What Exactly Does Suboxone Do? Is It Addicitive? (Top voted first)

i have a friend who desperately wants to get off of methadone and pain pills. will suboxone work? is it addicitive too? if someone can please help me that would be great! also is it very expensive, that's what i've heard.

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I would just kike to say that I have been a crack cocaine addict, an oxycontin(opiot) and an intrevenious heroin addict for at least 10-12 years.I'v been in a methadone clinic for to years, which was the worst mistake I ever made.I advise any one seeking help to get int a suboxone program. I've been on subone now for about 2 tears and i feel great.IM also on alot more meds for anxiety,depression and sleeping pills because of all my stupidity and addiction I lost 2 of 3 of my kids which I'm fighting to get back right now. I've got ALOT of experienc with all kinds of drugs so if theres any one out there that feels alone and just wants someone to talk to I am hear to listen and give whatever advice I can give.I had to go threw my sobnriety all alone and wish I had anyone to talk to so dont be shy.It hels to just get your feelins out some times . so if your looking for someone who has been threw what your going threw or just ned a friend,write to mr anytime. Luv Carrie

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Hi K,
First thing I want to let you now is I am not a doctor, so I cant tell you what medication will work and I cant tell you that Suboxone is any better or any worse than methadone. I can tell you from my own experience that Suboxone works for a lot of people, but it didnt work for me. I find it so interesting how people try to be doctors and think they know what is best for you. There are so many bad myths about methadone, and you need to explore YOURSELF which one is better for you. #1 myth. If you get on Methadone you will never get off of it. BS,,I have many friends who were on methadone and they tapered down from whatever their dose was and they are all opiate free today. #2. Methadone is liquid handcuffs. I have been on methadone for a very long time and I am free to go wherever I want anytime I want. All I have to do is tell the doctor at the clinic when I am leaving town and I get as many bottles as I need. Of course if a patient is using other drugs, that doesnt apply to them, I dont consider going to my clinic once a week for 5 minutes handcuffs Liwuid handcuffs is totally an NA scare tacic #3. Suboxone was made so there wouldnt be long clinic lines. Please show me the article you have on that, I would love to see that LIE in writting, The truth is, suboxone is an alturnative nothing more, nothing less.#4 Suboxone unlike methadone doesnt give you cravings for opiates. That is the stupidest line I ever heard. I am not possitive, but I am pretty sure it os the other way around. When I was on suboxon I always craved opiates. Once I got on methadone, and got my doseage right, I havent even thought about other opiates. I also want to add a few things that some posters had written. To the poster whos doctor cut her off of suboxone because of a missed appoints..My advise is get on the horn to an attorney fast..Your doctor cant cold turkey you no matter what. You will get very sick,your doctor must want to get sued, because you do have a case. To the poster that started on 100mg of suboxone, You must mean 10mg because the most you can get is 32, I know becasue I was on the highest dose, and what do you mean about having a drug label? That makes no sense at all. I have never told an employer, the DMV or anyone about my being an addict, That is PRIVATE information, the only way you need to tell anyone is if you are appling for a job that is highly sensative, like if you want to be a stock broker, you have to tell about anytime youhave been arrested. And what makes you think that suboxone is easier that heroin, vicodin, heroin and or anyother opiate? I have kicked every opiate there is, and suboxone is one of the worst, it doesnt even hit you for at least 2 days. then all Hell breaks lose.. To the poster who was denied the right to be given medicine while in jail. Read the Americans with Disabilty act, It is illegal to take away any prescribed medication while incarserated. Whoever denied you the suboxone was practicing medicine w/o a lisense..If I were you, I would have filed a lawsuit.To the poster who cant seem to stop takeing the suboxone, have your doctor help you. It will be very hard for you to s tay clean without tapering down the suboxone.To the poster that was helped with suboxone for your dependence on opiates You have a great doctor, Suboxone is the best way for you, because you arent an addict, you just got dependent on the medication you had to take, To the last poster. Thank you for your post.. You are right.. Suboxone isnt a drug to play with,, When I walked offf of Suboxone I thought I was going rto die. To the posters who have demonised methadone on this thread, youi are not doctors, so give your experiences, but dont play doctor, and dont scare people who ask for your help.You may scare someone who could have been helped

PHN

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I'm on Day #4 of my suboxone treatment and I'm very grateful for it. I NEVER could have gone 4 days without pain killers and be expected to function...kicking was/ is AWFUL. I was dong 30 #10 Lortabs a day and wanted off desperatly, but felt too awful when I tried to go without them.As soon as I'd get a 'script, I started worrying about running out. I couldn't plan anything because because I didn't know if I'd have tabs to be able to function well enough. I had to do something. You get weaned off them, and unlike Methadone, you no longer have cravings. I don't crave any now. You can't take painkillers while taking Soboxone, they won't work. Suboxone blocks them. If you start with Soboxone, you MUST be in at least mild withdrawal. You feel better IMMEDIATLY after the first dose. It saved my life.. GOOD LUCK!!

