I think this is one of the most helpful videos I have put out and I hope you find it inspiring! I've provided timestamps for you to jump to certain sections because this information is so important. It will save lives. ⏱️ Timestamps: 0:49 My advice if you're struggling with opioid addiction 4:20 What to do if you've relapses 7:38 Think about relapses DIFFERENTLY(this will save your life) 11:00 You are NOT an addict. Here's why. 11:55 What you need to know before getting help for opioid addiction 13:45 How I personally help people recover from opioid addiction 17:51 How I decrease Opioid withdrawals and cravings

Back story: I'm a recovering heroin addict (21 years clean) & a methadone addict (3 years clean). The methadone was absolute hell to get off of, but I did it. Fast forward to June of 2021. I broke my back (I'm positive that the years of methadone use made my bones brittle & caused numerous health issues) and ended up with degenerative disc disease as well. The doctors placed me on oxycodone for the chronic & severe pain, which I was hesitant to do but I needed relief so I could live my life. Last month, I had both physical & mental issues to the point I overdid it and ran out early. I'm currently on day 10 of withdrawal, seems like the worst is over, except the insomnia & anxiety which are a royal pain. I will be back on the medication as I am in excruciating pain & honestly need them just so I can get out of bed next week. My question is: is it relapsing & once I have the necessary surgery, will it be hard to get off it once & for all? I've been using more than not for over half of my life & honestly, I'm just tired of it all.

The most “real” addiction dr I’ve ever seen. Thank you for caring bout people! You are a wonderful person Dr. B!

I really wish every doctor took addiction as seriously as you do with so much knowledge and actually cares. Amazing dr 🙏💖

I really like your attitude toward addiction. A relapse doesn't mean you've ruined it all. Just go from there, in my opinion.

This video moved me to tears especially the part when Joe needs to be reminded that he is not an “addict” but still Joe who is just struggling with the disease of addiction! I wish I always found such loving and right words with the person I love and who is struggling too 💔 If only everybody could listen to this, educate him/herself and find love, compassion and empathy towards people who are struggling in that way and not putting the blame and a negative label on them 💔

Been clean for a year and 3 months been on oxycodone for 20 years and heroin for a Year and a half had no insurance used all my sick time from work and locked myself up in my house and sweated it out cold turkey is risky but possible it was brutal the pain and agony I will never forget but so worth it I was just sick and tried of being sick and tirednow I'm on Suboxone and almost ready to taper been on subs for 9 months this is amazing I wish I could have known you a year and a half ago love ur channel man keep it up 💪💯 from Connecticut

Remember guys, everyday you’re clean when you stop is a day further away from addiction and a day closer to freedom… I am a few days off tramadol cold turkey and there’s been moments of hell, but as the hours go by I feel better and better. Regardless of a treatment or just stopping, as each day goes by you’re closer to victory.

Unbelievable how great of a doctor you are and how truly informed and passionate you are

Jennifer - although my family will speak to me, they still stay at an arms length. I’ve been sober for 4 years and they seem to be constantly watching me and judging me. Recently my sister ans I were on a road trip. We were both in the back seat and I kept falling asleep. She asked me when I started using again. So insulting! She didn’t consider That I am a nurse and had been working 70 hours a week and that was my first day off I’m almost 2 weeks. But anyone else can take a nap and no one thinks anything of it. That’s just an example. I hate that shit!

I agree with comment about counting the days like they are the end of the world if you skip. I was a friend of Bull W and at the end of EVERY meeting they say “Keep Coming Back” yet the minute there’s a slip, they lose their sponsor, some are so afraid to go and admit what they’ve done and commit suicide or stay out and use.

You mention age factor but no specifics, I am 76, started opioids for severe (diagnosed) arthritic pain. Also debilitated from a concussion. Compromised mobility. So pain med stops working - tolerance, so detoxing, and after, and then...only to come back to an old debilitated painful state. So what value to society really Appreciate Doctor. Quality? Longevity? And...

