Suboxone vs Methadone

Introduction

Hello once again my friends and welcome back to my blog about opiate addiction. This is my fifth and newest post on my blog (that suddenly isn't so new now). This blog is here to help anyone find information on a variety of topics in regards to opiate addiction. As someone who suffers from opiate addiction myself (a 2 year addiction to the Oxycodone 30 mg pills), I use this blog as a way to vent myself as well as to help any others suffering from addiction or knowing someone who does. An addiction to anything is a serious and often sensitive topic, but I'm hoping this blog will allow others (myself included) to not only find information on the matter but to also have the opportunity to speak their minds as well about the matter.

I have noticed an increase in page views for my blog, which made me very happy that this information is getting out there. However, I've yet to have anyone comment yet so please, please don't be afraid to comment on any of my posts. Hopefully we can get some conversations going and I will also answer you guys back as soon as I can, even on older posts. Like always, you guys can check out my other previous posts from my blog by clicking on any of the following links below (in order from 1st post to most recent post):

Welcome (1st Post)
My Experience With Suboxone
The Dreaded Withdrawals
Why We Got Addicted To Opiates


I would like this particular post to discuss and compare two methods that are commonly used to help those suffering from opiate addiction. The two methods are Suboxone and Methadone, and although used for the same purpose of treating opiate addiction, they are both indeed very different. It is also important to note that these two drugs can be used for other things as well but I am just going to focus on their use as a tool in helping with opiate addiction. Basically, I'll give you guys some brief background information on both, compare them, and briefly speak about my experience with Suboxone (I've never used Methadone myself), and will leave the rest to you guys to hopefully generate some conversation within the comment section. Feel free to comment any information you have about this topic, your experiences with either of the drugs, your likes or dislikes of either, and any suggestions you have towards this post or the blog in general. OK, lets begin.

Suboxone or Methadone, That Is The Question

Methadone (top, white pills)
And Suboxone (bottom, orange pills)

Suboxone and Methadone are both drug medications that can be used for the purpose of helping opiate addicts eventually overcome their addiction to their drug of choice (DOC). The next most common action to take besides Suboxone or Methadone treatment is going cold turkey, although there are other ways as well. Suboxone and Methadone are preferred by many as they can help patients avoid withdrawals from stopping use of their DOC temporally until they choose to stop treatment with the Methadone or Suboxone, and opiates altogether. I want to stress this as while these two drugs will prevent most withdrawals and discomfort you would normally experience if you were to stop opiates altogether by going cold turkey, these two drugs carry the risk of withdrawals themselves when stopping them. I'm sure most of you guys know this already, but cold turkey is when one stops using their DOC without the aid of any replacement. So if someone like myself were using Oxycodone everyday for 2 years, then suddenly decided to stop opiates altogether, I would be going cold turkey. It should be noted that opiate withdrawal can be dangerous and is usually a painstaking experience. This is why it is important to not do anything drastic without first alerting those closet to you, your doctor, and your support network.

Withdrawals are the discomfort you feel when you stop using your DOC after a period time of continued use. Withdrawals vary based upon the person, drug they were using, length of time they were using, method of using, and dosage of the drug they were using. Some medications, like Advil, carry no risk of withdrawal while others, such as Oxycodone, Suboxone, Methadone, Valium, Xanex, and numerous others can bring about withdrawals after discontinuing of use. Some common symptoms (among many others) of opiate withdrawals are listed below:

Chills/Goosebumps
Cold Sweats
Headache
Soreness/Aches
Pins and Needles Feelings
Stomach Discomfort/Cramps
Restless Legs
Trouble Sleeping/Insomnia
Dizziness
Diarrhea/Trouble Going Bathroom
Loss of Appetite
Anxiety
Irritability
Lack of Energy
Runny Nose
Yawning
Feeling of the Common Cold/Flu
Depression/Emotional Issues

Quite frankly, these withdrawals suck and can make getting off opiates very challenging. The most common reasons that people struggle with when getting clean are these withdrawals along with the emotional drain opiate withdrawal can bring. It is very hard, but not impossible. In my opinion, there is nothing wrong with going cold turkey (under the right supervision). I also believe there is nothing wrong with using Suboxone or Methadone as a tool get clean off opiates as long as you truly have the desire to get off of opiates and aren't just getting a prescription for these drugs so you can have a supply of what I like to call "Backup Pills" in case you run out early, can't find any opiates, or don't have money to buy opiates. I only say this (and I realize I might sound like a jerk) because I once did this and know of others who did this. In my opinion, you cannot get clean and stay clean if you do not have the true desire to get clean (unless of course, you're locked up in jail or forced into a program). Believe me, I know how tough it can be to battle an addiction and I realize that people who go the Suboxone or Methadone route face just as much difficulty as those who go cold turkey. I am currently over 4 months clean off of Oxycodone after a 2 year habit of using 180-300 mg of Oxycodone a day at the height of my addiction. I have tried going cold turkey myself but could never stay clean very long, which resulted in me eventually going with an outpatient Suboxone program which has really helped me. However, I am not saying cold turkey is impossible as everyone is different and everyone needs there own type of care and rehabilitation. At the end of the day, it's not the route you went to get clean, it's the fact that you managed to get clean that counts the most.

Drugs? For a Drug Addict? Huh?

As I mentioned before, Suboxone and Methadone are given to patients for a period of time to help them overcome their addiction to opiates. Both Suboxone and Methadone are addicting and can be habit forming, especially if misused. So, why the hell would a doctor prescribed something addictive to an addict? The answer is a variety of reasons. Suboxone and Methadone allow patients the ability to stay away from their DOC while being able to continue their lives without the dreaded withdrawals we would normally face if not for the Suboxone or Methadone. This can be very important as it allows patients the opportunity to take their Suboxone or Methadone, stay practically withdrawal free for the time being, and get their lives back together. While on Suboxone or Methadone, patients can find jobs/careers, go to school, take care of their families/children, and other everyday things. Think about how hard it would be having to wake up early, go to work, come home to do some house work, make dinner, help the kids with homework, and going to little Jimmy's little league baseball game all while having to experience opiate withdrawals. This is why Suboxone and Methadone are preferred by so many people.

Another major reason people turn to Methadone and Suboxone is because it can help with cravings as well. Like I said before, these drugs aren't some miracle drugs that cure addiction and cravings but rather eases them. Based on my experience with Suboxone, I still get cravings here and there but would say they are greatly reduced with the use of the Suboxone. Keep in mind through that everyone is different. By being able to stay away from using your DOC, your mind, body, and schedule begin to change to what it was like before you started your addiction. Rather then waking up everyday craving your DOC (and for some, spending your entire day and night looking for more chasing that high), you are able to live a more normal life without constantly worrying about scoring your next high. Nearly all Suboxone and Methadone programs require their patients to submit to drug testing and to meet with doctors and/or consulars frequently, which help keep your life more structured with having someone to answer to if you screw up (it happens to the best of us).

OK, now that we got the good stuff out of the way, lets take a look at the bad stuff. Suboxone and Methadone unfortunately are addicting and can be habit forming. When the day comes when you and your support team decide that it is time to stop using either the Suboxone or Methadone, you will most likely experience some withdrawals. As I've said practically a million times already, everyone is different so it is tough to say how good or bad your withdrawals from Methadone or Suboxone will be. From what I have heard, it appears that Suboxone and Methadone withdrawals are not as bad as say Oxycodone withdrawal, but last wayyyy longer. Based on what I have been told and have read, the physical withdrawals from Suboxone appears to last any where from 7-21 days while the mental withdrawals take quite some time. The physical withdrawals from Suboxone are similar to those of most opiates. Once again, from what I have read, not experienced, the mental withdrawals and mind games continue for months and it usually takes a good 6 months to a year until your mind begins to feel almost completely normal. It sucks to hear, I know, but I want to be upfront and honest with you guys and not sugarcoat things. Everyone is different through so at the end of the day, who knows exactly how good or bad it will truly be.

