Author: Mike T
Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2011 1:49 pm
There was a study for Methadone vs buprenorphine on the effects on testosterone levels in heroin addicted men. It found that bupe didn’t lower testosterone levels. I find this confusing, considering all the testimonials of the complaints on sex drive on Suboxone. This study seems flawed. I read the abstract a few years ago, and from what I remember the study was inside of 4-6 months. Could it be that this isn’t enough time for testosterone levels to lower?
I tested my T levels and they were borderline normal a few years ago. After that I reduced the dose and changed my diet and increased my T levels about 50%. My main motivation for quiting sub or reducing my dose is to raise my testosterone levels. I lot of people don’t realise how important testosterone is; these people tend to not have a biology background. They think testosterone is all about muscles and having a hairy chest but it is so much more than that. Testosterone is one of the most important hormones in the body. Hormones are regulated by the endocrine system… and hormones in this complex system are very dependent on each, are very non-linear, and basically work like a team. Having no testosterone would be like a football team having no quarterback.
I never got my T levels tested before I was an opioid addict unfortunately, but I know based on my physical attributes that there was definitely no shortage of testosterone during my development during puberty. I am 100% convinced that long term Suboxone will lower T levels. Definitely, not to the same degree as the Methadone will but it still does. Methadone will chemically castrate a man. The only thing we can do is lower are doses, eat like are prehistoric ancestors, exercise, and take the right supplements. Outside of that, there is nothing we can do but quit. I believe though, on doses 1mg and under with a good diet and lots of exercise we can make a huge difference. So that should be every one’s main motivation to quit. This goes for women too, as far as the hormones go. Opioids cause a long lasting increase in aromatase in estrogen-producing organs, which is actually the reason why it effects testosterone.
I became an opioid addict in early 2003. I didn’t know about Suboxone until 2007. The sole reason why I never got treatment was because I refused to go on Methadone. I used to get high off Methadone, so it didn’t make much sense to me. So I’m actually very thankful that Suboxone is available to me. You all should be too.
