Sunday, May 19, 2013

Things I Miss & Don't Miss About Using Opiates



Hi Guys and welcome to what is now my 22nd post for my blog about opiate addiction. As always, thanks for reading and a special thanks to those who take the time to comment. Now lets get down to business. I would like this post to discuss some of the things I miss and don't miss about using opiates. Most of the readers out there viewing this post will probably relate to this list and might even share in common a few of the items on the list as well.

I think a lot of addicts at one point in their lives make a list inside their heads about some of the pros and cons of being an addict. Obviously, the cons outweigh the pros nearly every time but that won't usually stop addicts from remembering or reminiscing about the days when they got high. I know I do sometimes. There are some aspects of using that I miss terribly but there are also many things I am glad are in the rearview mirror for now and hopefully forever.

Thus, I would like to provide you guys with a list of some of the things I miss most about once having and maintaining an addiction to opiates in addition to some of the things that I am so glad are now no longer part of my life. This post will be pretty short (shocking!) in comparison to some of my other posts as I would like to leave a lot of room for the readers to comment and share some of their likes/dislikes during their time of using opiates as well as any experiences during their addiction to opiates. These experiences can be funny, sad, shocking, or perhaps a combination of all three. As always, feel free to disclose as much or as little as you would like about your experience with opiate addiction.



The Things I Miss:

  • The simple feeling of getting high

  • The ability to numb any emotion, pain, worries, sorrows, stress, and such with the simple addition of a drug such as an opiate.

  • Getting high and hanging out with friends or at social gatherings

  • Some of the goofy and funny experiences that you say, do, or think when you are high

  • Some of the trips or adventures that come with scoring or looking for drugs

  • The rituals or habits that each and every addict has with getting high

  • Knowing that I can probably never again use "here and there" without going back to old habits

  • Not having anyone to answer to because no one yet knows your dirty, little secret

  • Having to leave behind or limit my time with some people, some of which my own good friends, who use like to use

  • Having no one aware of my addiction and not being known as someone with a "bit of a past"

The Things I Don't Miss:


  • Spending all my money on drugs and constantly being broke all of the time

  • Having to lye, cheat, or steal to get high and afford having an addiction to opiates

  • Letting down those closest to me such as friends and family

  • Being dishonest with my friends and family about where I was going, what I was doing, and who I was associating with

  • Having to act like a totally different person to hide my addiction from friends and family, commonly referred to as living a double life

  • Putting my mind, body, and health at risk

  • Taking risks that could potentially lead to getting arrested or going to jail/prison

  • Participating in shady or sketchy situations with just as shady and sketchy people

  • That feeling in the back of my mind that I know what I am doing is wrong and that I am a better person than the one I am becoming

  • Having to constantly worrying about being able to afford my next score or whether my dealer will be carrying or around

  • Seeing people I grew up with suffer from an addiction, some possibly losing their freedom or even lives.

  • Having to wait around for sometimes hours for my dealer to meet up with me even when he said "just 15 minutes" three hours ago. Sometimes I would waste an entire day just waiting around and looking for drugs or my dealer.

  • Having to scrap together change or pawn things to be able to afford my next score

  • The constant fear of withdrawal

  • Waking up every morning feeling like absolute crap and having the urge to immediately score and get high only to feel and act the same way the next day

  • Having to work or go to school without being able to use and feeling like total crap

  • Feeling like I am unable to accomplish anything without being high or at the very least not withdrawing

  • Using just to feel normal or comfortable rather than actually getting high

Conclusion

Well Guys, that's all I could come up with for right now. I'm sure there are quite a few things I either forgot about, overlooked, or simply took for granted. If you have been following my blog, you know that I am currently taking part in a outpatient Suboxone program. I am now taking .5-.75 mg of Suboxone once a day and feel pretty good about myself and my situation. I haven't been perfect but can say that I am doing a hell of a lot better than I was just a year ago. Over the past year, I would say I have been sober around 345 of the roughly 365 days that I have been in the Suboxone program. Again, not perfect but much better than being high 365 out of 365 days a year I suppose.

I will be making the jump off of Suboxone fairly soon and will have to face a life of no opiates, even ones like Suboxone. I know this is going to be a tough challenge and will require a lot of willpower and strength but I am confident that I have put myself into a better situation. I send my support and best wishes to those who are in a similar situation or who are using and are really thinking about taking the big step of getting clean off opiates. It's not easy and takes a lot of work but is so worth it in the long run. I always ask myself, how many opiate or heroin addicts do I know with 20 or 30 years in the game or who are over 60? Not many. Most, unfortunately, end up either dead or in jail/prison if they are not able to change their lifestyle. You won't find a happy, successful, and well addict who has been in the game long enough.

As you can see from this post, there are certainly some things I really miss about getting high and using opiates. When I decided to get on Suboxone and stop abusing Oxycodone, it almost felt as if there was a void in my life, a feeling of as if I had just lost a good friend. I have heard from other addicts who feel the same way and most attribute this feeling due to the changing of lifestyle by removing something that was such a major part of your life. I miss the feeling of getting high, goofing off with my buddies who liked to use, and the general feeling of warmth that opiates brought. In the past, whenever I was stressed out, depressed, or angry I would turn to Oxycodone as a means of coping with these emotions and feelings. The Oxycodone would numb the pains and struggles of every day life that everyone experiences, addict or non-addict. Our drug of choice was a way out and something that was usually always there for us, providing us with a sense of security and wellness. However, these feelings were false feelings of happiness and enjoyment.

Today, there are still times when my mind tries to talk me into using again or even stopping Suboxone. A voice that appears all too often tempts me with things such as "you've done such a good job lately, why not take a break and have a little fun?" or "Man, remember how fun getting high used to be? Don't you miss it?" I have to remind myself of all the times that I suffered when I couldn't afford or find my next score in addition to some of the things that I had to do to get or afford my next high. I have to remind myself of the withdrawals, the mornings where I would wake up hurting, and the numerous times alone in which I would ask myself, sometimes in near tears, "what got me here and why do I continue to do this to myself?" Most of the time this is enough to deter me from using but like many other addicts fighting the same battle, I sometimes lose and crack.

My point is, we must remember both the good and bad aspects of our addictions and hopefully this will allow us to see that our time using drugs usually led to more bad things than good. We must learn from our experiences and really get a grasp on our minds and bodies. Learning why we get the urges to use and what causes these urges are extremely important and is something I am still doing today. I believe things really do get better over time but as addicts, we will always have to stay on point and look over our shoulders for the demons that we once thought of as our "friends." If we can successfully do this, we can learn ways to cope with the urges and cravings that can so often be dangerous and tempting.

I would love to hear from you guys about some of the things you miss and don't miss most about your addiction to opiates. Please feel free to leave a comment in the comment section telling us about these things as well as any questions or experiences you would like to ask or share. I think that by talking about things such as this with one another, we can learn from and relate to one another. We are all in the same boat fighting the same thing, so why not put our minds together to talk, get things off our chest, and hell, even have a good laugh over some of the silly and desperate things we once did.

