The Ultimate Surival Kite For Opiate Withdrawal

Introduction

Hi Guys, hope all is well on the other side of the computer screen. I welcome both new and returning visitors to my blog about opiate addiction. For this post,  I would like to provide you guys with a list of items that can help provide some relief for those experiencing opiate withdrawal. As most of you already know, opiate withdrawal can be a true pain in the ass and is for many, one of the hardest and most difficult times of one's life. I call this list the ultimate survival kit for opiate withdrawal and hope that it can help you guys during such a challenging time.

For this list, I will provide you guys with a list of over the counter medications, prescription medications, coping techniques, and other tips or activities that can help make withdrawal a little more bearable. With the exception of Loperamide, a relatively weak opioid, I will be excluding any opiates or opioids from my list as well as any drugs that can be used for opiate replacement therapy (ex. Suboxone or Methadone). In other words, the items on this list are things that will not simply mask or prolong opiate withdrawal but rather help provide relief for withdrawal without the aid of opiates through other means.

What Are Opiate Withdrawals and Why Do We Get Them?

 

Opiate withdrawal occurs when a person continues to use an opiate(s) over a prolonged period of time and than suddenly stops taking the opiate(s). The amount of time it takes for one to become addicted to or dependent upon an opiate varies from person to person and also depends on a variety of factors such as the amount of the drug taken, the length of time the drug is taken, the kind of drug being taken, along with other factors. These factors can also determine the severity of the withdrawals as well. Some people may become addicted to a drug after a few weeks of continued use while for others, it may take longer to develop a dependency or addiction. The general rule of thumb for most opiates is that anything over 2 weeks of continued use greatly increases the risk of developing a dependency or addiction to the drug. Everyone experiences their own set of withdrawal symptoms with some feeling worse than others. Misusing, taking more than prescribed, and abusing opiates in comparison to taking them as prescribed by a doctor under their supervision can also increase the chances of becoming addicted or dependent upon the opiate. 

 

It is also important to note the difference between being physically addicted to something and physiologically addicted to something. Being addicted physically means you will actually feel a variety of symptoms if you stop taking the drug after continued use. These symptoms include things such as aches, chills, cold sweats, restless legs, and such. The physiological aspects deals with the cravings and urges to use the drug you may begin to develop after continued use of the drug. While it may take several weeks to become physically addicted to something, becoming addicted to something physiologically may happen much quicker. Again this varies from person to person along with other factors so there really isn't a definite answer as to how much of or how long we must take something to become addicted to it.

 

Some common symptoms of opiate withdrawal include any of the following:

 

• Stomach Aches/Pains
• Diarrhea
• Restlessness
• Restless Legs/Limbs
• Cold Chills/Goosebumps
• Cold Sweats
• Joint and Muscle Aches/Pains
• Runny Nose
• Watery Eyes
• Difficulty Sleeping
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Frequent Yawning
• Agitation
• Lack of Appetite
• Tremors
• Flu-Like Symptoms

As you can see and may already know from experience, opiate withdrawal can be one hell of a time. Most people who experience opiate withdrawal will experience several of these symptoms while their bodies withdraw, detox, adjust, and heal from the continued use of a opiate(s). The length of time one experiences these symptoms also varies depending upon the drug, person, and other factors. Some drugs like Oxycodone and heroin usually result in about 7-10 days of physical withdrawal symptoms. Others like Suboxone and Methadone result in physical withdrawal symptoms lasting between 10-30 days, sometimes longer (especially in the case of Methadone withdrawal). These physical withdrawal symptoms are usually accompanied with and/or followed by physiological symptoms such as anxiety, depression, boredom, and dysphoria. A common term used to describe these physiological symptoms is the term PAWS, which stands for Post Acute Withdrawal Symptoms. PAWS can often be the most difficult part of opiate withdrawal and recovery as these symptoms can last several months or even years in some extreme cases. This is where the saying "Getting clean is easy. Staying clean is the hard part."

 

The body withdraws from opiates after continued use due to the fact that the brain and body eventually begins looking for and craving the drug. When we put opiates in our bodies, the reward system in our brains receive and send positive signals throughout the body. I have used this example before so please excuse me if you have already heard it before in my blog. Take for example, a dog owner trying to train his dog how to sit on command. The owner will command the dog to sit and will reward the animal with praise, encouragement, or treats each time it successfully sits on command. The dog eventually learns that each time it sits on command, it will be rewarded with something positive such as a treat or words of praise. This is the reward system in the dog's brain working, which we as humans have as well. Well, when we put opiates in our bodies, our brains over time begin to see these drugs as something that will lead to a positive reward. This results in the brain releasing endorphins, which are neurotransmitters in our bodies that lead to feelings of wellness, happiness, success, and the like. To make matters worse, opiates have a very powerful effect and impact on the human brain and its reward system, which can eventually result in the brain depending upon opiates to create and provide the body with endorphins instead of creating them naturally. Rather than creating natural endorphins through say, running or exercising (a "runner's high"), our brain sees opiates as a more powerful and easier means of creating endorphins, albeit unnatural ones.

 

When we use opiates for a long period of time and become dependent upon or addicted to them, our brain then struggles to know how to make its own endorphins naturally without the presence of opiates. Our minds and bodies now depend on the opiates to create endorphins that lead to a sense of wellbeing, enjoyment, happiness, and a feeling of being content and satisfied. Once we stop taking the opiates, our brains become confused as to why it is no longer being rewarding and struggles to remember how to make endorphins naturally, leading the mind and body to go into a state of confusion. Our bodies then react negatively ultimately resulting in opiate withdrawal. Learning how to once again create endorphins naturally is often one of the hardest parts of recovering from opiate addiction, which is why it is not uncommon for former addicts to feel depressed, tired, or anxious for a period of time after they stop taking opiates. This is where the saying "It gets better over time" comes into play and why many in the addiction community recommend finding new hobbies, exercising, and talking with people such as family, friends, counselors, doctors, psychologists, therapists, and other addicts in recovery.  

I have previously written a few posts that discuss these matters in a little more detail that some may find to be beneficial to read in addition to this article. For those who are interested in reading these posts, feel free to click on any of the links below to check them out.

Addiction and Our Bodies

Why We Got Addicted To Opiates

The Power of AA/NA Meetings

The Dreaded Withdrawals
 

The List

 

I have developed and created this list through my own personal experiences, talking with other opiate addicts along with my addiction counselor and doctor, and through researching the matter and talking with others about it online. There are a lot of helpful websites out there filled with hundreds of other opiate addicts and specialists helping one another. Try doing a quick Google search with a topic your interested in and you'll be surprised by how many results that will come up and how many others are in the same boat as yourself. Some of the items on this list actually come from the Thomas Recipe, which is list of items and tips that can help provide relief during opiate withdrawal. The link to the Thomas Recipe can be found by clicking Here.

 

 

Over the Counter (OTC) and Easily Accessible Products:

 



Benadryl, Unisom, Sominex, Tylenol PM (Diphenhydramine): Benadryl or any other OTC product containing Diphenhydramine can be helpful during opiate withdrawal as it can provide relief for a runny nose, teary eyes, and for some, sleep. Diphenhydramine is known for having a sedative effect which is why it can help some with sleep. However, beware that Diphenhydramine can cause restlessness in some people (myself included) possibly resulting in you tossing and turning all night from restless legs and an overall sense of restlessness rather than being able to fall asleep. I personally prefer Tylenol PM as it has a sedative effect and can also help with the sore joints and muscle aches. Be careful not to overdo it and take too much of any of these brands as too much can lead to restlessness, hallucinations, and even death.

 

Dramamine, Driminate, Gravol, Gravamin (Dimenhydrinate): Dramamine is a medication I prefer to use during opiate withdrawal as it helps with a few things. First, the Dimenhydrinate in Dramamine has a sedative effect similar to Diphenhydramine which can help with insomnia that so often accompanies opiate withdrawal. However beware that like Diphenhydramine, Dimenhydrinate can also cause a sense of restlessness for some and in larger doses can lead to hallucinations, illness, or death. This drug also helps with stomach cramps/pains and nausea although it provides little relief for diarrhea.

Dramamine Tablets

 

Tylenol (Acetaminophen), Aleve (Naproxen), Advil (Ibuprofen): These medications are useful for providing relief with the body and muscle aches/pains that are often present during opiate withdrawal. Some of these brand name medications can also reduce fevers that can sometimes occur during opiate withdrawal. Every person reacts differently to these drugs and have their own opinions/favorite so there really isn't a universal one to chose from this group. I have actually found Advil and Tylenol to be quite helpful with the muscle and body aches/pains during opiate withdrawal. Again use caution with dosing as too much can lead to organ damage or death and be sure to use only one of these products rather than a combination of them.

 

Imodium, Lopex, Fortasec, Lopedium, Pepto Diarrhea Control  (Loperamide): These medications will help with diarrhea and stomach cramping/pains. I have no experience with any of these medications but it appears Imodium is a favorite among opiate addicts as I have heard from others and read this numerous times. Loperamide is actually an opioid drug and some claim that when taken in higher doses, it can help with some of the other symptoms of opiate withdrawals due to it being an opioid. Please be cautious with this medication like any other and talk it over with your doctor as it can be just as dangerous as the others when taken in high enough doses. Because Loperamide is an opioid, there is also a risk for dependency and the drug can cause minor withdrawal symptoms when discontinued after being taken regularly for a period of time so please keep this in mind and to try to use this medication only when needed. It seems that this is a great medication to use during opiate withdrawal if used cautiously and correctly as it has garnered much praise and recommendation from other addicts and members of the addiction community.  

