Day 5 from suboxone detox... life sucks rite about now
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Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 36
Day 5 from suboxone detox... life sucks rite about now
hello all...
I took my last dose of around .25 mg suboxone on friday evening. Nyquil, tylenol and small amounts of lorazepam have made it not too bad. I slept monday nite pretty swell, but I woke up at like 4am and havent slept since. I tried nyquil 2mg lorazepam ( dont wanna take too much or day after day) still no sleep. Smoked a bowl and drank an shot of crown still no sleep. Im looking for some suggestions on how to sleep better and especially WHEN WILL SLEEP REGULATE ITSELF AGAIN?
Doing this w/o dr. supervision or insurance so no chance for sleeping aids?
If someone whos been through a similar detox could just describe to me how they experienced and overcame the sleep deprivation in detail it would really give me the power to be strong. Other than the sleep thing its a piece of cake. Way easier that I had ever imagined. Immodium works superbly, but I think im losing my mind due to the lack of sleep.
Thanks everyone strong and try to think of the past and the good times being sober!!
I took my last dose of around .25 mg suboxone on friday evening. Nyquil, tylenol and small amounts of lorazepam have made it not too bad. I slept monday nite pretty swell, but I woke up at like 4am and havent slept since. I tried nyquil 2mg lorazepam ( dont wanna take too much or day after day) still no sleep. Smoked a bowl and drank an shot of crown still no sleep. Im looking for some suggestions on how to sleep better and especially WHEN WILL SLEEP REGULATE ITSELF AGAIN?
Doing this w/o dr. supervision or insurance so no chance for sleeping aids?
If someone whos been through a similar detox could just describe to me how they experienced and overcame the sleep deprivation in detail it would really give me the power to be strong. Other than the sleep thing its a piece of cake. Way easier that I had ever imagined. Immodium works superbly, but I think im losing my mind due to the lack of sleep.
Thanks everyone strong and try to think of the past and the good times being sober!!
Good job getting down to .25 mg before you jumped off - that's nice and low, so remember your w/d is probably much milder than it could've been if you stepped off from a higher sub dose. Just curious - did you use a specific tapering plan and if so, how long were you down to .25 before coming off? (I'm about to taper myself off subutex)
As for sleep...it can def take a while for your natural sleep pattern to return. The opiates mess with your internal clock in general - and you may have just been 'passing out' some nights - or taking 'nod off' cat naps during the day - so your sleep pattern is probably quite irregualr to begin with. When you come off the opiates, your anxiety will undoubtly go up which leads to less sleep-- and you may be experiencing alot of energy -- but 'useless' energy if that makes sense. Like you can't be productive - but you can't just RELAX! Take heart -- relaxation and sleep WILL return...with time and healing, your natural sleep pattern will restore itself. I do not want to lay out an exact amount of time as each person has an individual experience...just know sleep will come with a little time.
As for now...I like Melatonin, quick acting -- you can get this at a whole foods type store, gnc, vitamin shoppe, etc. I take it like 1 hr before bed and get comfy as possible - lights low, read a book, hot bath - whatever calms you down. Also, I've seen people here recommend I believe it's Sleepy Time tea (celestial seasonings maybe?) - perhaps someone can validate that for me - but I here it's a lifesaver for alot of people when it comes to getting sleep during w/d.
As for the alcohol/weed - I would steer clear. First off...we're talking 'sober recovery' here - and most people will advocate a substance free lifestyle altogether. Obvs, that's your choice -- but even if you think using them for a short time might help, remember - you don't want to switch one addiction for another. Also, if you are just using these substances to 'pass out' -- that is NOT natural sleep and will probably mess up your sleep pattern even more...so please be careful w/that route.
I know you said no insurance - but short of getting free assistance - can you try going to a dr? Perhaps use the money you were spending on the alcohol and weed towards an appt w/an addictionologist - might do wonders. Also, reach out for a recovery support group (you'll want this once you're able to leave the house - which is probably around now at 5 days) f2f support from people who are going through the same thing is a big part of this...
to get back to the point -- sleep will come....!