When you attempt to put opiates in your past and out of your life, try to think of it as if you are holding a funeral for someone you once knew. Share and remember the good, the bad, and the ugly experiences that you once had with your old "friend" and decide that it is now time to move on to greater things. Think to yourself that while it was fun while it lasted, it eventually had to stop. We're now burying an old friend (our addictions) and looking to move on with our lives.

Remember Guys, there is always a brighter day after a dark night so never let anyone or anything put or keep you down. An addiction to opiates is one hell of a battle but never less, it is a battle that can be won. Keep seeing the light, stay strong, and remember that you can do this if you put your mind and heart into it.

Best Wishes,

Seeingthelight

Friday, May 17, 2013

Opiates and Drug Screens/Tests




Introduction


Having to take a drug test or drug screen can sometimes be a difficult task and time for some within the opiate addiction community. Some struggle to stay clean and away from opiates making the thought of having to take a drug test a total nightmare. Others simply have difficulty in having to submit a sample right on the spot or in front of someone supervising them. All and all, having to take a drug test is something most, if not all, of us truly despise and loathe.

As someone who has to take a drug test/screen about once a week for the Suboxone program I am currently in, I can honestly say that it can be a real pain in the butt sometimes. It can be not only a nuisance at times but can also be a nerve wrecking and, at times, even humiliating experience. Even when I know for sure that I am clean, I sometimes think in the back of my mind "what if something strange happens and my sample gets contaminated?" Or perhaps, "what if I eat or take some kind of medication that results in a false positive?" These questions are, for the most part, rather silly but still add to the stress of having to be drug tested. Not to mention, having to submit a urine sample in front of someone is something I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. Seriously, where do they find those people who are comfortable and willing enough for that type of job?

Most of us here reading this blog are probably familiar to drug tests through things such as work, rehabilitation programs, opiate maintenance programs, or legal issues. At times, these tests can be time consuming, degrading, and even expensive in some cases making drug tests that much worse. I have heard from and talked to a few people in Suboxone programs whose insurance won't cover drug testing requiring them to pay anywhere from $20 to almost $200 for a drug test. So it goes without saying, that while drug testing can help one stay away from opiates by having someone to answer to if they relapse, the process can certainly have it's strain on an individual.

As I mentioned earlier, I have to get drug tested almost weekly due to the Suboxone outpatient program I am currently partaking in. I have been involved in this program for close to a year now, starting out at 4 mg of Suboxone once a day. Today, I am now at .75 mg once a day and am confident I am moving in the right direction. This program has resulted in me taking around 40 drug screens in which about 4-5 were supervised. Thus, I feel I have a relatively good deal of knowledge and experience in regards to taking drug tests.

I created this blog to help people as much as I can and have always wanted to be straight up and honest with each and every reader who takes the time to read my body of work. In this post, I will talk about the detection times in certain drugs, my experiences with getting drug tested, some ways to defeat or possibly avoid having to take a drug test, and finally, just some basic information about the topic. I want to make clear that I am not encouraging anyone to go out and get high or to get high every day until you have to stop for a few days to clean out your system to beat a drug test. That is NOT the point of this post. Rather, I hope this post will provide readers with a sense of knowing what to expect when having to take a drug test and if they do mess up and mistake of using their drug of choice, all might not be lost. On that note, lets begin.

Some Quick Information About Drug Testing

Some reasons for why a person may have to take a drug test include the following:

  • Pre-employment or random, work-related drug testing to identify on-the-job drug abuse

  •  Drug treatment programs such as Suboxone and Methadone maintenance programs

  •  Legal Issues such as parole

  • Drug testing for college or professional athletes

  • Post-accident drug testing - a vehicular or on-the-job accident which may have involved human error and resulted in casualties or property damage

  • Safety-related - if an employee's job could lead to safety issues if judgment or physical ability were impaired

  • Like I always say, everyone and their bodies are different and unique in each person's own way. Thus, someone might be able to get a drug like Oxycodone out of their system in two days while someone else may need close to an entire week. As of right now, there is really no definite way or formula out there to know whether or not you will pass a drug screen unless you test yourself beforehand with an at home drug test. There are ways to perhaps determine your chances of passing/failing but even then, these are just estimations.

    One can usually go out with little trouble and buy drug screens/testing kits at pharmacies such as CVS, Walgreen, and Rite Aid. Testing kits such as these range from a few bucks to close to a hundred dollars and can vary in reliability. The more expensive ones are usually more accurate and test for a variety of other drugs while the cheaper ones often test for less substances and can sometimes be less reliable. Please be aware that some of these drug testing kits do not test for Oxycodone, even if its says on the packaging that it does test for opiates. Oxycodone is unique in that it is an opioid rather than an opiate which can result in a negative result in some products even if you have used Oxycodone. This can be true with other drugs so make sure you are sure that the drug testing product you are getting and using is appropriate for your situation. Most professional lab tests and technicians, however, will be able to detect and differentiate these kinds of drugs.

    There are numerous aspects that can affect whether or not one passes or fails a drug screen. In my opinion, one's metabolism is perhaps the most crucial. I know some people, as well as reading from others online, that those with a fast metabolism can often get drugs out of their system relatively fast. One's health, activity level, diet, and health can all affect the body's metabolism thus having quite an impact on the chances of someone testing negative or positive for drugs on a drug test. Usually, the younger, healthier, and more active an individual is, along with their physical make-up (body fat, muscle mass, etc.,), the less time it will take to get out of one's body.

    It is also important to know that the cutoff limit of the drug test can play a role as well. The cutoff limit is the maximum amount of the presence of the drug allowed that can be present in the individual's drug test without failing. Cutoff limits are usually higher in employment drug screens and lower in treatment programs or parole. If you are nervous about whether or not you can pass a drug screen, the higher the cutoff limit, the better.

    Some important factors to take into consideration about the length of time it takes for a drug to leave one's system can be found below.

    Amount and Frequency of Use:
    -Single, isolated, small doses are generally detectable at the lower boundary. Chronic and long-term use typically result in detection periods near or at the upper boundary.

    Metabolic Rate: 
    Individuals with slower body metabolism are prone to longer drug detection periods.
    Body Mass: 
    In general, human metabolism slows with increased body mass, resulting in longer drug detection periods. In addition, THC (marijuana's active ingredient) and PCP are known to accumulate in fatty lipid tissue. Chronic users, physically inactive users, and individuals with a high percentage of body fat in relation to total body mass are prone to longer drug detection periods for THC and PCP.
    Age: 
    In general, human metabolism slows with age, resulting in longer drug detection periods.
    Overall Health: 
    In general, human metabolism slows during periods of deteriorating health, resulting in longer drug detection periods.
    Drug Tolerance: 
    Users typically metabolize a drug faster once a tolerance to the drug is established.
    Urine pH:
              Urine pH can impact detection periods. Typically, highly acidic urine results in shorter  detection periods. 
     
    Half Life
     
    Perhaps the next most important aspect of determining one's chances of passing or failing a drug test involves the drug's half live. A drug's half life is "the time required for a quantity to fall to half its value as measured at the beginning of the time period." In other words, after a specific period of time, the amount of the drug one used will be spilt into half. For example, the half of Oxycodone is roughly 4-6 hours. If someone were to consume 60 mg of Oxycodone, the amount of this drug after 4-6 hours would be equal to around 30 mg. Another 4-6 hours later, there would be around 15 mg of Oxycodone in one's body.
     