 

Imodium (Loperamide) Tablets

 

L-Tyrosine: L-Tyrosine is amino acid that is said to help provide relief for stress and for helping with mood swings during opiate withdrawal. I have no experience with this drug but it is commonly recommended by addicts with many saying it helps with mood and energy. This drug can be found at most pharmacies, food stores, and vitamin/supplement stores.

 

Vitamin B6: This vitamin is said to help with mood, fatigue, diarrhea, and stomach cramping. Once again, I have no experience with this vitamin but it is often recommended by other addicts or members of the addiction community for providing relief during opiate withdrawal.

 

Multivitamin: A multivitamin is important to take during opiate withdrawal for several reasons. The first reason being that most of us have little to no appetite during withdrawal so it is important we find some way to get our needed vitamins and nutrition. A multivitamin is something good to take not only during withdrawal but on an everyday basis before, during, and after withdrawal as well. In addition to providing nutritional value, some vitamins and minerals are said to help with a variety of symptoms during opiate withdrawal so it certainly can't hurt to take. It is important to remember that with vitamins and minerals, taking more does not result in better results as once the required amount is ingested by the body, the extra or leftover vitamins and minerals are simply passed through the body. In my experience, I have noticed virtually no difference from taking a multivitamin during withdrawal but I was also taking one daily before and after my experiences with withdrawal. I believe the benefits of taking a multivitamin can be difficult to physically see and determine despite doing the multivitamin doing its job. I prefer using the Men's One A Day multivitamin chewable tablets.

 

Valerian Root: Valerian Root is a herbal medicine that can be found at most pharmacies and vitamin/supplement stores. This herb can be found in capsules that can be taken orally or as powder-like substance that can be made into a tea. It is said to help with anxiety, restlessness and sleep as it has a sedative and calming effect on some. I have taken Valerian root capsules before and can say it did help a little bit but was nothing too dramatic or extreme. Everyone is different though so it might do wonders for some and absolutely nothing for others. These capsules can run on the expensive side as well and people with heart problems should use caution when taking Valerian Root. I decided to include this herbal medicine on my list as it is something that often comes up on several similar lists for dealing with opiate withdrawal but in my opinion, it is probably something you could get away with not taking.

Valerian Root Extract Capsules 

 

Supplemental Drinks such as Ensure: These drinks often provide a variety of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, proteins, fats, carbs, and calories that we usually struggle to obtain during opiate withdrawal. It is not uncommon for someone to lose some weight during opiate withdrawal so it is important we make sure we are getting good nutrition during this difficult time. Plus, providing your body with the right nutrients will only help with the recovery process as withdrawal can certainly take its toll on the mind and body. Your body will most likely feel weak and tired at times during withdrawal so it is important you are eating and drinking the right things during this time. The combination of a lack of appetite, ability to keep foods down, and possible bouts of  diarrhea can lead to weakness and dehydration.

Ensure Supplemental Drink

 

Melatonin: Melatonin is a naturally occurring compound in our bodies that help regulate sleep. It is hormone that regulates our sleep schedule and cycle. This compound also comes in the form of a supplement that is taken a few hours before bedtime each night. It is important to note that this supplement takes time to work and build up in the body (usually a couple of weeks) so it is important you begin taking it before you start your detox if you do decide to use a Melatonin supplement. I have tried Melatonin before and it did little to help with achieving sleep but there are many people, including my own family and friends, who swear by it. Melatonin is a relatively safe and cost effective supplement which is an added plus.

 

Melatonin Capsules

 

Kava/Kava-Kava: Kava, sometimes called Kava-Kava, is a plant that is said to have a sedative and calming effect that can help with anxiety. There are a lot of herbal supplements and such that are said to provide relief for insomnia and anxiety with varying degrees of success and effectiveness so keep in mind that what works for one person might not work for another. I have no experience with Kava myself.

 

St. Johns Wort: St. Johns Wort is a herbal medicine that is said to be helpful in treating insomnia, restlessness, anxiety, and depression. I have no experience with this herbal medicine but have seen it mentioned several times on online forums regarding medications or products that provide relief for opiate withdrawal. You'll most likely have to experiment a little bit with herbal medicines such as St. Johns Wort, Kava, and Valerian Root before you find one that works for you. It might be a good idea to give these herbal remedies a try before you actually go head to head with opiate withdrawal to see what works and what doesn't work. Be sure to talk with your doctor before trying any of these herbal medicines and make sure to not mix them with one another or other drugs without your doctor's approval. Remember, just because they are natural remedies doesn't necessary mean they are any safer or more effective than other medications.

St. John's Wort Extract Capsules

 

Hylands Restful Legs: Hylands Restful Legs is an over the counter medication that is said to provide relief for restless legs, tingling feelings in the legs, and minor aches/pains in the legs. It comes in two different forms of a pill; one that can be taken orally and another that is taken sublingually (dissolved under the tongue). I have tried this medication myself and found it to be ineffective but there are numerous positive reviews about the product online. So many in fact, that I was shocked by how ineffective it was for me. Like I always say, to each his own.

Hylands Restful Legs Sublingual Tablets

 

Potassium and Zinc Supplements: Potassium is a chemical element while Zinc is mineral. Both of these are said to help with restless legs, which for many is one of the worst symptoms imaginable of opiate withdrawal. I have used a Potassium supplement before and found it to be only moderately effective. Restless legs can sometimes be caused, among other things, by neurological damage or low potassium, zinc, or iron levels so if you are someone who regularly experiences bouts of restless legs regardless of whether you are in withdrawal or not, a visit to your doctor and a blood test at the lab might prove beneficial in determining the cause of the restless legs.

 

Caffeine/Energy Supplement: I have found that having a cup of coffee in the morning helps warm me up a little bit from the chills while providing me with a little jolt of energy to make it out of bed. Getting out of bed in the morning during opiate withdrawal can sadly be a painstakingly and difficult task so doing something simple yet motivating like making a cup of coffee and watching the news, surfing the web, or reading the newspaper can make getting up and out of bed a little easier. I wouldn't recommend drinking or ingesting any caffeine or energy drinks/supplements past noon and to try to take as little as possible as it may affect your sleep and lead to restlessness. Decaffeinated tea might be a good choice to drink throughout the day and night to help provide one with sense of warmth and something that is easy to get down.

 

Prescription Medications:

 

Clonidine: Clonidine is a medication that is used to treat high blood pressure but has also found its niche in the addiction community. This medication is used to help treat not only the high blood pressure that can appear during opiate withdrawal but also with other symptoms such as cold sweats, chills, anxiety, restlessness, and sleep. This medication can have a sedative effect so be careful driving on, working on, or taking it during the daytime. I have used this medication (.2 mg at night) and have found it to help with sleep, anxiety, and restlessness. It isn't a miracle drug but it does help in my opinion and there is a reason that it is often the first line of defense for a medication during detoxes and rehabs. It is usually pretty easy to obtain a prescription for Clonidine if you are honest with your doctor about your addiction or if you go to an ER explaining to them you are in opiate withdrawal. Clonidine should be tapered off of as it can lead to rebound hypertension (high blood pressure) when stopped suddenly after continued use. It is important that whomever is prescribing you this medication is aware of any health issues you may have, especially those concerning the heart.

 

Requip, Ropark, Adartrel (Ropinirole): Ropinirole is a dopamine agonist medication that was originally used to treat Parkinson's Disease. More recently, it has been used to treat Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) and has been met with mostly positive reviews. I am currently using this medication for treatment of RLS and have experienced only moderate success. In my experience, it defiantly helps if you have RLS regardless of your addiction to opiates but when your going through RLS as a result of opiate withdrawal, it seems to only provide moderate relief. Experiencing restless legs is for many one of the most dreaded and uncomfortable symptoms of opiate withdrawal so having a prescription to Ropinirole isn't a bad idea.  

 

Man, I love Restless Legs...

 

Valium (Diazepam), Xanax (Alprazolam), Ativan (Lorazepam), Klonopin (Clonazepam): These drugs are all classified as Benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines are used to help provide relief from insomnia, anxiety, restlessness, and muscle spasms/cramping. Benzodiazepines can be extremely helpful during opiate withdrawal but there are also several risks one must be aware of and consider before taking any of these medications. These medications can be dangerous if abused or used with any other medications/drugs that can result in illness or even death, so please be careful and talk with your doctor about your plan and any other medications, supplements, vitamins, or drugs you are using. Benzodiazepines can also be habit forming so it is important to plan on taking these medications for only a short period with the possibility of having to taper off them. Withdrawal from Benzodiazepines is said to be even worse and more dangerous than withdrawal from opiates so again, use caution. I  have no experience with Benzodiazepines but have talked with several addicts as well as reading online that Benzodiazepines can really make withdrawal more bearable especially with the anxiety and sleep issues. At the end of the day, remember these are a pretty powerful classification of drugs so it is critical you speak often and honestly with your doctor if you plan on using any kind of Benzodiazepine. Your best bet is probably to try to avoid these medications if possible but I know that is easier said than done when you have been up for 48 hours straight, freezing and sweating at the same time, and have been unable to sit, lay, or stand in a comfortable position for more than 30 seconds.

 

Trazodone: Trazodone is an antidepressant that can be helpful in providing relief for depression, anxiety, and insomnia from opiate withdrawal. This medication is usually safer in comparison to a Benzodiazepine as it is less habit forming and has less negative side effects. It is however weaker than most Benzodiazepines so don't expect to have anywhere near the same results. However, I currently take Trazodone and must say it does help with getting to sleep although I have never taken it during opiate withdrawal, instead taking it as needed for sleep during my time on Suboxone.

