Expert: Veronica C. Yost - 2/3/2009

Question
I need to know behavior and signs of this drug I have my suspions My boyfriend told me of his addiction 5 yrs ago. said he has been clean for 5 years, his father took sick in November and passed I noticed odd behivior pinned pupils then my childrens wii ipods went missing I through him out he told me he took suboxne for 1 week he seemed fine for a while now I see him eating sweets constantly but also eating regular meals. pinned eyes pot smoking no mysterious rides at the same time like last time but he is out of my house again now crying, saying he wants to die he cant live w/out mr I cant take it anymore. Also kidney stones the MD  gives him scripts for perks... I am confused scared I dont know how to keep him away. He tells me his mother wont let him stay there .. What am I to do???

Answer
Hello Christine,
When I received your question I contacted a couple of people I know that had the same addiction as your boyfriend.  Here is what they had to say.
As far as Suboxone is concerned it can be taken for a week but we can't second guess the physician that prescribed it.  It should be taken longer than that and IF (which I doubt) he has been "clean" for such a long period of time, why does he need to detox again?  That indicates that he had used again.  Addicts don't need detoxed from something that they haven't used for 5 years.  Honestly, that is one of the stupidest cover ups I have ever heard and there are 100's of them.  If an addict REALLY had been clean for that long and used again, he is back at the beginning of when he stopped the last time.  We all agree with this information alone that he has used again and is still using.  Hence the crying and begging.

He feels guilty first, then depression, then he'll feel and act normal with the exception of the sugar cravings.  Most addicts are found to be hypoglycemic. This condition may have existed before they started taking drugs. Basically all drugs addicts, whatever chemical they are using, are after serotonin, a chemical that the body produces from food sources and that makes them feel happy and content. Addicts have a problem producing serotonin, and when they withdraw from drugs they get depressed, anxious, irritable and will return to drugs.

The percocets prescribed are opiates as is the suboxone.  Yes the Suboxone is a lighter, gentler form of heroin, meth, oxy's etc.  I don't know if he is trying to tell you that that is why he is acting the way he is or doing what he's doing.  It is false.  These medications don't produce the same behaviors as Heroin.  I can assume you have been through this addiction with him because of your comment, "No mysterious rides like before".  Of course stealing, behavior changes, sniffing a lot.  Below is a small list of other signs of drug use:

Unkempt appearance/hygiene issues
·   Missing cash/valuables, stealing/borrowing money
·   Change in performance, academic or otherwise
·   Drug paraphernalia
·   Apathy and/or lethargy
·   Possession of unexplained valuables
·   Runny nose
·   Lying/deception
·   Change in friends
·   Little or no motivation
·   Incurring unusually large miles on the odometer of car
·   Ignores consequences of chosen behaviors
·   Withdrawal from usual friends, activities, or interests
·   Eyes appear "lost" or have faraway look
·   Excess or sudden sleep
·   Slurred speech
·   Loss of interest in usual, healthy activities
·   Pin point pupils
·   Broken commitments
·   Hostility towards others
·   Unexplained absences at work, school or family events
·   Poor self-image
·   Running away
·   Difficulty in maintaining employment

Of course there can be many more but if you suspect something and all of us think you are right, then keep him out of your's and your children's life.  Nothing is more important than them.  

When your boyfriend's father died it probably triggered his relapse.  When my mother died I used drugs for the first time.  Death is a huge catalyst and can cause an unknown chain reaction.


Keep him out of your house (he'll be fine he's a big boy.  My mother always said to me, "You play, you pay".).  Get a restraining order, basis for it will be his addiction and you have children.  Then move on with your life, your family doesn't need this in there life.  Remember children learn what they live and you don't want that do you?


Good Luck!  Contact me if I can help in anyway.
Veronica