    The half life varies greatly from drug to drug. Most opiates have relatively short half lives meaning they are out of one's system pretty quick. However, some drugs like Suboxone and Methadone meanwhile take much longer in comparison to most opiates while Marijuana is notorious for having one of the longest half lives in the world of drugs. Some quick research and a little math can go a long way in helping one with determining their chances of passing or failing a drug test. Remember, this formula isn't 100% accurate but is rather more of a general guideline to use.

    For more information on the half lives of drugs, click on the links below. The final (3rd) link below is a great video that provides a quick understanding of drug half lives.

    University of Nottingham - Half Life of Drugs

    Wikipedia Biological Half Life

    Drug Half Life Video

     
     
    Common Types of Drug Tests/Screens
     
    There are several methods a doctor and lab can use to drug test individuals. The most common types are urine, blood, hair, and saliva. The most common kind of drug test out of these four methods is the urine drug screen. This test is usually pretty cheap, fast, and reliable for the most part. Urine drug screens can usually provide evidence of drug use for some drugs over the course of a few days to even weeks. Blood and saliva tests are less common  but can be effective in determining whether someone recently used over a 24-48 hour period. These tests are used frequently in things such as a fatal car accident as the test can determine what kind of drugs (if any) were used over the last day or two. Hair follicle testing can provide positive results of drug use for weeks and even months after using but these tests are much rarer than urine screens. Some information on these types of drug testing can be found below. 
     
    1) Hair Testing: 
    Hair analysis to detect drugs of abuse has been used by court systems in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and other countries worldwide. In the United States, hair testing has been accepted in court cases as forensic evidence following the Frye Rule, the Federal Rules of Evidence, and the Daubert Rule. As such, hair testing results are legally and scientifically recognized as admissible evidence.. Most hair tests screen and confirm for the main drugs of abuse (Cocaine, Amphetamines, Methamphetamines, Opiates, PCP, and Marijuana).

    Hair testing for alcohol markers is now recognized in both the UK and US judicial systems. There are guidelines for hair testing that have been published by the Society of Hair Testing that specify the markers to be tested for and the cutoff concentrations that need to be tested. Drugs of abuse that can be detected include Cannabis, Cocaine, Amphetamines and drugs new to the UK such as Mephedrone.

    2) Urine Testing:
    Drug Screens are reported as PASS, or FAIL with urine reported invalid or adulterated.
    When an employer requests a drug test from an employee, or a physician requests a drug test from a patient, the employee or patient is typically instructed to go to a collection site or their home. The urine sample goes through a specified 'chain of custody' to ensure that it is not tampered with or invalidated through lab or employee error. The patient or employee’s urine is collected at a remote location in a specially designed secure cup, sealed with tamper-resistant tape, and sent to a testing laboratory to be screened for drugs (typically the SAMHSA 5 panel). The first step at the testing site is to split the urine into two aliquots. One aliquot is first screened for drugs using an analyzer that performs immunoassay as the initial screen. If the urine screen is positive then another aliquot of the sample is used to confirm the findings by gas chromatographymass spectrometry (GC-MS) methodology.

    If requested by the physician or employer, certain drugs are screened for individually; these are generally drugs part of a chemical class that are, for one of many reasons, considered more abuse-prone or of concern. For instance, oxycodone and diamorphine may be tested, both sedative analgesics. If such a test is not requested specifically, the more general test (in the preceding case, the test for opiates) will detect the drugs, but the employer or patient will not have the benefit of the identity of the drug.

    Common Urine Drug Testing Kit

    Employment-related test results are relayed to an MRO (Medical Review Office) where a medical physician reviews the results. If the result of the screen is negative, the MRO informs the employer that the employee has no detectable drug in the urine. However, if the test result of the immunoassay and GC-MS are non-negative and show a concentration level of parent drug or metabolite above the established limit, the MRO contacts the employee to determine if there is any legitimate reason—such as a medical treatment or prescription.

    On-site instant drug testing is a more cost-efficient method of effectively detecting drug abuse amongst employees, as well as in rehabilitation programs to monitor patient progress. These instant tests can be used for both urine and saliva testing. Although the accuracy of such tests varies with the manufacturer, some kits boast extremely high rates of accuracy, correlating closely with laboratory test results.

    3) Saliva Testing:
    Saliva oral fluid-based drug tests can generally detect use during the previous few hours to roughly 3 days. THC may only be detectable for less than 12.0 hours in some cases. On site drug tests are allowed per the Department of Labor.

    Detection in saliva tests begins almost immediately upon use of the following substances, and lasts for approximately the following times:
    • Alcohol: 6–24 hours
    • Marijuana: 24-36 Hours
    4) Blood Testing:
    Drug-testing a blood sample measures whether or not a drug or a metabolite is in the body at a particular time. These types of tests are considered to be the most accurate way of telling if a person is intoxicated. Blood drug tests are not used very often because they need specialized equipment and medically trained administrators. They are also the most expensive method of testing out of four mentioned here and are usually reserved for criminal cases such as DUI's, vehicular homicide, and the like or during investigations regarding work place accidents.

    Depending on how much marijuana was consumed, it can usually be detected in blood tests within six hours of consumption. After six hours has passed, the concentration of marijuana in the blood decreases significantly. It generally disappears completely within 30 days. Most opiates can usually be detected in the blood for no longer than 24-36 hours.
     
    Some Ways to Defeat or Get Around a Drug Test
     
    While I recommend being honest with your doctor, family, friends, or hell even your parole officer, I know that situations do arise when one must truly find a way to successfully pass a drug test. Below I have included a few options one can attempt to use to defeat or get around a drug test. Please remember that there is no fool proof plan that works every time and to use caution with any of these scenarios. There are a number of factors one must consider before trying any of these "tricks". A good place to start is to find out as much information as you can about the kind of test you are taking and the usual habits and steps the testing facility you are at commonly takes. Try to study, learn, and remember things such as how they go about testing you, where they keep the samples and how they handle them, whether or not you are supervised during your test, and such. The more you know, the better off you will be. Also, please note that these scenarios are meant to work for only urine drug screens.
     
    1) Diluting Urine:
     
    Diluting one's urine works by drinking a large amount of water in hopes of diluting one's urine so much that there will be little to no traces of drug use in the urine specimen. Diluting is defined as "to make a liquid thinner or weaker by adding water or another solvent to it". Most opiates are water soluble, meaning they leave the body through urine and sweat while staying outside of one's fat cells. The reason a drug such as marijuana takes so long to exit the body is because it stores itself in one's body fat. The traces of marijuana stay much longer in the fat cells than they would if they were stored somewhere else in the body. Opiates, meanwhile, usually leave the body much quicker and are often stored in the blood distributed throughout the skeletal muscle, liver, intestinal tract, lungs, spleen, and brain. Opiates are then usually excreted through urine and sweat.