As for sleep...it can def take a while for your natural sleep pattern to return. The opiates mess with your internal clock in general - and you may have just been 'passing out' some nights - or taking 'nod off' cat naps during the day - so your sleep pattern is probably quite irregualr to begin with. When you come off the opiates, your anxiety will undoubtly go up which leads to less sleep-- and you may be experiencing alot of energy -- but 'useless' energy if that makes sense. Like you can't be productive - but you can't just RELAX! Take heart -- relaxation and sleep WILL return...with time and healing, your natural sleep pattern will restore itself. I do not want to lay out an exact amount of time as each person has an individual experience...just know sleep will come with a little time.
As for now...I like Melatonin, quick acting -- you can get this at a whole foods type store, gnc, vitamin shoppe, etc. I take it like 1 hr before bed and get comfy as possible - lights low, read a book, hot bath - whatever calms you down. Also, I've seen people here recommend I believe it's Sleepy Time tea (celestial seasonings maybe?) - perhaps someone can validate that for me - but I here it's a lifesaver for alot of people when it comes to getting sleep during w/d.
As for the alcohol/weed - I would steer clear. First off...we're talking 'sober recovery' here - and most people will advocate a substance free lifestyle altogether. Obvs, that's your choice -- but even if you think using them for a short time might help, remember - you don't want to switch one addiction for another. Also, if you are just using these substances to 'pass out' -- that is NOT natural sleep and will probably mess up your sleep pattern even more...so please be careful w/that route.
I know you said no insurance - but short of getting free assistance - can you try going to a dr? Perhaps use the money you were spending on the alcohol and weed towards an appt w/an addictionologist - might do wonders. Also, reach out for a recovery support group (you'll want this once you're able to leave the house - which is probably around now at 5 days) f2f support from people who are going through the same thing is a big part of this...
to get back to the point -- sleep will come....!
Last edited by Shellslove; 03-04-2009 at 11:46 AM. Reason: I can't live w/o spell check =)
Well, my phellow Philadelphian beat me to it, but:
Advance warning: you're not gonna like my response.
You're using a boatload of drugs to get off drugs. Smoking pot, drinking, benzos, Nyquil...probably adding more confusion to your brain.
Sober is generally defined (as far as drug and alcohol use is concerned) as abstinence from drug use. "Crown" is a drug. The only way to do this without professional help is to suffer through the w/d. You're at day 5. I would say that, with total abstinence, you were over the hump. But adding all those other substances in, I really couldn't say.
Fact is, many/most of us here who withdrew from opiates suffered from some lack of sleep for a while. There's no easy answer except to say it was my own penalty for abusing my body.
It seems you're not opting for total abstinence. You'll probably find someone on here who thinks that's okay. Many will not.
Advance warning: you're not gonna like my response.
You're using a boatload of drugs to get off drugs. Smoking pot, drinking, benzos, Nyquil...probably adding more confusion to your brain.
Sober is generally defined (as far as drug and alcohol use is concerned) as abstinence from drug use. "Crown" is a drug. The only way to do this without professional help is to suffer through the w/d. You're at day 5. I would say that, with total abstinence, you were over the hump. But adding all those other substances in, I really couldn't say.
Fact is, many/most of us here who withdrew from opiates suffered from some lack of sleep for a while. There's no easy answer except to say it was my own penalty for abusing my body.
It seems you're not opting for total abstinence. You'll probably find someone on here who thinks that's okay. Many will not.
Hey Life, just let me start by saying, nobody ever died from lack of sleep. Yes, you feel like $hit, but it's only for a short while. I did cold turkey from opiates with only 2 days of suboxone. Yes, I had some anxiety, and yes, I didn't sleep very well, but it passes. A couple of days of discomfort is better than a life time of misery in addiction. A simple suggestion is chammomile tea. For $3 in the supermarket add some sugar or honey, and some lemon, it doesn't taste so great, but the effects on the body is wonderful. It's a natural sleep aid. Try it. It might help. I'm 2 months short of 4 yrs clean, and let me tell you, it's great to be free. Let me know how you make out. :ghug3 I wish you the best, Angel
:brick
Your answer was pretty on-target, actually. I just said you beat me to it.
Dont make me hop the bridge to Philly...it's only a five minute hop...