 

Ambien (Zolpidem): Ambien is a medication that is used to help treat insomnia. I have some experience with this medication and have found it to be effective in getting one to fall asleep, more so than Trazodone. While taking Ambien for a prolonged period of time won't lead to the same withdrawal symptoms one would normally feel from an opiate or Benzodiazepine, it does still carry the risk of dependency as some users have stated they experience anxiety, restlessness, and difficulty in falling or staying asleep after discontinuing Ambien suddenly, thus a taper may be necessary to come off this medication. Some people experience hallucinations, vivid dreams or nightmares, and sleepwalking on Ambien so it is important that you, if possible, have someone with you during your first couple of nights on this medication in addition to speaking with your doctor about the risks and benefits of Ambien.

 

Other Tips/Tools:

 

Hot Baths/Jacuzzi/Hot Tub

Reading Material

Movies or Video Games

Computer/Laptop with Internet

Heated Blanket

Comfy Bed or Couch

Comfy, Loose Clothing

Fan or Air Conditioner

Music

Time Off From School, Work, or Other Duties/Responsibilities If Possible

Strong Support Network of Doctors, Counselors, Friends, and Family

Go For Short Walks or Jogs
Exercise Lightly Whenever Possible

Drink Plenty of Fluids and Eat as Healthy as Possible

 

Conclusion

 

Alright Guys, that's everything I could think of for my list of things that can make opiate withdrawal a little more bearable. One thing that I cannot stress enough is to please talk openly and honestly with your doctor and support network before using or combing any of these medications (even the OTC ones). Some of these medications can have negative consequences when mixed with one another or with drugs. The Benzodiazepines can especially be habit forming or addicting so please use caution with these as you don't want to switch one addiction for another. Ask yourself if you think you can take a medication such as a Benzodiazepine responsibly for a short period of time without becoming addicted to it or abusing it. Benzodiazepines can be extremely dangerous to mix with other drugs, especially opiates so again, please, please, please talk all this over with your doctor. Better to be safe than sorry!

 

I also want to note that I am not encouraging you guys to use all these drugs. Some of these medications accomplish and provide relief for the same symptoms so you DO NOT need to use them all. I wanted to give you guys a few options as I know some medications work better than others for some people or that some may have allergies or bad reactions to certain medications. Once again, talk with your doctor(s) and support network in addition to doing your own research before putting any of these medications into your body.

 

 

At the end of the day, I think withdrawal for most will still suck to some degree with or without these medications. They may, however, be able to provide some relief or minimize some withdrawals. Just don't go into it expecting everything will be fine and dandy because this period of our lives will most likely be one of the most difficult. I'm not trying to scare anyone, I just want to be real with you guys. Some people feel worse during withdrawal than others while some feel as if they just have a nagging cold. If your like me, withdrawal feels like Hell on Earth. Its the price we must pay in the end for abusing these opiates to get high I guess. May god have mercy on us!

 

Based on what I have read and heard, a lot of people seem to say that it is important to remain active and busy during withdrawal. Now, I'm not suggesting you go out and work a 40 hour week or run a marathon. Rather, I'm saying you should do things such as going for walks/jogs, seeing a movie, doing some easy yard or house work, spending a day at the beach, and things like that. In other words, don't just sit in bed all day thinking about how bad you currently feel. It may seem like the easiest thing to do but in reality, it probably just makes things worse as all you will think about is how bad you feel and how easy it would be to use again to feel "normal". I would defiantly recommend taking some time off from work or school if possible as I think it will be really difficult to concentrate and have the energy during this difficult time but everyone is different. Some people may find school or work keeps them busy and their minds off withdrawal so you guys know your bodies and yourselves better than me.

 

How most of us feel during opiate withdrawal

 

As I mentioned in my previous posts, I will soon be coming face to face with Suboxone withdrawal in the near future. I am currently taking .75 mg a day and know I will one day have to experience life without Suboxone or any opiate for that matter. To be honest with you guys, it is something I am truly scared of. I absolutely hate and fear withdrawals! But that's just part of life and something I have to deal with and accept. I have experienced withdrawal several times going cold turkey from Oxycodone and know it isn't fun. Hopefully, the combination of some of these medications, the skills and coping mechanisms I have learned over the past year, and the help of my support network will be enough for me to reach my goal of sobriety and life without pills.

 

I would like to thank you guys for reading my post and I hope this list is helpful to some of you guys. If any of you guys have any questions, comments, or suggestions please feel free to put them in the comment section. I always enjoy and appreciate the advice of other opiate addicts.

 

Take Care Guys and remember to keep seeing that light.

 

-Seeingthelight

  

Cravings & Triggers

Hi everyone and welcome to my blog about opiate addiction. All is well my way and I hope everyone reading this is doing well as well. Whether you're here because you have or are currently battling an addiction to opiates, know someone who is, or are simply interested in the matter, I welcome you with open arms to my blog. I am trying to post often right now to get the word out there that I'm back to blogging as I have noticed a limited number of page views and comments since I've come back. As many of you may already know, I lost my password to my Google account several months back and was unable to log onto my account until recently. I really hope I can create a solid following in addition to getting back some of my readers who may have thought I quit blogging or went missing.

Alright, so now lets get down to the topic of this particular post. This post will be about the cravings we so often get when trying to quit opiates in addition to the triggers that can lead to these cravings and sometimes ultimately relapse. For those of you don't who know, cravings can best be described as sudden urges that make us want to use again or think about using again. Triggers, on the other hand, are what usually lead to cravings. Triggers are the people, places, sights, smells, feelings, and other things that can give us the urge to use again. A trigger could be seeing or hearing someone mention your drug of choice on television, driving by your dealer's house, hearing someone shake a bottle of pills, suffering physical or emotional trauma that can seem too overwhelming and difficult to deal with, and so on.

Like I have said so many times in the past, everyone is different. Thus, it is important to realize that everyone has different cravings and triggers. Some stronger than others. For instance, someone who is 6 months clean off of Oxycodone may be able to watch a documentary about opiate abuse and feel no urge to use. They may simply find the documentary interesting and may even feel less inclined to want to use again. This same documentary might make someone else watching it feel the strong urge to use again as it reminds them of something they once loved to do; get high. My point is, everyone and their situation is different.

Some Quick Information About Cravings & Triggers

An article found online on the website Everyday Health called Understanding Addiction Relapse discusses how identifying triggers and finding ways to prevent/manage them are critical in one's recovery. Dr. Stephen Gilman states how "a powerful need to stimulate reward centers within the brain can be the trigger point for an addict who is used to getting a certain drug. Both external and internal factors can create the urge to use drugs or alcohol again." This article provides some quick information about triggers and can be found by clicking on the link below.

http://www.everydayhealth.com/addiction/understanding-addiction-relapse.aspx

As many of you already know, getting off of opiates is quite a challenge. Staying off of opiates for good is even harder. The saying "Getting clean is easy. Staying clean is the hard part," couldn't be more true. One who quits opiates (or any drug for that matter) can most likely expect that they will experience cravings or triggers during at least some point in their recovery. In other words, it is normal for any addict to feel the urge to use again. Therefore, we must learn how to cope with these urges, cravings, and triggers. Learning coping mechanisms, talking with your support network, building sober support, and attending AA/NA are just a few ways to help combat these sudden urges.

It is also important to find ways to prevent and avoid these triggers. For example, if driving past your dealer's house/area brings upon an urge to use, try taking another route to get to where you need to go. Another example and one that is often very tough to overcome for addicts are the people you surround yourself around. Most of us addicts have friends or know people who also like to get high on our drug of choice. These people can simply be people you know or they can even be some of your best friends. It's very difficult avoiding or telling someone that you can no longer be around them if they are continuing to get high. Trust me, I know from experience. I handled this by being honest with my some of my best friends who used, telling them that being around the whole "getting high and using" scene will only make me want to use again. I was fortunate enough that they understood but will be honest with you guys, it was difficult. These are people who I grew up with for years that I rarely, if ever, see anymore since I got on Suboxone due to my addiction to Oxycodone. It was a tough and somewhat disheartening move, but you have to remember that at the end of the day, your health, reputation, and sobriety is what is most important. If these people are your true friends, they'll understand.

I want to stress this last part as it is not uncommon for people to get clean for awhile only to relapse because they started hanging out with the wrong crowd again. Being around people who use and your drug of choice makes it extremely difficult to remain clean. Some might be able to do it, but I'm guessing for most, it will be the ultimate challenge. I also want to stress that just because these people use, it doesn't make them bad people. After all, most of us were right there with them doing the same thing at some point. It's just that being around these people only makes things more difficult in your recovery and recovery is already hard enough!

How Cravings and Triggers Work

 

You'll have to excuse me on this section of the article as I will be giving you guys a quick and simple explanation as to how cravings and triggers work without sounding like a scientist or doctor. Triggers work by altering how one's mind thinks and reacts to what it sees, hears, smells, feels, and remembers. Everyone has an reward system in their brain which allows us to learn how to survive. For example, we know not to touch a hot stove as we will get burnt, thus injured. When we go to touch the hot stove, our hand is burned thus sending a signal to our brain telling us not to do this. Touching a hot stove results in a negative reward or consequence, giving us experience and knowledge that touching a hot stove will cause harm. A young child may not yet be aware of and know this, resulting in them touching the hot stove whereas an adult will know from experience, knowledge, and observation that touching a hot stove will only lead to pain and injury. This is simple example of how our reward system works and is just one of the many tools the mind has.