    There isn't really much of a clear cut answer out there as to whether or not drinking large amounts of water can actually make one "flush out" their systems faster but it is proven that drinking a solid amount water shortly before submitting a drug test can certainly dilute the urine specimen enough to force a negative result. In other words, don't count on drinking large amounts of water to flush out your system faster. Instead, the focus should be on using the water to dilute one's urine.

    Most labs can and will test for dilution so someone attempting to try this route should come prepared. I have read that taking the Vitamin B-12 a few days leading up to as well as the day of the drug test can help keep your urine a yellowish color. When you attempt to drink enough water to dilute your urine, your urine will most likely come out looking like, well, water. Having very clear and lightly colored urine is usually a clear indicator for lab technicians that an attempt at dilution has been made so it is important you are able to get around this. Dilution can also affect Creatine levels in the urine so taking a Creatine supplement the week of your drug test may also prove beneficial if you are considering submitting a diluted sample.

    It is important to be aware that some labs, treatment centers, and parole officers can reject urine specimens that are considered too diluted resulting in the individual having to retake the drug test or worst, face possible failure. Labs can measure and judge things such as urine color, smell, Creatine levels, zero gravity levels, and temperature so be sure to do your research beforehand and plan ahead for the worst. If you are absolutely positive you are going to fail your drug test and don't want to come clean with whomever is testing you, diluting your urine may result in you having to retake the test which can possibly buy you a few days to get clean. This is especially true if the drug test is sent off to a lab as it will take the lab some time to get your results, providing you with even more time to get clean. If the testing and results are collected onsite, then it may prove extremely difficult to get around this. 
     
    2) Urine Substitution
     
    Urine substitution can involve two scenarios. The first is using synthetic urine which can be brought at certain specialty stores (think smoke shops) as well as online. I have no experience with using synthetic urine but I do know that recently, the more complex and evolving field of lab testing can easily determine most of the time whether the urine specimen on hand is actually real urine. Again, there are literally hundreds of different kinds of drug tests and testing facilities and some will be more modernized and efficient than others. One person may be able to get away with using synthetic urine at one test site while another may fail miserably.

    Synthetic urine was a great tool to use in the past but as technology has advanced, its effectiveness has been somewhat diminished. From what I have read, synthetic urine can be effective for cheap drug tests that are commonly used at employment drug screening but are usually no match for drug testing in scenarios such as Suboxone/Methadone programs or parole. At the end of the day, I really recommend not going this route as it just seems far too risky (even for this kind of matter).
     
    The other kind of method of urine substitution involves using someone else's urine who is clean from drugs. This could be a friend's or family member's urine sample that you would collect, carefully package, and bring to the testing facility with you. You can than simply add the substituted urine from your friend or family member into the specimen cup needed for the lab. However, there are a few potential complications or problems that could arise from this method.
     
    First, you want to make absolutely sure that who ever you are getting the substituted urine from is a healthy individual who is clean of drugs. This can be a problem for some addicts as most addicts are friends with or hang around with, well, other addicts thus potentially resulting in one's search for clean urine being difficult and limited. There are literally hundreds of myths and urban legends out there on the internet about drug testing and I am not sure if this is simply one of them but I have heard labs can tell the difference between male and female urine so you may want to take that into consideration. Again, this may be just one of many invalid claims surrounding drug testing but it is good to be better safe than sorry.

    A second potential complication that could arise is if you have to submit your urine sample in front of someone that will watch you while you do your business. This person's job is to look for any suspicious behavior indicating cheating or altering the results of your drug test as well as making sure the specimen is handled properly with little chance for contamination. To get around this issue, some people use a tool called a Whizzinator (see HERE) to get around submitting a substitute sample under supervision. A simple Google search of the product can provide you guys with all the details you'll need but to give you a quick description, it is basically a kit consisting of a false penis, dried urine, and tubing that can be used to make it seem like the individual is peeing as one normally would. I have no experience with this product and probably wouldn't have the "guts" to even attempt it. My best piece of advice for someone attempting to go this route would to be extremely cautious with this route and to only do this as a last resort with plenty of practice. It is also important to remember that some states consider drug testing tampering a crime, especially in instances of parole, so again, please use caution and be aware of what you could potentially be getting yourself into.
     
    A final concern with using substituted urine is to make sure you keep the urine warm when you submit it as they sometimes test the temperature of your sample. The temperature should be around a normal person's body temperature (98-100 degrees). You can use the hand warmers packets to keep your specimen warm by wrapping these packets around the container. It may help to have a thermometer handy as well. Urine can deteriorate quickly so make sure if you are going to keep it sealed up for more than a few hours to keep it in an airtight container and out of the light. The sealed sample should be placed in a fridge for no more than a few days. If you can, the best way to go about doing this is to have your friend provide you with the sample, such as in the parking lot of the testing facility, right before you submit the drug test to ensure freshness. Also, be aware that the temperature of your urine begins to drop immediately so keep those hand warmers close by!
     
    I have used substituted urine twice during my time in the outpatient Suboxone program and was successful in passing both drug tests. I used my own urine when I knew I was clean and had a drug test in the near future and like an idiot, wanted to get high. I never used substituted urine that was more than 24 hours old to be on the safe side. I want to note that I did not have someone watching me submit my sample and I don't believe that they test the temperature of the specimen at the facility I get tested at. I made sure to keep my urine in an airtight container wrapped in a brown paper bag (to prevent light from getting at and deteriorating the sample). Immediately after collecting my sample at my house, I put it into my refrigerator and kept the sample there up until roughly a half hour before my drug screen. I made sure to give the bottle holding my sample a good shake as well as making sure that there was enough time to thaw out the sample. I then used the hand warmers (can be found by clicking HERE) to ensure the temperature was appropriate, although like I said before, I don't believe they actually tested the temperature at my particular facility as the samples are simply put into a big box right after you submit them. 
     
    3) Rescheduling
     
    Another option is to, if possible, simply reschedule your appointment to provide yourself with a few extra days to work on getting clean and any substances out of the body. This will usually work in most Suboxone and Methadone programs if you don't have a history of missing/skipping appointments or failing drug screens. Just be sure that it doesn't become a regular thing as I'm sure it could cause some suspicion. On the other hand, it may be much more harder for some individuals to be able to reschedule an appointment for a scenario such as parole.
     
    4) Stay Clean
     
    This one needs no explanation and is by far the best yet sometimes most challenging route to go. If you know you are clean, you know you will pass the test. It really is that simple.

    *Detox Drinks/Kits/Supplements*

    I know there are numerous drinks, kits, and supplements out there that claim they can either get you clean in a short period of time or that they can help you defeat or override a drug test. These products are usually on the expensive side and there is much debate in regards to their effectiveness. I have no experience with any of them and in my opinion, they are not worth the money and risk. Some people claim some of them work great and if you can find one that works, then by all means go for it. I think at the end of the day, the good and effective ones are probably few and far between. In addition to the lack of evidence supporting some of these products, some of the ingredients in these products can be tested for in labs and can result in a failed test depending upon the lab and its policy.
     
