Finally...detoxed from Methadone

Morning.  I finally after 7 years on Methadone, have detoxed.  I never had been on too high of a dose, I started a slow detox from 35 mgs., the detox was 6 months.  I'm feeling alright, somewhat- but the symptoms are there, the not sleeping is the hard part along with the leg-cramping and the usual bag of unpleasantries. Can anyone give me any time- frames as to how long this will last?  Hopefully not for months on end! I have a feeling I went about this the right way, rapid detox seems like your just setting yourself up for a nasty fall.  I got on methadone when I was 19 yrs. old, I'm 26 and just want to reclaim my life back, go to NA- stay sober!  This is actually my third time trying to kick methadone, the other two times I failed miserably.  I don't want to end up back 'chasing a bag' or limping back to the methadone clinic.  I have severed all ties to previous friends that were users, I do the 20 second rule, and stay busy!!!  My main questions is: how long should I expect these withdrawls to last?  Did I go about my detox slow enough so that most of the drug is out of my system?  For being on this for such a long time, I'm still kind of naive to the generalisation of methadone, always in the past have heard 2 or 3 sides to every story!  Any input would be greatly appreciated!  Thanks!!!

[stev e]

Slow detox worked for me, I detoxed from 100 mg. down. It started getting noticable @ 30 mg. I went very slow with 5 mg drop every month, until  i got to 10 mg. than I went down 2 1/2 mg at a time until I got to 2 1/2 mg. When I felt I was ready. I left 6 doses (licquid) in frig, knowing there was releif if I really wanted it. I also had trouble sleeping, you may want to try a sleeping aid, over the counter. As I remembered it did not last very long. I also used for a period of 5 yrs.
The hard part is over and just hang in there a little longer and you should be proud of yourself. The very best.

[OxyDout]

just curious about methadone, I was on about 160mg of oxycontin a way for a while, i have been using narcotics for 4 yrs, either vicodin, percs and finally now oxycontin, I had been clean for about a month then I went back to using vicodin and some oxycontin here and there.  All though Im nowhere near as bad as i used to be, Im still taking things here and there.  So I am on methadone.  It worked well for me last time.  I stay on for 4 or 5 days.  I only take about 5-7 mg the first day, then about 5 the next and then about 2.5 for the next 2 and it gets me through the withdrawal very well.  My question is, if I do that should I be worried about becoming addicted to the methadone?? I know it has the potential, but if I stay strong willed and only take those low dosages will that be a problem??? thanks guys.  Oh by the way, whoever posted this, (didn't look at the name) great work!!! I think you went about it the right way, just remember you spent 6 months!!! coming down don't give up now, you can definitely do it!!!

GWH

[NotDarkYet]

Morning, again!  Actually slept about 5 1/2 hrs. last night, pretty good- a whole lot better than 0 hrs!  Thanks for your support guys, really!  Actually, I always thought in the back of my mind that I'd be on methadone forever, thought it was literally impossible to get off, always let the 'statistics' get the better of me.  I'm completely out of my old element, living in a new city- so I hope that helps a little.  I realise that if you really want drugs bad enough- you'll get them. It seems that the past 2 years I've been detoxing and it gets very tiring after awhile, enough is enough! I can't let myself down, I can't let my family down- staying focused is the key, also coming clean with yourself is necessary- some people can't do that, I was one.  Never could look myself in the mirror and say, 'Man, your a junkie, but... you don't have to live like one!'  It's not impossible, nothing's impossible.  I know I'm not out of the woods yet, but I know this time it's going to be a success.  So to anyone of you out there struggling with methadone, don't give up- I was on it for 7 years, that's a pretty long time and since I'm only 26, it's also kind of pathetic!:-) Take it slow and easy, keep focused on the big picture!  Everybody take care and have a great day!