OK, now this is where having people comment on these posts comes in handy. I have never taken Methadone myself and am getting most of my research from what I have heard from other people (people who have used it, my consular, and my doctor) and from what I have read. I do not want to sound like I am bashing Methadone on here so please excuse me if I sound that way. Basically, from what I have read and heard is that Methadone basically works just as well as Suboxone with keeping withdrawals and cravings at bay, but is much harder to come off than Suboxone or say, Oxycodone. In fact, I have heard that Methadone is one of the most difficult drugs to come off of. From what I have researched, it appears physical withdrawals last for weeks, or even months and can be quite uncomfortable to put it nicely. A common phrase I have heard to describe Methadone withdrawal is that "it gets in your bones." I'll let you guys take that phrase however you want to but it certainly scared me. The mental withdrawals are supposed to be just as bad as those of Suboxone, if not worse. Again, I do not want to bash Methadone as it has been around for quite awhile in the addiction community so it must be doing something right. I have also heard that it is not uncommon for patients of Methadone clinics to have to go every day to get their dose, while Suboxone can usually be obtained on a weekly, biweekly, or even monthly basis. I have also heard that the process of getting accepted into a Methadone program can be quite long and tiring, although I must say that I had to call around and search around for roughly 3 weeks before being accepted into a Suboxone program. Once again, please don't think that I have something against Methadone, I am just telling you guys what I have read and that this is where having you guys who have experience and knowledge of this topic comment can be very beneficial to others (myself included). The most important thing I can tell you is that to do your research and to talk honestly/frequently with your doctor and support network. Do not be afraid to ask questions/recommendations from these professionals on matters such as these, it can help a lot.

I know that Suboxone and Methadone can be used for variety of time periods. I have heard of people doing quick tapers with both (1 month or less), others who go 3 months-1 year, and others who go years on these drugs. I have also read, but never met, people who supposedly are on a Suboxone or Methadone program for life (not sure if this is just people talking out of their ass or if this really does happen so take it with a grain of salt if you wish). It is important you do your research and really talk it over with your support network with whatever method you choose as it is a decision that can basically affect the rest of your life and the path you choose you to go. I'm currently 4 months into a Suboxone program and was started at a relatively small dose (4 mg once a day) which I have stayed on since. The plan is that I will eventually start a process of tapering and will hopefully be off of all opiates within a year or so. I may also look into giving the Vivitrol shot a try after the Suboxone if I feel it to be necessary (I will hopefully write a post about the Vivitrol shot soon). Not only do I not have any experience with Methadone, but I have no experience with Suboxone withdrawal (besides going like 36 hours a couple times without a dose) so use your own judgement along with your research and doctor recommendations. Again, don't try to play doctor with these drugs adjusting your doses without permission as it can hurt you in the long run or even be dangerous. I know it can be tempting, but it can also be quite costly. Be smart my friends.

Suboxone

Suboxone Pills (top) and Suboxone Film (bottom)

Now that we compared the two drugs, lets take a quick look at each one individually. We'll start with Suboxone. Suboxone is a semi-synthetic opioid that is taken sublingually. Suboxone comes in either a pill form or in film form in dosages of either 2 mg or 8 mg. Suboxone is a relatively new drug in the opiate addiction community as it first entered the market for the treatment of opiate addiction in 2002 after being approved by FDA. There is a somewhat lack of information of Suboxone for long term use as the drug is still pretty new. It was however used from the 1960s to today as a  analgesics, although its primary use today is for both alcohol and opiate dependence.

The two main ingredients in Suboxone are Buprenorphine HCl and Naloxone HCl. The Buprenorphine is a opioid while the Naloxone is a opioid inverse agonist. The Burprenorphine is used to help keep the withdrawals and cravings at bay because when you take it, your body is still getting an opiate in it just like if you were to take say Oxycodone. However, it should be noted that Burprenorphine is a completely different drug in its own right than Oxycodone as both are their own kind of drug. The Naloxone is added into the Suboxone to prevent patients from abusing the drug. If a patient were to attempt to snort or inject Suboxone, they risk the possibility of going into precipitated withdrawals as the Naloxone will cause a nasty reaction with the Burprenorphine. The reason you will not go into precipitated withdrawals if you take Suboxone sublingually as directed is because the Naloxone is poorly absorbed when taken underneath the tongue where as it is better absorbed through the mucus membranes (snorting) or blood (injection). Suboxone should not be taken until your body has detoxed itself from other opiates such as Oxycodone as it can lead to precipitated withdrawals if you do not wait long enough to take your dose of Suboxone after you last used another opiate. Each opiate is different in the time it takes to leave your body and each can react differently with other drugs so it is important that you do your research and talk with your doctor about this matter (Man, I don't think I can stress that enough!)

Like Methadone, not all doctors can prescribe Suboxone so you must find one who does. Don't expect your primary care doctor to be able to prescribe Suboxone or Methadone as law requires doctors who prescribe these drugs to be licensed and trained in addiction treatment. However, it is important you keep your doctor up to date with your use of Suboxone or Methadone along with your addiction and other health issues. Along with Methadone, most Suboxone programs require patients to submit to drug testing, see an addiction doctor, and to see a drug consular. Some programs require you to see these people more frequently than others and each program has its own set of rules, guidelines, requirements, and beliefs. It is important to note that in terms of mg's strength, Suboxone is a pretty powerful drug. It's not a drug that will get you high (although some people report experiencing a slight buzz/high the first couple of times they take it) but don't let that statement fool you. For example, someone who is down to 1-2 mg of Suboxone can still experience symptoms of withdrawals, proving how powerful this drug is. I say this because when many people taper off of Suboxone and get down to a dose below 2 mg, they think they will most likely experience little to no withdrawals. While tapering certainly helps, it must be done slowly and patiently and even then, a person will most likely experience some withdrawals. Once again, everyone is different through.

Methadone

Alright, let's now take a look at Methadone. Methadone is classified as a semi-synthetic opioid that is used primary as an analgesic and for opiate dependence. Methadone has been in the addiction community far longer than Suboxone and there is quite a lot of information and research on Methadone out there. I highly suggest you get to know the drugs you put in your body, and I say this for any kind drug. Methadone was originally developed in Germany during the 1930s and is still widely used throughout the world today. The same receptors in which drugs such as heroin and morphine affect, are affected by Methadone which makes this drug quite useful in treating opiate addiction. Like Suboxone, Methadone must be taken under the supervision of a doctor and program with patients having to detox themselves off of any opiates before taking their first dose. Similar to Suboxone, patients who do not wait long enough after their last dose of opiate can risk going into precipitated withdrawal if the Methadone is taken too soon. Methadone programs may require patients to visit methadone clinics daily and may require the patient to take their dose in front of a nurse or doctor. However, after a period of time of meeting program requirements, patients may be given larger quantities of Methadone to take home (such as a week's supply). Methadone can come in a pill form, a pill to be taken sublingually, or in liquid form depending upon the patient, program, and situation at hand.

Like Suboxone, Methadone can be addicting and habit forming while also carrying the potential of being abused. Some users report being able to achieve a high/buzz off Methadone but it is known that Methadone tolerance can be built up relatively fast. Methadone treatment is usually ended after a period of tapering and when patients quit using Methadone, they risk facing withdrawals. As mentioned before, Methadone withdrawals can last anywhere from period of weeks to months depending on the person and their situation. It should be noted that research does suggest however, that when taken properly, patients can achieve success in maintaining sobriety and that Methadone has certainly proven successful for many. A new trend has emerged in which patients are put on Methadone over a period of time, then slowly taper down their dose before switching over to Suboxone. I have not met anyone who has gone this route but it does sound pretty interesting. However, in my opinion I feel you're better off just going with Suboxone if you plan on going this route as why waste your time with the Methadone to just eventually switch over to Suboxone? But, hey, I'm sure doctors have their reasons and know a hell of a lot more than I do.

Common Side Effects of Methadone

I found the following information from Wikipedia (I know, I know, take it however you wish) and thought it may be helpful for you guys to read. It is basically a comparison between Suboxone and Methadone. I just copied and pasted it below while putting it in blue font.

