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about to start LPN course & questions about drug testing and suboxone



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Jul 23, 2009 06:50 PM

about to start LPN course & questions about drug testing and suboxone

Updated Jul 23, 2009 at 06:56 PM by debrastudent

Hello, I am about to start classes to become a LPN in Massachusetts. I am clean from all drugs but I needed the help of suboxone for the last 2 years.
I am tapering and down to 1.5 mg and hope to be off totally by the time I graduate.
Suboxone is a long half time med and stays in your systems for a very long time even when sub users stops.
When should I expect the drug testing? Before I graduaute or during an interview?
Does anyone know if the drug test would look for it?
I have wanted to be a nurse since I was a child.
If my possible employer understand that suboxone is a medicine that makes sure any opiates would not be felt kinda of like antibuse for alcoholism.
If anyone has any input I would appreciate it. Thank you in advance.


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16 Comments
No. 1
from O2BSN2B
Old Jul 23, 2009, 08:19 PM

Default Re: about to start LPN course & questions about drug testing and suboxone
How can you be around opioids, like you will will be in school, without the support of suboxone?

You should have a heart to heart with your prescriber and get this figured out.

Trying to beat a drug test is unethical . Give your instructors credit for being smarter than someone who is a recovering abuser.

We all have dreams about what we want to be when we grow up but unless you are able to stay clean... your patients don't need someone who will steal their painmeds.
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No. 2
from lmarie1
Old Jul 24, 2009, 06:40 AM

Default Re: about to start LPN course & questions about drug testing and suboxone
Wow ! That was harsh ! Good Luck getting off the suboxone! Meetings help. It looks like your down to a very low dose. You do need to consider if being around opiates all day is a good place for you. Maybe work at a rehab and help others get off opiates. They dont pass out pain meds in detox centers.

As far as a drug test, sub is a prescribed med. I don't know if that will hinder you.
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No. 3
Old Jul 24, 2009, 05:01 PM
Updated Jul 24, 2009 at 05:16 PM by debrastudent

Gavel Re: about to start LPN course & questions about drug testing and suboxone
Man, that was pretty harsh indeed. I had no intention of trying to beat a drug test & yes I have thought that maybe billing & coding might be a better field for me. Just thought that being in the medical field would be a better chance of not being laid off & always wanted a job where I can help other people like maybe working in a rehab or taking care of the elderly.
I've just been laid off both of my jobs where I've worked one for 8 years and the other for 4 years. Have been working 12 hr days, 6 days a week for 8 years so I thought the long schedule for nursing would be Ok for me in that aspect.
Have always been interested in nursing. Yes I have thought about being around opiates but I've never stole anything in my life. I have been clean for more than 2 years & outside of the sub I go to meetings & surround myself with clean, good, hard working people..& with kindness & understanding.
But after that first poster being so harsh I'm almost afraid of trying to be a nurse.
Had changed my mind & thought maybe I'd start as a CNA & go up from there.
The second poster, thank you for your kindness. I appreciate that you didn't jump on my back like I was a bad person. I had a opiate problem, got treatment & was just wondering if I had a chance if the drug test would show suboxone in my system even when I'm off it, which should be about 7 weeks from now. Planned on jumping off it when down to .25mg.
If any nurses are interested PLEASE don't automatically suggest suboxone to an addict.
It's harder with get off it than other opiates. The wds and PAWS are very long & Drs. don't know or don't tell their patients, IMHO.
If they want to go that way then remember 'less is more'. Small amount, taper down quickly & for no more than 21 days. A week or less is even better.
Just sharing what this recovery addict had found out the hard way.
I will be thinking of another trade after the first post though.
People can change with hard work you know.
But some people can be very judgemental without even having a conversation or get to know the other person.
Thanks for your input anyway.
But the first poster just scared me of even trying to follow my idea of a career change & doing something that I know I would love to do.
Regardless, Nurses, please educate yourself about suboxone. It's not the magic pill that Drs. are saying. It's just trading one addiction for another. Good luck to all of you, even the first poster.
After rereading this very long post I think I'll do more reading & less posting.
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No. 4
from lmarie1
Old Jul 24, 2009, 05:15 PM

Default Re: about to start LPN course & questions about drug testing and suboxone
Hi - don't let that post stop you from doing what you want to do in life - such as being a nurse. You have real world experience and that is priceless !! You can pm me and we can chat.... lisa
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No. 5
from Scooter5
Old Jul 24, 2009, 09:56 PM

