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Mental Health Trying to stop smoking suboxone

DizzyDawn

Bluelighter
Joined
Dec 20, 2018
Messages
20
So I'm new to Bluelight and this is my first post. I'm really struggling with a problem here, but I'm scared to even post it because I haven't seen another like it on the Suboxone threads. Listen guys, please go easy on me okay? I know what a huge FUCK I've made of my life here and I'm trying to find SOMEWHERE that I can possibly get a little help with my problem. Okay here's the deal. I'm a 43 year old woman, been an addict for the better part of my adult life. .Opiates have always been my DOC, but I've done it all, and done it all to the max. I've been on Suboxone for a long time, I'd venture to say a little over 10 years now, with a couple small breaks in between clinics here and there over the years. Anyway, last summer---summer of 2017--I was on a roll with crack for a good 6 months. Quitting that was the hardest thing I've ever done. I jumped right back onto my suboxone clinic, and dumbass me..I start smoking the shit.. (I guess in my head it was a substitute for the crack)
Now I can't quit. seriously having the worst worst time. And as you all know, smoking anything makes it wear off faster so you want to do more and more.
I definitely don't get the buzz that I used to get off of it, but I do still get the small rush and that "relief" of getting a fix.
I know how harmful Suboxone is to my lungs. I NEED TO QUIT. I cough constantly and my family is worried now because it's at a point where it's everyday for quite a few months now.
I guess my question is, has ANYONE else ever had to deal with this issue? And if so, what would make it easier for me to taper?
Or am I the only dumbass that's ever gotten addicted to smoking this nasty shit? I've done a lot of searches and it seems I'm alone.
any advice would be much appreciated.
 
^Sending in a request to link to MH.

There are plenty of people who've had bad stints in their life. We're here to support youa s much as we can.

Are you saying you smoke your suboxone? Never heard of that. Please tell your doctor about this. They will know the best action to take. I'm sure that someone has had this issue, but I do know that some people inject the stuff, so in that sense, you might be better off. Otherwise, you're not alone in opioid addiction or addiction overall. Bluelight has seen all kinds of addictions to all kinds of substances.

You're not a dumbass, no more than anyone else whom has fallen prey to addiction. It seems though that you need to secure some stability. I would encourage you to fall backwards, so to speak, into the hands of a competent addiction specialist. At the very least, I would say you need to let a mental health professional knwo what's going on. Then, you will truly not be alone. You deserve help, and you can get help if you seek it in honesty.
 
Yes, I smoke it. And I know how harmful it is to my body...there are so many fillers in the pills. I just can't stop. And yes, I've tried. I've tried to go back to using them as prescribed, sublingually..but I always find the urge so overwhelming to smoke it, that it's almost an unconscious thing for me to do when i get the feeling. I do have a wonderful psychiatrist/addiction specialist. He really is great at what he does, but I'm scared of his reaction honestly...I don't believe he'd kick me out, yet I suppose it's a real possibility.

I have injected sub as well...years ago. I suppose I should say I've tried all ROA's available over the years. I had myself down to 2mg a day or less
, under the tongue
--before the crack episode which led to me being kicked out of my previous clinic. , and I probably could have jumped off a lot sooner had I not said yes to pipe. Had I known the hell that would take over my life...and then trying to quit...smh. Anyway. I guess I should honestly count myself lucky that I was able to stop the crack itself. I just don't feel smoking suboxone is safer to be honest, so that's what's really effin up my brain. Smoking crack is actually safer on my lungs and probably better for my body in general versus smoking the suboxone.

No, I'm not trying to give myself an excuse to go smoke some crack. I just see the error of my ways for ever even starting to smoke the sub.
I will work on telling my doc. I'm just really not sure how to bring it up to him. I've had clean urines for over a year now...minus the cannabis because he doesn't mind. So my appointments are usually just me giving a urine, talking with a counselor if I'm having a hard time with something, and then seeing the doc for about 2-3 mins..long enough for him to ask how I'm doing, check his computer and fax my script to the pharmacy. I can request to actually sit down and speak with him if Im having an issue, and he's always been very kind and understanding. But my post here was actually the FIRST time I've ever told anyone...strangers or not, I feel the weight starting to lesson a bit, even though I'm not sure what my next step is.

