NO arguments about stopping vs. staying, no taper questions. For people who use buprenorphine as the mainstay of their life-long recovery program, with no CURRENT interest in stop dates. We believe addiction is a life-long illness that deserves life-long treatment. For people on buprenorphine and for people who love them- who feel the same way.
Hey everyone,
I can't remember if I posted here already.
I am off and on for 10 years. I was actually deprived of education during my childhood, and I was lured into drugs and alcohol. So I don't feel bad about taking sub. My only concern is damage to my body.
I hope, for that reason, to taper below 12 mg and maybe off of it someday.
For now, here I am dissolving 4mg.
Hey, I'm new here, but the topic really caught my eye. I'm 71 (yes I'm 71) and have been on suboxone for many (18) years. I've been seeing the same doctor the entire time. I had reached the point with oxys that I had run out of sources. I'm not street savvy, and no one would prescribe pain pills for actual chronic pain resulting from falling 8ft into my back many years ago. I called a help line, and the sweetest lady got me into their clinic 2 days from then. Since i needed to be off oxy for a couple of days any way, it worked fine. I've never been so grateful for anything in my life.
I'm on one 2/8 (8/2?) strip a day, but often only need half. There are days when I need more.
Then I got to feeling guilty about it. So I've been trying to get off since May 4. I'm micro dosing, but I'm struggling. The pain is rough. I've lost my energy to do anything. I'm forcing myself to keep going, but I'm just not sure anymore. My Dr is perfectly fine with me staying on the same maintenance dose I've been on for all this time for ever. He's a really good guy. He only keeps a few suboxone patients, as he actually runs a "medi-spa" type clinic. He and I are good friends, and my pee has never tested anything except suboxone. I pee every time, they check my vitals.my last BP was 124/68, which for my age and not taking any other med at all, is pretty good. I only go 1x every 3 months.
Seeing the concept of viewing suboxone from the point of view as blood pressure meds, or diabetes meds, made me stop and think. I want to keep trying to stop, but if things aren't better for me both pain and emotionally by Saturday, I'll probably go back on.
I have a very active life. I'm still working (self employed), we have a small farm, chickens, garden, etc. I have 9 grands and 1 great grand on the way. I don't want to be so crippled by pain I can't take part in our lives together.
Anyway thanks for letting me vent. I'm glad to find others out there (albeit younger) who struggle with this problem.
Welcome here! I too am up there in years (69) and have been on Suboxone since 2010. It kept making me tired so after the first year I started tapering very slowly down to 2mg's a day and have stable on that dose ever since. My doctor also is supportive of me and doesn't ask me to get off it. If you are determined to try, then follow some of the advice in the Stopping Suboxone section. Our forum leader, Dr. Junig and others have recommended a taper of 10-20% every two weeks. Some can get by with a low dose like me but you may not be able to. If you do get down to a low dose then talk to your doctor about a Butran's patch or an implant. They both dissolve slowly and have worked for some members.
Don't feel bad if you want to stay on it like me. My wife says she likes me better when I'm on it although it's been a long time since she witnessed me without it. Had major surgery years ago and switched over to pain pills until I could return to my Suboxone. I'm much happier when taking my dose. Even 2mg's still tires me out so I take it late in the day so it doesn't affect me while driving.
Hello,
Thank you for your post and thoughtful insight into your life. I am so hopeful to continue lowering my dose. I am amazed at all of us and our determination to be better and wiser.
That being said, does everyone dose in the morning? Night?
I am so happy to see the new poster. Best wishes on your journey. I check in from time to time and Rule is an awesome mod, still checking and following our posts.
