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I need Help

I have been taking Vic's for years and I was told that suboxone would be a good way to help get off them is this true?
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1580085 tn?1400940838
please accept my sincere condolences,   im glad you found a more understanding, and enlightened dr.  i really hope it all works out for you, take care best wishes,  sudie
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Avatar universal
Sorry that I have not been posting.....There was a death in the family that has been VERY hard. I went today and talked to another Dr. and he put me on a low grade muscle relaxer and the V's and then next visit we are going to start the ween down (in two weeks) He was very understanding and is more than willing to work with me!!!! Thanks guys :-)
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1416133 tn?1351123217
I think you made an interesting last statement there about your anxiety level.  It wasn't until I finally made the decision, and I mean FINALLY, that the horrible "what-if" anxiety went away.  Yeah, I still had the occasional anxiety from the withdrawal but NOTHING compared to the anxiety I had before I made that final decision.  Just something else for you to think about.  And I think it would be a great idea to talk to your recently sober friend about these struggles.  No one understands an addict like a former addict.

:)
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Avatar universal
I don't feel judged I just need to gather my thoughts a little before I keep just saying the same thing over and over again!!! Thats what I feel like I'm doing. And coming to the realization that I am trying to go from one to another is because I'm not sure if I'm ready or not really really freaks me out!!!!! I feel like I am wasting everyones time, when there are so many people posting that are really trying hard and honestly I'm not yet!!! I just wanna break down and cry....I feel guilty....I will without a doubt keep reading....When I feel like I need to post I will and when I am READY for sure I will be on here more than I am now. You all have given me a lot of food for thought and I need to let it sink in I think...I don't know... I need a counselor..UGH!!! BUT I do have a friend that is 10 months sober  today!!!! YES FOR HER!!!! Do you guys think it would be a good idea for me to tell her? I think of all people she would understand. Addiction is addiction right? She is very open with her issues and I really want to keep this to a small two her and my boyfriend. Is telling her worth it?!?!?!? I am supposed to see her tomorrow. If I'm this anxious what am I gonna feel like when I finally jump.....GREAT because that will be the day I take back over because when I do do this I know it will be the LAST time!!! Thanks to you all!!!! I want to hug you all
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Avatar universal
I think you need to go see a different doctor for a second opinion. From what I've heard docs get kick backs for shelling out these scripts. There are doctor feelgoods everywhere. I found one quite easily. If you have insurance and can afford to go see someone else it wouldn't hurt. Just my opinion. Good luck with your decisions.
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271792 tn?1334979657
I really think it would help you to keep posting--whether it seems like your thoughts are not together or not. ImDone is right---there is no judgement here and it is a great place to get feedback and listen and read what others have done. Keep talking and keep reading...
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1416133 tn?1351123217
OH no, please don't think you can't keep posting with your thoughts and feelings.  It's a no judgment zone here (thank g-d for that!)  :)
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Avatar universal
Thanks again everyone!!!! I will start posting again when the war in my head is gone!!!
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1416133 tn?1351123217
Well said IB!!  I was about to post my response, but not surprisingly, you said everything I was thinking.  :)  Listen to her MS she knows what she's talking about.
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271792 tn?1334979657
Hun, you have to make the decision whether you want to stop taking the pills or not. You are driving yourself crazy. And the fact that the script is sitting there, calling your name BTW, is not helping.

Many of us here suffer with chronic pain. I am one of those people and while I have good days and bad, any day without a pill is a good day for me. I had back reconstruction surgery in the 80's and then an accident in the 90's produced several more herniated disks which has now become DDD, along with arthritis and sciatica. I have learned how to basically control the pain at home and when it gets bad and I can't handle it, I get a prescription for Aqua Therapy. Of all of the things I have tried, that helps the most. The exercises that you do in the pool are non-resistant and just feeling that warm water around you is very soothing.  I do follow-up exercises at home and use a hydrocolator a good deal of the time. Excedrin Migraine is now my DOC and I found the combination of the 3 ingredients to help best with the pain. Like I said hun---good days and bad days. Still, I don't get up in the morning wondering where to get my next pill, Back in the day I couldn't even go grocery shopping without planning out my pill supply. I am grateful I don't do that today.