4 days clean after my 1000 relapse. I don't wanna die from an overdose. I am detoxing, painful, but that coffin existence is scary and I'm trying now to heal. I need to treat the disease, still need to find what will help me deal with this disease, I also have colitis and pain in my body

You are a rare one Dr. B with how educated you are when it comes to addiction. I wish you were my doctor when I was on subs. Your patients are very lucky to have such an understanding and empathetic doc for their treatment. Wish there were more like you out there! 💫

The negative feedback loop is such a great point to make. And, it’s really true of not only drugs but weight loss and so many other things. But I think it’s especially important for the substance abuse user to be aware of it and how it cycles them back into the downward spiral of addiction. You should write a book👌

This is an excellent perspective. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. It is rare, unfortunately, to see a medical doctor with a compassionate and informed perspective.

Great video doc. Love your approach. This disease is horrible, but with harm reduction and people like you, the world is a better place.. I love how you tell them to forget about addiction. It's so true that there is a sunami of crap that's supposed to substitute for philosophy, but is only sofistry. Again, thank you for what you do..

Play at 1.25x speed. You’re welcome.

Dr. B you are the best! Thank you for sharing your wisdom! Thank you for helping to save my life!

Good video ,like always !

your perspective on treatment is excellent!!! Thank you so much for sharing this info. God bless

that advice about relapsing is literally invaluable and so helpful. that's how i started to look at it after finally getting clean long term and it helped me get through a little relapse i had like a year or two ago and because i looked at it positively i only used that day and then just kept on going with my recovery. it really helps to not beat yourself up about it, and for me i don't count the days or months of how long i've been clean because if i do have a little lapse i don't think "oh i've had this many days/months clean and now i ruined it and have to start the days all over again" because you're right it is extremely destructive and does not help at all. without thinking like that i probably would have gone on to have a serious, long relapse. thank you for this great advice!

Traditional 12 step beliefs can be somewhat rigid stating a person must start over after a relapse. We agree with you that's just not necessary in most cases. A person already feels guilty for using and they are more likely to continue down the rabbit hole after making a mistake, if they think they have negated their progress, rather than seeking counseling or other supportive care. This is why we believe that treatment has to be tailored to the needs of the individual and the plan often needs to include mental healthcare for any underlying emotional issues.

An excellent video doctor B , so well explained

Great informative video!

so true what you said about "relapses" thanks bro,shared it on some nofap groups love from israel

Keep these videos coming Dr. B!!!

You really are an expert at this stuff. I am beginning to understand the disease in a much more profound way. And everything you are saying is valid, especially regarding stress and relapse. Just knowing that it's not the end of the world and these things occur along recovery gives a sense of mercy to ones psychological state. Thanks again Dr. B

Very good video, and THANK YOU !!

Excellent advice

Thank you Dr B.

Well said. Guilt is a heavy weight.

You are absolutely amazing!!!! I want to be your patient so bad. Ive never seen a doctor like you. Ive been struggling with this sh*t for 5 years now. Man im tiredddd!!!! I'm on a suboxone program but every now and again i still use. And i beat myself upppp. This video made me feel so much better about my progress

I think if there are only 10/20 doctors like Doc B . America would have drastically changed in the addiction pandemic..

My name is Joe. Watching this brings tears 😭😭

I like your thought processing tips. I don't have any addictions, my problem is carrying anger. I have found that it is like an addiction. it gets in my way.

How do u feel about patients who want to use weed during their recovery? Iam sure u have had many patients tell u how much weed helps the, during withdrawal. Just curious on your thoughts of this

Many ways to Rome, thank you for these words Dr.B ❤

Thank you Doctor

Hey doc, is there any food or drink available to help when we cold turkey stopping opioids ???

I have been sober for years but my family still treats me horrible will I ever be good enough for them to speak to me. I have worked hard on my sobriety and this hurts.

Thank you. Currently not doing well at least I can stop thinking about guilt and self destructive tendicices

Great! keep going stay safe :)

Mister B you know what's lacking in the system, that little thing you said empathy you must care for the subject you seem to have that if I'm not mistaken keep it up you saving lives out here man believe it sometimes you're the only medicine there are no programs out here

Thankyou Dr.B your amazing I love there isnt punishment in ur treatment plan

Awesome Dr. B! Watching from lockdown upstate N.Y.!! Hope all is well!

