Good Afternoon, 

  I have been a long time patient taking Subutex for my opiate dependence.  This is the very first time I have commented or even signed a petition like this. I am an ex-heroin addict who after a month in detox continued to use this drug "legally"  when I transition to my doctor. 

My doctor initially put me on Suboxone, and I immediately noticed frequent migraines, nausea, and body discomfort.  At the start I did not know what was causing me to feel so poorly and after doing a little research online I noticed other people were having similar symptoms.  I then asked my doctor to please switch me over to the Naloxone free "Subutex"  medication.  Right away I noticed my migraines, stomachaches, and other discomforts went away. 

I have been sober for over 10 years now, I have a good full-time job working with the federal government, and most importantly: stability. Now I fear that will all change because of this bill you're passing to switch me back over to a medication that makes me feel sick and does more harm than good, at least to me.  Please don't punish people like myself who have followed the law and not abused this medication and who have benefited tremendously into living a life without going back on the street for drugs.  There will always be people who are going to abuse drugs and find new ways to do so. I am very sorry to hear that so many are suffering right now because of these new implementations.  I am very concerned and worried about what I'm going to do as I do not want to nor do I feel that methadone is a good fit for me treatment wise.  My doctor just informed me today about these new changes and even he is unsure what to do nor does he agree with it.  This "uncertainty" is causing a lot of anxiety for my future. Thank you