If nothing else, you owe it to yourself to give it a try. And, you may just find out that your pain is not that bad once you put the pills down. I can't tell you how many times I have heard people say that. I found it to be true myself.

And I like the idea of outside support. Getting clean is one part---STAYING clean is the other. Our minds play tricks on us and the addiction of addiction is tricky. My disease lies to me and plays games with me. Since I did counseling and I do belong to a support group, I have found tricks of my own to hold the addiction at bay. I totally agree it is something you should look into.

Well, I have rambled to you enough. Please hang in there and think about taking the suggestions that you were given. No one here is going to recommend something that they haven't tried themselves. You just need a little blind faith.
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Avatar universal
Do you have any suggestions on what I should say because I told her that I thought that I was starting to have a problem and she still gave them to me. She did ask if the amount I was taking was still working and it is for the pain but the high is gone of course. Her response to that was "as long as I don't think I need to up them then I was ok. That is how pain management works as long as I don't feel like I need more to make it then I was ok". She had me sign a paper agreeing that I wouldn't do this or that....The same paper that I think we all have had to sign. I think  that I need to get a second opinion, actually a third.
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1416133 tn?1351123217
You can call your Dr. and tell them you want an alternative to the narcotics.  There are a lot of non-narcotic pain medications that might help you and still give you great relief. :)
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Avatar universal
Thank you for your advise.You are very right I do need counseling!!!! This is all so hard on me. The back and forth is the worst and the fact that I know I have so many pills just sitting there waiting for me. I tried this morning to not take my meds and I lasted three hours till I gave in, my back hurt sooooo bad even the hot baths weren't working. I think I need to talk to someone before I do anything. A second opinion might be a good Idea. There has to be something out there that will help with the pain other than pills. My range of motion is so limited that they don't even want me to do the regular PT so I was thinking of water aerobics. I really think that if I can get my back to a level that I can handle then it would be a lot easier to not have the need BUT the want will be the next hurdle. Thank you for the strength I REALLY NEED IT
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Avatar universal
Hi, I'm new to this forum but not to addiction.  From reading your posts I have to say in my opinion only that Subs may be the way to go.  I say this because #1 ur pain issues and #2 u may need some counseling to wrap ur mind aroundf the changes in ur life that will occur after u go thru the withdrawal.  The strong back and forth that u are having is the addiction talking to u.  I am on suboxone now, I recently switched having been a pill and heroin addict for 10 yr then on methadone for 7 yrs.  Suboxone will allow u too get some counseling and prepare you to deal with ur pain other ways wwhile u get tapered down and eventually come off.  
  Is anyone else concerned about a Dr who prescribes 180 more pills after a patient speaks to them about feeling  they have a problem?  I also have back problems and went to a pain clinic and was prescribed all sorts of pain pills, but as an addict at the time I was happy.  Now as I work recovery I see the error of that.  
  Think hard on the suboxone, I know we all have our opinions but it is working for me and helps with my back pain in the process.
I am sending u all my strength......
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Avatar universal
She did give me alternative pain management ideas, then faxed in a new script, upped them to 180 V's and put two refills on it!!!! (I didn’t pick them up either but I still have some)