"Buprenorphine and methadone are medications used for detoxification, short- and long-term maintenance treatment. Each agent has its relative advantages and disadvantages.
In terms of efficacy (i.e., treatment retention, mostly negative urine samples), high-dose buprenorphine (such as that commonly found with Subutex/Suboxone treatment; 8–16 mg typically) has been found to be superior to 20–40 mg of methadone per day (low dose) and equatable anywhere between 50–70 mg (moderate dose),^[23] to up to 100 mg (high dose)^[24] of methadone a day. In all cases, high-dose buprenorphine has been found to be far superior to placebo and an effective treatment for opioid addiction, with retention rates of 50% as a minimum.^{[23][24][25][26]} It is also worth noting that while methadone's effectiveness is generally thought to increase with dose, buprenorphine has a ceiling effect at 32 mg.^[27] That is, while a methadone dose of 80 mg will likely be more effective than a methadone dose of 60 mg (see Methadone dosage), a buprenorphine dose of 40 mg will not be more effective than a buprenorphine dose of 32 mg.
Buprenorphine sublingual tablets (Suboxone and Subutex for opioid addiction) have a long duration of action, which may allow for dosing every two or three days, as tolerated by the patient, compared with the daily dosing (some patients receive twice daily dosing) required to prevent withdrawals with methadone. In the United States, following initial management, a patient is typically prescribed up to a one-month supply for self-administration. It is often misunderstood that the patient has to receive other therapy in this situation, but the law simply states that the prescribing physician needs to be capable of referring the patient to other addiction treatment, such as psychotherapy or support groups.
Buprenorphine may be more convenient for some users because patients can be given a thirty-day take-home dose relatively soon after starting treatment, hence making treatment more convenient relative to those needing to visit a methadone dispensing facility daily. The facilities, which are regulated at the state and federal level in the US, initially are permitted to allow patients to receive take-home doses (to be self-administered at the appropriate time) only on a day when the clinic is regularly closed or on a pre-scheduled holiday. It is only after a minimum of several months of compliance (i.e., proven sobriety, demonstration of being able to safely store the medication) that patients of methadone clinics in most countries are permitted regularly scheduled take-home doses aside from the possible exceptions for weekends and holidays. Ultimately, American patients on methadone maintenance therapy are permitted a maximum of a one-month supply of take-home medication, and this is permitted only after a minimum of two years compliance. In the US state of Florida, patients cannot receive a one-month supply until five years of compliance. Most buprenorphine patients are not prescribed more than one month's worth of buprenorphine at a time. However, buprenorphine patients, as a rule, are able to get their one-month supply much earlier in their use of the drug than methadone patients.
Buprenorphine as a maintenance treatment thereby offers an advantage of convenience over methadone. In general, buprenorphine patients are also not required to make daily office visits and are often very quickly permitted to obtain a one-month prescription for the medication. Methadone patients in the United States who are not subject to additional strictures beyond the federal law regarding a patient's take-home supply also benefit in convenience. States with excessive regulation on methadone dispensation see professionals advocating for office-based methadone treatment, similar to the standard of office-based buprenorphine treatment. Such treatment with full opiate agonists is already available on a limited basis in the UK, and has been ever since heroin was made illegal, with an interruption of a few decades, which occurred, likely under pressure from the United States^{[citation needed]} during the worldwide escalation of the War on Drugs, which occurred during the 1960s and 1970s. In fact, in the UK a doctor may prescribe any opiate to a patient, regardless of their complaint (excluding diamorphine and dipipanone for addiction, where they require a special licence from the Home Office). In practice, methadone is most often used, although morphine and heroin are also less frequently prescribed on a maintenance basis. The UK has a smaller number of opiate users, per capita, than the United States^{[citation needed]}, which many attribute to the availability of full opiate agonist prescriptions to users, which reduces the amount of opiates sold illicitly and, in turn, the number of users of other drugs who encounter and begin using the opiates. Therefore, it could be argued that buprenorphine may not be as attractive a treatment option in the UK due to full opiate agonists such as heroin maintenance being an option for a small number of addicts seeking treatment. (See Heroin prescription.)
Buprenorphine may have, and is generally viewed to have, a lower dependence-liability than methadone. In other words, withdrawal from buprenorphine is less difficult. Like methadone treatment, buprenorphine treatment can last anywhere from several days (for detoxification purposes) to an indefinite period of time (lifelong maintenance) if patient and doctor both feel that is the best course of action. Additionally, the opinion of those in the medication-assisted treatment field is generally shifting to longer-term treatment periods, which may last indefinitely, due to the anti-depressant effects opioids seem to have on some patients as well as the high relapse potential among those patients discontinuing maintenance therapy. The choice of buprenorphine versus methadone in the mentioned situation (by the patient) is usually due to the benefits of the less-restrictive outpatient treatment; prescriptions for take-home doses for up to a month early versus the possibility of heavy restrictions in some states and frequent visits to the clinic and the possibility of the "stigma" of going to a methadone clinic as compared to making trips to a doctor's office. Buprenorphine is also significantly more expensive than methadone and this seems to add to its better reputation. Also, in some states, there is a long waiting list for admission to a methadone maintenance program versus those with the money to afford seeing an addiction specialist each month in addition to the cost of medication. In studies done, methadone is considered more addicting physically and mentally.^{[citation needed]} The sometimes less-severe withdrawal effects may make it easier for some patients to discontinue use as compared with methadone, which is generally thought to be associated with a more severe and prolonged withdrawal. However, no evidence thus far exists that sustaining abstinence post-buprenorphine maintenance is any more likely than post-methadone maintenance.
Another issue of concern for patients considering beginning any maintenance therapy or switching from one maintenance therapy to another is the transition associated with this switch. Due to buprenorphine's high-affinity to opioid receptors in the brain, care needs to be taken when a patient is transitioning from one drug (e.g., heroin) or medication (e.g., methadone) to buprenorphine. In essence, if an opioid-dependent patient is not in sufficient withdrawal, introduction of buprenorphine may precipitate withdrawal. In lay terms, in a sufficient dose, buprenorphine "pushes" any other opioids off of the receptors, but is itself not always "strong enough" to counteract the withdrawal symptoms this causes.^[28] Thus, opioid-dependent patients, in particular those on methadone or another long-acting medication or drug, should be thoroughly honest with their prescribing doctor about their drug use, in particular in the days immediately preceding their induction onto buprenorphine, whether for detoxification or maintenance. In contrast, in general the transition from buprenorphine or other opioids to methadone is easier, and any discomfort or side-effects are more likely to be easily remedied with dose adjustments.
Buprenorphine, as a partial μ-opioid receptor agonist, has been claimed and is generally viewed to have a less euphoric effect compared to the full agonist methadone, and was therefore predicted less likely to be diverted to the black market (as reflected by its Schedule III status versus methadone's more restrictive Schedule II status in the USA), as well as that buprenorphine is generally accepted as having less potential for abuse than methadone. It is also worth noting that neither methadone nor buprenorphine causes euphoria when taken long-term at the appropriate dose. However, in at least one study in which opiate users who were currently not using an opioid were given buprenorphine, several other opioids, and placebo intramuscularly, subjects identified the drug they were injected with as heroin when it was actually buprenorphine.^[29] This evidence tends to support the contentions of those who reject the notion that buprenorphine, when injected, is only marginally euphoric, or significantly less euphoric than other opiates.
In an effort to prevent injection of the drug, the Suboxone formulation includes naloxone in addition to the buprenorphine. When naloxone is injected, it is supposed to precipitate opiate withdrawal and blocks the effects of any opiate. The naloxone does not precipitate withdrawal or block the effect of the buprenorphine when taken sublingually. The Subutex formulation does not include naloxone, and therefore has a higher potential for injection abuse. However, Subutex is prescribed significantly less than Suboxone for just this reason. Methadone, on the other hand, is typically given to patients at clinics in a liquid solution, to which in general water is added. This makes injection difficult without evaporating the liquid and taking other measures. Therefore, injection of buprenorphine as found in the preparations provided to opiate users is simpler than injection of methadone, although data on the relative incidence is not currently available. Although, in general, methadone is not a drug of choice for opioid addicts due to its long-acting nature and relatively little euphoria associated with its use, especially when compared to other drugs of abuse such as heroin and Oxycodone, it is used by addicts to relieve withdrawal symptoms when their opiate of choice cannot be obtained. Most methadone bought from the black market is thought to be bought by already opioid-dependent persons attempting to circumvent the substance abuse treatment system and detoxify themselves with the methadone or simply by people wishing to use the drug recreationally, just as other opiates are used. In the US, buprenorphine is found far less often on the black market as compared to methadone.In North America (Canada) it is reversed, buprenorphine is found to be readily available on the black market,as methadone is usually not seen,buprenorphine is as easy to obtain as heroin.^{[citation needed]}. The vast majority of the methadone diverted to the black market is not diverted from methadone clinics for opioid dependent persons, but rather it is diverted by a minority of the people who receive prescription methadone for pain^{[citation needed]}
Since the late 90s in Austria, slow release oral morphine has been used alongside methadone and buprenorphine for OST and more recently it has been approved in Slovenia and Bulgaria, and it has gained approval in other EU nations including the United Kingdom, although its use currently is not as widespread. The more attractive side-effect profile of morphine compared to buprenorphine or methadone has led to the adoption of morphine as an OST treatment option, and currently in Vienna over 60 percent of substitution therapy utilizes slow release oral morphine. Illicit diversion has been a problem, but, to the many proponents of the utilization of morphine for OST, the benefits far outweigh the costs, taking into account the much higher percentage of addicts who are "held" or, from another perspective, satisfied by this treatment option, as opposed to methadone and buprenorphine treated addicts, who are more likely to forgo their treatment and revert to using heroin etc., in many cases by selling their methadone or buprenorphine prescriptions to afford their opiate of choice. Driving impairment tests done in the Netherlands that have shown morphine to have the least negative effects on cognitive ability on a number of mental tasks also suggest morphines use in OST may allow for better functioning and engagement in society."