Oh man! Okay, but only if you're coming over to play...I'm a lover, not a fighter! Do you like to shop??? The only addiction I've managed to keep in check!
p.s. I'm usually much slower but work is a boring me today.
p.p.s. I forgot to mention life (this is actually directed to the OP!) -- as soon as you can, start getting in some good exercise time...so you'll be all tuckered out at night. Also, if you share your bed w/someone (other than a stuffed teddy who is useful in many situations but not this one) ask for a bedtime massage...always helps knock me out (happy endings don't hurt either I'm just sayin'! Put that useless energy to USE - I know coming off the opiates makes many people, ahem, amorous )
p.s. I'm usually much slower but work is a boring me today.
p.p.s. I forgot to mention life (this is actually directed to the OP!) -- as soon as you can, start getting in some good exercise time...so you'll be all tuckered out at night. Also, if you share your bed w/someone (other than a stuffed teddy who is useful in many situations but not this one) ask for a bedtime massage...always helps knock me out (happy endings don't hurt either I'm just sayin'! Put that useless energy to USE - I know coming off the opiates makes many people, ahem, amorous )
Go Browns!
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Charlotte, NC
Posts: 642
OK this is going to be a little controversial but here goes...
When I came off suboxone I PERSONALLY was not mentally strong enough to handle doing what I am about to tell you without relapsing back on to pain pills, but it DID WORK.
I started having w/d from the suboxone and went on WebMD.com to look for reliable help. There were a bunch of messages/posts from people about how bad they w/d and how nothing helped. Then some people said that the only thing that helped them was taking REALLY REALLY SMALL amounts of pain pills (vicodin, loratab, whatever). So I tried it. I took like a quarter of a pill 3 times a day for like 3 days. Didnt get a buzz but it did take the w/d away. I felt like I was dying from the w/d and I was in the middle of college and couldnt stop my life. Escuses Excuses.
I am not reccomending that you do this. I for one gradually ended up getting back on the pills because I couldnt control myself and had not seeked any type of treatment (professional, na, nothing) so using the loratabs to take away my w/d just led me back on drugs. Like I said I do not advocate this, but had I been able to control myself and just use like 3 pills over the course of 3 days to get off the subs then all would have been fine.
I hope I didnt offend anyone. Just saying what worked for me and ulitmately bit me in the ass.
Maybe you should just fork over the money to go to a doctor and talk to them about getting something to aid you in the w/d. It will be worth it in the end. Or go to the site I went to and see if there are any other suggestions. Good luck
When I came off suboxone I PERSONALLY was not mentally strong enough to handle doing what I am about to tell you without relapsing back on to pain pills, but it DID WORK.
I started having w/d from the suboxone and went on WebMD.com to look for reliable help. There were a bunch of messages/posts from people about how bad they w/d and how nothing helped. Then some people said that the only thing that helped them was taking REALLY REALLY SMALL amounts of pain pills (vicodin, loratab, whatever). So I tried it. I took like a quarter of a pill 3 times a day for like 3 days. Didnt get a buzz but it did take the w/d away. I felt like I was dying from the w/d and I was in the middle of college and couldnt stop my life. Escuses Excuses.
I am not reccomending that you do this. I for one gradually ended up getting back on the pills because I couldnt control myself and had not seeked any type of treatment (professional, na, nothing) so using the loratabs to take away my w/d just led me back on drugs. Like I said I do not advocate this, but had I been able to control myself and just use like 3 pills over the course of 3 days to get off the subs then all would have been fine.
I hope I didnt offend anyone. Just saying what worked for me and ulitmately bit me in the ass.
Maybe you should just fork over the money to go to a doctor and talk to them about getting something to aid you in the w/d. It will be worth it in the end. Or go to the site I went to and see if there are any other suggestions. Good luck
Darling, dear, sweetie...if you relapsed...um...erm...it didn't work.
I know, I know...bad bear.
Belle - not knockin your suggestion, but not so sure it's the wisest- especially on a recovery board....then again methadone and subs are a form of opiate themselves...but when specifically rx'ed by a dr and following direction I advocate them as a useful tool towards recovery for those who can do it (I know, again, controversial)
As for the 'small amounts' of quick acting opiates to to get off the subs (or a bigger habit) - never worked for me either. I tried giving the pills to someone I trusted having them hold them for me and dole out when necessary - but I caved and got more from another source and you can guess what happened from there. I like the gasoline to the fire analogy - those 'few' pills were the kindling for me - if that makes sense ;/
As for the 'small amounts' of quick acting opiates to to get off the subs (or a bigger habit) - never worked for me either. I tried giving the pills to someone I trusted having them hold them for me and dole out when necessary - but I caved and got more from another source and you can guess what happened from there. I like the gasoline to the fire analogy - those 'few' pills were the kindling for me - if that makes sense ;/
Go Browns!