 

To give you guys another example, think about a dog learning a new trick. At first, a dog may not know how to sit on command. But when you practice enough with your dog and provide them with treats or encouragement for every time they are successful in sitting on command, they will eventually learn to sit every time they are instructed to do so. It is the reward system in the dog's brain telling them that if they sit, they will receive a positive reward or something they like. The dog will eventually learn that sitting on command will result in something positive for it.

 

 

This is basically how addiction works in our minds and bodies. Every time we put opiates in our bodies to achieve a high, our reward system in our brain is pleased. Over time, we begin to see opiates as something that will lead to pleasure and satisfaction. Once we stop using opiates, our brain and the reward system begins to wonder what happened and why it is no longer being rewarded. To make matters worse, opiates have a very powerful impact on our reward systems and our brain chemistry. Someone saying "good job" to us for some work we accomplished may be like our brain getting a pat on the back while putting opiates in our bodies is like being rewarded a $1,000 for our work. This is why quitting opiates can be so difficult as over time, our mind and body begins to crave, expect, and look for opiates due to their powerful effect on the mind and body.

 

To give you guys another comparison, think about how difficult starting and staying on a diet can be. Each of us has a food or beverage we love to have that is probably unhealthy to be having. For this example, I'll use regular (not diet) soda pop. If you were to be someone who drank a lot of soda and were to suddenly stop drinking it due to a new diet you went on, you'll most likely find that at some point later you will crave the soda. Now imagine that it was your daily routine and tradition to have a can of soda with your dinner while you watched your favorite television show. After a few days or weeks of being off the soda, you may one day sit down to eat your dinner while watching your favorite show on T.V.. This experience may make you suddenly begin craving the soda as drinking the soda was something you used to commonly do and enjoy. The time of day, the meal you are eating, and the television show you are watching all bring back memories, feelings, and emotions that you relate to the soda. This is an example of a trigger.

 

   

 

A real good video that explains triggers can be found below. The video is pretty short and to the point but is very informative. Check it out by clicking the link below.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIxD7Cq2s7c

 

 

The Difference Between Internal and External Triggers

 

Triggers are identified and spilt into two different types; Internal Triggers and External Triggers. Internal triggers are triggers that occur within our mind and body. These include emotions, thoughts, and feelings. Some examples of Internal triggers are boredom, depression, helplessness, and anger. Internal triggers can also include how one feels physically as well. For example, many of us often feel tired and overwhelmed after getting off of opiates making us believe that if we use again, we'll suddenly feel better or "normal". External triggers, on the other hand, are the people, places, things, and locations that can lead one to want to use or think about using. Some examples of external triggers are being around friends or family who use drugs, driving in a neighborhood known for drugs or that you used to get your drugs from, seeing someone taking drugs on television, seeing straws or dollar bills that remind you of snorting your drug of choice, and so on.

 

Below I have included a questionnaire that can help determine what triggers you are having and how likely they are to result in one using again. I think this questionnaire is more helpful for one finding which triggers they have and what kind of triggers these are than actually determining how likely we are to use again. Someone might have several triggers or get triggers often but know how to deal with them and remain sober while someone who has just one trigger may relapse. At the end of the day, it is you who decides whether or not you get or remain sober. The link to the questionnaire is below.

 

http://www.unodc.org/ddt-training/treatment/VOLUME%20B/Volume%20B%20-%20Module%203/3.Clinical%20Forms/2.External_and_Internal_Triggers_forms.pdf

 



Some Good Articles About Cravings and Triggers

 

Like I do with most of my posts, I want to leave you guys with some helpful websites and articles that talk about cravings and triggers. The links to these sites are listed below.

 

 

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/all-about-addiction/201003/triggers-and-relapse-craving-connection-addicts



http://www.rightstep.com/services/intensive-outpatient/class-5/addiction-triggers-for-drugs-and-alcohol/

http://www.everydayhealth.com/addiction/helping-loved-one-avoid-relapse.aspx

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/carole-bennett/the-road-to-addiction-14_b_221160.html

http://www.drchadcoren.com/drchadcoren/Dr._Chad_Corens_Blog__Bucks_County_Therapist,_Mental_Health_%26_Addiction/Entries/2010/6/23_Triggers_of_Addiction.html

http://www.spiritlodge.com/programs/living-in-balance/internal-addiction-triggers/

Conclusion

 

Cravings and triggers are a major part of recovery and are something we must all as addicts learn to understand, acknowledge, prepare for, and learn to cope with. These triggers and cravings can be easy and quick to pass while others may feel like they are there for an eternity and are difficult to overcome. It's part of addiction unfortunately. At the end of the day, we must remember that cravings and triggers are normal and are obstacles to overcome, not reasons or excuses to use again. 

 

I have several reoccurring triggers myself that I have been able to identify, avoid/prevent, and learn to cope with. The most common ones are boredom, stress, having a bad day, seeing or having a lot of money on hand, and being around people who use. A few months ago I made the mistake of being around people who use and who were using in my presence. Well, to no surprise, I ended up relapsing and went on a binge for a few days. I managed to get back on the sober train but am upset with myself for putting in so much hard work, effort, and even pain to get clean only to screw up. The important thing is I learned from my mistake and got back to being sober pretty quickly. For others, a relapse after being clean for a long period of time can lead them to go straight back to their old ways and habits. It is important to remember that relapse is part of recovery but is not something that is necessary and that if you do relapse, to get back on the sober train as quickly as possible.

 

 

I have learned a few ways to deal with, avoid/prevent, or cope with these triggers and cravings as well. One of my triggers is having a lot of money on hand. It makes me think that because I have all this money that I have managed to save up from not using that I can cheat just one day and buy a lot of Oxycodone. To help prevent this, I have opened up a bank account where most of money goes too rather than keeping a bunch of money on hand or in my wallet. I try to stay busy to prevent boredom and have a few methods to keep myself and my mind occupied if I do experience a trigger or craving. For example, I'll throw on a movie, write on this blog, jump on the computer, play with my pets, or go for a run when I feel the urge to use. In other words, I keep myself distracted and my mind occupied.

 

I would like to hear from you guys about some of the triggers or cravings you may experience during your recovery and some of the things you do to combat these triggers or cravings. Feel free to comment in the comment section below about this topic or to ask any questions you may have about the topic or opiate addiction as a whole.

 

Thanks again as always for reading my blog and I hope this post, along with the others, is helpful, beneficial, and enjoyable for you guys to read. As always, remember to stay strong and keep seeing the light!

 

Take Care,

 

Seeingthelight

My (Ongoing) Taper with Suboxone

Hello Everyone,

Welcome back to my blog about opiate addiction. As many of you already know from reading my previous blog entries, I am currently taking part in a Suboxone program due to my addiction to Oxycodone. I have been on Suboxone for just under a year now and know my time on this medication is coming to an end soon. This is something that both excites me and scares. Something I look forward to yet dread. Something I know I must do but would like to put off for "just a little longer." In the end, it is something I must come to terms with, face, and overcome if I ever want to live a life truly free of opiates. Therefore, I would like to use this particular post to talk about my taper on Suboxone, where I am at now with my recovery, and where I want to be in the end of it all.

Quick History

To give you guys a quick history of my situation in regards to Suboxone, I'll start with what got me there in the first place. I was addicted to the Oxycodone 30 mg pills for about 2 years and during the last few months I was abusing these pills before I got help, I was taking between 150-300 mg a day depending on what I could afford and get my hands on. I had tried to quit numerous times cold turkey but the farthest I could ever make it was 2 weeks. Most of the time when I tried going cold turkey, it would only last a matter of days before I would eventually cave in and use again. The lack of sleep, constant restlessness, brutal cold chills, and ongoing anxiety and depression really made it difficult for me to quit. This is when I came across Suboxone.

I had a few people and friends I knew who were or had been on Suboxone due to an addiction to Oxycodone so I figured this was my best shot. I figured, I could take a pill to avoid any withdrawal from the Oxycodone that wouldn't get me high, get my life back together, and then make the jump off of Suboxone. I also figured because I wouldn't (not couldn't) abuse the Suboxone, it would be easier to come off something that I didn't, well, like to get high off of.

I did a whole post on my experience with getting on Suboxone, if you guys would like to check it out by clicking Here.

Basically, I was started on 4 mg of Suboxone once a day. These were the 8/2 mg strips/films meaning that there was 8 mg of Buprenorphine and 2 mg of Naloxone in each strip/film. I would start out by taking half of a strip once a day. After about 5 months, my dose would be lowered to 2 mg once a day where I would take 1 mg in the morning and 1 mg at night. A little over 2 months later, my dose was again lowered to 1 mg once a day with .5 mg in the morning and .5 mg at night. This is the dose I am currently on as I write this post.

The 8 mg films/strips I was first prescribed. I took a half of a film/strip (4 mg) once a day when I first started Suboxone.

 

The films/strips I am currently taking now. I currently take half of film/strip each day (1 mg)

How Bad Was It?

 

The first few days on Suboxone weren't a walk in the park by any means but it was also not Hell on Earth either. I had little energy, was somewhat depressed, had random chills, and felt some minor aches/pains but these symptoms were all bearable. After about a week on the Suboxone, I felt close to 100 % and was able to get on with my life. I still had cravings to use but these went away for the most part after about a month on the Suboxone.