I have also included some links below that provide further insight into Suboxone and Methadone.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methadone
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buprenorphine
http://www.suboxone.com/
http://www.drugwarfacts.org/cms/methadone
http://www.treatmentsolutions.com/the-debate-over-drug-abuse-treatment-methadone-vs-buprenorphine/
http://www.drugrehabranch.com/staff-articles-and-drug-treatment-news/suboxone-or-methadone-which-is-right-for-you

Conclusion

Alright guys, well I hope that was enough reading for you all and wasn't too boring. I'll say this just one more time. I have used Suboxone for 4 months now (4 mg once a day) as the result of battling a addiction to the Oxycodone 30 mg pills. I have remained clean off of all other opiates and any other kinds of drugs as well. I have yet to experience Suboxone withdrawal although I have experienced Oxycodone withdrawal numerous times (it sucks!). I have also never once tried Methadone and thus have never experienced Methadone withdrawal. If you were to ask me which of the two drugs I would recommend, I would simply say that I have no experience with Methadone but that the Suboxone program I am currently on has been very helpful in me reaching my goal of clean living. So far, so good with the Suboxone and I hope to be careful/patient with my tapering so I can be best prepared for whatever withdrawals I may face when the day to stop using Suboxone comes for me.

Most of the information I have provided for both of these drugs comes from my own experiences, addicts I have talked with, doctors/consulars I have talked with, and what I have read in books or online. I'm not here to neither promote or knock any medication or drug, I simply wish to provide you guys with some information I think you may find useful. I really can't stress how important it is to do your research and talk with your doctors, don't just go by my stuff or what you think only. There's a reason those people are professionals and I'm some guy writing on an online blog (hey I'm being honest, but I really do hope I'm helping some people). Once again, thank you guys so much for reading my blog and the only thing I can ask of you guys is to please comment. I really do think hearing from numerous people will be very beneficial for everyone involved on this blog.

Until next time my friends, be careful, responsible, and most importantly happy. And remember, keep seeing that light. Believe me, it's out there somewhere.

Take Care Guys,

Seeingthelight

Why We Got Addicted To Opiates

Greetings everyone and welcome back! This is now my fourth post in my new blog for dealing with opiate addiction. For people who have read my previous posts and are keeping up to date with my blog, I apologize for being repetitive but if we have any new comers here who would like to view my previous posts feel free to check out the following links by clicking on Welcome or My Experience with Suboxone. In addition to my first post which welcomed everyone while providing you guys with some information about myself and the blog (what we stand for, purpose of blog, and rules of the blog), I have also written two other posts. One of those posts talks about Suboxone and my experience with it while the other post talks about Opiate Withdrawals as well my experience with those as well. I've noticed I have gotten some views of my blog after checking my database and am so happy to have gotten some readers. Now we just need some comments to generate some conversations!

Anyways, I really hope this blog can help people in dealing with their opiate addiction(s). As I've mentioned in my previous posts, I suffer from an addiction to the Oxycodone 30 mg pills. I am now on an outpatient Suboxone program that has really helped me in getting my shit and life back together. I also want to reiterate that this blog focuses mostly on opiate addiction (any kind of opiate) but that anyone can read, join, or comment. It doesn't matter to me if you are currently using opiates, just stopped using, haven't used in 20 years, or have never used before in your life. I welcome everyone no matter what path or road you have taken in the past. I simply just ask you follow the rules of the blog. Alright now that we got all that small talk out of the way, I would like to shift our focus to the topic of this particular post, the reason(s) why we got addicted to opiates in the first place.

I have been addicted to opiates (the Oxycodone 30 mg pills) for about 3 years now. While I don't have a long history of opiate abuse, I know how bad it can get from both my own experiences and the experiences of people I know. It really can be an ugly situation to get yourself into and a difficult situation to get yourself out of. So far my posts have discussed ways to deal with getting off of opiates, so I figured we'll make this one be about why we got into opiates in the first place. Basically, the way I'm going to do this post is to divide it into three sections;  (1) The science behind why we develop an addiction to opiates, (2) My own personal story, and (3) What you guys have to say such as your own personal reasons/experiences or any comments/information you may have to add.

The Science Behind Opiate Addiction

The Brain

When I think of opiate addiction, I like to break it down into 2 different parts based upon how they affect us. The first part is the body while the second part is the mind. The withdrawals you experience when you don't use and to an extent the high you get when you do use deal more so with the body. However, the reason these things happen is a direct result of the mind. Confused already? Basically, your brain has an opioid receptor system which is similar to the way other receptor systems in your brain work. For example, when you eat something you like to eat, see someone you like to see, or do something you like to do our brain lets off chemicals which accomplish a variety of tasks in our bodies. When we do things we like to do, our brain and certain receptors in our brain respond positively. Unfortunately, our receptors react the same way when we put drugs into our bodies.

The high we get from drugs directly influences our brain and its receptors. After continuously using drugs (in our case, opiates) for a period of time, our brain begins craving these drugs to satisfy itself. Drugs really are powerful. In fact, some people who use opiates for a long period of time often have a difficult time enjoying things they enjoyed doing before they got addicted to drugs. For example, if someone who loved fishing and did it say every weekend developed an addiction to opiates for a long period of time were to suddenly stop using or seek treatment, they would experience far more then the physical withdrawals we have come to know and love. It would not be unusual for the fishermen to have a difficult time getting back into the groove of fishing and enjoying it. It sucks but this is how opiates, or most drugs for that matter, can alter our brain chemistry.

However, this is not to say that this lack of enjoyment happens to everyone and is always permanent. In fact, most people are able to gain back their enjoyment of things they used to love to do after a period of time. It can be weeks, months, or even years depending on the person and their situation. This is also another reason why it is not uncommon for many former addicts to experience depression, anxiety, and similar matters. Like I always say, this is why it's important to talk honestly and often with your family, doctor, and support network to make sure everything is going well, is safe, and is working properly. Addiction is no joke and must be taken seriously.

The Effects Opiates Can Have On Our Brains

While everyone knows of and truly hates the physical withdrawals we all experience when stopping cold turkey from opiates, few talk about how the mind feels when battling an opiate addiction. The mind is just as sensitive as the body is in this matter and this is why it is so important to develop a strong support network, learn coping mechanisms, attend AA or NA meetings, talk openly with family, friends, and your support network, and to not be afraid to seek help from doctors, consulars, therapists, or psychologist. This is often why people say getting clean is easy but staying clean is the hard part. This is especially true if you are stopping opiates cold turkey. I say this because when you battle your addiction to opiates with Suboxone (like myself) or with Methadone, you are still using an opiate. This is why your mind isn't as "off" as it can be when you stop cold turkey. Please note that I am in not any way saying that Suboxone or Methadone isn't the way to go or that those using these methods do not experience sensitivity to their minds as well. Believe me, as someone who is on Suboxone currently, I know how hard it is to battle opiate addiction no matter what method or route you chose to go on.

I found the following quote online from Wikipedia and think that it says what I am trying to say in better words. Courtesy of good, old Wikipedia:

"Studies show that most opioid dependent patients suffer from at least one severe psychiatric comorbidity. Since opioids used in pain therapy rarely cause any of these conditions, they are assumed to have existed prior to the development of dependence. Opioids are known to have strong antidepressive, anxiolytic and antipsychotic effects and thus opioid dependence often develops as a result of self medication.

Furthermore some studies suggest a permanent dysregulation of the endogenous opioid receptor system after chronic exposure to opiates. A recent study has shown that an increase in BDNF, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) in rats can cause opiate-naive rats to begin displaying opiate-dependent behavior, including withdrawal and drug-seeking behavior. It has been shown that when an opiate-naive person begins using opiates at levels inducing euphoria, this same increase in BDNF occurs.  Another recent study concluded to have shown "a direct link between morphine abstinence and depressive-like symptoms" and postulates "that serotonin dysfunction represents a main mechanism contributing to mood disorders in opiate abstinence.""