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Charlotte, NC
Posts: 642
I agree guys and I probably shouldnt have posted it. I sincerely do not want to **** anyone off on this site and Im sorry. It did alleviate some of the symptoms though. But like I said look where I am at right now and I dont wish this on anyone so using tabs to get off subs is probably not wise.
Again, I apologize.
Again, I apologize.
none necessary Belle - you were sharing ES&H - not giving medical advice...plus you explained it didn't work for you. My fear is not so much for the regular posters on SR but more for the craving people who find SR while doing a google search during a nasty w/d...looking desperately for either a solution to their pain and anxiety...or a justification to go out and use. I want to make sure they don't get that here, ya know?
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Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: CA Native
Posts: 2,509
Hello, and welcome to SR.com.
I was hooked on OC's for almost 4 years, taking 240-400mg/day throughout. I weaned down and off of opioids using subutex for 7 months, stepping off at 2mg/day. Without knowing anything about your habit, it's a little tough to assess what I think is likely to happen for you, but I'll share my experience getting off of them. I should think the lingering w/d effects for you should be considerably shorter-lasting than they were for me, since you are stepping off at only 1/8 of what I did, though
I stopped taking them on a Friday at about noon. By saturday night, I was feeling a little bit bad, but still went out to dinner with the family, had a couple glasses of wine, slept just fine that night. Sunday I was starting to get jittery and not feeling altogether well, but not horrible yet. I took a couple of benadryl and slept fine that night too.
By Monday morning, I was starting to feel like real crap (about 72 hours after stopping subs). I took a benadryl every 2 hours monday night, didn't sleep one wink. Tuesday was worse, but I decided I wouldn't take benadryl that night, and sure enough, I didn't sleep tuesday night either. Wednesday, I really, really felt bad. And again, no sleep Wednesday night. At 3am that night, I went for a long walk in my pajamas, I was just o amped up and sick of trying to sleep, and hoped that would help. But about 5am that morning, I was on my knees, beating my bed as hard as I could with my pillow, yelling 'why can't I F***ING GO TO SLEEP!?! <cuss, swear, bitch, moan>' at the top of my lungs.
Thursday morning, I just couldn't take it anymore, and went to see my sub doc. He prescribed me clonidine, neurontin (nerve pain blocker), and ambien to sleep. Once I took clonidine and neurontin on thursday afternoon, I started feeling better. And the ambien put me down thurs night, THANK GOD. I needed one every 4 hours, though, to get 8 hrs sleep. By friday at noon, almost exactly a week later, the clouds parted, and I started to feel noticeably better. Not 100%, but a good solid 80%, my mental state especially was much improved, for whatever reason, maybe the comfort drugs, maybe the sleep, maybe the dope getting out of my system.
On tuesday night, I went to see Roger Waters in concert, had great seats, and had a great time, 100% SOBER (despite the place being an absolute fog of pot smoke ... my favorite concert drug, I might add). I was exhausted by the time I walked back to the car, though, it does awhile for your stamina to come back, for sure.
Anyways, I took ambien each night (as well as the clonidine and neurotin, EXACTLY as prescribed) until they ran out, about 2 weeks later. I continued to need one ambien every 4 hours, as I'd always pop right awake after sleeping 4 hours, every night for that entire 2 weeks. So I know sleep would've still been very hard to come by that whole time had I not had the ambien.
And in fact, when they did run out (@3 weeks clean), I had to end up getting unisom (otc sleep aid containing the antihistamine doxylamine succinate) if I wanted to be able to get a good nights sleep. I continued using one of those each night, for another 2 weeks. They worked great. I then needed 1/2 of a unisom *occasionally* over the course of the next month in order to fall asleep.
All in all, it took about 2 months for my sleep to return to a totally normal state. I should add that, aside from what I've told you about here, I had NO other drugs, including alcohol, once I stopped the subs. And it is now 20 months later, and I've still had NO other drugs aside from the occasional shot of nyquil to sleep, or an O'Douls from time to time.
