Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
1109246 tn?1268192801

I finally tried Suboxone :)

I wanted to post this for everyone thinking about using suboxone to recover.  I was a vicodin/percocet user for going on 9 years.  I had tried tapering, and wasn't successful, just couldn't stick to it.  I tried cold turkey probably over 50 times if not more to no avail.  I would get to day 3 or 4 and give up.  The physical and mental withdrawals were just to much for me to bear and continue to handle my daily responsibilities.

I contemplated suboxone for the last few months.  I read through post after post and searched the internet for all the information I could find.  I have to say I read a lot of negative things about suboxone as I am sure many of you have.  Mostly that the withdrawal is very bad.  So I made a list of pro's and cons.  Even though suboxone withdrawal might be rough (I don't know for sure yet personally)  There are so many good reasons to try it.  

1) Quitting the drugs that I am abusing
2) Which inturn is better for my body and liver
3) Less chance of overdose
4) Suboxone has less risk for respitory depression
5) Good Success rate
6)Being treated under the supervision of a doctor.

etc etc I could go on and on.....

Well today is my very first day on suboxone.  I had to go into the doctor in 24 hours of withdrawal which did stink.  However after my very first dose (45 mins later)  I felt wonderful, absolutely wonderful.  No pain, withdrawal symptoms gone, no more runny nose, watery eyes, yawning, restless legs, feeling like I am going to jump out of my skin ALL GONE.  The best part is NO CRAVINGS at all.  I can't even remember the last time I felt this good.  I was amazed at the results and wish I had found it years ago.

Suboxone alone isn't going to end the cycle of addiction.  I am still going to go to NA a few times a week and counseling.  However it is a wonderful tool to aid in becoming clean.  My doctor believes in 18-24 month treatment, but it is all up to me and it is fine with her if I choose to take it forever if it keeps me off the drugs I abuse.  

I look at it this way, a diabetic takes insulin because they need it.  Someone with asthma uses an inhailer because they need it.  Well I am an addict which is also a disease and I use suboxone to keep it in check because I need it.

I just thought I would post, since I see so many negative things about suboxone.  It is a personal and individual choice.  Just don't let the negative scare you away....It may be what saves your life.  Educate yourself and do a lot of research.  In my oppinion its a wonderful option and I am extreamly happy today and hope to continue to feel this way for a very long time.

Good Luck to everyone, God Bless!

WannaBeFree
7 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
This is wonderful to read!!! I too read so so much about how I should try to deter my better half from going the sub route. We made calls to dozens of places locally to see if they offered a naltrexone implant, pill or injection. Nobody within an eight hour drive even knew what it was. We couldn't afford to drive 8 hrs and then pay for the implant and other treatment. Well, by chance he talked to his Chiro and he made a suggestion to try a local clinic that used suboxone. I was dead against it. I didn't even want to think of him switching from one opiate to another but by this time I was so tired and frustrated that I said ok, lets go and see what they can offer. We had nothing to lose by just talking with the doc. The lady at the front was warm and welcoming, the doctor took the time to answer all the questions I had, he had and everything inbetween. So that night he started his treatment program :). He and I both felt comfortable with the program, and so far it seems to be exactly what he needed. It'll be 3 weeks this Monday, he's doing GREAT!!!!! Honestly, for the first time in years I feel like our marriage is steady and STRONG. I am so proud of him and all that he has accomplished :). I have MY husband back!!!!! :D

Congratulations to you too for making the choice and sticking with this!!! I'm so happy for you!!!!! <3
Helpful - 0
1109246 tn?1268192801
Thank you for the supportive comments.  I really appreciate it.  Day 2 and I still feel good.  I am on a very low dose.  2mg 3x a day to start and I go back to the doctor march 3rd to re-evaluate the dosage.  I actually went into the doctor with an open mind and armed with all the information I read online.  I asked my doctor her thoughts on a rapid taper vs long term.  Her reasoning was statistically people do better on a longer plan, it gives you time to attend NA and counseling and get to the root of your addiction.  Ultimately it was my decision though, she just laid the options out there for me.  I don't intend on taking suboxone as a lifetime therapy, I do want to be totally drug free when all is said and done.  It was just nice to know my doctor was there to help and there was no rush, it took a lot of pressure off.  