 

My Suboxone doctor told me I was lucky to be starting out at a relatively low dose and that some of her patients were being put on anywhere from 16-24 mg during induction. While my doctor isn't the greatest doctor in the world, I can honestly say she does look out for her patients if they are really looking to get clean and is not someone who is simply in it for the money. She told me how she tries to put her patients on the lowest dose possible when they first come in to help make the taper easier for both parties. However, she also mentioned how it is not uncommon for patients to come back after a few days saying they need more Subxone and that she will usually increase their dose if she can tell they really want to get clean and are being honest. She noted how if increasing their dose early on will help them get with the program and prevent them from using, it's a risk she is willing to take.

 

Anyways, back to my particular situation. After being on 4 mg of Suboxone for about 5 months, I made the jump to 2 mg once a day. I was a little nervous when this first happened. However, I can honestly say I felt absolutely no negative side effects or symptoms from my reduction in dosage. I was pretty shocked by this, especially for someone who was using so much Oxycodone to begin with. I think the key to this is to be honest with yourself when your figuring out how much Suboxone you really need. I think a lot of it is mental too. Try to give yourself enough time on your dose to see if you really need to take more and that it is not your mind playing tricks on you making you think that because you take less, you will withdraw. However, everyone is different and I realize every one's situation won't be the same as mine. In the end, only you will truly know your body and what works and doesn't works for you.

 

Another thing I want to bring is up is cravings during my time on 2 mg. I must say that although I did relapse, the cravings were not really present or intense during my time on this dose. I didn't relapse while I was on the 4 mg but I honestly don't think the reduction in my dose had anything to do with my relapse. When I did relapse, it was from me being a knucklehead and putting myself among a crowd of the wrong people with the wrong stuff. I could had simply said no and went my way but I didn't. I managed to get back on the sober train pretty quick and painlessly in the end, although if I could go back and do it all over again, I would have never used and put myself in that situation.

 

When I made the jump from 2 mg to 1 mg, this is where things got interesting. For the most part I am pretty comfortable during the day after I take my morning dose of .5 mg. I would say I'm probably at around 80-85 percent during the day and only get occasional chills or body aches sometimes. However, come nighttime, I can begin to feel myself needing that 2nd dose of .5 mg. I don't feel horrible, but I'll start getting the chills, a runny nose, a feeling of restlessness, and minor anxiety. Once I take my 2nd and final dose of the day of .5 mg I feel fine and am able to go to bed. Sometimes I might wake up early in the morning due to restless legs or the chills, probably indicting I am ready for my next dose. It can suck but all in all, just a minor inconvenience at most.

 

Thus far, I would defiantly say the biggest challenge of my taper has been the drop from 2 mg to 1 mg. While most of the side effects and symptoms are bearable, they can still be a bit of a pain and nuisance. However, they are no where near the full blown withdrawal I would feel if I were to begin withdrawing from Oxycodone cold turkey. As for cravings, I still do get them sometimes but can usually keep them at bay by keeping myself busy or distracted.

 

Since my drop to 1 mg once a day, I have been prescribed and have been taking a few medications to help with these symptoms. The first medication is Clonidine, which is used to help combat high blood pressure, the chills and cold sweats, restlessness, and lack of sleep some people get while withdrawing from opiates. I only take this medication at night (.2 mg) as it makes me drowsy. This medication certainly isn't an end all for withdrawal but it does help, especially with the sleep. The next medication I take is Advil which surprisingly helps quite a bit with achy joints and muscle cramps. I used to always laugh at the though of taking a medication like Advil when I was putting hundreds of milligrams of Oxycodone in my body but must say, the medication does help. The final medication I take is Requip, which is used to help with the restless legs. I take 1 mg at night but have found this medication to mediocre at best. 

 

The Next Step

 

 

I have talked with my doctor and stressed to her that I want to be at the lowest dose possible before I make the jump off of Suboxone to help avoid or minimize any potential withdrawal. Thankfully, she has been for the most part understanding and I think the next step will be to lower my dose from 1 mg to .5 mg once a day with .25 mg in the morning and .25 mg at night. I can only imagine what this will feel like but am confident I am moving in the right direction. I plan on making the jump off of Suboxone around .25 mg (maybe less if possible). Hopefully everything will go smoothly and according to plan but I am aware and prepared if I need a little more time.

 

I'm not really sure what kind of medications my doctor will prescribe me when I make the jump off of Suboxone as each doctor is different with his or her methods and beliefs. I'm hoping to continue getting and taking the Clonidine, Requip, and Advil. I am also hoping I can get something such as Xanex and Ambien to help with the restlessness, anxiety, and sleep issues that so often come along with opiate withdrawal. I plan on taking these medications for no more than 2 weeks due the risk of developing an addiction to some them, especially any Benzo.

 

I have heard Suboxone withdrawal is milder than the withdrawals one would experience form Oxycodone, Heroin, and other opiates but that the withdrawal from Suboxone tends to last longer. Basically, I'm anticipating going through a long, difficult month before things start to get better and easier once I make jump off of Suboxone. I'm not going to lie, I am very nervous and even scared that the withdrawal might be to difficult or that the cravings and mental aspect of it might push to me to use again. This is where I must use the skills and coping mechanisms I have learned over the past several months to overcome these obstacles. I got myself into this situation so I must have the courage, strength, effort, and willpower to get myself out of it.

 

Some Good Information About Suboxone Taper & Withdrawal

 

There is a lot of information out there on the internet about tapering off of Suboxone in addition to Suboxone withdrawal. This information also includes stories from people who have actually experienced or took part in Suboxone withdrawal or a taper regime. I have posted a few links below that I think might be helpful to some of you guys.

 

http://www.subotex.com/suboxone-tapering-withdrawal-worse-than-opiates/

 

http://www.addictionsurvivors.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=16678

 

http://suboxonetaper.com/

 

http://www.drugs.com/forum/need-talk/suboxone-taper-could-use-some-help-straight-point-62879.html

 

http://janaburson.wordpress.com/2012/08/21/taper-off-suboxone-using-the-films/

 

http://suboxone.com/patients/about_suboxone/Default.aspx

 

http://www.suboxonetalkzone.com/withdrawal-from-suboxone/

 

There are literally thousands of websites, blogs, and posts regarding Suboxone out there on the internet in addition to the ones I just posted. If you simply type in "Suboxone", "Suboxone Taper", or "Suboxone Withdrawal", you'll find yourself with tons of information at your disposal. Remember, knowledge is power!

 

Was Suboxone the Right Choice?

 

Since the very first day I got on Suboxone and even before I made the decision to get on the drug, I have asked myself is getting on Suboxone the right choice? I don't have an answer right now for you guys but I do have some input in regards to my particular situation.

 

My addiction to Oxycodone was really having an impact on my life and hurting not only myself but those closest to me. I was lying, spending thousands of dollars, and beginning to change as a person. While I still managed to successfully work and go to school, my heart and mind was never truly in it and involved. I was simply going through the motions, high on Oxycodone, and thinking about when and how I would score my next batch of pills. It wasn't living. It was just surviving life by dulling out any pain or emotion with the pills. Most importantly, it wasn't the real me.

 

As I mentioned, I had tried quitting Oxycodone cold turkey several times but each time ended up falling back to my old ways and habits. It was a never ending, painful cycle. My habit had grown to a ridiculous amount and the amount of money and things I was doing to get that money was something I still cringe at today. I needed to change.

 

 

So for me, getting on Suboxone helped me do that. I have managed to remain clean for the most part while being able to attend school, work, and spend time with family and friends. Things I would have never been able to do while withdrawing from Oxycodone. I think if someone can go cold turkey without having to quit school or their job, then that is great. But for me, it was something I couldn't do while going to school and working so I needed another option.

 

Since being on Suboxone, I have continued to work, go school, build sober support, learn coping mechanisms, meet the right people and get away from the wrong ones, and learn to live a life of not having to constantly worry about how and when to get these devilish pills. I have found that Suboxone is particularly helpful in allowing one time to figure out how to turn their life around and get rid of the old, bad habits of past. These steps are extremely important in learning to live as a sober individual.

 

At the same time, I know I am still on an opiate and will most likely face some kind of withdrawal in the end. I ask myself, will the withdrawal from Suboxone be easier or harder to face, longer or shorter, bearable or unbearable? These are all serious questions that I have still have no answer to. I have spent countless hours talking to people along with reading and researching on the Internet about people who have experienced or overcame Suboxone withdrawal only to get about a thousand different responses with some ranging form total Hell on Earth to a walk in the park. In the end, I must realize that everyone and their situation is different so I can't base everything on what someone says just like you guys can't base everything on this post you are reading right now. EVERYONE is different.

 

To sum things up, I can honestly say I am, as of right now, happy I made the decision to get on Suboxone. I know some people bash Suboxone and look at it as trading one drug for another, but if it wasn't for Suboxone, I would probably be out getting high, hurting the people I love and care for most, and destroying my life, morals, and reputation. I don't think there is really any way to totally avoid withdrawals when getting off opiates but I hope through my taper I am able to at least minimize them. I know withdrawals are just a fact of life and part of this game we put ourselves into, so I must be a man and face them at some point. Like my consoler always say, "this will probably be the hardest thing to accomplish in your life but is something you will feel so proud, happy, and good about if you overcome it."

 

Conclusion

 

I want to thank you guys once again for taking the time to read my blog and I really hope I can help some of you who find yourselves in a similar situation. Hopefully we can all find the strength and willpower to beat this thing we call addiction. It's not easy but it is possible, something we must all remember.

 

I would love to hear from you guys in the comment section about what you think of my situation. Any tips, suggestions, or past experiences would be greatly appreciated. Also, feel free to ask any questions or comment about anything that's on your mind. I will respond to each and every comment as soon as I can.

 

Thanks again Guys and take care. And remember, keep seeing that light.