I should also add that I started attending meetings of AA and NA on the MONDAY after a stopped taking subs (3 days into w/d's), and went to about 60 meetings in my first 90 days, and continued with 2-3 meetings a week for the first year. I now go only occasiaonally, but I'm here on SR (doing my 12th step, in a manner of speaking) almost every day, taking time to focus on recovery in a group-type setting.
I STRONGLY suggest you follow a similar course of action, if you want to succeed in staying off of opioids in the future.
Good luck, and welcome again to SR.com Hang tough, like I said, the worst is over in about a week from when you quit the subs, and days 4-7 are likely to be the worst part. Remember, though, it's only 4 DAYS you have to feel really crappy, and then you've got your whole life ahead of you. And a clean life ... it's pretty damn good
I was hooked on OC's for almost 4 years, taking 240-400mg/day throughout. I weaned down and off of opioids using subutex for 7 months, stepping off at 2mg/day. Without knowing anything about your habit, it's a little tough to assess what I think is likely to happen for you, but I'll share my experience getting off of them. I should think the lingering w/d effects for you should be considerably shorter-lasting than they were for me, since you are stepping off at only 1/8 of what I did, though
I stopped taking them on a Friday at about noon. By saturday night, I was feeling a little bit bad, but still went out to dinner with the family, had a couple glasses of wine, slept just fine that night. Sunday I was starting to get jittery and not feeling altogether well, but not horrible yet. I took a couple of benadryl and slept fine that night too.
By Monday morning, I was starting to feel like real crap (about 72 hours after stopping subs). I took a benadryl every 2 hours monday night, didn't sleep one wink. Tuesday was worse, but I decided I wouldn't take benadryl that night, and sure enough, I didn't sleep tuesday night either. Wednesday, I really, really felt bad. And again, no sleep Wednesday night. At 3am that night, I went for a long walk in my pajamas, I was just o amped up and sick of trying to sleep, and hoped that would help. But about 5am that morning, I was on my knees, beating my bed as hard as I could with my pillow, yelling 'why can't I F***ING GO TO SLEEP!?! <cuss, swear, bitch, moan>' at the top of my lungs.
Thursday morning, I just couldn't take it anymore, and went to see my sub doc. He prescribed me clonidine, neurontin (nerve pain blocker), and ambien to sleep. Once I took clonidine and neurontin on thursday afternoon, I started feeling better. And the ambien put me down thurs night, THANK GOD. I needed one every 4 hours, though, to get 8 hrs sleep. By friday at noon, almost exactly a week later, the clouds parted, and I started to feel noticeably better. Not 100%, but a good solid 80%, my mental state especially was much improved, for whatever reason, maybe the comfort drugs, maybe the sleep, maybe the dope getting out of my system.
On tuesday night, I went to see Roger Waters in concert, had great seats, and had a great time, 100% SOBER (despite the place being an absolute fog of pot smoke ... my favorite concert drug, I might add). I was exhausted by the time I walked back to the car, though, it does awhile for your stamina to come back, for sure.
Anyways, I took ambien each night (as well as the clonidine and neurotin, EXACTLY as prescribed) until they ran out, about 2 weeks later. I continued to need one ambien every 4 hours, as I'd always pop right awake after sleeping 4 hours, every night for that entire 2 weeks. So I know sleep would've still been very hard to come by that whole time had I not had the ambien.
And in fact, when they did run out (@3 weeks clean), I had to end up getting unisom (otc sleep aid containing the antihistamine doxylamine succinate) if I wanted to be able to get a good nights sleep. I continued using one of those each night, for another 2 weeks. They worked great. I then needed 1/2 of a unisom *occasionally* over the course of the next month in order to fall asleep.
All in all, it took about 2 months for my sleep to return to a totally normal state. I should add that, aside from what I've told you about here, I had NO other drugs, including alcohol, once I stopped the subs. And it is now 20 months later, and I've still had NO other drugs aside from the occasional shot of nyquil to sleep, or an O'Douls from time to time.