     
    Average Detection Times 
     
    Under this section, I have included a few tables and charts that give you guys a brief understanding of the average detection times of various drugs. I provided you guys with a few sources. Some of the numbers vary from one another a little bit but for the most part, they are all in the same ball park. Please remember that these numbers are by no means definite and to not base your situation solely on these numbers. As I said earlier, some people manage to get drugs out of their systems fairly quick while others need much more time. The most important factor determining the detection time of an individual is the individual themselves rather than the amount of time or drug.
    
     
    LOQ (ng/mL) Detection Time* up to
    Amphetamine-Type Stimulants
         Amphetamine
    50
    3 days
         Methamphetamine
    50
    3 days
         3,4-Methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA)
    50
    2 days
         3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)
    50
    2 days
         Phentermine
    50
         Ephedrine/pseudoephedrine
    Not quantitated
    5 days
    Barbiturates
         Long-Acting
              Phenobarbital
    100
    15 days
         Intermediate-Acting
              Butalbital
    100
    7 days
              Amobarbital
    100
    3 days
         Short-Acting
              Pentobarbital
    100
    3 days
              Secobarbital
    100
    3 days
    Benzodiazepines
         Long-Acting
    10 days
              Diazepam
    100
              Nordiazepam
    100
         Intermediate-Acting
    5 days
              Alprazolam
    100
              Lorazepam
    100
              Oxazepam
    100
              Temazepam
    100
              Chlordiazepoxide
    100
              Clonazepam
    100
              Flunitrazepam
    50
         Short-Acting
    2 days
              Triazolam
    100
              Flurazepam
    100
    Buprenorphine
         Buprenorphine
    0.5
    7 days
         Norbuprenorphine
    0.5
    7 days
    Cocaine & Metabolite
         Cocaine
    50
    <1 day
         Benzoylecgonine
    50
    5 days
    Fentanyl
         Fentanyl
    0.2
    3 days
         Norfentanyl
    1.0
    3 days
    Ketamine
         Ketamine
    25
    2 days
         Norketamine
    25
    2 days
    Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD)
         LSD
    0.5
    <1 day
         2-Oxo-3-hydroxy-LSD
    5
    5 days
    Marijuana/Cannabis (THC-COOH)
         Single Use
    3
    3 days
         Moderate Use (4 times per week)
    5 days
         Heavy Use (daily)
    10 days
         Chronic Heavy Use
    30 days
    Methadone
         Methadone
    100
    7 days
         EDDP (methadone metabolite)
    100
    7 days
    Methaqualone
         Methaqualone
    100
    6 days
    Opiates
         6-MAM
    100
    1 day
         Morphine
    100
    3 days
         Codeine
    100
    3 days
         Hydrocodone
    100
    3 days
         Hydromorphone
    100
    3 days
         Oxycodone
    100
    3 days
         Oxymorphone
    100
    3 days
    Phencyclidine
         Phencyclidine
    25
    8 days
    Propoxyphene
         Propoxyphene
    100
    3 days
         Norpropoxyphene
    100
    10 days
     
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     
    DrugClassStreet NamePrescription Brand Name ExamplesDetection Time in Urine
    AmphetamineStimulantspeedDexedrine, BenzedrineUp to 2 days
    Barbituratesdepressants / sedatives / hypnoticsdowners, barbs, redsAmytal, Fiorinal, Nembutal, Donnashort-acting:  2 days
    long-acting: 1-3 weeks
    (based on half-life)
    Benzodiazepinesdepressants / sedatives / hypnotics benniesValium, Ativan, Xanax, Seraxtherapeutic dose: 3 days
    chronic use: 4-6 weeks or longer
    Cocaine (benzoyl ecgonine metabolite)Stimulantcoke, crack, rock cocaineN/AUp to 4 days
    CodeineAnalgesic / OpiateN/AN/A2 days
    Ethyl alcohol, ethanoldepressants / sedatives / hypnoticsalcohol, liquor, beer, wine boozeN/Aurine: 2 to 12 hours
    serum/plasma: 1 to 12 hours
    HeroinAnalgesic / Opiatesmack, tar, chasing the tigerN/A2 days
    Marijuana, Can-
    nabinoids
    Hallucinogenpot, dope, weed, hash, hemp Marinol, CesametSingle use: 2 to 7 days
    Prolonged, chronic use: 1 to 2 months or longer
    MethadoneAnalgesic / OpiatefizziesDolophine3 days
    MethamphetamineStimulantspeed, ice, crystal, crankDesosyn, MethedrineUp to 2 days
    Methaqualonedepressants / sedatives / hypnoticsludes, disco bisquits, 714, lemmonsQuaalude (off U.S. market)Up to 14 days
    MDMA (methylenedioxy-
    methamphetamine)
    Stimulantecstacy, XTC, ADAM, lover's speedN/AUp to 2 days
    MorphineAnalgesic / OpiateN/ADuramorph, Roxanol2 days
    PhencyclidineHallucinogenPCP, angel dustN/A8-14 days, but up to 30 days in chronic users
    PropoxypheneAnalgesic / OpiateN/ADarvocet, Darvon (all form of propoxyphene withdrawn from US market in November 2010)6 hours to 2 days
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Urine Drug Testing Detection Times

    Drug Cut-Off LevelEIA Screen Cutoff LevelGC/MS Confirmation Cutoff LevelApproximate Detection Time in Urine
    Amphetamine (AMP) 1000 ng/mL 1000 ng/mL 500 ng/mL 2-4 Days
    Amphetamine (AMP300) 300 ng/mL 1000 ng/mL 500 ng/mL 2-4 Days
    Methamphetamine (MET) 1000 ng/mL 1000 ng/mL 500 ng/mL 3-5 Days
    Methamphetamine (MET500) 500 ng/mL 1000 ng/mL 500 ng/mL 3-5 Days
    Cocaine (COC) 300 ng/mL 300 ng/mL 150 ng/mL 2-4 Days
    Cocaine (COC150) 150 ng/mL 300 ng/mL 150 ng/mL 2-4 Days
    THC (THC) 50 ng/mL 50 ng/mL 15 ng/mL 15-30 Days
    Opiates (OPI) 2000 ng/mL 2000 ng/mL 2000 ng/mL 2-4 Days
    Opiates (MOR) 300 ng/mL 2000 ng/mL 2000 ng/mL 2-4 Days
    Phencyclidine (PCP) 25 ng/mL 25 ng/mL 25 ng/mL 7-14 Days
    Barbiturates (BAR) 300 ng/mL 300 ng/mL 150 ng/mL 4-7 Days
    Benzodiazepines (BZO) 300 ng/mL 300 ng/mL 150 ng/mL 3-7 Days
    Methadone (MTD) 300 ng/mL 300 ng/mL 150 ng/mL 3-5 Days
    Propxyphene (PPX) 300 ng/mL 300 ng/mL 150 ng/mL 1-2 Days
    Ecstasy (MDMA) 500 ng/mL - - 1-3 Days
    Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCA) 1000 ng/mL - - 7-10 Days
    Hydrocodone 300 ng/mL - 300 ng/mL 2-4 Days
    Hydromorphone 300 ng/mL - 300 ng/mL 2-4 Days
    Oxycodone (OXY) 100 ng/mL - 100 ng/mL 2-4 Days
    Oxymorphone 100 ng/mL - 100 ng/mL 2-4 Days
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


     
    Conclusion
     
    Many of us here know just how stressful a drug test can be. Since being on Suboxone, I have been clean for about 95% of the time. Unfortunately, I have had my slip ups here and there where I crack and use Oxycodone. I have, for the most part, been sober but can feel for those struggling. It's not perfect but I can say I am doing a hell of a lot better than I was just a year ago. I would really like to remain totally sober with no its, buts, or what's, but as most of you, it is a lot easier said than done. Whenever I use my drug of choice, Oxycodone, I always end up turning into a nervous wreck the next few days after as I become so afraid that I will fail my next drug screen. It is a shitty and totally avoidable situation that I have put myself into a few times. In fact, a few times too many as no matter what the situation, the right thing to do is stay clean and learn how to deal with those dangerous and often sudden cravings and urges instead of cracking and using.

