Sooooo...... My wish for my 33rd birthday is to be free of narcotic pain medicine well before the 26th. Even if I am only narcotic free for 3 days as my first hurdle, then everyday after that. Started on pain meds for real reasons, now dependence is there even when pain really isn't there. My psychiatrist, for depression & anxiety (go figure), said I'm not on a high dose but its a big contributing factor to the depression, etc. My psychiatrist wants me on suboxone, but I have to miss alot of work to even start it, I have a newer job, so trying not to take time off. I have tried cold turkey with good results before, but this time its grabbed on tight, not sure if I can do it. I would like to ask if suboxone is worth it, going from one opiate to another. I have read good and bad, and frankly it causes more confusion, pain and guilt. I feel like I need to do it to kick the cravings because they are always on my mind. I have way to many other things that need to be on my mind instead. Thank you for letting me ask on this. I really do need some support, right now feels like my own private terror.
Hi I'm Tina. I am new here, so I don't know how welcome I am to give my opinion on the matter, but I have too much experience with suboxone to not say something. In fact, I had 3 years clean in NA, once, also. If I had to pick, I would tell you that getting/staying clean in NA was so much more worth it.. Esp. considering where I am now, and that is one year on suboxone maintenence. It had started with the intention of taking suboxone for a little while, (I thought I'd do a quick taper) and a year later I am still on it, feeling as if I've not a minute clean. Now I guess it all depends on how you look at things, but I want to be clean, so badly. I am on 8mg/ day, and I am going to start tapering as soon as I get the nerve, and I hope to re-join the NA family locally. They don't consider me clean, in the rooms here locally because of the suboxone, and really, I guess theyre right. ENOUGH about me. I just wanted to share my experience. STAY AWAY from the subs unless you want to LIVE on them. They are very difficult to kick, and in MY opinion, you are trading one drug for another.. I hope that helps without insulting ANYONE I feel as I do because of my excperience, and that is all.. Thanks T
I have no experience with suboxone but I have been clean for 26 years and can tell you the NA works. Do yourself a favor and check out some meetings. There's nothing like the experience, strength and hope you find in NA meetings and fellowship.
I think that Tina's experience echos alot of what I have heard about this issue. Substituting one drug for another is definitely NOT the NA way. but not going to NA because you are taking suboxone is a sad mistake. Our third tradition clearly states "The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using" different groups may have rules about clean time for service positions but NO ONE can say you don't belong at an NA meeting so long as you desire to stop. You are both truly welcome. Peace.
I agree, many that have tried Suboxone have been in for a LONG time. Like Tina, what seemed like a short taper down ends up being years. One of my sponsees said she had a hard time convincing her doctor to LOWER her dosage as he wanted to keep upping it!
Regardless of your decision, you are always welcome in the rooms - clean or not.
There's a great pamphlet called "In times of illness" NA put out. They truly have no opinion on outside issues (including drug replacement therapies), but it gives a different perspective. You can find it online at: http://www.na.org
Where to start? In the here and now. Let tomorrow take care of itself. Don't set any plans or expectations on yourself or the future. Just try to get through the moment.
hi i im in kind of the same mess as you i was taking pain pills for 4 years for pain. i got 240 a month from my doctor and you are right i was taking them even when the pain was not their. i have been in gcasa for 4 months. i was killing my self with pills and weed. i was taking about 300 pills a month and a 20 of weed a day now im on suboxone. they are really great only 2 a day and i never crave for drugs maybe this can help u
Thanks to everyone for the advice. This is first bit of support I have had with this that was good and not critical, the doctors just make me feel like a loser and now I'm labeled an addict even though I was being totally honest with them and myself. I am trying to take it one day at a time, but if I can't make it, I might try Suboxone, but hopefully I won't have to. Glad to know I am not in this boat alone. I looked up gcasa and it's not where I live so I will have to find something around here, i.e. Houston area. I have looked up the NA meetings and will attend one, just a little scared is all.
What I noticed the other day is that when I am on the pain meds I "know" that I can beat this and I can be free. It's funny how what I'm on makes me want to be off, then when I'm off my courage fades. I thought it was when you're on the meds you want to continue, weird....
Has anyone found that taking up a hobby or something to keep them busy when they have cravings help? I have been trying to figure this out. My will power is getting better but thought that might help?
Thanks again to everyone! I really want to be apart of this site for sure. Glad I'm not alone.
As for pain meds, I don't have experience. But I can tell you I took drugs to feel good and escape reality. In the long run I didn't get it. I have heard that those who are trying to deal with pain, can't cope with it using drugs. But they can without drugs.
Take care of your physical, mental, and spiritual self, and we promise things will get better.
Physical activity is the best way i have found to change a mood or get past a rough spot, but let's be honest here. withdrawl sucks. It is painful and a misery, but at some point you have to face it. Be secure in the knowledge that thousands have done it before you and now live clean productive lives. the pain passes and life gets better. Get to NA meetings and share your story. You will find people willing to help. i wish you well
i have been off of drugs for 4 months now i go to gcasa for support