There is a lot of information in regards to how opiate addiction effects both the mind and body, and I simply do not have either the time or space to write all of it as well as the fact that I do not know everything there is to know that is out there (remember when I said I wasn't a doctor?). Therefore, I am going to post below some websites that I feel might be helpful to read if you guys are interested in learning more about this topic. It's really interesting how the mind works and truly how powerful opiates are as well as their ability to alter your state of mind. Anyways, here are the links below.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opioid_receptor

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Substance_dependence

http://www.allaboutaddiction.com/addiction/addiction-brain-effects-opiate-addiction-heroin-oxycontin

http://www.opiates.org/opiates.htm

http://www.health.harvard.edu/fhg/updates/update0405a.shtml

http://neuro.psychiatryonline.org/article.aspx?articleid=103089

http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/heroin

My Own Personal Story

Alright, now that we got the science part out of the way, lets take at look at my reasons into why and how I developed an addiction to an opiate. As I've mentioned numerous times here already, I have had an addiction to the Oxycodone 30 mg pills (A215s, M30s, 224s, Blue Vs) that lasted about 2 years. I had been abusing the Oxycodone over a period of 3 years but was truly addicted to it for the past 2 years. I'm sorry to sound graphic but I want to get my story across and be honest. I was abusing the pills and buying them off the street. I did not have a prescription, I was simply taking them to get high. I was also snorting the pills rather then swallowing them but I have never injected the pills, or anything for that matter in my life. I would also like to say that I do not look down upon or judge anyone who snort or injected. That's not the type of person I am and the way I look at it is that we're all in the same boat for an addiction to opiates, no matter what way we put them in our bodies. That's basically the "simple facts and stuff" about myself (if you want to know a little more, see my first two posts).

I am not making excuses for my addiction but would like to state why I believe I became addicted to them. I have always been someone who got bored easily and enjoyed doing things on my own. I was not a loner and I got along with people very well. I had a group of about 7 or 8 real good friends whose company I thoroughly enjoyed. For whatever reason, I was just someone who would rather hang in and watch a movie rather then go spend a wild night out at a club or try something crazy. I have a great family as well who I get along real good with and love dearly. I was never abused nor went through any traumatic event in my life. I had a very good upbringing and my parents were always there for me.

I had my first sip of alcohol when I was 18 years old and smoked weed for the first time when I was about 19. I tried a few other drugs but never really liked them. Then I tried Oxycodone and enjoyed it. However, it wasn't something I became obsessed over and needed to do. At least at first. I went from trying it a few times a year to a few times a month to a few times a week. Then next I knew, I was addicted and using basically every day. Then everyday became using multiple times a day. Then multiple times a day became well, I don't know how to put it but basically every waking minute of my life had to do with Oxycodone. Before my addiction, I never stole, lied, cheated, or acted like the way I did once I became hooked on these small pills. This addiction really made me change (and a lot of my other peers who unfortunately got addicted as well). I hated the person I was becoming. One thing I kept asking myself was why the hell did I even try these stupid pills? Or at least, how did the hell did I let it get this out of hand?

After much thought and finally getting the help I needed, I got clean. I have been on an outpatient Suboxone program for over 4 months now and I have not used Oxycodone once in those 4 months. The Suboxone has really helped me out. I have also been seeing a doctor and consular as well, which has also helped me a lot. I mention (and repeat if you've read my previous posts) this information so you guys can get as good of a picture of myself and my addiction as possible.

Now let me talk about the main purpose of this section of my post, why did I become addicted in the first place. Well, I don't know for sure and I may never truly know but there are some things that I believe did have some impact on it. The first factor I think may have helped lead to my addiction to Oxycodone is that I have an addictive personality. I never knew what an addictive personality was or that it was even really something you could have until I became addicted to the Oxycodone. Basically, when I come across something I really enjoy, I can't get enough of it. I tried the Oxycodone and got addicted. I tried weed and became a pothead. I tried tobacco and now use that on a daily basis. Hell, I tried coffee and drink that on an almost daily basis. I have an addictive personality and have to learn how to deal with it. It sucks, but hey there are a lot worse things out there you can have so I have no right to complain about something this small. Like I mentioned before, I'm also someone who likes to hang out alone and just chill out. I think this is why the Oxycodone was so appealing to me as I would love to just snort a few pills, sit back, and play a video game, watch a movie, or surf the web. Man, I miss those days but at the same time, I'm happy that I'm in a different place now and am clean for the time being.

Another thing that I think may have had somewhat of an impact on my addiction is my family history and genetics. It is still in much debate in the scientific and addiction community but some believe (myself included) that genetics and family history can play a role in someone developing an addiction. While I had a great family who I love so much, I grew up around people who well, liked to drink alcohol. Now, my family members weren't drunk all day, every day or weren't people who were in and out of jail, rehab, or trouble. My family members never did drugs either. In fact, they absolutely hate the thought of tobacco or weed, let alone Oxycodone abuse. They were people who would drink say 2-4 times a week. I truly couldn't stand seeing my parents get drunk and it especially bothered me when they would get drunk at family parties or in public settings. Like I said before, they were never abusive or anything, it was just embarrassing having parents, aunts, or uncles making a fool out of themselves in public. But hey, no ones' family is ever perfect I guess right? My thinking is that perhaps this might have something to do with my addiction but again, who knows.

Another reason I believe may have lead to me becoming addicted to an opiate is the fact that I have a disease. For privacy reasons and to help keep my identity unknown, I would rather not go into much detail about the disease I have. The disease I have sucks to have, but I will say it is not as deadly or serious as say Cancer. It is a disease which totally alters your life and can take a lot out of someone. It's tough to live with, but is something I will have for the rest of my life unless they develop a cure or it magically disappears (if only things were that easy). While I was able to live a pretty normal childhood, the disease did limit me from some things growing up and did make me somewhat subconscious about myself. The particular disease I have also causes me to be somewhat uncomfortable and in mild pain at times (I have good days and bad days). I think this disease I have (and no, the disease I'm talking about here isn't addiction if that's what you were guessing) has affected the way I think and live, and I think I saw the high from the Oxycodone as a temporary way out from reality and as a tool to mask my pain. Sorry, I don't mean to be getting really deep with this stuff. Anyways, I'm learning how to better live with my disease (after all, I've had it nearly my whole life) and to not look to getting high as a way to cope. It's tough, I'm not going to lye, but I'm trying my best to just deal with it without altering my state of mind.

My final reason for getting addicted to Oxycodone (and is a reason for most of us, whether we like to admit it or not) is that I just liked to get high. Plain and simple folks, I fucking loved the high. The high I got from Oxycodone was something I really loved. I would imagine how great it would be if I could somehow have a supply of Oxycodone that never ran out or if I somehow had all the money in the world to buy as much Oxycodone as I wanted. I don't mean to sound dark here or joke with those who have had this really happened to them, but I would always joke with my friends whenever they asked me what I would do if I was rich and famous. I would always respond that I would probably end up dead as I would be doing so much Oxycodone with all the money and resources I would have if I was rich and famous. Dark, I know.

Well, you guys now know a little more about me and my story into my addiction with Oxycodone. My story is a pretty ugly one but believe me (and I'm sure some of you know) there's a lot of uglier stories out there. Despite all the shit I've been through, I still have a good family and group of friends, my health (to an extent), and a future. I have had friends and people I know end up being kicked out of their homes, forced into rehab, locked up in jails, or even dead as a result of their addictions. Addiction is something that can be truly devastating to not only the person who is addicted, but to those around them who often love and care greatly for them.

What You Guys Have To Say

Alright guys, I'm done talking and am now leaving the rest of this post up to you guys. I haven't had any comments yet in my blogs so I encourage you guys to please, please, please comment so we can get some conversations going. Even if its just one person, I'll comment back and will try to the best of my ability and knowledge to help each and every one of you guys who visit here. Like I always say, I really hope this blog can help some people and I was so happy today to see that a few people had viewed my blog recently. So feel free to comment below about your own stories, experiences, or tips you have. I hope anyone reading is doing well and thank you guys for taking the time to read or comment on my blog. I'll have another post coming soon for you guys and feel free to read any of my previous posts. I've listed the links above in the first paragraph. And remember, keep seeing the light!