I should also add that I started attending meetings of AA and NA on the MONDAY after a stopped taking subs (3 days into w/d's), and went to about 60 meetings in my first 90 days, and continued with 2-3 meetings a week for the first year. I now go only occasiaonally, but I'm here on SR (doing my 12th step, in a manner of speaking) almost every day, taking time to focus on recovery in a group-type setting.
I STRONGLY suggest you follow a similar course of action, if you want to succeed in staying off of opioids in the future.
Good luck, and welcome again to SR.com Hang tough, like I said, the worst is over in about a week from when you quit the subs, and days 4-7 are likely to be the worst part. Remember, though, it's only 4 DAYS you have to feel really crappy, and then you've got your whole life ahead of you. And a clean life ... it's pretty damn good
No, not "bad Bear." I'm sorry, but I really don't comprehend the logic behind mentioning something that didn't work for the one posting the advice and which involves narcotics that can return the OP back to active addiction.
Please, guys! I appreciate that an apology was made and I think that it was necessary (and I'm hoping a lesson learned).
I don't have any desire to offend anyone, but the response hit me like a typhoon. I just spent all night, waking up repeatedly, wanting nothing more than to take some oxys (frustrated as all hell because I knew that they wouldn't get me high). All this, and I had already screwed up my prescribed dose of suboxone. Please understand that even some "not so new posters" still struggle and are flabbergasted by such replies.
I don't want to discourage anyone from posting. We all make mistakes. However, I am STRONGLY suggesting (no, I'm begging) IF IT DIDN'T WORK FOR YOU (especially if it led you back into active addiction) -- not that I didn't think that the OP was doing a good enough of a job at that himself -- DON'T RECOMMEND IT, EVEN IF YOU ATTACH A DISCLAIMER TO THE ADVICE.
Please, guys! I appreciate that an apology was made and I think that it was necessary (and I'm hoping a lesson learned).
I don't have any desire to offend anyone, but the response hit me like a typhoon. I just spent all night, waking up repeatedly, wanting nothing more than to take some oxys (frustrated as all hell because I knew that they wouldn't get me high). All this, and I had already screwed up my prescribed dose of suboxone. Please understand that even some "not so new posters" still struggle and are flabbergasted by such replies.
I don't want to discourage anyone from posting. We all make mistakes. However, I am STRONGLY suggesting (no, I'm begging) IF IT DIDN'T WORK FOR YOU (especially if it led you back into active addiction) -- not that I didn't think that the OP was doing a good enough of a job at that himself -- DON'T RECOMMEND IT, EVEN IF YOU ATTACH A DISCLAIMER TO THE ADVICE.
Gosh, christin and the bear agreeing on something?
Sorry you're struggling Chris - I can completely relate. It's such a constant theme in my head "take pills, take pills".
I must say, my brain finds things in all kinds of posts to hang onto and justify using again. But then, my brain thinks being awake is enough of a reason to use!
Sorry you're struggling Chris - I can completely relate. It's such a constant theme in my head "take pills, take pills".
I must say, my brain finds things in all kinds of posts to hang onto and justify using again. But then, my brain thinks being awake is enough of a reason to use!
Bvaljalo, So, I just read your post and now I understand why you were a little bit annoyed at my posts regarding withdrawal. I never abused oxys, but I heard that they are tough to get off of. My drugs were mostly vicodins, and I took a couple of oxys over the 10 yr period that I used, and some percocettes as well. I see you had a great struggle getting clean, compared to my walk in the park, but the thing is that you did it. And your continuing to work your program which is commendable. Isn't subutex the same as suboxone? Or in the same family, but maybe a bit different? I didn't take offense to your post regarding my advice, I just wanted to share what worked for me. If you look back at my posts, I always mention seeing a doctor. I know that self medicating is extremely dangerous, and have sat in on enough NA meetings to understand that. I'm not upset that you had something to say about my posting, but you said you bit your tounge, in regard to previous posts, and I am wondering exactly what it is that annoyed you? I don't think your looking for a since you said I was a sweet heart, just trying to gain some better knowledge of my self. Like I said, I'm always learning. Congratulations on getting and staying clean. It's something to be proud of. Your friend, Angel
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 36
I completely understand everyones concerns and opinions.