[1fortheroad]

i'm curious about something GWH.  you say you've used methadone to detox more than once?  do you get this prescribed by a dr. or do you go to a clinic.  i cannot find a dr. willing to prescribe it for detox, nor do i fit the criteria for a clinic.  from everything i've read and heard, it is a drug which is normally used long-term.  i would think it would be hard to use it for a couple days to detox...is it?  also, i heard that one dose should last about 8 hours...has that been the case for you?  oxy is supposed to last that length of time as well, but for me, being the addict that i am, it never did.

i cannot use any type of narcotic in "moderation" as you've mentioned you've been doing over the past few months.  if i have it, i take it until it's gone.  i tried to detox myself with buprenex, but i found myself using that to get high as well.  for me, there are no easy answers...i think i have to just stop and say that's it.  i cannot dabble....anyhow, i hope you get a chance to answer these questions...i really appreciate it and good luck to you!

[NotDarkYet]

Actually one dose of methadone will usually last anywhere from 24 to 36 hrs. (more or less depending on how many mgs. dispensed and how high of tolerance, but I have had as little as 3mgs. hold me for an entire 24 hour period) , that's why it is such a pain to get off!  Methadone has an incredibly high shelf-life, that's why detoxing slowly, very slowly is necessary.  Kicking heroin is way more intense, but in a matter of 3 to 5 days most of the physical withdrawl (withdrawal) should be over with, then you just have to deal with the ugly psychological mind games but that's a whole other story!  With methadone it's not as intense but the withdrawls (which are basically flu like symptoms and the spastic legs at night) seem to linger longer. I'm going on my 3rd day methadone free and actually feel quite good, kind of spooked because I always hear the 4th day is the worst, but what can you do- I've made up my mind this time, I'm in it for the long haul! Also, I've heard getting prescriptions for methadone is very difficult (alot of 'red tape') and to the earlier post (sorry, forgot your name), you said that you can't get on a methadone program?!  Why is that?  Are you using?  Don't mean to pry...

[1fortheroad]

i am using narcotics on and off, but that is not the reason.  there are no methadone programs around here that have room for me, and i have not been using long enough to require one (so they say).  you have to have been using over two years, which i have not. i've been using just a little under two years, so they say i don't fit their profile...weird huh.  even if i was to fit, there isn't a program for miles and miles that has an opening in the next six months.

[OxyDout]

I actually buy the methadone from the same kid who supplied me with the oxy's.  He was a good friend of mine, (atleast when I was using) but he was nice enough to give me a call when he got in a bunch of the 40mg wafers.  I bought two of them, but only used 1 and a half.  I took the 60mg and split it into 5mg pieces. I took 10mg the first day, 5 for the next 2 days then 2.5 for then next two and that was it.  I have some left over just in case.  I didn't find it hard to not use the methadone because it didn't do much for me besides keep my leg from going crazy.  5mg has definitely allowed me to make it through a full day.  I didn't feel "high" for those 24 hours, but i was pain free.  When I took oxycontin (snorted, crushed etc...) It never lasted more then a couple of hours, if that.  QUESTION: so if I am detoxing with methadone very strictly, only as I have told I have been. Should I be fine when I'm done on the 5th day?? The last time I did this, I lasted two days after my last methadone, but that was the mental thing, I needed to get high ( i went back to oxy) but I don't plan on doing that this time, so I'm wondering if I will go through withdrawal from the methadone........ like I said, I'm taking it for 5 days. 10mg, then 5mg, then 5mg, then 2.5mg, and another 2.5mg.........