That is a question I asked in your other video that you link to this one. And more so specific, my first question is, if you substitute opioids with say subutex (no iv history), calibrating that and then go very(!!) slowly down in time, would that help to not trigger acute and prolonged withdrawal symptoms? So did you explain them to inform what happens and how long it actually takes? And my 2nd question: can you combine Subutex (still primarily used in this patient as substitute for other opioids) to extend its effects to help with a slow reduction of benzodiazepines (to help having these brutal withdrawal effects when you are at or near zero, that just do not stop for months and months and you finally give up and relapse) and after they are finally gone IF possible) you slowly taper the subutex? Thanks for your time and great videos!! Sorry for the long comment, but I’m from Germany and I cannot meet you in person.

Wow, you are a very good doctor! You can answer any question, not just with a few words but also with examples. It's very informative. I wish all doctors were like you. I was on methadone, and my maximum dose was 65 ml. I was stable and not using for over a year. However, my doctor started pushing me to reduce my dosage. As soon as I started tapering down, I experienced negative effects. I think I came down to 30 ml, and I began feeling sick, depressed, lacking energy, anxious, sweating, and experiencing insomnia. I ended up relapsing and using drugs again. Surprisingly, it felt as if I wasn't using methadone at all. During this time, I would drink my dose in the early mornings, and in the evening, I would resort to using drugs. I didn't use every day, sometimes only on weekends when I knew I had to go to the clinic, so my drug test would come out clean. I resorted to this method for about a year because I just wanted to feel good and be able to function. Eventually, my doctor offered me the option to switch to Suboxone, and I decided to take it. Now, I've been clean for six months, and I can function normally. My depression has disappeared, and I can go through the day without any symptoms. I'm so glad I made the switch because on methadone, it felt like I was dependent on another drug just to avoid feeling sick.

I feel like the best way to eventually quit is through short term use of Suboxone,one month at the most.Longer use of Suboxone will cause you to become dependant on buprenorphine,the will to quit is better than all the therapy in the world.Methadone is not a very good choice because what doctors fail to tell you is that it's the most addictive synthetic opiod known to man.I had to kick methadone cold turkey in 2008 and it's one of the hardest things I've ever had to do.

Always so informative love ya dr b

Oh no Joe. Tell me it ain't so. LoL. Sorry, couldn't resist. 😂

Addition to me is a constant need to alter an individuals state of consciousness. Ive lost 3 brothers to this horrible affliction my last brother committed suicide as a direct result to his addiction

Cool doctor!

what is a clean, fresh sleigh?

I’ve met some CADC’s who could benefit from this video.

Im 5months clean from opiate pain pills and patches and everything that could happen from withdrawal did..iv lost 40lbs in 3months from throwing up diarrhea and severe nausea and severe digestive problems but now thats alot better and am eating healthy and exercising but smoking weed and started drinking because I cant control the back pain..im severely disabled and don't want to go on Suboxone and surely don't want to drink..I gave up on the doctor that was treating me or they gave up on me idk I just stopped going..I have multiple health problems and mental health problems..im so lost but refuse to go back on pills..cant get them filled is what started all this but was on them for 25 plus yrs..cant sleep is my worst problem besides the severe back pain still...

Doctor B What do you think of a program I saw for alcoholics in the UK where they taught the person to drink less. Not quit entirely, but to only drink socially. It came under a lot of fire I know, but have no idea if it actually worked well. They showed two or 3 people that were able to function in society and at least keep a job, drink occasionally, etc.

I spend a lot time in doctors office why my dad blind on dialysis and diabetic he 82

Tell me the solution to a 25 yr tramadol addiction .ive abused , tapered , was clean for 4 months. never had no energy felt horrible... curruently at 55yrs old. I take them as directed.ive heard this tramadol is worse than herion.i want your advice because nothing substitutes for this drug . What is going with a medication that started off as nothing

He just described me

Where is this angelic Dr operating out of?

How or should I even try to get off meds? I need on for 17yrs after breaking my back. I’m single dad and my temper is not the greatest if I’m out . My sons autistic that makes things harder. Hate to say it but pills my life a ok.