I started about 6 yrs ago. I was taking OC recreationally because my close friend had lots of them for cheap. That lasted about a yr. Then I started selling them and a bit later I was doing 160-240mg every day. That went on for 6 months. Before I started doing them everyday I wasnt physically dependent and should have stopped. But I didnt and prices skyrocketed which led me to try to quit through methadone.
I stayed on methadone for almost 3 yrs because I was in school. As soon as I graduated I tried to quit methadone on my own. I had lots of methadone because I had two weeks worth of carries @ 140mg, but I wasnt taking all of it and saving some for my detox. The reason why I did this was the clinic kept trying to prevent me from quitting and I did not want to pay full price while tapering and taking less and less methadone ( no isurance, struggling college student). I gradually tapered on my own with my supply over a few months. tapering was quite easy, but 48 hours of my last dose I felt the pain. It got worse over the next several days and I couldnt handle it. I researched and decided for myself suboxone would me much easier.
I acquired and traded one 80mg oc for 20 8mg suboxone. and started taking 2mg for the first few days. I went up to 2mg twice a day for 2 months. Then I started tapering. I got to 1mg pretty fast, but I couldnt seem to get past that for the next many months. I eventually got to .5mg a day. Then I found this website and reading about the detoxes gave me the edge I needed to quit. I was kinda scared of the w/d.
Right now I am on day 12. I feel really close to normal for most of the day, but when I try to sleep I still have a weird feeling in my left thigh which makes it hard to sleep. I only took all that whiskey weed lorazepam etc concoction that night. I took 4mg of lorazepam that night. I took 2mg two nights after that and I took 1mg last night along with one tylenol. So I understand everyones concern, but I wont make it a problem. Plus weed and alchohol were never problems for me. I only used those in social environments. When I fall asleep I can sleep for 7 hours even though I awake and pass out several times a night. Its geting better though.
So I would like to say finally I understand everyones opinions and ideas, but I succeeded in detoxing w/o a doctor. I think these forums are more helpful than a doctor. except the comfort meds of course. Also I wont be attending NA/AA because I dont think I need it. Because I have no desire to use. Not at all. I read posts about people still struggling with using after detoxing and being sober and I understand, but I kinda dont in regards to my situation. If I wanted I could use. I have oxycodone that Has been sitting in my meds for yrs untouched. I can get low doses of methadone for free from a friend and I used to love taking methadone and benzos which I also have plenty of also to get totally messed up, but I think about that and it kinda disgusts me.
I no longer talk to anyone who uses except for one close friend still on methadone who I want to help quit. I have reconciled with my best friends and I have a great job lined up next month. I want to continue my life after 5-6 yrs on hold and temptation to use got nothin on that. Im still only 27 so I can just burn this chapter of my life and live a opiate free life. but I will always remember it so I wont repeat it.
When you guys say not to drink or smoke pot does it have to do with all substance abusers? Or are opiate addicts different? I never really abused alchohol or pot. Oxycontin was a different story.
Also I dont know so could some tell me the logic or the reasons why everyone should attend NA/AA and go through a program? If I just lived life (got my stuff together with good job, positive girlfriend, snowboard, tennis, softball, swimming) with friends who didnt use wouldnt it be better than hearing about drugs and problems associated with them all the time. Not sure but more experienced people's input would be appreciated. Thank you
I started about 6 yrs ago. I was taking OC recreationally because my close friend had lots of them for cheap. That lasted about a yr. Then I started selling them and a bit later I was doing 160-240mg every day. That went on for 6 months. Before I started doing them everyday I wasnt physically dependent and should have stopped. But I didnt and prices skyrocketed which led me to try to quit through methadone.
I stayed on methadone for almost 3 yrs because I was in school. As soon as I graduated I tried to quit methadone on my own. I had lots of methadone because I had two weeks worth of carries @ 140mg, but I wasnt taking all of it and saving some for my detox. The reason why I did this was the clinic kept trying to prevent me from quitting and I did not want to pay full price while tapering and taking less and less methadone ( no isurance, struggling college student). I gradually tapered on my own with my supply over a few months. tapering was quite easy, but 48 hours of my last dose I felt the pain. It got worse over the next several days and I couldnt handle it. I researched and decided for myself suboxone would me much easier.