I was amazed at the length of time my doctor spent with me.  I was in her office for 5 hours yesterday and she was very attentive and we had some long deep talks.  Although sub is expensive (my insurance covers my meds but not office visits) if you find the right doctor, a compassionate and understanding doctor I think its well worth every penny.

Jen, I am glad to hear your doing so well 3 weeks into it, congrats!!! I look forward to the same and your post is very encouraging.

Good Luck & God Bless!

WannaBeFree
Helpful - 0
990521 tn?1311906308
Congrats - suboxone is an option and it does have it's place.  I took it for nearly 4 years and it saved my life and helped change my drug seeking behavior.  If you have any questions, feel free to message me, I would be happy to share any of my experiences on sub with you.  Best of luck!
Helpful - 0
1047946 tn?1332608029
One huge reason not to stay on the tabs or percs is due to the amount of tylenol that is in them. If someone has a huge addiction and is taking, let's just say, 20 percs a day. The amount of tylenol you would be consuming a day is 6500mg which is 2500mg over the daily limit. If this continues for a long time it could be deadly. And with the tabs, if someone was taking 20 a day the amount of tylenol would be 10,000mg. There are or were also many others who were taking more than 20 a day so just imagine how toxic the tylenol is on ones body. Also, if someone was buying that many off the streets, sub would be a cheaper option. But when it comes to ones health, you can't put a price tag on that.
Granted, sub may not be the best option for everyone, but it can save someone's life. I feel it really comes down to how many pain meds someone has been taking and for how long. I also feel it depends on if the person has tried every other way to get off of their doc. And WannaBeFree said in the post that she had tried tapering and cold turkey probably around 50 times. So I think she made a great decision. I do agree with you about staying on it for life though. I don't think someone should look at it that way. They should still try and get off of all opiates all together. I know how difficult it is though. Not from suboxone but pain meds in general. I'm on day 5 now after a relapse due to taking for my back pain. I knew better but took them anyways. I know I have to learn how to deal with the pain without narcotics. I will get there!
Best of luck to everyone. WanneBeFree, I think you made the right choice in your case. I do hope you consider to try and get off of the sub in the future but it's way too early to even think about that. Best of luck to you in your fight!!
Brian
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Judge not lest ye be judged.......      Addiction comes in every social/econ/race/religion imaginable   and so does recovery.....   Rather than second guess what works for someone else, perhaps time would be more well spent sharing what worked for you to keep you opiate free of addiction for a long period of time.

As with addiction, there is no one drug that takes your soul.........   and as with recovery,  there are many methods, treatments available to each individual....  there is no one magic wand to recovery...

Best wishes to you on your journey to sobriety,  and good for you,  taking your life back as you deserve!!   IMHO  just as you can't tell someone what is the "perfect" high,  you can't dictate someone else's recovery.   Good luck!!    Aftercare,  so very important......it is a long process.

Good luck  and stay strong!!
Helpful - 0
900459 tn?1304993259
Well that is awesome that u are happy with it and I hope u stick with it and get clean. However I don't agree with the taking it forever part because if u r gonna do that u might as well just stay on the tabs and percs cause the subs are opiate based just like the pain killers are so y would u get off tabs to get hooked on subs cause they r both opiates and subs cost alot more to
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Congratulations!  I know EXACTLY how you feel.  I could have written what you wrote, except I'm on a 6 month plan.  But I feel the same way as you - no rush, thank you very much!  I have not had drug seeking behavior for 3 weeks now - since the day I started Sub.  
I feel amazing!  without a buzz!!!
jen
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Addiction: Substance Abuse Community

Top Addiction Answerers
495284 tn?1333894042
City of Dominatrix, MN
Avatar universal
phoenix, AZ
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Is treating glaucoma with marijuana all hype, or can hemp actually help?
If you think marijuana has no ill effects on your health, this article from Missouri Medicine may make you think again.
Julia Aharonov, DO, reveals the quickest way to beat drug withdrawal.
Tricks to help you quit for good.
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.