I went from 20 pills a day down to 4 a day but can't seem to get down pass 3-4, similar to when I tried cutting back on sub's I just couldn't get adjusted to small amounts, so I finally used kratom to get off taking sub's daily, stayed off for 3-4 months but did have to break down and use the little bit I had left over(about 1mg) but unlike before when that much I'd use in one day lasts me 2-3 days, so yeah I'm hoping in 2 more days I can just use kratom for one more day after and then continue to wean my self off norco by only taking 2-3 daily for 2-3 days then break like 20 10/325's in half and have 40 5's and only take 4-5 a day for 4-5 days..hopefully after that my WITHDRAWLS aren't to bad, I just wanna give my body time to adjust to lower doses as I been on shit for like 15 yrs and don't wanna be to depressed when my body no longer has it in the body

I FUXNING HOPE SO! ITS ONLY TAKEN 11 YEARS KF MY LIFE NOW AGED 26

What about those of us who have tried all kinds of other mental health meds. but find that the thing that seems to make us like other people are opiate/opioid type medications? Similar to how ADHD is treated with ritalin ?

Does this honestly work?

I did😊sir 15 years and i m free 😇

Dr B your quite cool can u help me with this 1im on 2.4mg subutex an 8mg diazapam the clinic keep dropping my benzo by 1mg monthly I was on 80mg at the start daily I want 2 get clean from subutex but the benzos help but they dont give me enough mg once I'm clean off subutex I no I can kick benzos how can I make my clinic realise the diazapam really help chill me out iv even bought benzos off the streets but it works 4 me but they hate giving benzos out thanx phil in london UK wish u were my doctor I no how 2 sort this shit tried enough times an finaly found the way 4 me I'm even considering buying benzos online I get my script once a wk but my benzos r gone by 2nd day an I have 2 buy more I'm totally comfortable on 20mg daily that's not 2 much an they do help plz help me out

hello from Germany, Dr. B, i have a question. Is there a big difference between hydromorphone and morphinesulfat? - my problem is, that I'm too afraid of living without opioids. everytime I stop, my tinnitus starts to bother and torture me. I live in incessant fear from this and from the world. sober I start to fear the people that approche me, I start hating my life, hating everyone and everything ... yes, I have a depressive personality. even the thought living without opioids makes me trembling.

As far as soboxone 8mg and its' effectiveness for outright stopping withdrawal from heroin or even fentanyl - you may need a lot depending on what you're taking and how often. For example, 1 month of use: Total: 2-3 Grams of heroin and 1 gram of fentanyl: 24 hours after last dose withdrawal starts, wait until it's as bad as you can tolerate it, then start taking suboxone, start with 1, wait an hour, see how you feel. I have known people who got up to taking 4 or 5 at a time, every hour or two, for the 12 hours after the initial 24 hours wait period. I known people who have taken 20, even 30 subs in this manner, in order to effectively "stop" withdrawal. It's still 12 hours of hell, and that's a awful lot of suboxoned needed with the strength of the fentanyl on the street these days. Then you'll need another 5 at least to cut into halves, quarters, eighths, and sixteenths in order to titrate down over the course of a week to whatever dose you're aiming to stabilize on (or to stop taking suboxone altogther, and just take it occasionally during hard days).

This doesn’t answer any of what you say you touch on.. you’re dancing around each topic. All you state is that you treat pt with bup… and that it’s all different obviously from a clinical, physiological, and so on and so forth. How does one get off this stuff when they can’t get treatment… or into a detox and can’t get on subs.. and the detox symptoms are so bad like vomit is so bad they can’t get zofran down po or get water down… how does one get through this especially in a town or state that is so behind this problem and doesn’t have the education or resources….

How would you treat a fentanyl patch user of 15 years and does not want to going to treatment doesn’t feel that they’re addicted they’re just really scared of the withdrawal?

I shouldn’t be living these..15years...I manage so good no even my close brother now..I feel horrible how I do it don’t ask me...but I put mental issues on it..cause healthy happy person won’t you have to go true a lot for be on these...and find the relief the you head I says head looking for

I’ve been on 100 of fent q 48 hour and diluadid 8 mg for years and years . I tried clonodin and it did nothing at all. Thought I was gonna jump out of my skin.

What happen if you try to get clean and you don't have money or insurance

Marry Me, Dr. B. Finally a very professional but flexible male who is handsome:-) Anyways tthat It was a jolly good summary, very grateful for it thaaank you.