I think that my eyes have been opened up though. I was reading the last couple posts from witsend0603 and I think that is the issue that I am having. I didn't tell her not to send the script. Do I really want to stop? I feel like I should listen and continue to take the med's but like I said it's like the devil on the left and the angel on the right. She told me that when the time comes she will work with me buy tapering me down.
I really think that the reason I was asking about the Sub's is because I am not sure if I am ready to stop taking something…..anything!!!! I feel like I’m in the same boat with the one oar. Nothing has gone wrong in my life due to this but nothing good either. I’m not getting the high just pretty much just  feel human and make it through the day without pain. I think that the deep down feeling of need and the mind set of not is what is causing all the questioning. How, when, should I shouldn’t I. The want to go from one to another and think that is ok. I have so many mixed thought at this time. I want to be free from this addiction and am being told by many that I need them or to get of and go to the Sub’s. Do I really need them or is it in my head? I’m totally confused. I so feel the want and the not want and didn't even realize it. I am really starting to wonder what I need. The many Dr’s say it is a need and I feel that it has became more than that!!!!! B-4 without a doubt it was all a want to get the energy and fun that it brought but now…..I don’t know!!!!! If I am still taking them can I still come to ask for advice and just vent? Another question is should this be on the other group that is for like open chat or should I stay on this thread. I’m so new to this and really want to be here I just want to make sure that I am doing it properly in order to get the best help I can. So like I said at this point I am really not sure if I am ready for this jump mentally or physically and now I have three scripts of 180 waiting for me at the pharmacy. It is taking everything in me not to go get them!!!! What do I do????? I do need to say thank you for the post that made me realize my real issue!!!!!
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Avatar universal
Well like I said I had to go to the Dr's today and I did tell her that I thought I had a problem. I do have pain issues Colitis and lower back problems. She told me that at this point I still needed to have the meds
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1416133 tn?1351123217
You ABSOLUTELY CAN do this.  :)
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Avatar universal
You guys are great NO I DON't think that the subs are a good idea anymore!!! I have went cold turkey time and time before and I keep going back mind you that I have had ZERO support and LOTS of pushers in my face. This is the first time in years that I have had my own script so at first I felt like it was ok and that I would be able to just stop this time due to the pain and not the need but the need has soooo came back. I am so f'n scared of all of it and am really trying to build myself up to this..the end of my addiction!!! As I sit here in tears I know that what I am doing is wrong but am still so pulled like the devil on the left and my angel on the right. I will keep you guys posted. I really think that by having the support from you guys I can do this!!!!!
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Avatar universal
You guys are great NO I DON't think that the subs are a good idea anymore!!! I have went cold turkey time and time before and I keep going back mind you that I have had ZERO support and LOTS of pushers in my face. This is the first time in years that I have had my own script so at first I felt like it was ok and that I would be able to just stop this time due to the pain and not the need but the need has soooo came back. I am so f'n scared of all of it and am really trying to build myself up to this..the end of my addiction!!! As I sit here in tears I know that what I am doing is wrong but am still so pulled like the devil on the left and my angel on the right. I will keep you guys posted. I really think that by having the support from you guys I can do this!!!!!!
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1416133 tn?1351123217
Okay, I completely understand that you're scared and unsure about what you should do.  The only thing I can tell you is that the longer you keep taking the pills, the more and more you're going to need to get the same relief/effect.  It's a never ending vicious cycle and a lot of the time, it does not have a happy ending.