Take care guys,

Seeingthelight



The Dreaded Withdrawals

Hello everyone and welcome back. This is my third post on my new blog about opiate addiction. I have created this blog to help others who suffer from opiate addiction or who know someone who suffers from this kind of addiction. If you're new to this blog, I recommend you check out my previous two posts (Welcome and My Experience with Suboxone) by clicking on the following links:


I would like to use this post to discuss the topic of opiate withdrawals. If you're reading this site and are addicted to opiates you unfortunately probably know what withdrawals from opiates are and feel like. Basically, they suck and are a pain in the ass. I know when I experience opiate withdrawals I feel like I have the worst case of the flu suffering through the chills, sweats, restless legs, lack of sleep, body aches, and the wonderful diarrhea runs (sorry to paint a graphic image in your minds). Nearly all opiate addicts suffer from withdrawals when they stop their use of opiates cold turkey. Some get it worse than others. There are major factors in deciding how bad your withdrawals from opiates will be. These factors are:

1. The kind of opiates you were using
2. The dose you were taking
3. The length of time you were using these opiates
4. The method of taking these opiates (swallowing, snorting, injecting)
5. And the basic makeup of your body

Opiate Withdrawal Sucks

I would like to get a discussion going on some of the withdrawals readers of this blog experience, what they hate the most and what they can "live" with, and methods we use to help ease these often painful and annoying withdrawals. I really hate withdrawals myself (who doesn't?) and think the worst ones are the lack of sleep, restless legs, and chills. Everyone is different though as some will experience all of these, none of these, or some of these. I like to think of withdrawals as a painful reminder of the damage opiates to our lives and bodies and as a motivation to quit and not use again. Think to yourself "Do I really want to use and go through these nasty withdrawals again when I have to make another attempt at quitting opiates."


I would like to look at each of the 5 factors listed above and how they will affect the severity of withdrawals when the dreaded day comes to stop using opiates. Lets begin.


1. The kind of opiates you were using
The kind of opiates you were using before stopping cold turkey will have quite an impact into how bad your withdrawals can get. Some opiates (such as oxycodone) have short half lives meaning they leave your body relatively fast. The rule of thumb for oxycodone withdrawals is that you begin to feel them anywhere from 8-36 hours from your last dose and that the first 3-5 days are typically the worst with each day getting better after that. I have stopped using oxycodone cold turkey numerous times lasting anywhere from 2-14 days. I will say that after the first week of not using oxycodone has passed, you do begin to feel a lot better, but not great. The withdrawals that commonly last for weeks are the lack of sleep, restless legs, random chills or sweats, and the diarrhea. The longer you are off oxycodone, the better you will feel. As I previously mentioned, my longest time off of oxycodone going cold turkey was 14 days and by the end of the second week I was feeling much better but still experiencing restless legs, lack of sleep, and random chills. I am speaking from my experience with oxycodone however and some opiate's withdrawals last much longer or feel much worse. While I have no experience with the drug, I have heard that Methadone withdrawals is quite unpleasant and tends to last much longer due to its longer half life. Like I said, I have no experience with Methadone and am just speaking from what I have heard or read so this is where readers with experience with the drug may prove beneficial. As I always say, do your own research, talk to others with experience, and talk frequently with your doctor.


2. The dose you were taking
The dose you were taking before stopping cold turkey will also come into play when preparing for withdrawal. Basically, the higher the dose you were taking, the worse the withdrawals will most likely be. I was at a relatively high dose of oxycodone (180-300 mg per day) and can tell you from experience that this is very true. However, it may prove helpful if you slowly wean your dose down over a period of time. Weaning can help a lot but is usually very difficult as it takes a lot of willpower to do. I personally could never wean myself off of the oxycodone as I just didn't have the willpower unfortunately but everyone is different.

3. The length of time you were using
The length of time you were using the opiates for will also determine the severity of your withdrawals. This isn't exactly rocket science as the longer you used for, the more likely your withdrawals are to suck. However this is not to say that someone who used for say 6 months is going to be off the hook. Don't you wish you never used that first time? I know I certainly do...

4. The method of taking the opiate
I cannot really speak from experience much on this matter but more so from what I have read. Based on what I have read, it appears that the method by which you ingest the opiate can affect your withdrawals. Again I am speaking from what I have read. It seems that snorting or injecting opiates hits you faster with the high and also leaves your system quicker than if you were swallow the opiates. Therefore, those who snort or inject opiates will experience the onset of withdrawals slightly sooner than someone who normally swallow their opiates. Personally, I snorted the oxycodone I was abusing and would usually experience withdrawals after about 12-18 hours after my last dose. I have very little experience with swallowing oxycodone and have never injected anything in my life.

5. The basic makeup of your body
As I always say, everyone and their body is different. Some people may experience worse withdrawals than others or the length of their withdrawals may vary as well. Things that can come into play include your metabolism, body size, activity levels, and health. I'm not a doctor so I can't really say much about this matter but there is information out there on the Internet if you would like to know more. You could also talk to your doctor if you are really interested.

While all these can play a factor in the length and severity of your withdrawals, at the end of the day we are going to suffer through some of the pain, discomfort, and agony. I guess it's what we get for abusing these drugs (if you are someone who was prescribed opiates for pain management, please do not take offense to this comment as in my opinion you have every right to treat your pain and have one of the more excusable reasons for opiate addiction or dependence.) I would also like to note that while most will not experience any severe reactions to opiate withdrawals, some people can have very bad reactions or even die from stopping opiates immediately. Whether healthy or not, I believe it is in the best interest of the person to be upfront and honest with their family with what is going on and to talk with your doctor. Some people may fare better going cold turkey, weaning themselves, or using a drug such as Suboxone or Methadone. Once again, everyone is different so make sure you have a solid plan with your support network and be careful with whatever route you chose to go.

I would now like to go over a variety of things that can make it a little more bearable when going through opiate withdrawals. These include certain techniques, activities, hobbies, medications (both prescription and over the counter), and things that can make life a little easier during this shitty time.

1)Keeping busy/active
This is one of the hardest things to do when experiencing opiate withdrawal. However, if you can keep yourself distracted, it will help your mind greatly. Try watching some TV, surfing the web, going for a jog/walk, working out, bowling, reading a book, talking with friends or family, do some house or yard work, fixing up a car, listening to/playing music, and much more. I am not saying go out and run a marathon but rather do something to keep yourself busy and your mind off wanting to use. When we use drugs our body releases endorphins which are what provide us with a high and sense of pleasure. We can also obtain this high and sense of pleasure through things we enjoy other than drugs (ever hear of a runner's high?). While it may seem better, the worst thing you can do is to just sit around on the couch or in bed all day going out of your mind and feeling like absolute shit.

2)Medications
There are several medications out there that can help with opiate withdrawals. I'm not talking medications like Suboxone or Methadone but rather what many doctors refer to as comfort medications. To help with the chills, sweats, and anxiety there is the high blood pressure medication Clonidine. You will need a prescription to obtain this medication but it is well regarded in the addiction community and I have used it myself. I would say it does help but I also wouldn't say it is some miracle drug that will end all withdrawals. Talk with your doctor about it and make sure your doctor is aware if you have any health conditions such as high pressure. To help patients deal with the lack of sleep and restless legs many experience with withdrawal there are the use of certian sleep medications. Be careful when using sleep medications as some (most notably Benzos) can be very addicting and have withdrawals that are worse then what you would experience with opiates. I have tried both Ambien and Trazodone for sleep and found both work. The Ambien is stronger then the Trazadone but can be habit forming so beware. Trazodone is an antidepressant that is now primary used for its off label use of helping with sleep problems. Both of these drugs require a doctors prescription. Over the counter medications that can help with sleep include Benadryl or Unisom.These are a little bit weaker then the Ambien or Trazodone but do work well for some. Like any other medication, talk with your doctor before trying anything. I have also heard of using a potassium supplement to help with the restless legs but I do not have any experience with this myself. Another over the counter medication to help with opiate withdrawals is Imodium, which will help mostly with the upset stomach and diarrhea many experience with going cold turkey. Anxiety is a major symptom many experience when going through withdrawals. There are certain medications such as Xanex, Klonopin, and Valium that can help a lot with this matter but please beware that these medications can also be quite addicting so once again please be careful. I do not have any experience with Xanex, Klonopin, or Valium as an aid to help with anxiety so cannot speak from experience. The use of a medication such as Advil or Aleve may help with the achy joints and muscles many feel when withdrawing. A final thing that may help ease withdrawals is the use of a multi vitamin. Not only will these be beneficial to your overall health but it will also provide your body with nutrients to help it repair itself. I cannot stress to you guys to do your research and talk openly and honestly with your doctor and support network. Please do not try to take matters into your own hands as some of the drugs I just mentioned can be addicting and dangerous themselves if misused or abused. My doctor was good to work with and I was honest with him which allowed to me get some comfort medications that can help a lot.

3) Supplies
I am now going to tell you some things to do or keep around to help with withdrawals. I always find it helpful to have a nice bed or couch to relax on with plenty of pillows and blankets (a heated blanket can feel amazing when your freezing). Most people experience hot flashes and cold chills throughout the day so this can help a little. Wearing comfortable clothing (for me a white cotton tee and soft sweatpants) can help a little bit too. I also find that going in the hot tub, sauna, or even bath to help a lot with the achy joints and muscles. I find drinking a cup of coffee in the morning gives me a little pick up and energy. Avoid drinking alcohol as while it may make you feel good for a little, you'll wake up a hangover feeling even worse the next day. Try getting yourself some video games, movies, or books to keep yourself occupied while you take your vacation to hell. Having comfort foods and beverages can help too such as soups, yogurts, tea, hot coco, ect...