[NotDarkYet]

Hey, I'm just replying to your question.  Since you haven't been on methadone for a very long time and at small doses, you should be alright by the 5th day.  Can't say for sure, so much depends on health, mental health, support etc;.  One thing that has actually helped me out quite a bit are vitamins, especially CoQ10 which is just loaded with vitamin E which is a healer.  It doesn't totally curb withdrawls, but what it does do is help the body heal from the withdrawl (withdrawal) and in turn, you bounce back quicker than without.  I'm on my 3rd day methadone free.  I slept through the entire night, legs were doing the little spastic thing for awhile, but then it was over.  Today I just feel weak, it's taking me forever to get motivated, but struggling w/ cravings- no!  Hasn't even crossed my mind.  To successfully get off opiates or any other kind of drug, is to not substitute it with anything else (one demon for another demon)which in turn, you'll find yourself going back to your old ways. Found that out the hard way this past summer. All of a sudden, your back to where you started from and that just plain sucks and blows to hell any self-esteem you might have had.  If you seriously want to be free of this, go for long-term- if it starts getting hard, realise it'll be better tomorrow and keep focused on the big picture!  Methadone is a good deterent from illicit opiates, but there is a ton of beauracracy involved as well, and there's alot of fear involved.  What if I get snowed in and can't get to the clinic?  What if I get arrested and have to kick in jail? (I had a friend that went through that, cold turkey in jail and he was on 87 mgs.!) Alot of what ifs.  And every state has different rules.  I live in Portland, OR. so getting on a methadone clinic is fairly easy, took me about a week 1/2 to get back on the program.  In Denver, where I'm from, the day I went in to speak to a councelor- I was dosed, didn't even have to put any money up-front.  So from state-to-state it's a ton of red -tape and strange rules.  If you can free yourself completely and live out the rest of your life clean, then go for it!  Remember, it's only pain- it goes away, nothing- not even withdrawls last forever!!!

Take Care!

[1fortheroad]

hi - sounds like you've been thru a lot - i guess we all have if we're here! i would really like to get into a methadone program, however like i mentioned, i can't seem to find one that will take me.  do you know of an online site where i might be able to get info for finding one in my area?  thanks.

[Patrice]

Here is a link that should give you the answers you are looking for considering methadone.  www.methadone.org.  I am on methadone,and it has helped me in more ways than I can say.  I have been a heroin addict most of my life.  I got clean then after many years of recovery, started taking vicodin for chronic pain.  I dont know about any other addicts, but taking pain pills is my trigger..  The methadone I am on, helps with the chronic pain and also keeps me clean and far away from heroin.  For me, methadone isnt a crutch, it saved my life.  I am in the process of starting Methadone anonoyumus (SP) meetings,and for the first time in my life, I started my own business, I am doing better and feel better than I have in years.  As for being tied down to a clinic, in California, no matter where you are, jail, hospital, you will get your dose, as long as you are payed to date.  When I go out of town, I get all of my doses to take with me, and since I have opened a business, I will get take home bottles, so that isnt a problem either.  My husband is working, so he goes to the clinic on Sunday and Monday.  I do not believ that methadone is trading one demon for the other, in fact drugg addiction has nothing to do with a demon, it is a diease that is treatable but not cureable.  I dont mean to be harsh, but I dont get it when people attack the methadone program.. BTW, the NA fellowship I belonged to stabbed me in the back.  The people that have stood by me through all this are not in NA, I dont believe the saying that we had no friends out there. It is BS, I have friends who I used with, if we go out and do something, they dont use around me..  And to the person who is buying methadone off the street.  BAD IDEA.....  You dont know how much you are getting, how old it is, and if you really want to detox, you will get professional help.  There are many people who get off of methadone and never use again.  Methadone is not only a long term thing.  The clinics have detox programs which last 21 days. The great side of methadone, is if you are on the right dose, PRESCRIBED TO YOU BY A DOCTOR, you will not get high, you will feel normal, and best of all you wont want to use.