 

Until next time,

 

Seeingthelight



Rapid Opioid Detoxification

Ah what a beautiful fall day here on the East Coast. The weather is as close to perfect as one could ask for when taking into consideration the sometimes baffling New England weather. The birds are chirping, the sun shining, calm guests of wind pass by creating an almost picture-like atmosphere around me. And here I am enjoying this wonderful day demonstrating the beauty of life....sitting behind my computer screen typing away!

I recently took somewhat of a break from blogging (not intentionally however) and I must say, it feels good to be back at it. For those of you who haven't yet read my "comeback" post, check it out. It's labeled as "I'm Back" and can be found on my blog homepage. Now lets get to business.

For anyone visiting this site for the first time, I welcome you to my blog and hope you will find it both helpful and an enjoyable read. This is now my 14th post and I must say I am becoming more and more pleased with the blog as each post is thought of, written, and published for you guys to read. Over the past several months I have gotten a few comments, a solid number of page views, and even an e-mail from someone looking for a little more advice and someone to "just talk to". I have also noticed that a few people took the most recent poll as well which only adds to my satisfaction. It makes me feel like that I'm getting my blog out there to anyone who's looking for any advice and information about opiate addiction and that I'm not just typing away for nothing. I would like to take a second to thank all of you who have read my blog, commented on it, taken part of the poll, or have passed the word around. THANK YOU!

For this post I would like to talk about a treatment option for opiate addicts that is relatively new. This method of treatment is commonly referred to and known as Rapid Opioid Detoxification and has been met with both praise and criticism. To make things a little easier for myself, I will be referring to the Rapid opioid detoxification as ROD. To give you guys a quick idea of what this is, please let me explain and sum it up in a few quick sentences. ROD is a method of treatment for opiate addicts which often places the patient in a state of unconsciousness while doctors provide the patient with a variety of medications that will help speed up the detoxification process. The patient will be "asleep" for a period of time and will then awaken after the normal period of opiate withdrawal. To put it bluntly, they basically put you asleep, give you some medications to speed up the detox process, and allow the patient to awaken feeling little to no withdrawal symptoms.

When I first heard of this method of treatment, I was very enlightened and curious about the process as it seemed far too good to be true. After doing some research and asking both my addiction doctor and consoler some questions about the matter, I was left with the impression that this method of treatment has a lot of promise but is still in its early stages and needs a lot more work and research put into it. Similar to many of my other posts on this blog, I would like to take this post and divide it into a few sections that will further discuss the matter. I would like to give you guys a brief overview and history of this method of treatment, its effectiveness, the general census of it currently, and my thoughts on it. After that, I'll leave the rest to you guys provide any comments, inputs, or even experiences you have on the matter. On that note, lets begin.

A Basic Overview/History Of  Rapid Opioid Detoxification

 

The origins and history of ROD are somewhat unclear and shady from what I have been able to research and understand. After doing some of my own research on the matter, I came across a website that gave me a few answers on this question.  This website states that "rapid opiate detox was created in Israel almost 20 years ago by Dr. Andre Waismann, who still practices his craft in Barzilai Medical Center in Ashkelon, Israel," and that this method of treatment came about after a striking number of soldiers from the Israeli army were found to have been suffering from opiate addiction. The army and its doctors (or scientists, not exactly sure who?) came to the conclusion that something must be done to address this growing problem and that the traditional methods of treatment were not good enough for the situation at hand. Over time, research, and much effort, this is where Rapid Opioid Detoxification (ROD) emerged as an option.

 

There is a brief amount of information from this website that explains the origins and history of this method of treatment and its something that I feel I can't really explain to you guys without basically stating exactly what the website says so rather than to try to put it into my own words and possibly leave out any important information or to say the wrong things, I will put below this paragraph in blue front word for word what the website states (feel free to check out the website yourself if you wish by clicking on the link in the paragraph above).

 

"Rapid opiate detox was created in Israel almost 20 years ago by Dr. Andre Waismann, who still practices his craft in Barzilai Medical Center in Ashkelon, Israel.

Since the original procedure was used on addicted soldiers in Israeli army, it has been gradually perfected by new medications that have since been approved by FDA to help control the effects of the withdrawal. The detoxification drug treatment procedure involves administering intravenous medications that remove opiates from the opioid receptors while the patient is sedated. The detox is done under anesthesia to avoid extreme discomfort and pain from opioid withdrawal symptoms. Additional medications are given to counteract the withdrawal manifestations and to comfort the patient.

Rapid detox under anesthesia can get you through the worst of withdrawal with only limited amount of symptoms that we can help to manage. A small implant containing Naltrexone may be placed under the skin while the patient is still under sedation. The Naltrexone implant slowly releases medication to continually block receptors and help the patient fight the physical symptoms of drug addiction. The Naltrexone implant will entirely dissolve and disappear in approximately two months. Naltrexone implant will take the daily decision making out of your hands. Knowing that narcotics will have no effect on you, if you do slip up, will help the psychological cravings as well.

There sprung up numerous small clinics all over the country duplicating the work that Dr. Waismann began in 1994. Some are well trained and well ran clinics quietly helping patients start new lives, however a few were trying to make a fast buck and ran into trouble and unfortunately those are the ones that get into news and leave a bad taste in the mouths of all.

Internists not doing proper medical screening, not making sure the patients are well enough for the procedure; Anesthesiologists who are not ABA certified, facilities that are ill equipped to deal with emergency situations, etc. Unfortunately the list can go on and on…

The procedure became somewhat controversial, because of the spectacular stories that were heard from time to time, also because no pharmaceutical company was behind it and making a lot of profit (aka Suboxone). However for the professionals who have been involved in it, Addictionologists, Internists, Anesthesiologists – are all believers. They do it because they know it works. Patient after patient, as long as there is a will and a commitment."

While this method of treatment has been around for 20 years, it really hasn't been that well known in the U.S. until recently. Some doctors are all for it while others are very much against it, so there isn't really a final census or agreement on the matter as of now. Hopefully there will be more information about this matter as time goes on and that they can fix any of the problems with this procedure. The withdrawals experienced during this procedure are often compared to as how one would feel if they were to go into precipitated withdrawal. If you remember from my previous posts (or worse, know from experience), precipitated withdrawal occurs when you take a drug such as Suboxone, Methadone, or Vivitrol without having waited long enough after any previous use of opiates such as Oxycodone, Heroin, and the like. For those who don't know, precipitated withdrawal is said to be much worse of a feeling than the "normal" opiate withdrawals one would suffer if they were to suddenly stop using opiates after a continued period of time (going cold turkey).

Normal opiate withdrawals already suck enough as it is, so precipitated withdrawals is something you don't want to mess with. While the patient would normally feel like they were in a state of hell during the course of experiencing precipitated opiate withdrawal, the patient undergoing ROD is supposed to feel little to no discomfort or pain during ROD due to the fact that they are not conscious and are under certain medications. Basically, the procedure has you sleep though the rough part while under medical supervision.



The procedure itself differs slightly from place from place but the basic concepts behind it remain nearly the same. To give you guys a description of the procedure, I have once again provided a detailed description of the procedure from a website I found online (I promise you I'm not getting lazy, I just want everything to be as clear as possible for you guys rather than putting things in my own words) while researching this method of treatment. This information is below this paragraph and is once again in blue front.

"Naltrexone is sometimes used for rapid detoxification ("rapid detox") regimens for opioid dependence. The principle of rapid detoxification is to induce opioid-receptor blockage while the patient is in a state of impaired consciousness, so as to attenuate the withdrawal symptoms experienced by the patient. Rapid detoxification under general anesthesia (sometimes called "ultra-rapid detox") involves an unconscious patient and requires intubation and external ventilation. Rapid detoxification is also possible under lighter sedation. The rapid detoxification procedure is followed by oral naltrexone daily for up to 12 months for opioid dependence management. There are a number of practitioners who will use a naltrexone implant, usually placed in the lower abdomen, to replace the oral naltrexone."

Another website provided a brief description of the process for their particular facility and I have listed it below this paragraph as well. This information comes from a facility in New York known as New York Rapid Opioid Detoxification (NYROD).

"The process begins when NYROD is first contacted by a patient or referring source. Patients then undergo a thorough screening of their medical and drug histories, and psychological profiles. Patients will complete an extensive questionnaire which will be reviewed by Dr. Brooks and our addiction specialized therapist. Dr. Brooks and out addiction therapists will speak to each patient in person, or by phone if calling from a great distance. Patient determination to end their opiate addiction is key to acceptance for treatment. With patient consent, previous therapists will be contacted to discuss your addiction and treatment histories. All patients must undergo physical examination and testing appropriate for their age and drug history.

AAROD is an important first step toward becoming opiate addiction free, but is only a first step. Therefore, to optimize outcomes and avoid relapse, NO patient will be allowed into the program unless aftercare has been established. That is, patients must have an inpatient, or outpatient post-procedure treatment plan to help them understand any psychosocial roots of their addictions and trigger avoidance. Our staff will work with you to assure a smooth transition into an aftercare program. In addition, we will maintain contact with each patient with frequent phone calls and return follow-up appointments. Every patient will have 24-hour access numbers to reach us if needed.