4)Preparing Yourself
Going through withdrawals sucks. There really isn't any other way to put it and the worst thing that can happen to you during withdrawals is when you have a lot of shit to do. I recommend that if you can take time off of work or school, you should so you can focus entirely on yourself. Maybe try going cold turkey over a holiday weekend, vacation period, or random week off of work/school. The added stress of having to work or go to school can make you want to crack. It may also be helpful to tell your family, friends, or spouse what you are going through so they know what the hell is going on and you have someone to keep an eye on you and help you. Finally, try not to think of not using 24/7 as you will drive yourself insane. Take it slowly and keep busy.

Withdrawal really sucks. I don't think I can say that enough. However, you can get through it and will most likely come out of it OK. It's tough work but is doable. I personally went the Suboxone route but I want this blog to be able to help all opiate addicts not just people on Suboxone. I have gone through withdrawals numerous times either as a result of wanting to quit, not being able score, or not having money to score. No matter what the reason is, they are going to suck but there are some things that can make life a little more bearable during this dreadful period of your life. Once again, I cannot stress to you guys to talk with your support network and doctors before making any drastic moves and to not just sit around all day beating yourself up while withdrawing. It gets better, it really does. I know that might sound like a load of B.S. and you've probably (like me) have heard that phrase a million frigging times. But it will get better. Think about it and where you are right now. Can't say 1 month of feeling crappy and not totally normal to get clean be much worse then living a life depending on pill after pill?

I would love to have you guys pitch in some comments on this post (or any other ones, I will always read them and comment back). Talk about withdrawals and what you do to ease them. Talk about how you fear them or talk about how you overcame them if you did. I'm here to help you guys because I know how hard it is being an opiate addict and trying to do the right thing and get clean. I choose to go on Suboxone but have heard of other people going cold turkey and being successful. There are different ways to do this and everyone is different, at the end of the day its about whether or not you were able to do the right thing and get clean.

I would like to end this post by providing you guys with some links that deal with opiate withdrawals. There are also discussion boards online in which people share there stories, tips, and experiences as well that might help you guys. Also try looking up the Thomas Recipe for withdrawals as it is well known and praised for helping others with withdrawal. Even some of things we talked about on this post will show up in the Thomas Recipe. Give it a shot. Like I always say, do your research guys and keep informed. Here are the links that I think might be insightful:

http://www.drugs.com/forum/featured-conditions/thomas-recipe-opiate-withdrawal-35169.html
http://oxycodonewithdrawal.com/
http://oxycodonewithdrawal.net/
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/oxycodone-withdrawal-symptoms.html


Again, I would like to end this post like my other ones by thanking anyone who reads or comments on my blog. I really hope it can help people. I'll have another blog for you guys soon. Please be careful with your recovery methods and some of the medications I listed above. Talk with your doctor and do your research before trying anything. And remember to keep looking for that light, like always it's there somewhere.

Take care my friends,

Seeingthelight

My Experience With Suboxone

Hello everyone. I would like to welcome any readers of my previous post (Welcome Opiate Addicts) as well any new comers to my blog. If you want a introduction to my blog, the rules of the blog, what we stand for, and a quick history about myself and my addiction feel free to check out the following link: http://welcomefellowopiateaddicts.blogspot.com/2012/08/welcome.html

I would like to use this blog post to discuss my experience with the drug Suboxone. I think most people on here have either heard of Suboxone or may have even used it but bear with me as I give some quick information about it to those who have little to no experience with this drug. Suboxone is used for a variety of things, most notably as an aid to help with both alcohol and opiate addiction. I won't go into much detail about the drug itself as I'm not a doctor and don't want this to seem like a lecture. Basically, Suboxone is classified as semi-synthetic opioid and consists of two main ingredients. These ingredients are Buprenorphine HCl and Naloxone HCl. The Buprenorphine is what will help with the withdrawals one would experience if he or she were stop using opiates after a period of time of continued use. Think of this ingredient as an opiate just like oxycodone ( I realize they are both completely different drugs but I'm trying to make things simple for now). Now one would ask why the hell would a doctor prescribe an opiate addict with an opiate to help battle addiction? This is where the next ingredient comes into play. The second ingredient is the Naloxone which is put into the Suboxone as a means of preventing abuse. The Naloxone prevents users from snorting, swallowing, or injecting the Suboxone as an attempt to get high off of the Buprenorphine. Users of Suboxone must take it sublingually (under the tongue) and if one is try to abuse the Suboxone by snorting or injecting it, they will instantly become sick due to the presence of the Naloxone.

Suboxone 8 mg Pill

Suboxone helps a lot of opiate addicts for a number of reasons. The most popular reason being that the Suboxone will help prevent most withdrawal symptoms that one would experience if they were to go cold turkey off their drug of choice (DOC) opiate without the aid of Suboxone. The body does not go into withdrawals due to the presence of an opiate being in the body (the Buprenorphine). If Suboxone is taken correctly, it allows a person to be able to continue their everyday lives comfortably without the fear of withdrawals. This can be crucial for those who have to work, go to school, take care of children, ect...Another reason why Suboxone has become so popular over the years recently is due to its ability to help deal with cravings. Because your body is getting an opiate with the Suboxone, the brain receptors (see for more information on how addiction affects the brain) are able to stay relatively normal. However this is NOT to say, from both knowledge and personal experiences, that the Suboxone is some miracle drug that will completely take away all cravings. However, I will say it does help and to help combat these cravings is where meetings (AA or NA) combined with talking with a friend, family member, or consular can come in handy.

For more information about Suboxone, check out the following links:

http://www.suboxone.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buprenorphine
http://www.drugs.com/suboxone.html
http://www.rxlist.com/suboxone-drug.htm

Now that we're finished with my chemistry lesson on Suboxone, lets move on to my experience with the drug. I won't go into full detail about my past (I did this in my first post if you wish to know more check it out) but to paint a better picture I'll tell my fellow readers some quick facts. I'm a 25 year old male who has had an addiction to the Oxycodone 30 mg pills. My use of the drug has lasted over 3 years and I was using the drug on a daily basis for 2 years. I am currently prescribed Suboxone through a outpatient program and see both a consular and doctor weekly. I simply take life day by day and I am currently almost 4 months clean off of Oxycodone with the help of the Suboxone. I have also not smoked weed or done any other drugs or drinking besides tobacco. If you were to ask me on a scale of 1-10 on how I would rate my overall experience with Suboxone thus far, I would give it a 8. If you were to ask me how I currently feel on a scale of 1-10, I would say between a 7-8. Overall, I believe Suboxone can be a useful tool in helping one battle their addiction to Oxycodone or other such opiates.

If you are interested into getting on a Suboxone program, there are a few steps you must do and things you should know. First, it is important that you go into a program such as this with the true desire of getting clean. Don't be joining a program such as this to simply have a prescription for "backup pills" in case you can't find or have the money for opiates. I'm not trying to sound like a jerk but am saying this because programs can only accept a certain number of people to prescribe Suboxone to so why take someones spot who is truly attempting to get clean? Also, if you do fail out of the program, it gives you a bad reputation and could make getting help in the future more difficult than it has to be. The next thing you should know going into a program such as this is that it can be quite expensive. I can't talk for everyone but the costs of my program are not too bad but do create a little bit of a dent in the pockets. For example, I must see the doctor and consular each once a week. Each appointment I must pay a co-payment of $25. I also pay about $40 each time (every 2 weeks) for my Suboxone prescription. It really depends on your insurance and the place you are going too, so don't be surprised to hear and see different costs when going from place to place. I have heard of people with good insurance who pay practically nothing while I know of others who lack insurance and are forced to pay thousands if they wish to seek Suboxone treatment.  My best tip is do your research, make calls early and often, and find a place that you feel will truly help you in battling your addiction. The way I looked at it was that I would be spending more money buying Oxycodone off the streets if it were not for the outpatient program I am in.