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does the doctor who prescribes suboxone tell your family doctor that you are seeking treatment? That is what is currently stopping me because I am worried, since my family doc is a friend of the family and we have known him for years. I know the confidentiality laws but i am worried anyway. Doctors are human..... any insight would be appreciated..... also do you ween off the subox?

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I have been using suboxone to get off of an opiate addiction. I have not used opiates in about 2 years, but now I can't seem to stop the soboxone. I have tried and tried and when I don't take the soboxone I feel major withdrawl symptoms. Any ideas? Please!

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k,i had to go on pain killers for multitude of ailments,when the pain left and i tried to stop the meds i felt like i was going to vibrate out of my shoes,i could'nt sleep and everything in my body hurt.someone told me about this therapy and within a matter of days i was a-o.k. i have had to stop these meds before and suffered for weeks and weeks,it is not pleasent,this stuff allows you to function as if nothing is happening,after a few days i stopped with not a hint of anything negative.it truly is an amazing discovery,you just put it under your toung till it desolves a couple of times a day and poof you are back to your old self! hope this helps,just keep in mind i was not an addict getting high on pain meds i had genuine medical issues and was treated accordingly,an addict may have to stay on this stuff a little longer but i have heard of opiate abusers being greatly helped by this.good luck, bob

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My son was on heroine i took him to a hospital detox center here in Salt lake city they started him on soboxim and released him to me the next day he was over getting sick immediatly and off suboxim in 8 weeks it a miracle drug for opiate addiction to me. good luck everyone !

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kevin you are legally an adult. so,the doc doesnt have to tell your parents .....and, there are doctor patient confidentiality laws........that means you can privately talk to your doctor.tell him what you told us, he can work ith you and keep your privacy..good luck!and i really wish you well to quit your HUGE habit before it quits you!!

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I agree that suboxone can work wonders for some opiate addicts, but not for all. First off stop with the trying to scare people to not use methadone. Linda, what kind of cravings does methadone give you?? Methadone stopped all of my cravings for opiates, so please no false BS.. Suboxone is also an opiate, and yes I was on it b4 it was even being used in the US, I was on one of the first trials, and it did not work for me.And it made me high..Not like heroin, but I did catch a buzz..Methadone however gives me no high at all,Dusty, what State do you live in where you have to answer questions on your DL test?? That is against the law where I live (Ca) and Carrie, I am glad that NA works for you but methadone is not liquid handcuffs unless you can't give clean UA'sI go in once a week, and if I go on vacation there is no problem to get as many extra bottles as I need. It is so funny how I can tell where people are comimg from just with their BS. Truth is Suboxone works for people with mild opiate addictions, but for street junkies, it is a totally different story..Maybe it can work for some junkies, but it is rare, And t o the person that said a patient may have to be on methadone 4 ever..That isn't a horrible thing for most of us, for me the alternative is shooting heroin, and you can give me methadone over heroin anyday. I don't mind going to the clinic once a week, and I have never waited in a line. I go in say hi to the doctor, get my dose, my take homes, talk to my counselor once a month and that is it..1 1/2 hour a month is not liquid handcuffs. Stealing, screwing men, writing hot checks, and doing anything else for a fix, that is handcuffs.....NA that is handcuffs...But that is me. and that is what recovery is all about..What works for that certain person..Not what works for Carrie or Dusty or Linda..But this is about the OP

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Well, first off, yes, it can be addictive as well, however, it has distince advantages over narcotic meds, Benzos, and even Methadone. Suboxone works on many of the same receptors, since it is a narcotic agent, however, it does not give the same high effect and euphoria that most addicts enjoyed, which is what made them get addicted in the first place. It also contains an opiate neutralizer, so it neutralizes anything in your system from the other drugs you were using, and of course prevents someone from continuing to use while they are on it.

Most people who used Methadone therapy end up addicted to the Methadone, and very few ever get totally clean, a very large percentage of people end up on a life-time maintenance dose of it, but since Suboxone works differently, most people that use it for addiction end up being totally clean, not even using it after awhile, once they care clean from their other addictions, and past the dangers of withdrawals, the person is slowly tapered off the Suboxone.

Yes, it is expensive, and the drawback is you cannot get it from just any doctor. For a doctor to prescribe it, they have to take specialty training course in addiction and the use of Suboxone, so that means it is available right now in very limited areas, and many of the clinics have a waiting list. And yes, it is also expensive.