     Getting high is fun and all, but in the end it is not worth the constant worrying. That's not even mentioning what would happen if I actually failed the test. Suboxone and the program I have taken part in has helped me so much that I would be devastated to be kicked out of the program for being not only stupid but selfish.

    I don't want to sound like a smart ass or like I am proud of getting around the system with this post. If you have read some of my previous posts, this particular one may have shocked you a little bit. Instead, I wanted to write this post to help anyone who, like me, made the silly mistake of getting high when in reality, they should have stayed doing the right thing and remained sober. I truly know just how difficult and challenging it can be in getting and staying clean from opiates. It really is no joke. If this post can help someone stay in their Suboxone or Methadone program or avoid going to jail/prison, I am happy. However, please don't take this post as an opportunity to learn a new way of getting high without getting caught. I believe that if you keep getting high, cheating the system, and lying not only to your doctors, friends, and family, but to yourself that it will all come back to bite you in the end. The world of drugs and getting high is a dangerous game where the lows almost always outweigh the highs.
     
    As I write this post, I have yet to fail a drug screen (knock on wood) and have found that giving myself a minimal of three days in between from when I last used my drug of choice (Oxycodone) and the day of my drug test works well. Obviously, it goes without saying that the more time since your last time using, the better off you will be. I believe the combination of being a relatively healthy, young man with a good metabolism along with using a drug that has a pretty short half life are the main factors explaining why I haven't failed a drug test. There has defiantly been a few close calls where I have gone about 60 hours since my last time using but in the end, I still passed. I don't really drink a lot of water, exercise a lot, or do anything else extreme to help increase my chances so it must be my metabolism, the short half life of the drug I use, and a little bit of good luck.
     
    There are also a lot of myths and urban legends out there about ways to pass a drug test or get clean quickly. In my experience and to the best of my knowledge, the only way to truly beat a drug test without cheating is with time and a little will power. Some of these myths and urban legends are even dangerous so please, please, please be careful before trying anything or putting anything into your body. There have been people who have actually ended up in the hospital and even died from ingesting too much water over a short period of time (known as Hyponatremia or water intoxication/poisoning) so be careful if you do decide to try diluting your urine for a drug test. Another dangerous myth out there is that one can pass a drug test by ingesting large amounts of the vitamin Niacin. The vitamin can cause illness and death when taken in high enough doses and there is little to no evidence that it is effective in defeating the drug tests/screen around today.

    A list of common myths and urban legends surrounding drug testing/screening can be found by clicking on the two links below this paragraph.

    Common Drug Testing Myths Busted

    Urban Legends, Drug Test Facts, & False Tips to Pass a Drug Test That Will Get You Into Trouble

     
    As always, thank you guys for reading my blog and taking the time to comment on some of my other posts in the past. I really hope this material can reach out to and help some people, even if it is just one person. This post was defiantly different than the others I have written and it was a post that I really went back and fourth on writing and posting. In the end, I decided it might help some people who got themselves in a sticky situation. I know for every low life, scum bag addict you see in the news or on T.V., there are numerous other good people out there who just got themselves in a tough situation with opiates. I like to think of myself and most of my readers on here as these (the good) kinds of addicts.
     
    Take care Guys and until next time, keep seeing that light!
     
    Sincerely,
     
    Seeingthelight

    Thursday, May 9, 2013

    Restless Legs During Opiate Withdrawal

    Hi Folks and welcome to my blog about opiate addiction. When one quits opiates by going cold turkey or after a tapering process, they will most likely experience a variety of withdrawal symptoms. Some are worse than others while others are barely noticeable and simply a minor nuisance. Some of these withdrawals last for a few days while others can be felt for weeks. All and all, withdrawals from opiates can really make quitting opiates and staying clean an extremely difficult (yet possible) task.


    If you were to ask me what withdrawal symptom I dread the most, I can say right off the bat and without a doubt that restless legs takes home the prize. Sure, the chills, sweats, aches/pains, stomach problems, and lack of sleep make for one hell of a week(s) but in my opinion, none of these symptoms come remotely close to how bad restless legs can feel. The awful feeling of having to constantly move one's legs while changing positions every 30 seconds is about as close to Hell as I can imagine. To make matters worse, I actually have the condition Restless Leg Syndrome, which makes the common opiate withdrawal symptom of restless legs feel like a million times worse when detoxing. Hell, even if I'm not withdrawing from opiates and am experiencing restless legs I feel so frustrated, defeated, and weak.

    Therefore, I would like to use this post as an opportunity to provide you guys with some quick information about restless legs during opiate withdrawal along with some ways to help provide relief for such a nasty withdrawal symptom. While I will talk a little bit about the condition Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS), most of this post will concern restless legs as a symptom of opiate withdrawal rather than the actual medical condition of RLS.
     
    What are Restless Legs and Why Do We Get Them


     
    It is important to first identify and separate the medical condition known as Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) and the symptom of restless legs that one would experience during opiate withdrawal. While both items carry with them near identical symptoms, RLS is usually a chronic condition meaning it is something one will have for quite some time and possibly for their entire life. On the other hand, restless legs as a symptom of opiate withdrawal is a result of the body undergoing a detoxification process and these symptoms will eventually disappear over time. To provide you guys with an example, pretend an individual takes part in an intensive exercise routine that results in their blood pressure increasing momentary. While this person did experience a bout of high blood pressure, it does not mean that the person suffers from the condition of having high blood pressure. Rather, the increase in blood pressure for this individual was a direct result of the exercise rather than an actual medical condition, illness, or disease. Thus, for this particular post, we will focus on restless legs occurring as a result and symptom of opiate withdrawal.
     
    Restless legs can be described as having any of the following symptoms:
     
    • Constant or frequent urges to move legs
    • Itchy feeling in legs commonly described as "an itch you can't feel or itch"
    • Crawling feeling within the legs
    • Random jerks or reactions from legs
    • Hot or cold flashes in the legs
    • Pain or burning sensation in the legs
     
    Common Symptoms of Restless Legs

    Restless legs can truly be a nuisance and often limit or disturb one's sleep making detoxing off opiates that much harder. The condition also seems to worsen for many at night and/or when they are sitting or laying down. For many, this leads to numerous nights of tossing and turning in bed late at night in hopes of being able to find a comfortable position and achieve some level of sleep. Although less common, some people report having these feelings in their arms, neck, and shoulders as well.