How should I bring this up to him? Thank you for replying and reaching out to me. I really do appreciate it. And I'm going to take your advice because I DO want to stop. I just don't know how. It really has sucked being all alone with this...seriously..thanks for replying.
 
You know there is a problem and your asking the right questions which is a really solid start. So kudos for that.

How are you smoking it? Freebasing it off of aluminum foil? Just curious because your the first person I've heard ever doing this.

How much are you smoking a day? What's makes smoking it more appealing then sublingual? Have you become addicted to the ritual of use to the point where it's the main source of pleasure? Or are you getting high?

I don't know your doctor or how he will react. Honestly I would only tell him as a last resort because there's not much he can really do. You could try the monthly Suboxone shot but many insurances won't pay for it. Transdermal patches can be smoked and are probably worse for you then smoking pills. The strips would be easier to smoke. See what I'm getting at? You would put the doctor in a bit of a box. Does he keep prescribing you a drug he knows your abusing to the detriment of your health or cut you off and risk you having a relapse? No good options unless you can afford the monthly shot which is 1200 dollars without insurance last time I checked.

You really need to try and switch back to sublingual dosing. Even snorting it would be more healthy. Could you at least give it a try for a day? Get a vape pen and hit it everytime you have the urge to smoke during that day it might help the mental fixation
 
Yes I'm freebasing off of aluminum foil. And I usually smoke 1-2 pills a day. sometimes less. Lately I really have been trying to cut back quite a bit, but the urge is just so overwhelming at times. It does not make me high anymore. I do feel a head rush of sorts and even sometimes a small body buzz but it doesn't last long.

I absolutely can't afford the shot and my insurance would most definitely NOT cover it. I already have a hard time with them most of the time. I agree about not telling him unless it becomes absolutely necessary.

I'll start trying to hit my vape in place of it starting tomorrow and try dosing sublingually again. I have nothing to lose so it's worth a try. I'd LOVE to get back to where I was before all of this stupid shit. I can see it in my head. So I know it's possible for me again.

Thank you for the support and advice! I really do need it! I'll keep you updated tomorrow and let you know how it goes.
 
I've heard of people smoking the gel strips off foil before, in the same manner that they smoke BTH.

Basically you still want some recreational drug use in your life...first crack, now smoked bupe. It's a common phenomena among patients in ORT, still wanting that recreation even though opiates are no longer a viable option...although smoking is a highly unusual ROA for Suboxone
 
I'll start trying to hit my vape in place of it starting tomorrow and try dosing sublingually again.
Yeah, just take it in your mouth somewhere and smoke something safer :) You can do it if u keep trying.
 
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i smoked subutex once and it was horrible. use vape thats a good idea and when you go to take your sub dose remind yourself that smoking doesnt work, sure you feel better psychologically and maybe stay well for a few hours but thats a really inefficient way to deliver the medicine. if sublingual isnt holding you try upping the dose, or if you have pills crush and snort some, it sounds counterproductive to what youre asking but honestly intranasal bupe absorbs around 50% which is higher than sublingual, and its preferable to smoking it.
 
Hey DizzyDawn!

I really hope you come back to update.

I'm having issues using my Subutex IV. It's most definitely psychological. I've never once felt high or anything remotely close. Its the release. The first thing I do in reaction to stress is shoot some sub.

It's very difficult to stop. It's the only comfort I feel in.my life right now.

Tell your Dr if you're ok with the possibility of being DC'd. I need to find someone therapist or Addiction Specialist I can open up to. I'm sure if I told my Dr, she'd DC me. I wish I could talk to someone.

Hope you are well.
 
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