Here's the website about it, which also lets you check to see if there is a doctor that can prescribe it in your area:

Suboxone.com Click Here

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ive been trying to live with out having to take opiates or any kind of drug i currently get suboxone from my friend daily whos on them cause i had mine taken away when i went to jail for drug charges and now i cant afford to b on the suboxone i pay my friend about $5 a day and he gives me a suboxone daily now i live with my parents and am only 19 years old and yet i could probably handle more coke/dopespeedball in my arms moe then most adults can i use to be able to shoot 6 bags of dope and 3 bags of coke at once now i dont know what to do i hate getting sick withdrawal was worse in jail i had to do cold turkey for about 2 months before it got better i dont know how to get on suboxone with out my parents finding out cause im on there insurance anyone know anything i can do i mea would i have to be on my own and get medicare or something????

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Suboxone has been a wonder drug for me. It really takes away all side effects, I have done cold turkey, which was a hell that lasted 2 weeks and i can't do that again. So the second time i found myself in this situation, i went online to Suboxone.com and found a doctor in my area and emailed serveral of them. I got immediate calls back and was able to see a doctor the next day. Now, it isnt cheap. And insurance doesnt pay for it. I think between the visit and the pills it was roughly 300.00. But, when you think about what the drugs cost, you may as well spend it on Sub. That drug has been a miracle for me. I would encourage anyone to try that.

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Wow, I just read this entire thread. Here is my story. I was a pill popper for about 9 years. Went from perks to roxys. About 3 years ago someone close to me got prescribed methadone as a pain management deal. By this point, I couldn't afford the amount of pills I was taking and my life literally revolved around making sure I had the pills that I needed to keep me from being sick. That sucked, especially being a mom without the option of sick days. Besides the fact that it was a huge secret at the time. I was a 'closet addict'. So, this person started sharing their methadone w me. I would still be high whenever the opportunity arose. My life got completely out of control. The methadone drained me of my will to love....I gained weight and started acting like a total junkie. Part of the reason was because I was only taking one 10mg pill a day, plus whatever else I could get my hands on. ALL of my money was going to pills and I was a miserable mess. Anyway, late last year I got into some legal problems. I knew I couldn't continue taking the methadone because a dirty UA would land me in jail. I tried coming off of the methadone myself but it was impossible. By the second day, I was so sick that I was in tears, shaking, sweating...etc. Plus, having such easy access to it made it even harder. I ended up going into a 5 day detox, after making arrangements for my kids, and I was given suboxone. I had to wait 48 hours after my last math dose. So, I left the detox feeling great. A few days after coming home, when the sub started to wear off, I was right back into withdrawal. Granted, not the severe shaking peak type wd, but it was still hell on earth. I suffered for 3 weeks, cold turkey withdrawing, I swear, death sounded appealing to me at that point. Even after THREE WEEKS I was still sick as a dog coming off of the methadone. Finally just a few days ago I broke down and went to a sub Dr. She prescribed me two 8mg strips a day, which I know is way too much and am definitely not taking, but I finally feel human again. Ive never felt such relief in my life. Its like the sun is finally shining again after being stuck in a dark hole for years. I want to taper fairly quickly. She gave me a script for 30 strips and an appt for 2 weeks from now. My 'hope' is that I can taper off with these 30 as we all know, this is not cheap. I paid $48 for 5 strips, plus $150 for the visit (the Dr didn't say more then two words to me, just wrote me the script and made me sign a contract. Either way, I now have a legal prescription in case my PO has me do a drug panel and thank GOD I'm not laying on my couch waiting for death. In my opinion, I wouldn't recommend methadone to ANYONE. Its the worst drug in the world. It didn't make me high at all, made me fat, made me sweat like crazy, and pretty much lost all of my ambition. I just hope to God that the sub isn't as hard to come off of as the methadone. I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy. How I made it 3 weeks is beyond me. The wd seemed to get worse instead of better. I feel SO much better on the sub and am very hopeful that ill be able to wean myself off fairly quickly. To anyone dealing with addiction, my heart goes out to you. Its one of the hardest things I've ever done, and my life hasn't exactly been a walk in the park. For anyone considering methadone or suboxone, I can tell you that for me, methadone was NOT the answer.

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YES!I was on methadone for 2 years and coming off of it was the worst thing ever!I have now been In a suboxone program for 3 years now and it't great.I advise everyone i hear wants to get into a methadone clinic not to.1. It is like liquid hand cuffs and 2.you either stay on it forever or you get extremely dope sick coming off. Its worse than kicking dope. So yes I would definately recommend a suboxone program. Get off that methadone or you'll never be able to. Good Luck. And remember to just take it a day at a time!