Patients are admitted early morning. An intravenous line is started and patients are placed on cardiac and oxygen monitors. Under the care of an ICU trained RN, patients will receive clonidine and intravenous fluids. The clonidine will help stabilize blood pressure and heart rate during detoxification. The fluids will begin the “washout” of the opiates still on the patient’s receptors.
Next, under the direct and constant care of a Board Certified Anesthesiologist, patients are brought into a state of the art procedure room. After the induction of deep intravenous sedation patients are administered the opiate antagonists naloxone and naltrexone until all opiates have been displaced from the opiate receptors and the detoxification is complete. Patients have no awareness or memory of the detoxification process which would otherwise be intolerable. Depending upon the level of addiction and the drugs to which the patient is addicted, the procedure will last from 3 to 4 hours. Before awakening, and only after the patient is completely detoxified, the patient is administered depot naltrexone injection.

Patients are next brought to a comfortable recovery area where they will be continuously monitored through the night by a trained RN. Any residual restlessness or discomfort or expected gastrointestinal distress will be treated as needed. Young patients may have a parent stay with them for all or part of the recovery period.

Before discharge the next morning, every patient will be evaluated by Dr. Brooks, and visited by our therapist to discuss immediate aftercare planning. Unless ready for discharge, patients will be kept. No patient will be allowed to leave without a responsible adult escort.

The aftercare you receive will be individualized and determined by you and your therapist. Some patients will choose to immediately continue in an outpatient setting, working closely with a therapist and joining a support group such as Narcotics Anonymous. Others may feel that they must first enter a more structured program in a protected and anonymous rehabilitation setting, far from their familiar “people, places, and things"

This procedure is supposed to be nearly painless and provides the patient with the chance to achieve sobriety without having to put up with the physical withdrawals from trying to quit opiates. The withdrawals from opiates is often a factor that prevents many (myself included) from going the cold turkey route. This option may also be appealing for those who dislike Opiate Replacement Therapy drugs such as Suboxone, Methadone, or Vivitrol or who feel they would otherwise be unsuccessful with going down this route (or cold turkey). The fact that it is basically a one time procedure (unlike Suboxone/Methadone which is an every day thing) is something that may be very appealing for some addicts.

Based on what I have read, patients will often stay in the facility or hospital for a few days and will be closely monitored. After the procedure, patients will be sometimes be prescribed Naltrexone to help them remain sober. It is important to remember that Naltrexone is not addicting and is the same drug that is found in the Vivitrol shot that I talked about here. It is also recommended that after the procedure that the patient continues to see their doctor, live a drug and alcohol free life, and seek support and/or AA/NA meetings.

Effectiveness/Opinion Of Rapid Opioid Detoxification

 

As I said previously in this post, there is still much debate as to exactly how effective the ROD can be and where it ranks among the many other treatment options out there. Many feel the procedure has much promise but is still in its early stages of development and that the procedure itself carries its own risks. There are others who feel the procedure offers little to no advantage over more traditional methods of treatments besides allowing the patient to avoid the physical withdrawals that so often accompany the challenging process of quitting opiates. In other words, while the patient may be able to avoid withdrawal, he or she will still have to face the mental aspect of addiction (cravings, depression, etc.), which can be just as difficult or harder than the physical part of quitting opiates.

 

A major drawback of ROD is that it is usually expensive, in fact quite expensive, as typical procedures usually range anywhere from as low as $5,000 to as high as $30,000 as well as additional costs of having to stay in a hospital for monitoring after the procedure and any medications you may be given. Based on my own research, it appears the average price is usually between $15,000-$20,000. That's a lot of money for most of us and to make matters worse, from what I have read getting insurance to cover the procedure can be quite difficult. Again everyone and their cases are different so some might pay more or less than others or may get better (or worse) insurance coverage. However, staying at an inpatient rehabilitation center is also pretty expensive ranging from a couple hundred dollars a day to thousands of dollars a day depending upon the place and situation. Suboxone, Vivitrol, and Methadone can also burn a hole in your pockets as well but is usually cheaper than ROD or an inpatient stay at a rehabilitation center. In other words, unless you plan on going cold turkey, getting clean can often be quite expensive.

 

To give you guys a clearer picture of what I'm saying, take my situation for example. I am currently on 1 mg of Suboxone a day and usually end up paying about $300-350 a month for my prescription, appointments with my addiction doctor, and meetings with my drug addiction consular which are all mandatory to remain in the outpatient Suboxone program I am part of. And those numbers are with insurance coverage (I'm told I have pretty good insurance too). If you're looking at getting on an opiate replacement therapy program, staying in an inpatient program, or giving the ROD procedure a try, insurance is a near must unless you have the money to spend. I have never been to an inpatient rehabilitation program but to give you an idea of what a stay at a average/normal (not some shithole or some 5 star resort-like rehab), I have included a list of prices without insurance coverage for a typical inpatient stay at a rehabilitation center (Waismann Method Medical Group and Domus Retreat) below:

 

5 day program is $18,800

1 week program is $20,800

10 day program is $23,800

2 week program is $27,800

3 week program is $33,800

4 week program is $39,800

 

Another disadvantage are the risks involved with this procedure. For this procedure, the patient will sometimes be put under anesthesia to basically have them "sleep" through the entire procedure. As most of you already probably know, anesthesia does carry its own risks despite the fact that it is commonly used and well known. These risks can be intensified for those with medical issues or disease so be sure to think this over and talk both regularly and honestly with your doctor if you feel ROD is the route you wish to go. The patient will also be given a variety of drugs (I'm not sure what) so it is important you know what you're being given in case you have any allergies or bad reactions to these drugs. A final risk involved in the procedure is the same risk you take when you decide to go cold turkey. Detoxing off opiates is very rarely life-threatening but it still does take its toll on your body when/if you decide to go cold turkey off opiates. These same risks will be present if you undergo the ROD procedure. I don't want to scare anyone or to seem as though I'm trying to lead you guys in a direction but I feel it is my duty to at least mention that there has been cases of people actually dying during the procedure or a few days after it. This is something that really concerned me but we must also take into consideration that people can die or suffer from complications during any procedure that involves anesthesia as well as the fact that some addicts can be in a relatively poor state of health in the first place. Like anything in life, this procedure has its risks. The following excerpt is taken from an article which explains some of the risks involved with this procedure:

 

"Detox is tough on the body, and a rapid detox is tougher. Although you do not consciously feel the pains of this quickened detox, your body must endure an intensified and accelerated period of detox, and this can be very taxing on the body…and doubly so as many addicts do not enter into detox in the best of health.
 
There have been a number of deaths related to the procedure, where patients have died within days of a rapid detox, and one prominent clinic was closed down over concerns over health and safety.

Advocates argue that although there are risks, the risks of a lifetime of abuse and addiction are greater, and for society as a whole rapid opiate detox betters health. This may or may not be true, but it is not likely very encouraging on an individual basis and when deciding on personal options."

Rapid Opioid Detoxification does not guarantee life-long sobriety and a person who undergoes this treatment has no greater chance of remaining sober than someone who attempts to go cold turkey or use opiate replacement therapy. Someone can be cold turkey off of opiates for a month and suddenly relapse. Someone may be on Suboxone or Methadone for 2 years and relapse. Hell, there are people who have decades of sobriety who end up suddenly relapsing. The same unfortunately goes for patients who have undergone a ROD procedure. I'm not trying to sound like a jerk when I say that (there certainly are people who have undergone cold turkey, opiate replacement therapy, and  I'm sure ROD who have gotten and remained sober) but I want to be as honest as I can be with you guys. ROD will help you avoid the physical withdrawals but you'll most likely still end up having to fight off urges, struggle with the mind games of addiction, and live through the mental anguish for quite some time after you quit opiates. I bring this up because $20,000 is a lot to pay to get sober to end up relapsing later on. Like I've said before, some people get it their first time while others, their 100th try. Everyone is different so don't feel as if I'm speaking for you and every opiate addict out there. Getting sober is easier for others just as it can be harder for others.

This chart shows the percentage of patients who remained sober after a Rapid Opioid Detox procedure. This chart was obtained in the book Drug and Alcohol Dependence (Vol. 52, Issue 53-Pages 177-270). The link to this information can be found by clicking Here.

The following excerpt is from a study that was conducted in 1999 by American Society of Anesthesiologists. It discusses the success rate of the procedure in 20 individuals as well any side effects experienced by these people. The link to this study can be found by clicking here. Here it is below in blue front:

"Background: Opioid addiction therapy includes successful detoxification, rehabilitation, and sometimes methadone maintenance. However, the patient may have physical, mental, and emotional pain while trying to achieve abstinence. A new detoxification technique that incorporates general anesthesia uses a high‐dose opioid antagonist to compress detoxification to within 6 h while avoiding the withdrawal.

 

Methods: After Institutional Review Board approval and detailed informed consent, 20 patients, American Society of Anesthesiologists status I–II, addicted to various opioids underwent anesthesia‐assisted rapid opioid detoxification. After baseline hemodynamics and withdrawal scores were obtained, anesthesia was induced. After testing with 0.4 mg intravenous naloxone, 4 mg nalmefene, was infused over 2 to 3 h. After emergence, severity of withdrawal was scored before and after administration of 0.4 mg intravenous naloxone. After 24 h, patients began outpatient follow‐up treatment while taking oral naltrexone.

 

Results: All 20 patients were successfully detoxified with no adverse anesthetic events. After the first post‐treatment test dose of 0.4 mg naloxone, 13 of 20 patients had no signs of withdrawal and hemodynamic changes were minimal. Withdrawal scores were always very low and similar before and after detoxification. Three of 17 patients (18%) available for follow‐up have remained abstinent from opioids since treatment (≤ 18 months). Four other patients are clean after brief relapses.

 

Conclusions: Anesthesia‐assisted opioid detoxification is an alternative to conventional detoxification."

