Day 1 off methadone

[Readytogetmylifeback]

So I was suppose to take my last dose of methadone (1mg) yesterday afternoon, but as I held the bottle in my hand I realized I didn't want it. I decided not to take it and start my journey right then. I'm so ready to be done with having to take methadone just to get up and get going.
This morning I woke up @ 4:30 and couldn't get back to sleep, my arms & legs were restless (took Hylands, which helped), and just very achy & lethargic (which I've been feeling for a couple weeks while tapering).  The cal/mag/zinc has helped.
I've had to get a babysitter for my 2 year old the past few days b/c it's just too much for me to keep up with her.  Which I feel REALLY bad about. But it's for the best right now, I don't want to become agitated with her.
I've been psyching myself up for this day for years, so scared of the actual w/d's, but now that it's here I'm ready for it.

[skraeling]

Coming off 1 mg. shouldn't be too bad, assuming you tapered down over a very long period, (if you haven't, you may be jumping ship too soon). But the symptoms you feel, while mild, will last a long time. It took me at least a solid month before I lost all the weakness, insomnia, and feeling of exhaustion. Know this, and know it can be gotten through. I did not taper down, and went cold turkey, (not recommended), and got through it.
Having help and/or encouragement from friends or family helps, and of course, there are people here, who've been through it, too. Another thing that helped me, in spite of my skepticism, was acupuncture. Find out if there's a free program in your area.
But if you do get into trouble, go back to the doctor, not to the street. There's no shame in using methadone if you need to. Good luck!

[Krissy_123]

You might want to start a new thread. This is a few months old and I don't want your question to be missed.

[bsad21]

Day 1 off methadone.  I've only been on it for 30 or so days and I've been on 6 mg all the way down to 1 or 2 mg the past 3 weeks. What will I expect? Not really any detox symptoms happening yet.

[Dryan8313]

I jumped off at 4mg and to be honest, days 1-6 felt the same. Just like another decrease when I was tapering. After that it was just the major energy crash and insomnia that bothered me.
Jumping at a higher dose will be rough but if you tapered really low, you probably won't feel much different then you're feeling now. And as time goes on it gets better & better :)

[Readytogetmylifeback]

Thanks everyone for your great advice and support. I really appreciate all of it. I made it thru day 1 and I'm halfway thru day 2. I'm hanging in there and feeling ok. Thanks again!

[Amandag78]

Hey, well done on deciding to quit !!!
One of the hardest decisions you will ever make, also one of the bravest : )
Like Annie said, dont stress about getting a sitter for yout little one : )
Let us know your progress, never give up!!!
You go girl...

[gnarly_1]

Hi... well methadone can be a monster to kick but it can be done I was on 150mg  tapered down to 1mg and jumped ship... as for your detox it usually is around 10 days to 2 weeks the real problem I had was no sleep no mater how tired you got that and there is a ''energy crash'' that in itself can be dibilating  the real key here is to try and keep a positive attidude this is 1/3 phyical and 2/3 mental your emotions will come at you full force that is normal for this drug... now depending how long you used your age and how high a dose your on all will play a factor in recovery for me it was a 90 day grind to get to the other side  we have had members make it in 30 days   no 2 withdrawals are the same we will be here to walk you threw there are several of us on the forum that have kicked this drug  it is not so much how sever the detox is but rather the long recovery time Keep posting for support....................Gnarly.............................................

[weaver71]

I say it a lot, when you are ready, you are ready. We have to jump through that window of opportunity and you did. As far as a babysitter, my kids saw me going through it all and they told me just the other day that I am more fun and they are glad I don't take methadone anymore. It's not that they didn't have fun with the high me, but they can FEEL that their real parent is actually here now. Honestly, I don't think I could have put up with me through all of it, but our kids would do anything to help us. I had no baby sitters, so I was irritated with them, told them to get away from me, and ignored them for months as I went to meetings, doctors, therapists every day. Still, they don't care. You just do whatever you have to, everyone will be glad you did, even if they have to give you space and time. The prize here is you for the rest of your life, so keep your eyes on the prize and everyone wins.

[EvolverU]

YES!!!!! [Pulls fist down in score gesture] :)) This is Great news! You're on your way.

Don't feel too bad about the baby-sitter! I mean, think of it this way: You're doing that in order to do one of the bravest most life-affirming things that a parent can do for themselves & their child. You'll see this really clearly later, I promise!

I'm glad that the Highlands & Cal/Mag are helping a bit. I know it's tough.

You sound good. I could feel yesterday that you were really ready to do this. It's going to be okay, my friend. Please, post as much as you need to & let us know how you're doing & if there's anything we can do. :)

We're here :)

[Jinx_777]

AMAZING!!!  congrats on taking your life back.
you are an inspiration