Hello, This is my first post EVER to a forum of this nature. First, let me explain that I am not an addict myself and have never even tried to use drugs in a recreational way. I am looking for some help/opinions from individuals who have experienced withdrawal from Subonone.
Here's my story:
I have a very dear friend/coworker who has been on Suboxone for several years. We have been friends/coworkers for about 10 years now and I never knew it. I did know that occasionaly she would take "something" after lunch as she would become drowsy and quiet. I later found it to be Xanax or Clonapin she was taking. At first, I didn't question her, I just observed. Over the past 2 years, she was steadily becoming worse, anxiety, depression and ALWAYS being tired and calling out sick. Six months ago, I approached her about it and she told me everything. In her teens she was addicted to opiates. She made several attempts at rehab and finally the last one worked, for a while. She was clean for 6 years but then had some dental work done and was prescribed Percocet. She became addicted again for about 3 months. She realized that she didn't want to travel down that road again so she went to a Doctor who prescribed the Suboxone. She began on 25mg and over the past 18 months has weened herself to 2mg per day. She has not been able to get off the 2mg dose.
Other issues in her life have been choking her as well, marital problems, loss of her mother 10 months ago, raising 2 children, working full time. This all seemed normal to me as we all are dealing with similar issues in our own lives. Well, I started doing research on the internet about Suboxone. Holy Moly!!!! No wonder she is so scared. This past week, I approached her and told her she needed to address her problems or something more serious was going to happen. She always had an excuse, "who will take care of my kids", "who will help care for my Dad", "what if I loose my job", "what will people think of me". I told her there is never going to be a "good time". If you are worried about your job, then get your job involved....go to them and ask for help, tell them you have a problem. Your husband and his family can care for your children and your siblings can care for your Dad. It's time for you to take of you.
Well, on Tuesday of this week (10/2/12) she went to the Employee Assistance Office and was in detox/rehab that very same day and is there as I type this. I am sooo proud of her!!!! I briefly spoke with her on Tuesday night and she sounded scare of what was to come but she was upbeat at the same time. I haven't heard from her since. No news is good news, I hope.
My questions for everyone is this.....How can I and other friends/coworkers help her when she returns? From what I have read, withdrawal can last from 7 days to 7 weeks. When she returns in a month to 6 weeks, how will she be? Will she still be tired? Will she be shaky? Will she be temped? Will they give her any meds for maybe depression or anxiety? Might she begin to abuse them? What should I look for? Will she be sad? Will she be fine? I just don't know what to expect. I am 20 years older than her and she calls me "her tough love Mama".....because I tell her like it is and don't sugar coat anything.
When she is done with the program (I know she will NEVER really be done) but when she has completed withdrawals will she be in the frame of mind to address a broken marriage (her husband is less than supportive and is verbally abusive to her; he, himself a recovering addict of 10 years); will she be able to cope with the proper grieving of her mothers death, I know she won't be the same person, but how will she be?
I guess I am looking for the DO'S and DON'TS on approaching/dealing with a newly recovering substance abuser.
What would YOU, as a newly recovering addict want to hear/not hear from your friends and loved ones? What would you have wanted someone to say to you that "first time" back? What would you have wanted someone to look for if you had thoughts leading to relapse? What would have helped you make it through your first day back?
Thank you for reading and I will value each and every opinion.
Thanks, Ann