    The understanding of Restless Leg Syndrome and restless legs in general is pretty limited as of right now. Fortunately, the topic and area has been getting more attention over the last couple of years as the number of cases of patients experiencing restless legs or related symptoms continues to grow. In years past, many doctors and specialists thought restless legs were a symptom of a condition rather than an actual condition in itself. Today, the condition is actually labeled as an entirely separate beast and not simply as a symptom of something else. Some studies suggest that as many as 1 in every 10 people will develop Restless Leg Syndrome at some point in their lives, with those over 55 appearing most vulnerable.

    Now, the restless legs episodes that most of us who are reading this blog experience are most likely a symptom resulting from opiate withdrawal rather than the actual condition of RLS. However, I mention the increase of attention in the condition RLS as it has led to numerous medications and treatments becoming available that can also be used to treat restless legs resulting from opiate withdrawal. Most of these medications are still in the early stages and as a result, there has been mixed reactions as far as how effective these medications are in treating restless legs.

    According to the website Help Guide, scientists and doctors believe the cause of restless legs is as follows (in blue font):

    "Experts believe that restless legs syndrome is caused by an imbalance of dopamine, a chemical that transmits signals between nerve cells in the brain. Restless legs syndrome is usually genetic, about 60% of people with restless legs have a family member with the condition. Although anyone can have restless legs syndrome, it is more common in older adults and women. In fact, about 40% of mothers experience temporary restless legs syndrome during pregnancy. Health conditions such as diabetes, iron deficiency, rheumatoid arthritis, and kidney failure can also trigger restless legs syndrome."
     
    Web MD provides the following information (again, in blue font) in describing some of the potential causes or factors contributing to the presence of restless legs:
     
    Chronic diseases. Certain chronic diseases and medical conditions, including iron deficiency, Parkinson’s disease, kidney failure, diabetes, and peripheral neuropathy often include symptoms of RLS. Treating these conditions often gives some relief from restless legs symptoms.
     
    Medications. Some types of medications, including antinausea drugs, antipsychotic drugs, some antidepressants, and cold and allergy medications containing antihistamines may worsen symptoms.
     
    Pregnancy. Some women experience RLS during pregnancy, especially in the last trimester. Symptoms usually go away within a month after delivery.
    Other factors, including alcohol use and sleep deprivation, may trigger symptoms or make them worse. Improving sleep or eliminating alcohol use in these cases may relieve symptoms.
     
    Now, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that the reason most of us who are reading this blog experience restless legs is due to withdrawing from opiates. However, some people (myself included) may actually have Restless Leg Syndrome so it is important that one is able to differentiate between the two. You don't want to be experiencing restless legs 3 months after detoxing off opiates thinking that you are getting the restless legs due to no longer using opiates. You may in fact actually have the condition Restless Leg Syndrome so make sure you evaluate your situation and talk openly and honestly with your doctor. A simple physical and possible lab blood test can sometimes determine whether or not you have RLS as well as possibly identifying the cause of it. Having any conditions, problems, or issues taken care of and in control will only make your road to recovery easier in the long run. You don't want to end up one night feeling frustrated and uncomfortable because you can't sleep or that your legs are bothering so much that you end up turning to your drug of choice for relief. I have been there before... more than once unfortunately.

    As I previously mentioned, restless legs can be a direct result of something else other than opiate withdrawal. This situation is referred to as Secondary Restless Leg Syndrome and can occur in situations such as pregnancy, disease, nutrient deficiency, or as a side effect from certain medications. Diphenhydramine, the main ingredient in Benadryl, is a perfect example of Secondary RLS. A common side effect of this over the counter medication, especially when taken in higher dosages, is restless legs. I use this medication as an example because I know it is a popular choice as a medication among addicts (as well as non-addicts) to use to provide relief for insomnia. The sedative effect of Diphenhydramine is appealing to many addicts who are struggling to sleep during detoxification. However, the medication can have the exact opposite effect on some leaving them with a sense of restlessness and feeling worse. This was something that I dealt with numerous times until I finally figured out the medication was doing more harm than good. Please not that I am not knocking Benadryl as it can be really effective for some. At the end of the day, know your body and what works and doesn't work. The chart below provides some common factors that can lead to Secondary RLS.
     
    Possible Causes for Restless Legs
     
    Remedies and Treatments to Help Relieve Restless Legs
     
    As I have previously stated, the methods and treatments used for treating restless legs right now are somewhat limited. There are several tips, treatments, and medications out there that claim to help in providing relief for restless legs. Some work well for some people while providing little to no relief for someone else. In other words, these medications and treatments have different degrees of success. At the end of the day, like so many other things in life, everyone is different and their bodies will react differently to different treatments and medications. However, I would like to include some of these medications and treatments in hope that maybe you will find one that works well for you. As always, be sure to talk these items over with your doctor and to know what you are putting into your body. A little research can go a long way.
     
    This information was provided by the website Help Guide. You can access this information and learn more about restless legs by clicking HERE.
     

    Help Guide's Lifestyle treatments for restless legs syndrome (RLS):

    There is a lot you can do to take care of restless legs syndrome yourself. Mild RLS can often be treated with lifestyle changes alone. The following daytime habits can help reduce the frequency and severity of your restless legs symptoms.
    • Sleep better by sticking to a regular sleep schedule. Fatigue can worsen the symptoms of restless legs syndrome, so doing what it takes to get enough sleep is crucial. Try hitting the sack at the same time every night, (or try warm baths or reading in bed) allowing plenty of time for winding down.
    • Exercise in moderation. Daily activity, including moderate aerobic exercise and lower-body resistance training, can significantly reduce the symptoms of restless legs syndrome. Swim, go for a walk, take the stairs, or spend a few minutes doing jumping jacks. Keep in mind that excessive exercise—like training for a marathon—can actually make restless legs syndrome worse.
    • Cut back on caffeine. Caffeine often makes the symptoms of restless legs syndrome worse. Try reducing or eliminating your consumption of coffee, tea, soft drinks, and caffeinated foods such as chocolate.
    • Avoid alcohol and cigarettes. Many people with restless legs syndrome find that their symptoms improve when they stop drinking and smoking.
    • Consider dietary supplements. Check with a doctor or nutritionist to find out if you’re low on iron, vitamin B, folic acid, or magnesium. Deficiencies can bring on RLS.
    • Lose weight. If you’re overweight, dropping the extra pounds can often relieve or lessen the symptoms of restless legs syndrome.
    • Try practicing relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation. Stress can make RLS symptoms worse. Daily stretching and meditation can promote relaxation and alleviate (RLS).