It is important to note that not all doctors can prescribe Suboxone. In fact, doctors are required to obtain a license to prescribe Suboxone so don't expect your primary care doctor to be able to prescribe you Suboxone. However, it should be noted that it is important to keep your primary care doctor up to date with what is going on in your life and in regards to your health. Finding a doctor who can prescribe Suboxone is not very difficult. In fact, simply go to the following link: http://www.suboxone.com/patients/opioid_dependence/find_a_doctor.aspx , then go to the doctor locater tab where it will instruct you to enter your zip code. The website is ran by Suboxone and will help you find doctors who can prescribe Suboxone in the nearby area. Be sure to take down a couple names of doctors as you will most likely have to call around to find a program accepting new patients. You may get lucky and find a doctor accepting patients who lives right down the street. Or you may be less fortunate and be stuck with having to take a 45 minute drive each week to see the doctor. For me, I had to call 4 different places before I finally came across a place that was accepting new patients. The place ended up being pretty close to my house and is a pretty nice outpatient program to be in. If you are not successful getting into a program at first, do not give up! Be sure to make a list of places you have called and ask each receptionist to take down your name to call you back in case there are any future openings. You'd be surprised at how many and how frequently patients drop out of programs such as these.

While all programs and doctors are different, I am going to give you my experience and requirements during my program. A requirement of my program is that the patient must be willing to see a drug consular at least twice a month in addition to seeing the doctor once a week during the early stages of the program. During each visit with the doctor and consular, I am required to take a urine screen drug test. The drug test serves 2 purposes; (1) to make sure the patient is clean (2) to make sure the patient is taking the Suboxone and not selling it. The rule of thumb in my program was that if you fail the drug test you get a warning the first time. The next time you fail you are forced to take part in a intensive outpatient program which meets 3 days a week for 5 hours each day. The third time you fail the drug test you are kicked out of the program. Every program is different, some stricter then others. I have heard of people being able to smoke weed or drink while on the Suboxone program as long as they remained clean off opiates when testing. On the other hand, I have heard of people being kicked out of a program after failing a drug screen after a night out of drinking. In my opinion, the stricter, the better as it will help keep you on track. However, I am a big believer in 2nd chances and think everyone screws up once in awhile. I believe if a patient is really trying to get help and get clean, then the doctor should reevaluate the patient and determine whats best rather then just going by a strict set of rules.

The meetings with the doctor are always very quick (usually no more than 15 minutes) while the meetings with the drug consular run about an hour. The meetings with the doctor are basically for just making sure the patient is having no side effects and that the dosage is working for them. The meetings with the drug consular are more for helping the patient in dealing with their addiction and staying clean. Another requirement of the program is that the patient attend AA or NA meetings. However, in my program this isn't monitored so it is real easy to get around with not attending meetings. I personally have never been to a meeting in my life but I have heard countless stories of how they have really helped others with their struggles. My main reason behind not going is basically fear, not knowing what to expect, and running into someone I know. I am also a more realist type of person and while I am a Catholic, I am not overly religious. However, this is not to say AA or NA is all about religion because it is certainly not. In fact, these meetings do not associate themselves with a certain religion or set of beliefs. The 'Higher Power" you always hear about from these meetings can be anything you wish it to be. Some people chose God as there "Higher Power" while others simply refer to the group as their "Higher Power". I have heard of some people choosing things such as doorknobs, their pet dog, or their own mother as their choice of a "Higher Power." The only requirement for AA or NA is that those attending respect one another and have a desire to get clean. To check out both NA and AA meetings close to you, simply check out there websites. Again, I do not have much experience in regards to these meetings but certainly respect their ability to help others and even hope to check one out myself soon.



Some important things I would like to briefly touch upon with Suboxone:

• Suboxone comes in a pill form or a strip form (think Listerine breath mint strips). Both to be dissolved under the tongue. The pill takes about 10-20 minutes to dissolve where the strips dissolve much faster (usually less then 5 minutes). Both have a rather nasty taste, although some people claim they like it. This was my experience with both the pills and strips anyways and I choose to stay with the strips over the pills.
• Suboxone must be taken by placing either the pill or strip under the tongue and left to dissolve. If you try to swallow, snort, or inject Suboxone you risk the possibility of going into precipitated withdrawal due the Naloxone. The reason you do not go into precipitated withdrawal by taking the Suboxone under the tongue as directed is because the Nalaxone is not fully absorbed through the disgestive track in your body where as if you were to inject it or snort, it would be absorbed by other means causing these unwanted side effects.
• Some people say they experience a slight high off of the Suboxone the first couple of times taking it. This high will usually not occur after you get used to the drug. In my experience I have never experienced a high when taking the Suboxone.
• Suboxone will also limit your ability to get high off of other opiates while you are on Suboxone.
• It is extremely important to remember that you must "detox" yourself off of any opiates before you take Suboxone. Each opiate has it's own length of time to leave your body before you can safely take the Suboxone. For example, you should be OK to take the Suboxone if you have given yourself at least 24 hours before your last dose of Oxycodone. Meanwhile a medication such as Methadone takes much longer. I do not have any experience with Methadone but from what I have heard, it takes a matter of days to even weeks before one can make the jump from Methadone to Suboxone. Do your research and talk with doctor about this matter before taking Suboxone. BE HONEST! You do not want to go into precipitated withdrawals because you didn't wait long enough to make the jump.
• For the most part, Suboxone will help greatly with the withdrawals you would normally experience if you were to stop taking/go cold turkey off of an opiate. Everyone is different, some people feel 100% great while others still feel the effects of withdrawals when on Suboxone. For me, the Suboxone probably takes aways 90% of withdrawals I would normally experience if I were to stop taking opiates totally.
• Suboxone doesn't take away all of the cravings but it does help significantly. This is where meetings, therapy, picking up new hobbies becomes important.
• Suboxone is like nearly every other opiate in that it is also addicting and can be misused. You will eventually go through withdrawals when coming off of Suboxone. From my experience and what I have heard, the withdrawals from Suboxone are not as bad as they are from say Oxycodone, but the withdrawals from Suboxone do drag out a little longer than other opiates. It is recommended that you slowly wean yourself off of Suboxone over a period of time best decided upon by yourself and your doctor.
• Suboxone has a relatively long half life, meaning it takes longer to exit your body. This is why the withdrawals tend be longer then most opiates and why the withdrawals of Suboxone don't really start to kick in until about 36-72 hours off of your last dose of Suboxone.
• Finally, Suboxone is only a tool to help you with ending your addiction to opiates. While some people stay on Suboxone for years or even life, most will eventually look to come off the Suboxone and opiates in general at some point of their lives. Suboxone is useful by allowing the user to avoid withdrawals but not get the feeling of being high while on it. It can allow users to get their lives back together, gather support, get jobs or start school, and learn about themselves. In my experience it helped a lot with the withdrawals and cravings but everyone is different. I honestly do not think I would be 4 months clean off Oxycodone if not for Suboxone and the support I am getting but again, everyone is different. You and doctor should decide whats best.

In my case, Suboxone has helped me greatly with getting my life back together and learning more about both myself and my addiction. I want to note that I didn't feel totally normal until about my third day of being on Suboxone. I believe this may have been because my body was getting used to the drug and it needed to build up in my system. Getting drug tested and talking with my consular, family, friends, and doctor has given me more structure and someone to answer to which helps greatly in my opinion. Suboxone is a powerful drug and as mentioned, can be addicting. If you can, try to start at a dose that's low yet helps you feel comfortable. I have been prescribed 4mg once a day and have stayed at this dose the entire 4 months of my recovery period. I was quite a heavy user of Oxycodone (180-300 mg a day) yet found this dose to be efficient. In my opinion, some doctors either over prescribe or under prescribe so it is important you talk well with your doctor. However, don't play doctor and mess around with your dosing, just be honest with yourself and support network. I would also like to note that there are other options to getting clean and Suboxone is just one of many. Once again, I cannot stress, do your research and talk with your support networks often.



This is my second post overall in my new blog that I have just created. As I said before, I am a addict of Oxycodone. My Drug of Choice (DOC) was the Oxycodone 30 mg pills (A215, M30, 224, Blue Vs). I am now about 4 months clean off of Oxycodone with the help of Suboxone (4mg once a day) and feel pretty good both physically and mentally. I am currently part of an outpatient program where I see a consular and doctor each once a week. Overall, the Suboxone has been a great tool in helping with overcoming my addiction and I hope to one day get off the Suboxone and be done with opiates completely. I will keep posting and encourage anyone who reads this to comment on any of my posts. If you have a friend or family member who suffers from an addiction such as Oxycodone or something similar feel free to tell them about my blog. I do not get any money or anything like that for doing this, I simply wish to share my experiences and knowledge in this area to help others. I would like to thank everyone who reads or comments on my blog and wish you all the best of luck in battling your inner demons. I know I am still pretty early in recovery but feel like I can help others through this blog. Again, thank you guys for listening and pitching in. And remember keep trying to see that light, it is there.

Take Care,

Seeingthelight