Expert: Crystal - 8/17/2007

Question
QUESTION: My friend is taking an opiod blocker. I believe he is using marijuanna and cocaine while on this blocker. Is it possible for him to still get high from those two drugs while taking the blocker? What does the blocker actually block? Can you please be specific. Thank you!

ANSWER: Jennifer,

An opoid or opiate blocker is used to block the effects and high from Methadone,Heroin and Pain Killers. Yes he can still get high with Cocaine and Marijuana, it can be dangerous. When did this friend start taking this medication treatment?

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: He started taking suboxone around a month ago. Then, he started taking the blocker! Is there a blocker specifically for cocaine or am I being lied to? I'm being told that if he does ANY drug while on the blocker he will get sick or die. However, he smokes marijuana daily. Isn't that considered a drug and if he "could" die from doing drugs while on the blocker wouldn't marijuana be included?
ANSWER: Is he being seen by a doctor for this? Can he show you proof? Yes marijuana is considered to be a drug.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Yes, he's being seen by a doctor. I haven't asked for proof. My main question, I guess, is there another blocker that blocks cocaine? From what I know, there is only an opiod blocker. Oh yeah, if he does do a drug will it instantly kill him. I think he's using but when comfronted he says, "If I were to take a drug any drug I will die." Thats w/ him smoking weed regulary and everyone knows. He is sounding like a lying drug addict at this point!

Answer
Jennifer
You are right he is lying to you. If someone was taking something like that it would be for alcohol or opiates, not cocaine. That is bull.When someone drinks and they are on the blocker for alcohol they become really sick and it doesn't get them drunk, same thing for opiates, it will not instantly kill you though, that would be a huge national risk of the populations safety.
You are smart to follow your instincts and you sound like you already knew the answer, you just needed confirmation.
Take care.