    Help Guide's Self-help treatment for restless legs syndrome (RLS):

    Living well with restless legs syndrome means knowing how to manage situations where you must be still. The following tips and tricks will help you control RLS so it doesn’t control you.
    • Pressure can help relieve the discomfort of restless legs syndrome. Try wearing compression socks or stockings or wrap your legs in bandages (but not so tight you’ll cut off circulation).
    • Try sleeping with a pillow between your legs. It may prevent nerves in your legs from compressing.
    • Try to find or create a work setting where you can be active. If you work at an office, look into a desk that lets you stand and type.
    • Tell friends, family, and coworkers why you have to move more than others. They’ll likely be accommodating and want to help you create a healthy environment.
    • Choose an aisle seat at movies and on planes so that you can get up and move.
    • Give yourself stretch breaks at work and during long car rides.

    Help Guide's Stretches for restless legs syndrome (RLS):

    Simple stretching can help stop the symptoms of restless legs syndrome in their tracks. Here’s a handful to help you get started.
    • Calf stretch – Stretch out your arms so that your palms are flat against a wall and your elbows are nearly straight. Slightly bend your right knee and step your left leg back a foot or two, positioning its heel and foot flat on the floor. Hold for 20 to 30 seconds. Now bend your left knee while still keeping its heel and foot flat on the floor. For a deeper stretch, move your foot back a bit farther. Switch legs and repeat.
    • Front thigh stretch – Standing parallel to a wall for balance, grab and pull one of your ankles toward your buttock while keeping the other leg straight. Hold for 20 to 30 seconds. Switch legs and repeat.
    • Hip stretch – Place the back of a chair against the wall for support and stand facing the chair. Raise your left foot up and rest it flat on the chair, with your knee bent. (Or try placing your foot on a stair while holding the railing for balance.) Keeping your spine as neutral as possible, press your pelvis forward gently until you feel a stretch at the top of your right thigh. Your pelvis will move forward only a little. Hold for 20 to 30 seconds. Switch legs and repeat.

    Help Guide's Treatment for restless legs syndrome (RLS):

    If self-help doesn’t relieve your restless legs syndrome symptoms, you may benefit from visiting a doctor or a sleep specialist.

    Diagnosing restless legs syndrome (RLS)

    While there are no laboratory tests that can determine if you have restless legs syndrome, your doctor can diagnose it by reviewing your medical history and conducting a physical exam. To diagnose RLS, your doctor will request:
    • A complete medical history
    • A survey to see if anyone else in your family has similar symptoms
    • A diagnostic interview, to rule out other medical conditions
    • A blood test for low iron levels
    Your doctor may also review the medications you’re taking as some prescription and over–the–counter drugs can make the symptoms of restless legs syndrome worse.

    Help Guide's Medications that can make restless legs syndrome (RLS) worse:

    • Over-the-counter sleeping pills
    • Antihistamines (found in many cold and allergy pills such as Benadryl, NyQuil, and Dimetapp)
    • Anti-nausea medications (such as Antivert, Compazine, and Dramamine)
    • Calcium channel blockers (used for high blood pressure and heart problems)
    • Antidepressants (such as Prozac, Effexor, and Lexapro)
    • Antipsychotics (used for bipolar disorder and schizophrenia)
    If a medical condition, such as iron deficiency, diabetes, or nerve damage is triggering your restless legs syndrome, treating the underlying problem may relieve your RLS symptoms. But if there is no underlying condition and lifestyle changes don’t bring enough relief, you may need medication to reduce the restlessness in your legs.

    Help Guide's Medication as treatment for restless legs syndrome (RLS):

    No single medication works for everyone with restless legs syndrome. In fact, a drug that relieves one person’s restless legs may actually make your symptoms worse. In addition, many people with restless legs syndrome find that medications that work initially become less effective over time.
    It’s also important to be aware of potential side effects, such as nausea, headache, and daytime sleepiness. If you struggle with compulsive shopping, gambling, or binge eating there is also a risk that medication for RLS could make these problems worse.

    Before using medication for the treatment of restless legs syndrome (RLS)

    Have you…
    • given self-help a fair shot with non-medication treatments?
    • considered how medication side effects may impact your life?
    • weighed the pros and cons of medication vs. lifestyle changes?
    • talked to your doctor about existing health conditions and drugs you’re taking?

    Parkinson’s medication for restless legs syndrome (RLS):

    The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved three Parkinson's medications for the treatment of restless legs syndrome, with the latest addition, the dermal patch Neupro, approved in April, 2012. The three are:
    •  Pramipexole (Mirapex)
    •  Ropinirole (Requip)
    •  Rotigotine Transdermal System (Neupro)
    Medications Used to Treat Restless Legs


    Other Parkinson’s drugs that are sometimes used to treat RLS include Sinemet (carbidopa/levodopa), cabergoline and pergolide. Side effects of Parkinson's medications for restless legs syndrome include nausea, lightheadedness, fatigue, and an increased risk of heart disease.

    Help Guide's Other common medications for restless legs syndrome (RLS):

    • Prescription painkillers (such as codeine, oxycodone, Vicodin, and Percocet) can provide relief in severe, unrelenting cases of restless legs syndrome. However, prescription painkillers can be addictive. Side effects include nausea, dizziness, and constipation.
    • Sleep medications and muscle relaxants (such as Ambien, Sonata, and Klonopin) can help you sleep better if the symptoms of restless legs syndrome keep you up at night. However, these medications do not eliminate the uncomfortable leg sensations and can cause daytime drowsiness.
    • Anti-seizure medications (such as Neurontin, Tegretol, and Epitol) can be effective for painful daytime symptoms of restless legs syndrome. Side effects include dizziness and drowsiness.
    Conclusion
     
    As you can see, there are several ways one can go about in treating restless legs. In my opinion, the most important step one should first take is to determine why they are getting restless legs. Ask yourself if you were experiencing restless legs before, during, and after your use of opiates or rather did they appear right after you began detoxing and withdrawing off opiates. One must determine whether it is the detoxing off of opiates that is causing the restless legs or is it perhaps an underlying condition or symptom of one?
     
    It may also be a good idea to get a lab blood test done as deficiencies in certain vitamins or minerals such as Iron can also cause restless legs. The lab blood tests are pretty easy to get done and can tell you and your doctor a lot about what is going on inside your body.
     
    In my experience, I have used hot baths, stretching, moderate exercise, and the medication Requip (Ropinirole) to treat bouts of restless legs. Overall, these have provided me with moderate relief but are defiantly not miracle drugs or techniques. I have yet to withdraw and experience withdrawal since being on Suboxone so I can't speak much about how effective the Requip medication is in treating restless legs from opiate withdrawal. As I stated earlier, I actually have Restless Leg Syndrome and can honestly say the Requip has been effective in treating the restless legs but as most of you, opiate withdrawal is an entirely different beast so its effectiveness for this kind of situation remains to be seen.
     
    My best advice is to talk with your doctor about what your options are for treating this dreadful withdrawal symptom. Your doctor might be able to prescribe you with something or possibly recommend some things, such as a change in diet, that can help your particular situation and needs.
     
    As always Guys, thanks for taking the time to read and participate in my blog. Feel free to leave any comments in the comment section about your experiences with restless legs and what helps/doesn't help in treating this symptom of opiate withdrawal. I look forward to hearing from you guys in the comment section and remember to keep seeing the light!
     
    Take Care,
     
    Seeingthelight