questions about suboxone and any resources...

my story in a nut shell, I have been an addict for the past 5 or 6 years, past year have been taking about 10 to 15 lortab 10/500 I am completly out and I do have an appoitment tomorrow morning for suboxone, I've heard some good and bad things, but I really feel this is the best route for me.  I did go throught withdrawls once about 2 years ago and It was the worst day of my life, I got a hold of my DOC and that was that.  Now I know i want to quit for a lot of reasons one being my son, and other I do not have a life anymore, I quit my job in March and since then have not done a damn thing.  I got a call today for a job but had to take a drug test at 11:30 this moring, of course I couldn't do it, so I resch. till next Monday (if the job is still open) hopefully I'll be on subox and that can be explained.  Any way my hubbie is soooo upset with me now for not going in, (he is completly unaware of my addicition) so It's kinda hard to explain why I wanted to wait for my appt. before I went in for the drug test.  Anyway, I'm full of mixed emotions I want to get off this **** but I'm so scared.. My big issue right now is the cost.. the initial appt. is 250.00 an thankfully my insurance will cover the script but the copay will be 40.00... I can just cover the appt. but cannot cover the script.  I remember one time on this websit, someone had a website on how to get help with the payment of the subox, does anyone here have any idea on what I can do?  I fee like such a baby, but I really do not want to feel the way I did the other time I tried to quit and I know a lot of you have done it c/t and lived to tell, I just don't think I can...so please if your still posting and know who I could contact for info on the cost of this expensive med, let me know as soon as possible....please...

[worried878]

I was an 80-100 mg a day hydro user for 4 years....did do 120-130 mg a day when i had a surplus which was not often...financially they were breaking me....so the sub does not seem that expensive in reality...but is not the route i would choose unless i was totally convinced i could not quit on my own...u know the physical wds will last a week or less...it is the easy part in the scheme of things..people are afraid of the wrong things about recovery....if all i had to do was feel like poo poo for a few days here and there i would have contined to use..it is the aftermath that is soooooooooo hard...and it does not leave for months...or for some i am not sure the issue is ever really gone..it is a long battle that reaches way beyod the 4-5 days i felt flu-like...would i pay all that money to skip the flu..NO...sub will help u skip that part but to skip the long term hard part...u will have to stay on it long term..then u will be addicted to it...then u have to withdraw from it...then u r right back to where u r right now....doesnt sound so great to me when i look at it like that.....but u have not been there yet..to the aftermath    so u dont know...and it is hard to tell people about something they have not felt yet.....comes down to ur goals....do u think u need a long term maintenance narctic like sub?   or do u just want to skip wds?  if people cant get off work i can see the usefulness of sub short term...just remebering that sub is powerful and addicting...21 days or less to avoid addiction....1 mg of sub = 15 mg of methadone...there is a chart in my journal..educate urself...be sure u know what u r doing and dont get stuck on sub if that is not ur goal

[worried878]

oh...there are lost of articles in the health pages on sub  and i have several in my journal...if u go to the pharmaceutical site..naabt dot org....u will only hear the best..as they are trying to sell their drug....that is not a good informational site as no negatives are mentioned...if i were trying to sell a drug i would not fill my website with negative info either...some use that site like their bible...remember it is biased..posting here and getting peoples opinions from real life use is the best...or google other sites...stay away from that site

[azaddiction]

I understand what you are saying and I fully agree, however I did try to quit C/T once and I just don't think I'm up to it, sounds like a cop out, but i am scared ******** to have to go through it again, and I just don't feel I have the strength, I will look up other info on the web, and my goal is to stop for good, and no be an addict to something else.  I need to do what I feel is best for me and right now I feel the subox is.  I'll keep reading and posting because I think this site is very helpful and If i could/can offer in insight on what the subox does for me or doesn't then I will let people know, but like I said this sight to me is a life saver and I will not go away from it again...  Thanks for your info and I'll let you know what is what (for me at least).

Thanks

[cjoyb4]

My doctor told me that if a reputable doctor is following your sub use closely that it is very effective. I think I understand your fear of cold turkey, and it's probably not the physical wd's. The mental anguish can be devastating and even dangerous. If you're scared because of that then you're probably making the right decision. It's different for everyone. The doc also told me that only about 10% of people who become addicted to the drug you've been using will become addicted to the sub. It's not the exact same drug. It has some components that are the same, but it's got a very different make up and was created especially for this use. Sure the drug companies want to make money; they are a business. They also want to stay in business and be able to keep selling their product, so why make one that backfires? That's just my humble opinion. I have heard success stories about sub. Good luck!

[allaboutmary]

It is easier to taper down on Suboxone in the first few months. The doctor might put you on a high dose to start, should not be more than probably 6 mg. I see too many doctors starting people at too high a dose. After the 7-10 days you should start to taper down, getting to the lowest dose that is comfortable. Two reasons this will help. 1. It will cost less to keep you on a maintenance dose. 2. It will be much easier and quicker to taper off of when you are ready. My 2 sisters and myself are all on Sub. . I tapered quickley in the beginning and my sisters did not. They are having are harder time now tapering.
Like worried said you must decide if you just want to get past withdrawals or think you need a maintenance dose to keep you from relapsing. If it's just to get through the withdrawal, then try the 21 day plan in the Health Pages. Feel free to PM me with any other questions. Best Wishes,  Mary

[wait2long]

naabt is a great site for informational purposes, there IS negative about sub there if you go to the forum and read real life stories and talk to who are or were on it, its a very honest and important site for anyone currently taking sub as part of a treatment plan or looking for information.
the 21 day plan is good if you think you can make the life long changes needed to stay clean within 21days.  long term is good if you have relapsed and are unable to make those life long changes in only 21 days.
i chose long term and do not regret my decision. i started out at the highest dose which is 32 mgs because i transitioned from methadone.  stayed there for about 6 weeks and have done 2 rapid tapers that got me down to 24 mgs then down to 16 mgs...i am now down to 6 mgs without a problem yet.
its MUCH easier to taper suboxone than oxies, percs, vikes and methadone..tried them all, i just was not a good taper subject...
i have been able to with suboxone and now that i am on a lower dose, i will have to take my taper MUCH slower...and i am prepared to do it and have the knowledge from reading the "how to's" at naabt.
and cjoyb4 just hit the nail on the head by the way...
if you have a good doctor, a good plan, stick to the plan-even if long term, you will succeed.  but being committed comes first and some form of therapy, NA, or AA is a must to help make these changes and continue on the right path hopefully for life.
i have a ,lot of information, links, site, and ways to find doctors.  if you need anything, shoot me a message anytime...

i also do have the website with the information for "some" to get help with the cost of suboxone...send me a message and i will get it for you...
and dont be scared you will be fine hun, you can do this, but dont go it alone...seek help with this through a form of therapy etc...
good luck to you...

[azaddiction]

Thanks for the info.. I am planning on taking other steps for my recovery, part of my reasons are for the w/d's but the major part is I want my life back, and I need help.  I tried to send you a message on your profile but could not, so if you would be so kind as to let me know what I can do about getting monetary help that would be great...thanks againg for taking the time to read and write on my post...

Thanks
AZ..

[wait2long]

you couldnt send me a message???
well thats odd...hold on and let me see whats up with that...ok?
most everyone needs help, and thats nothing to feel bad about, thats a good thing...
i just sent you a message, watch for it...