Default Re: about to start LPN course & questions about drug testing and suboxone
AS a probation officer for 15 years (who is now a nursing student ) I have seen more people kick opiates with the help of the suboxone than without it. I commend you on your progress! If you have the will you will taper and be done. Do not expect perfection- go back to it if you need to- it is a tool if used properly. Don't let this chapter of your life ruin your plans. IF you are drug tested, that would be the time to have your bottle of suboxone wtih you so they can see you have a legal perscription for it. Keep moving forward. Good Luck!
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No. 6
Old Jul 25, 2009, 01:01 PM

Default Re: about to start LPN course & questions about drug testing and suboxone
Originally Posted by O2BSN2B View Post

Trying to beat a drug test is unethical . Give your instructors credit for being smarter than someone who is a recovering abuser.
She never once said she was going to try and beat the drug test. I think you should be asshamed of yourself for jumping to conclusions. Everyone is on this site for support, advice, encouragement, etc. She is an admitted recovering addict. She is involved in all of the necessary treatments and support groups to help stay clean. Everyone makes mistakes. As long as she has the strength to stay clean in an environment where drugs will be in her presence, who are we to judge? Everyone is entitled to acheiving a goal and living out a dream.


Originally Posted by O2BSN2B View Post
We all have dreams about what we want to be when we grow up but unless you are able to stay clean... your patients don't need someone who will steal their painmeds.
People with no prior substance abuse can turn into addicts very easily in the medical world. And people who have abused drugs can seek treatment and maintain a sober life for years. There is no reason why she doesn't deserve a chance in nursing school like the rest of us.

Debra,

First of all, CONGRATULATIONS on your sobriety. As long as you have a prescription for the suboxone I don't see why it would be an issue and how it would be any different than someone having a prescription for any other type of medication. The nursing program you are applying for might want additional information, maybe references from your sponsor, prescribing doctor, etc. But I would not let that hinder your desire to become a nurse! Please don't let the ignorance of one poster sway you from acheiving your dream!!!
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No. 7
from jackstem
Old Jul 25, 2009, 10:32 PM

Default Re: about to start LPN course & questions about drug testing and suboxone
Debra,

Congrats on your progress in recovery and for having the guts to seek advice regarding your consideration of nursing in relationship to your medical history.

Since suboxone is a combination of buprenorphine (which has some agonistic properties) and naloxone, you may have a difficult time getting approval for clinicals. You would also have difficulty getting approval to sit for the boards.

I'm not discouraging you from pursuing your dream. I just want you to understand their will be obstacles in your path. You might want to consult with an attorney with a specialty in licensure issues. They may have the information you need to avoid student fees and/or loans only to discover you can't get into clinicals or get licensed. As for stealing in hte past (or other illegal acts), I never stole anything in my life until my addiction became active and it had progressed rapidly due to the potency of the drugs I used. I stole anything I could get my hands on (drug wise). This what the disease does to us. Being surrounded by controlled substance let alone administering them, can be a difficult cross to bear as a recovering opioid addict. Something to keep in mind as you contemplate future plans.

Finally, you are going to constantly meet people who don't understand this disease or the courage and effort it takes to achieve and maintain remission. Some of the most unlearned about this disease are in our own profession (as well as MDs, RPh's and others). Learn to ignore them. They eventually go away. As a good friend says, living well is the best response.

Keep us posted!

Jack
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No. 8
from FLSmitty
Old Jul 26, 2009, 06:43 AM

Default Re: about to start LPN course & questions about drug testing and suboxone
Yikes 02BSN2B, project much?! Well, at least I know it's ok to give up on my dreams. Thoroughly insightful commentary.

Good luck in LPN school. NEVER give up on your dreams!
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No. 9
from rninmi
Old Jul 28, 2009, 09:57 AM

Default Re: about to start LPN course & questions about drug testing and suboxone
Don't allow one person's ignorance to this disease stop you man! Trust me THERE WILL BE PLENTY MORE IN YOUR PATH!
As for the Suboxone issue....I came out of 8 days in rehab after taking 6mg daily...no taper, no nothing. Within 36hours I was experiencing pretty significant withdraw.....Got very bad and I saw my addictionist the next day and he asked how much suboxone I was on. I told him none and he immidietly put me on a 30 day taper dose. I am POSITTIVE I would have used without sub. It made my cravings manageable and it allowed me to at least get out of bed in the morning.
I have had friends on it for 2yrs or longer. They have had a hard time coming off of it due to withdraw sx's. No it is not a wonder drug, but like my addictionist told me. "This is the 21st century, there is no reason you should not be comfortable in your recovery"
Good luck and hang in there, get off the sub and go pursue your goal!
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