Getting and staying clean is not an easy thing but is something we (us opiate addicts) must seek, or eventually seek. Most who continue a life of abusing opiates usually end up in jail, institutions, being homeless, or even dead. For those who don't get to any of those places, they will probably end up hurting their families/friends (in addition to themselves), ruining relationships, losing their jobs, and basically destroying their lives. Think about it,  how many happy, successful opiate addicts do you know or have you heard of? If you're like me, none. Addiction may not seem so bad at first but trust me, it will eventually bite you in the ass if you put up with it long enough. Again, I hate to appear gloomy and like a jerk on a high horse, but this is usually the case and is something I know from experience. My rock bottom wasn't jail, homelessness, or death but I did hurt some of the people I cared most about, did some things I would have never thought I would have done, and changed (negatively) as a person. I hated what I was doing and who I was becoming, eventually getting help and can honestly say I am happy the way my life is going right now. It hasn't been easy but like I've said numerous times before, it is possible. I'm still learning this myself as I continue my journey towards sobriety.

What I just mentioned in the previous paragraph is there for a reason. I want to stress to you guys that just like Suboxone, Vivitrol, or Methadone, Rapid Opioid Detoxification is not some miracle drug or procedure. After patient goes through this procedure, he/she will have to continue battling their addiction. It doesn't just go away after this procedure. This is where AA/NA meetings, counseling/therapy, and changing your surroundings and people around you are critical. Just like some Suboxone/Methadone/Vivitrol and rehabilitation centers, some clinics that offer ROD may try to lure you to give ROD a shot with statements of high success rates and an answer to your problems. These places, after all, are businesses and have a product/service they are trying to sell. Remember that. I'm not trying to knock any of these things as they can certainly help someone but you must remember that they are only a tool in your battle against addiction. Think of them a weapon on the battle field. You are battling addiction and have at your hands a variety of weapons. These weapons can include AA/NA meetings, sober networks, coping skills/mechanisms, and opiate replacement therapy drugs such as Suboxone or Methadone. However at the end of the day, it is not the weapons that are on the battlefield that wins (or loses) the war, it is people who are fighting on it that do.

There are a lot of different answers and numbers out there in regards to the effectiveness and success rate of Rapid Opioid Detoxification. Some will claim close to a 100% success while others will be as low as 20-30%. Unfortunately for addicts, most (but not all!) will fail their first (or few) times of trying to get clean. My addiction consular always told me that relapse is part of recovery but that just because it's part of it doesn't mean it has to be. Meatballs can be a part of a spaghetti diner but you don't have to eat them, you can simply eat around them or not put them on your plate and you'll still have your spaghetti. While this metaphor may sound silly at first, if you take a moment to think about it, it is a great comparison for the tools we can use to achieve sobriety.

I don't really have an answer for you guys about how effective or successful this procedure is other than what I just have stated previously. There are articles out there about this topic however, and I would like to provide you guys with them. After reading through a couple of them, you'll probably get what I'm saying about how there isn't really a clear-cut answer about how effective or successful ROD is or can be. Here are some of these articles below:

http://www.choosehelp.com/detox/problems-with-rapid-opiate-detox
http://thestatsblog.wordpress.com/2008/10/02/reporters-love-rapid-detox/
http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=187166#
http://journals.lww.com/anesthesiology/Abstract/1999/12000/Rapid_Opioid_Detoxification_during_General.15.aspx
http://www.mdsdrugdetox.com/faq/
http://www.rapid-detox.net/2005/08/how-effective-is-rapid-detox.html
http://www.doctordeluca.com/Library/DetoxEngage/MethodsRoleOpioidDetox05.pdf

My Final Thoughts On Rapid Opioid Detoxification

 

When I first heard of the Rapid Opioid Detoxification, I was really interested and curious about the procedure. When I heard that you could simply "sleep" through the withdrawals and wake up feeling almost "normal", I simply couldn't believe what I was hearing. It seemed to good to be true. After doing my own research, I began to learn exactly what the procedure was, what it was about, how it worked, and much more information. Yet here I am today, still somewhat puzzled about it.

 

I haven't met or talked to anyone who has undergone the procedure or who knows someone who has. I have never undergone it myself and probably never will as it seems far to expensive for my case and I am a little bit concerned about the potential risks that come along with the procedure. If you asked me if I would ever consider getting this procedure, I would answer truthfully with a no. Between the costs, risks, and uncertainty of the procedure, I feel I wouldn't be comfortable enough going through with it.

 

However, I really do believe there is a lot of promise for a procedure such as this and I think it shows how far the addiction community has come in treating those who suffer from this disease.

I'm Back!

Hi Guys,

Hope everyone is doing well. I want to start this post off by apologizing to my fellow readers and friends. It's been awhile. I got a new laptop a few months ago and ended up losing my password and user name for my blog. Because of this, I have been unable to post on my blog. I plan on getting back to posting as often as I can and I hope I can continue to help some people in regards to opiate addiction.

I would also like to take a second to thank you guys for not only ready my posts but for also commenting on them. I think discussion can be really beneficial and helpful for everyone involved in this blog (myself included). I will try my best to read and reply to every one's comments. So please, keep the comments, questions, and thoughts coming!



I think the best way to write this post is to give you guys a quick update on how my recovery is going and where I am. I have some good news and some bad news...

I'll start with the bad news. I have been on Suboxone for about a year now and have been for the most part, pretty successful in my recovery. However, I have had a few bumps. I made it about 6 months of doing no drugs besides the Suboxone before I eventually caved in and messed up. I went on what I would call a "binge" and ended up getting high on my drug of choice, Oxycodone, for a couple of days. I actually had 3 periods of this. Each time lasted about 3 or 4 days before I ended up back on the sober train. I'm upset I did this after the hard work and dedication I put into my recovery but have learned to come to terms with myself and get back to a life of sobriety. I have now been clean for 45 days as I am writing this post (3/27/13).

It hasn't been easy but I'm surviving. It actually made me realize just how difficult recovery can be and how quick and easy it is for old habits to sneak up on you. I looked back on myself and the things that were going on at the time and have decided the most likely reasons for my relapse were stress, hanging out with the wrong people, boredom, and simply giving in to wanting to get high.

Despite these relapses, I have managed to continue my Suboxone treatment. I was able to avoid testing positive for Oxycodone during my drugs tests by providing myself with enough time (3-4 days) before having to take my weekly drug test at the Suboxone clinic. I want to be honest with you guys and not be someone who preaches something yet doesn't think the rules apply to his or her self. I never told my consular or doctor of my relapses and instead simply went on with the program. If you want my recommendation on what to do if you find yourself in a similar situation, I would tell you to be honest with not only your doctor, consular, and support team but with yourself as well. Once again, that's what I would recommend, not what I actually went out and did myself.

To give you guys a quick history of my story with addiction, I'll start out with what was my drug of choice. I had about a 2 year addiction with the Oxycodone 30 mg pills. I would snort/sniff these pills and was doing them daily, usually taking at least 150 mg a day but would take as much as I could afford/get my hands on. I came clean about my addiction with my girlfriend, family, and some friends and decided to seek help at a Suboxone clinic. I was initially prescribed 4 mg of Suboxone once a day. After about 4 or 5 months on 4 mg, my dose was reduced to 2 mg a day. I would take 1 mg in the morning and 1 mg at night. I was on this dose for about 3 months until my dose was lowered once again to 1 mg a day (.5mg in the morning, .5mg at night). I have been at this dose for about 2 months now.

The jump from 4mg to 2mg was actually very easy. In fact, I felt absolute no withdrawal at all or any negative side effects from my reduction in dosage. However, the jump from 2 mg to 1 mg has been somewhat of a different story. While I feel pretty good and normal most of the day, I can usually begin to feel some discomfort by the end of the day before my second dosing. These withdrawals are minor and usually consist of a runny nose, restless legs, random cold chills, and minor anxiety. I also begin feeling these withdrawals in the early morning around 5 or 6 in the morning before my next dose (usually around 10 a.m.). My best guess is I am feeling my previous dose wearing off and my body is looking for the next dose. Again, these symptoms have been pretty minor but can still suck when I have to work or go to school.

To help combat these symptoms, I talked with my doctor and was prescribed a few medications. These include Clonidine, Requip, and Advil. The Clonidine has been great at night for sleep and does seem to help a little bit with chills and restlessness. I haven't really noticed much of a difference with the Requip, which was prescribed to help with the restless legs. Surprisingly, the Advil has actually been pretty effective with the aches and pains I sometimes get.

While I am certainly happy I am now at a relatively low dose of the Suboxone, I am somewhat fearful of how difficult it will be when I again have to lower my dose when the time comes. I am even more scared about when the time comes to make the jump off of Suboxone completely. My plan is to jump off the Suboxone at as small of a dose as possible to help avoid or limit any potential withdrawal symptoms. If things get tough after I make the jump off of the Suboxone and I am feeling overwhelmed or facing intense cravings, I think I will give the Vivitrol shot a shot (no pun intended).

That's basically where I've been over the past few months since I last posted on here. I am so glad to finally be able to once again access my account and talk with you guys. It really helps to vent, hear others share their experiences, and to have the opportunity to help others as well. My next two posts are going to be about the rapid detox method and ways to taper off of Suboxone. I would like to dedicate the rest of this blog to you guys. In the comment section, please comment about a topic you would like me to address, ask any questions or comments you have, or simply pop in to say hello.

Thanks a lot Guys for reading and it's great to be back. I haven't said this in awhile so here it goes: Through times of desperation, difficulties, and darkness, remember to keep seeing the light!

-Take Care Guys,

Seeingthelight