And I agree with IB - the suboxene seems to be seen by so many as a quick fix to their addiction.  Only I've seen a LOT of people come back here to talk about how they can't get off the subs.  In my mind, it's only trading one addiction for another.  I'm sure it's helped some people, but if this is really what you want to do, to get off ALL the pills, then I think tapering or just going cold turkey is your best bet.  No matter how you decide to go, you will have to go through the withdrawal - and whether you choose to go through the withdrawal now off the vic's, or you choose to go through the withdrawal from the subs, is entirely up to you.  We can't tell you what to do on that one, only share our opinons and our experiences.

I went off xanax and tramadol cold turkey at the same time.  I definitely would never recommend going off the xanax cold turkey as it can be fatal.  I didn't know it at the time, and it was only sheer LUCK that I didn't have the worst outcome possible in doing that.  And yes, it was HARD.  In fact, the HARDEST thing I've ever done.  But you know what?  It's POSSIBLE to stop taking the pills.  Right now.  You can do it if your head is in the right place about it - you have to want to stop more than you want to use, and from what you've wrote, I believe that's where you're at.

So breathe, read some more, keep posting, and talk to your Dr. about your concerns.  I just learned recently (actually today) that suboxene is VERY expensive and as I said, it's not a quick fix.  As IB said, there are vitamins/supplements and other methods you can try that don't require taking any more drugs, and these methods do help quite a bit when detoxing.  So you have to decide FIRST what you want more - to get it over with now, or wait until you're on the subs and then ultimately get off of those too and deal with the withdrawal anyway.

And I truly believe you're ready to do that from what you've said.  And I sense that you know, somewhere deep inside, that going on the subs is not the right answer for you (I sense this because of all the research you've done on this drug and that makes me wonder is this really what you want?)  I think you seem ready right now to just STOP.  Now it's your turn to believe that and do something about it.  And we'll be here to help you along the way and offer suggestions to help you at any given time or with any particular symptom you might be suffering from.

Remember, you CAN stop.  Many have and have gone on to lead normal lives.  So don't forget that it is POSSIBLE to do this without introducing a new drug.  :)
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271792 tn?1334979657
If you want off of the pills, then please reconsider taking any other opiate. You WILL suffer withdrawal from it when it is time to come off so what will be different by then?

I am not try to talk you into or out of anything. The choice is yours. I am only pointing out the obvious. There are thousands of posts here with members asking for help to get off of Suboxone, I can probably count 5 posts that members state they got off and stayed off. That is what I see here and that is what I see at meetings. Basically, it seems more people relapse off of Suboxone then successfully complete the program.

It will take you 5 days to cold turkey off of the pills. I know it is not fun but it is doable. Then you can get on with your life and not take a pill again.

Whatever you decide, we will support you. Just make sure you are doing what is right for you and for the right reasons. Best of luck.
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Avatar universal
Ok I have done a lot more research on the Suboxone and am totally torn. I have no clue how to do this it seems that some are saying that it helps others are saying that it is way worse than cold turkey.... I have 6 subs waiting for the day I go off the V's I go to the Dr at 5pm tomorrow and don't know what to tell her. I DO have chronic back pain that nothing helps BUT I WANT OFF THE PILLS!!!!!! I really feel like I am already loosing my mind just thinking about stopping this is my final clue that YES I AM ADDICTED. I see all the other I did it stories and want that to be me...I'm just so confused and scared. Do I get rid of the Sub's and go cold turkey or do I use them and tapper down...LORD HELP ME!!!!!!!!!
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Avatar universal
Thank you and sorry way new to this I posted the second one not seeing the first one. I guess I am more or less wondering if the withdrawal symptoms would be easier with the Suboxone than trying with just stopping the V's alone I have done that before and it was hell. I have heard that Suboxone is the best way to go by many. I have heard that there was no withdrawal and if so that it was minimal. I have looked into it and have seen horror stories so I thought I would get some opinions for my self from people who have been there and are not here to judge me.
If there is any advise on the best way for me to do this I would be VERY GREATFULL!!!!! Also what supplements and Vitamins would you suggest?
I have not tried to stop this time. I really want to learn more ways to help this be easiest so that there is less of a chance that I will want to take something to make it go away.
Thank you
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271792 tn?1334979657
Hi & Welcome,

You have two posts on this page going asking the same question. How about we stay here so every new member has a chance to get their questions answered, okay?

Suboxone can be a great tool if the program is done correctly and if you go into it with full knowledge or what you are taking and the reasons why. So many people think it is a quick fix pill and you will be in a world of trouble if you think that. Suboxone is a program that should be followed along with outside group support and counseling. Being on Suboxone will give you a chance to get your affairs in order and learn new coping skills and life skills. Please know that you WILL withdraw from the Suboxone and if you are not prepared for that, then don't give it another thought.

It doesn't matter to me how much you are taking, or for how long. The withdrawal is never pleasant but it is doable so if you are ready to make the jump then get yourself prepared for a week of flu like symptoms and mentally prepare yourself that this is the right thing to do and go for it. there are supplements and vitamins you can take to help ease the process and there are things you can do at home as well to make yourself more comfortable. You have the members here to support you every step of the way with tips and support.

So please do your research on Suboxone and give it some serious thought. Let us know what you decide and as I said, we will be here to support you. I wish you the best.
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