the workings of this disease and understand how to handle LIFE.
The Thomas receipe (sp) is great. However I did not use the Benzo's. Remember you can do it, but you need to get the proper tools to get and stay sober. Our secret lives are a big burden to us, we can do tell anyone because they will not understand. Here in this forum they do understand. Also in NA and AA they understand.
Keep us posted, we all want to help. Experience, Strength and Hope will be found here, at Church, and at AA.
God's speed.
- Sturgil
Thomas where are you?
The Thomas receipe (sp) is great. However I did not use the Benzo's. Remember you can do it, but you need to get the proper tools to get and stay sober. Our secret lives are a big burden to us, we can do tell anyone because they will not understand. Here in this forum they do understand. Also in NA and AA they understand.
Keep us posted, we all want to help. Experience, Strength and Hope will be found here, at Church, and at AA.
God's speed.
- Sturgil
Thomas where are you?
Tapering is very hard for us addicts. Most CANNOT do it on their own. I coudl not! So...you need a friend/ family member to help you and dole them out as planned..without your chance of locating the stash! Do not put yourself in the situation where they call to you 24/7..cuz they do! Your mind plays tricks on you to convince you that "well just today, one more wont hurt, i won't take more tomorrow"! Yeah right!
Peace!
Suzie
Peace!
Suzie
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