Scared to start my suboxone

[amischille1]

I have been on  narcotics on an off for years.  However, thank God, I have maintained more time clean than using.  I am just terrified of withdrawals having almost died coming off dilaudid years ago.  Long story short, started using hydros about a year ago mixed with alcohol.  Went into hospital for alcolohol toxicity and DT's and came out off hydros without having to go thru withdrawal.  Given a gift that I did not take advantage of.   I got on antabuse and it has been a wonderful.  I have not had any alcohol or thoughts thereof for six months.  The problem, I started taking hydros again about three months ago and also learned to shoot oxy's.  I am not new to the needle, I had just not done that in years.  (Please don't rip my head off if I am not using proper "speak" here, I just found this website and need experience and hope.)  

Wonderful husband caught me using last week and did not kill me.  He has been a rock of support and I went to suboxone clinic day before yesterday.  I have been tapering down for about ten days since he caught me.  I have my suboxone and am ready to start taking it but I am reading contradicting horror stories everywhere.  I am told that if I take the suboxone it will throw me into acute withdrawal.  I don't know if I am supposed to still be using other narcotics when I start the suboxone or if I am supposed to have quit everything.  I have only been back using anything for three months.My doctor just said "taper down and then start the strips."  Over the past five days, I have taken oxy 30 # 4 to 5 per day or mophine  30 mg 2 to 3 a day.  My last use was oxy 30 mg (3 of them) was 10 hours ago and mophine 30 mg 3 hours ago.  When do I start the suboxone?  I have to teach tomorrow night.  I was told to start taking the suboxone but take as many hydros as needed to feel ok and get thru scholl tomorrow night and then Christmas.  I am so confused, I do not want to throw my self in to worse withdrawals than if i I just quit using.

[amischille1]

I did go to a clinic.  They put me on 1/2 strip (8/2) four times daily.  They just did not tell me clearly when to start.  Just said, taper down from what you are on and then start the suboxone.

[optimus22mac]

You need to be in moderate withdrawal to start suboxone...once you take the suboxone, it will start working very quickly, and those moderate withdrawals should go away completely.  You do not have to be in full blown withdrawals, but you should be feeling uncomfortable.  If you are not sure how to gauge your withdrawals, there is the COWS scale...Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale.  You can find it on the internet, and it shows all of the symptoms and severity and helps to know when to induce your first dose of suboxone.  What dose are you prescribed?

[maria920]

Suboxone does stop u from going thru WD it will also stop u from going back bc u can't get high bc it blocks it. The only thing is , is when ur coming off u will go thru WD if u don't taper long and slow enough.

[Teresa1717]

"If I am 12 to 24 hours out from taking my last hydro and in moderate withdrawal, will the suboxone get me out of withdrawal?  Does it do that? "...Hopefully someone will come along who can answer that question but I just wanted to ask , you did get the subs from a Sub clinic right?? How much did they put you on??

[amischille1]

It just blows my mind that there are people out there willing to take the time to respond to my question.  Thank you.  I think I was very confused about the purpose of suboxone.  When I made the appointment at the clinic, I was lead to believe that the purpose of the suboxone was to keep me from going thru withdrawal.  I now know better.  I think that I want to do the the suboxone so that I don't ever take a chance on going back again.  I am fifty and have given drugs enough of my life.  I went on antabuse as insurance against alcohol relapse and it has been one of the best decisions of my life.  I have actually been able to put months together.  I have been in recovery and I know the glory of it but I also know that my will power is zero.  I have memory loss where pain is concerned.  I have tapered today with no iv and only a few hydros.  Do not feel great but with a goal of getting my life back it makes it worth it.  If I can continue to taper, I want to start the suboxone Saturday or Sunday.  If I am 12 to 24 hours out from taking my last hydro and in moderate withdrawal, will the suboxone get me out of withdrawal?  Does it do that?

[maria920]

Hi and welcome! I'm on suboxone now and it saved my life! I was shooting heroin and other pain pills as well. When u start suboxone make sure ur already starting to go thru WD and u will b fine. DO NOT USE ANYTHING ELSE WITH IT!  If u do before it will out u in full blown WD until it burns all the opiate out of ur system and if u do after nothing will work. It blocks all opiates. When u decide to cone off suboxone do a very long slow taper and u will b just fine!!! Don't worry so much. I kno its scary bc of everything ur reading but if u do it right u will b just fine. PM me if u need anything !!!! Were all here for u =)

[jlannspr]

Great advice above. Don't be afraid to ask the doctor a ton of questions, and it does sound like you need to swith doctors. Probably shouldn't start the hydro's at all; it'll send the wrong message to your brain. Great job on coming here and posting, there is a lot of support here.

[Teresa1717]

Hi there and welcome! So first off who told you to continue taking oxys and morphine while taking subs??? That is CRAZY!! The Naloxone in the subs will  put you in precipitated withdrawls and your going to feel horrible! I dont know a ton about subs but I am pretty sure that you need to be off opiates for about 48 hours before you should start on a sub program. Im concerned that you ended up at one of these sub clinics that is just in it for the money.

There are many people here who have been on subs or have worked for sub clinics who may be able to add more, but I really think you should consider finding a different clinic, one that really want to help you and not just take your money!

Redardless though, Im glad you want to stop and you have come to the right place! This forum has wonderful people here with great adivce and support! Stick close, and ask questions. Were here to help!

[JustagirlfromTX]

It doesn't sound like your doctor gave you very clear instructions!  I am not very familiar with subs but I do know that you do not want to have any narcotics in your system when you start or you will go into a severe withdrawal. Hopefully someone will come along soon who can help you!  Please do not take the sub until you get better instructions!  Would hate for you to get really sick by taking it too soon. Good luck and welcome to the forum. Hang tight and someone with better knowledge will hopefully help you!