I acquired and traded one 80mg oc for 20 8mg suboxone. and started taking 2mg for the first few days. I went up to 2mg twice a day for 2 months. Then I started tapering. I got to 1mg pretty fast, but I couldnt seem to get past that for the next many months. I eventually got to .5mg a day. Then I found this website and reading about the detoxes gave me the edge I needed to quit. I was kinda scared of the w/d.
Right now I am on day 12. I feel really close to normal for most of the day, but when I try to sleep I still have a weird feeling in my left thigh which makes it hard to sleep. I only took all that whiskey weed lorazepam etc concoction that night. I took 4mg of lorazepam that night. I took 2mg two nights after that and I took 1mg last night along with one tylenol. So I understand everyones concern, but I wont make it a problem. Plus weed and alchohol were never problems for me. I only used those in social environments. When I fall asleep I can sleep for 7 hours even though I awake and pass out several times a night. Its geting better though.
So I would like to say finally I understand everyones opinions and ideas, but I succeeded in detoxing w/o a doctor. I think these forums are more helpful than a doctor. except the comfort meds of course. Also I wont be attending NA/AA because I dont think I need it. Because I have no desire to use. Not at all. I read posts about people still struggling with using after detoxing and being sober and I understand, but I kinda dont in regards to my situation. If I wanted I could use. I have oxycodone that Has been sitting in my meds for yrs untouched. I can get low doses of methadone for free from a friend and I used to love taking methadone and benzos which I also have plenty of also to get totally messed up, but I think about that and it kinda disgusts me.
I no longer talk to anyone who uses except for one close friend still on methadone who I want to help quit. I have reconciled with my best friends and I have a great job lined up next month. I want to continue my life after 5-6 yrs on hold and temptation to use got nothin on that. Im still only 27 so I can just burn this chapter of my life and live a opiate free life. but I will always remember it so I wont repeat it.
When you guys say not to drink or smoke pot does it have to do with all substance abusers? Or are opiate addicts different? I never really abused alchohol or pot. Oxycontin was a different story.
Also I dont know so could some tell me the logic or the reasons why everyone should attend NA/AA and go through a program? If I just lived life (got my stuff together with good job, positive girlfriend, snowboard, tennis, softball, swimming) with friends who didnt use wouldnt it be better than hearing about drugs and problems associated with them all the time. Not sure but more experienced people's input would be appreciated. Thank you
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 36
Thanks bvaljalo
Evertime I hear another successful persons story off oc/methadone/suboxone It really gives me more energy, positive thoughts and an extra kick in my step. Its so weird. Knowing and hearing about success replaces all the doubt. Thank you
Evertime I hear another successful persons story off oc/methadone/suboxone It really gives me more energy, positive thoughts and an extra kick in my step. Its so weird. Knowing and hearing about success replaces all the doubt. Thank you
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Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Charlotte, NC
Posts: 642
Life- Great job! I am 27 also. I mentioned that I tried to detox off suboxone and I couldnt do it. The difference between me and you though is that I wasnt stable enough to get through the worst of it and I relapsed. Congrats again! Its only going to get better but you have to really keep yourself on track. Dont ever take another OC. I would get rid of the pain meds you have- I mean just to be on the safe side.
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 36
Yes definitely I plan on giving them to someone who may need it for their detox. I havent taken oc for years. When I first started methadone around 4yrs ago railed an 80 and barely felt it. So I crushed up 3 more into a huge line and railed that as well. It only got me off for like 30 min. I said, "F***that." luckily they didnt cost much. That was the last time.
So how are you doing now? I was on a very very lose dose for months before I quit. I think thats why its been pretty doable. I also wasnt seeing any doctor. My friend supplied me. The reason I say this is you should taper by how you feel. I only had access to 8mg tabs, so I had to cut it into 1/8ths then in half again. It was hard initially but I got pretty accurate i think.
Anyways if you want to hear in detail what I went through let me know. It really helps I think to hear others' stories of success.
So how are you doing now? I was on a very very lose dose for months before I quit. I think thats why its been pretty doable. I also wasnt seeing any doctor. My friend supplied me. The reason I say this is you should taper by how you feel. I only had access to 8mg tabs, so I had to cut it into 1/8ths then in half again. It was hard initially but I got pretty accurate i think.
Anyways if you want to hear in detail what I went through let me know. It really helps I think to hear others' stories of success.
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