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So we were with family tonight to celebrate Easter, and my brother-in-law, who has been a heavy, long time smoker announced that he has not smoked now for 8 months. He has tried to quit so many times and has tried everything. But this time he used a drug......chantix, I think it is. He also mentioned that he has heard there are meds that they are trying to "cure" addiction. One of those so called drugs is suboxone. I've read stories, but I really wonder if the subjects were truly addicts. Anyway, I was just curious as to what others have heard or read about. A blessing tonight was the fact that no one had any alcohol in support of my son who is recovery. How awesome is that.......God is so good! Hope everyone had a Blessed Easter.......
Hi Mel, I believe the meds you are speaking of help with addicition.
My Dr. explained chantix this way. He said that as soon as a person is addicted to cigs a certain receptor is turned forever in the brain, that is why cigarettes are so hard to beat. This is why many people have sued cigarette companies. Because the cigarette companies knew the chemicals in cigarettes would turn that receptor on. Chantix keeps the nicotine from getting to that receptor, therefore in hopes to shut that receptor off.
Suboxone is something my AH took after a detox last year. He was in withdrawl from hydrocone. The withdrawl alone could have killed him. Suboxone doesn't cure, it just helps those that are addicted to opiates get through withdrawal. He has continued opiates since then.
Only God can cure. Miracles are possible. I hope a few miracles come for my AH.
I haven't heard of those drugs. One of the issues that often come up when they are discussing new drugs for addicts, is that they have to take the drugs. Like the one that will make you very sick if you take it and drink. If they want to drink, they just don't take it. I would like to see more research done on isolating the addiction gene and getting rid of it. Wouldn't that be a miracle? We had a wonderful Easter. Love and blessings to you and your family.
Live strong, Karilynn & Pipers Kitty
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It's your life. Take no prisoners. You will have it your way.
Well two things, First so happy your son is still clean and sober how great is that....I think it is wonderful.
The chantix my cousin took it to quit smoking but he rubs snuff now go figure and the suboxin I have heard mixed reviews. I have been told that it def. helps people stay sober, however it is very expensive. However, I have been told some good stories about this drug.
I keep you and my family in my prayers, we, my family are doing pretty good these days. My daughter is now 7months pregnant, Zach is playing baseball and I am smiling once again.
Kicking the addiction is one thing, learning how to be a person who faces life straight on, without hinding in some addictive behaviour, is another. No drug will teach the second thing. So, although some drugs really do help, they cannot heal the wounded and troubled spirit. There's no short cut to that healing - it's hard work, requiring honesty and courage.
I can only share what my DA son tells me about this medication. When he first started taking it he was so excited. No cravings for the drugs at all and he had so much hope. However, after a few weeks on the medication he started having horrific nightmares and had to stop taking it. Unfortunately this is one of the side effects of the Suboxone but it does not have that effect on everyone. I remember a few years ago there was a drug released that was supposed to help Alcoholics but that drug had the same side effects and very few were able to take it and continue with good results.
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Everything I have ever let go of has claw marks all over it.
I totally agree with you regarding the behaviors of an addict. The meds may curb the cravings, etc., but it doesn't address the reasons they used to begin with. I guess if it can be used in a combination of helping to control the cravings, along with counseling and education, that could be a good thing. My brother-in-law had tried everything to help him quit smoking. Only the Chantix has helped him to quit. He hasn't smoked in over 8 months. But as far as drug and alcohol addiction, the drugs don't address the entire problem. Controlling the urge and cravings could be a step......... God Bless......mel123
Chantix helped me quit smoking. I still want one and smoked allot while on Chantix but if you really want to quit it certainly takes the withdrawals away which are so barely-bearable. The mental habit is still there and wanting one in stressful times is still there. I relapsed after a month off but quit again afew days later. Its still about not taking the first drag one day at a time.
My impression of the suboxone from a close friend using it was that he felt sober and didnt have to go through the dope sickness but once he stopped the suboxone it had had its own bad withdrawals so it was like just delaying the inevitable. He also felt conflicted the whole time about whether or not he could call himself a clean member of NA. He ended up relapsing on other stuff when he got off suboxone. It didnt last too long and he is clean again and is one of the lucky ones.
