Buprenorphine or Suboxone vs. Opiates?

Hey everyone,

I start taking Buprenorphine on Monday and am going to start attending NA meetings to overcome a 3 year addiction to opiates...norcos...percocets...vicodins.... name it I have had it to make sure I felt normal. Obviously taking the first step to get off of the opiates is going with the Buprenorphine as I am starting next week but I am wondering if anyone out there can shed some light on how it works, how it makes you feel or even if you know other people on it. I did post one other question about it and got some good information but am hoping to get more. I am hoping and praying that this stuff works because I am spending hundreds sometimes thousands of dollars to get what I need to survive and enough is enough. Thanks in advance.

My suggestion to you is to try to get a NA sponsor that has detoxed the same way so that you have an dependable person for honest answers to what you will be going through.
I personally detox from opiates just over 10 yrs ago and these drugs were not available so I can't help you there, I just wanted to lend an incouraging word and tell you that you are absolutely doing the right thing. What ever happens, stick it out, nothing that can happen to you while detoxing will be anything that you cannot survive!!! You survived being addicted and we both know that was no easy task!!
Good Luck and Hang in there!
I know it is overwhelming, but get a sponsor!

DeltQueen has said it best...I'd add that you check with your doctor to see if a prescription for Clonidine (generic for Catapres) would be appropriate: it's a blood-pressure medicine;; but sometimes doctors will write a low dose that helps immensely with the twitchiness and the kicks. Have to be careful not to stand up too quickly.

To find out how the Buprenorphine works, use the net and check a few sites. I think it's the narcotic equivalent of Antabuse (which is used for alcoholism)--it blocks the buzz. So I hope you're already doing NA. You might also try this as an incentive for you to stay on the path: Find a big can or jar and each day put the money you would've spent elsewhere in it. If the accumulation tempts you, have your buddy hang on to it. Imagine doing something very nice for yourself a year from now....you've already started. Congratulations.