Me binge watching these vids cuz i opened up to my doctors at the start of 2023, n have received absolutely no help. Heres to cold turkey i guess!

How to taper off 20mg oxy 5x day?

Can a person use medication like this without getting addicted? Are there some people that don’t get addicted?

I have a question i have asked many doctors and am curious because i always get different answers. " if the patient came in with opiod abuse problems but no i.v use injection just a history of pain medication due to Crohns disease, requested subutex for multiple reasons including a out of range cbc levels and the fact that naloxone only has only one use in suboxone and that is to prevent i.v users from injecting the medication. I ask because i think that daily use of naloxone could possibly alter a persons pain level as well as the Buprenorphine as its a mu partial opiod aganist and blocks opiates as well. Also its nearly impossible to abuse as it has a ceiling effect at around 30mg. It is one less medication that could possibly harm the body. Would long term buprenorphine patients benefit better from bup hcl? I think so if they are progessing in treatment. I think its safer as again the naloxone has one purpose and thats to block any i.v injection. I think this is a very good example of individual tailored treatment as some facilities lump all patients in the same category which i believe is not the way to practice MAT.

I want you the treat me at home...we can figer out something vídeo calls every day ..hosp is 5min from me but I can’t leave my dad..only request is I have to be able to move with my dad..I means take care him...wish was something natural.the I can use

You’re the best lost for words how amazing you are my brother.

I have no choice I go cold turkey I was sick for 1 months

How much is methadone in the United States?

If you lost your girlfriend and your apartment chances are you didnt just use one night and you probably do need a detox lol. That usualy doesnt all happen in one night of a relapse. Also any use is a relapes small or big its still a relapse. The important thing is to not give up just because you ralaped once, and try to use the disapointment from it, to motivate yourself to stay clean again or get back on your MAT if you are on one. Your house, loved ones, mental health, and finances are more important than being an addict and spending all your money on drugs. Suboxone may kind of replace opiates in your brain, but if its covered by insurance there free, and you dont have to by it off the street, or worry about finding your next fix every day. It takes the addict aspect out of your life and allows you to live normaly. Once your life is back in check its easier to get off it, or taper off if you feel you want to one day.

Why is it that men with excessive body hair are almost always bald or going bald . Just an observation

I have no stigma! I'm 76 y/o with some immobility fro concussion and then severe arthritis & fairly intolerable pain....once pain med opioid stopped working, had to detox, which is now on-going..it IS certainly a hell, but forced to remember I'll still only come back to this after detox & beyond. It's not a death sentence, but can make you wonder if that would be just as well. How long will I have to live on in immobility and constant pain....going detox just to do it I feel.

Cheeses doctor you have that macho thing the women only real women’s like ...hope I don’t disrespect you...damn you❤️now I watch and I get serious

i like to read read the internet

it's like the "queer theory" but for addicts =)

Okay you're explaining the same thing over and over and over again get on with the treatment part I don't give a shit what people's biases are what the fuck they have another problem with besides dope

getting high is not a disease...its a selfish, sinful,pleasurable way of living..God can make You a new person by being born again and loving God

NEVER METHADONE, NEVER SUBOXONE, JUST FIND A DR. WHO WILL RX BUPRENORPHINE - SLOWLY TAPER TO ZERO AS AN OUTPATIENT. WORKS. HELL GONE AND OVERCOME.

Hey doc, I been on 8 mg subxone for 34 days , I was only taking 20 mg oxy for 4 years . Is my subxone mg too high...??? Please let me know asap

You mention age factor but no specifics, I am 76, started opioids for severe (diagnosed) arthritic pain. Also debilitated from a concussion. Compromised mobility. So pain med stops working - tolerance, so detoxing, and after, and then...only to come back to an old debilitated painful state. So what value to society really Appreciate Doctor. Quality? Longevity? And...

I feel like the best way to eventually quit is through short term use of Suboxone,one month at the most.Longer use of Suboxone will cause you to become dependant on buprenorphine,the will to quit is better than all the therapy in the world.Methadone is not a very good choice because what doctors fail to tell you is that it's the most addictive synthetic opiod known to man.I had to kick methadone cold turkey in 2008 and it's one of the hardest things I've ever had to do.