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I live in north east Ga. I go to Dawsonville to a wonderful Doctor who has dedicated his life to help people. I have United Health Care Ins. and RESTAT RX Ins. When I started going there last year He charged 150$ which my insurance took care of and the Scripts for 180# of suboxone is only 35 $. I take other meds for HTN SJ Syndrome, Depression.... on my other meds it is only 5 $ per Script.
Suboxone has changed my life. Unfortanly I am now disabled with arthritis so bad in my Joints that I cannot work... Thank goodness my hubby makes a killing and has excellent insur. Contact me and I will give you my doctors name or if you would like for me to call and see if he has any more openings..
He is allowed to treat 100 sub patients. Love to all

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I have be relatively lucky when it comes to a detox using subs. I wait 48 hours after and i am well into my W/D. It's best to taper your opiate use down as far as possible. What ever amount you are using cut it in half every 72 hours. If using a needle you want to reach for the foil instead. If you can switch it Oxys after that. Remember to use only enough to stay well. While you are cutting back on your use stay active. I sugest riding a bicycle or running. This will lower the amount of opiates in your body faster than just sitting around waiting to get better. Reducing your dependency prior to the usage of suboxone will greatly reduce the time and amount you have to take. You need to be determined to make a positive change before you attempt the detox. If you are not 100% ready and have support YOU WILL RELAPSE!!!! Stop hanging out with the people who use. Get back to your old hobbies. Exercising regularly will greatly improve your chances of successfully making the transition. It will speed up the correction and regulation of your brain chemistry. The road to recover is not a short one. For most people there will be many slips and falls. But as long as you keep pushing and learning from every mistake you will make it. There is no shame in asking for help, support, and advice. Chances are the people you have been neglecting while you use would be more than happy to help you through these trying times.
Repeating the same actions and expecting different results is insanity. Identify your triggers and negative influences and do what you can to stay away.
Good luck.

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Just google addiction/suboxone doctors in your area. Some accept insurance or Medicaid but some clinics are cash only and the monthly doctor appointment plus prescription costs can be high. If you don't have health coverage search all doctors in the surrounding area and compare prices. If you then have a problem with script costs the pharmaceutical company that makes subs has a program that will cover the cost for a year. Only if they don't have their patient max yet, sub docs are only allowed a 100 patient max and only three of those enrolled in the free prescription program. If you're serious about getting over your addiction then you should start looking for a physician soon, sub treatment is on the rise and could cause you to wait anywhere from 2weeks to six months. GOOD LUCK!

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A couple of you gave me very helpful advise; Thank you. I am going to start right away.

But, I sure wish I knew the difficulty that I would face before hand. I did ask questions and the discussion revolved around multiple areas of degeneration and pain impairing my ability to work. The "cure" for which would mean 3 major surgeries on 3 different areas to be done over a years time. I tried to gut through it and that lasted a couple of years.until I just couldn't take it anymore. It was all verified by MRI and other physicians opinions.

But, as I said, I was naive or stupid or whatever you want to call me so I went to the doctor that several suggested . Painkillers worked at the start and I tried to find work elsewhere, in a different field. But, I have done my job for over 30 years and I am not qualified to do anything else. Plus, if I can't perform at my work (due to a years worth of surgery an rehab), they will find someone else who can; there is no loyalty and I will lose the meager insurance that I have.

When I went on the meds prescribed by the doctor; I was very open that I expected to do this until I could find something else that could, at least, save me from losing my home. I asked many questions and I made it clear that I would do this as a bridge to secure my life and then I would get off the drugs.

I was told that wouldn't be a problem; and now I find out that it will take a month in very expensive rehab; or possibly a year on a very expensive drug. This will very easily mean no work; they drug test in my line of work. This has already cost me two job opportunities even though the meds were being prescribed by an M.D., they were considered a red flag.

SO, here I sit with an increasing tolerance, paying large amounts of money monthly, with not much hope of being able to afford the suboxy without a job. I should have been told the whole story! I don't care if I was stupid I should have been told the consequences of getting off the merry go round, I definitely would have made a different choice.

I'll talk to my doctor next visit and see what he recommends. Let's hope I can do whatever is required and keep my job, or I am truly screwed.

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Most employers don't even know what subs are and definitely don't test for it! You shouldn't have an issue. I work for a Fortune 500 corporation and they didn't test for it.

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Thank you, that helps to ease at least one worry. I have the possibility of passing the drug test and getting a decent job. One that will put a lot less stress on my joints and still pay the bills. Sounds like what I have been looking for, for years. Now to get rid of this drug. I just have to get back my life and I will never go back.

OBTW, anyone who is considering the medical model of pain meds and anti inflammatory meds...DON'T DO IT! IT COULD EASILY, AND QUICKLY, CHANGE YOU LIFE FOREVER; AND NOT IN A GOOD WAY!

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