strange behavior of friend on suboxone

[smilingirlinmo]

Worried a friend is having strange side effects from suboxone vs her using some other type of drugs. Not sure of her dosing, but her Dr recently increased it to 2 x day because of her cravings. I've seen her pacing, having wild mood swings (depressed then almost wildly manic to the point of hysteria over the least of things). I'm concerned she might be using something else, but don't currently feel comfortable asking her as she has gone off on me over the slightest thing. She is going to 12 step meetings & finally got a sponsor. She only has about 2 months clean. I'm not sure of her psych history, but have been in contact with her off & on for the last 8 years, while she's been in & out of recovery & never saw her act like this before.
Wondered if anyone has had any experience with someone on suboxone developing psychosis or if this could be her using some kind of stimulant (lots of meth around this area).
Any input would be greatly appreciated!

[mellie4]

Well, since you mentioned mania and depression, it could very well be she's in the midst of a bipolar episode and that it has nothing to do with the suboxone or any other drugs.  Would she agree to go get a mental health evaluation?

Many people who use drugs are self-medicating for one reason or another.  My ex-husband was constantly drinking and drugging, mostly in an effort, I believe, to feel normal.  Once when he was so wasted and really acting crazy, I convinced him to go to a well-known hospital that deals with dual-diagnoses.  There we found he had so many different drugs in his system and the amounts were so high, they couldn't understand how he was still standing up.  Even with them trying to sedate him, it took hours.  But he was diagnosed as bipolar.  Unfortunately, he checked himself out AMA after several days and to this day still hasn't had it treated.

Bipolar is a serious illness and can be difficult to bring under control.  If you can't get them to get an evaluation willingly, if they're doing things considered to be a danger to himself or others, you can have him admitted against his will.

Good luck.

[ANewLife4Me]

Hmmmm, that sounds very strange.  Are you sure she is actually taking her Suboxone?  That is certainly strange behavior, the only thing I can think of would be maybe she is selling her Sub for illegal drugs?  Or is she having a hard time dealing with life off drugs?  Were you friends with her before she became involved drugs of any kind?