CG

[NotDarkYet]

Yeah, methadone will work for some, yes- I'm not denying that, but like I said, some clinics in different states have different rules.  My friend when he went in to County Jail wasn't dosed, all they would give him was aspirin, he was in total hell.  Not saying everyone on methadone is going to go out and commit crimes, just the opposite actually.  I guess I just had some bad experiences with the clinics I went to and with the staff I had to deal with, so I come off kind of bashing at times against methadone clinics.  Methadone probably saved my life, God only knows where I'd be right now if I hadn't committed myself years ago- more than likely dead.  It's just that if a person can quit opiates altogether, then go for it!  Methadone to me was a shackle, I travel alot, move around quite a bit as well- (a restless soul), so I was just looking for personal freedom from all drugs. I'm not knocking methadone at all, believe me... if it saves lives that's the important thing, just personal experiences have left me a little jaded around the edges.  And I wish you good luck in your future!

[Laurad]

I am hoping someone here can answer some questions for me. My son (24) has been taking methadone through a local clinic since early December. He was using herion. I don't believe he used it on a regular basis, at least he says he wasn't. I don't know if that is the truth or not, but that isn't the issue. When he started on the methadone they started him on 20 mgs. By the end of December he was up too 100 mgs. He was so wired around Christmas it was awful!  He has worked back to 80 now, but he appears hyper to me and I am wondering if this high of an amount is normal. He has been herion free since he started and I think the amount he is on is too high. He wants to start dropping it down faster until he gets to around 20 mgs. But they don't seem to want to let him do that. I guess what I am wanting to know is if these amounts of methadone are normal. I almost have a feeling that the clinic is keeping him on a higher amount to make more money. I admit I no knowledge of how this works so I was hoping some of you would share your experiences.
Thanks, Laura

[NotDarkYet]

Hi, Laura just replying to your post.  Do you have any idea of the amount of heroin your son was using before he checked into the methadone clinic?  Usually they'll dose you by the amount you were taking to begin with.  It sounds, to me since I've been where your son is now, like they're overdosing him.  Do you know if he gets really sweaty, heart races, nervousness, anxiousness?  If so, he's gotta come down.  If he said he didn't use on a daily basis then 100 mgs is way too much!  I had a gram and 1/2 a day habit, I was started out at 80mgs. and that was way too much, thought I was going to have a heart attack, finally got to 40mgs. then lived basically for 5 1/2 years on 35 mgs. When a person is dosed at the right amount of methadone, they should not in the least be impaired by that, sounds like your son is and that is not good.  Methadone is only used to curb an addiction and get you on the right path, but like I've said earlier there's alot of stuff you have to deal with.  He has to talk with the clinic doctor and just say 'hey, I'm on way too much, at least bring me down to 60mgs., then slowly go down to where he is comfortable, where he can function without being all speedy and so forth.  I wouldn't recommend decreasing down alot all at once, but again it all depends on how long of a time he's been on this dose.  But in all complete honesty, it sounds like he's on way too much.  Take care and let us know how he's doing.

[Patrice]

Hi

Thanks Not dark yet, you are right in a lot of ways.  I guess where I live the clinics are much more liberal, I have neveer been to jail (yet) but we do get dosed.  I think the methaodne thing is real contraversial right now, because it hasnt been totally accepted by the general population yet.  There are a lot of fears people have.  In fact I was talking with a good friend tonight, he has been clean off and on for 25 years.  The only time that he doesnt use is when he is on methadone.  I tried to get him to go to the clinic tomorrow, but he said "I am going to try it my way, one more time"  Yea, and Thursday that one last time almost killed him.  I was reading a book about methadone, and in it it says that opiate addicts who have used for 20 or 30 years, may always need something, because we lose the endorphins in our brain, and they never come back.  Thank you for being so nice, I really appreciate it!!!!

And Laura, if your son wasnt doing dope that long, heshould have NEVER gone to the methadone clinic.  Where I live, I had to prove I am a heroin addict,they checked my tracks, and went into my history.  I am on 135mg, but I was eating 25 vicodins a day, and shooting 2 grams of dope.  If you son is on the right dose, you wouldnt even be able to tell he is on anything.I think they over dosed him, but unfortunatly he has to be brought down slow, or he will be sick, and probably go back to heroin, just to feel normal..The people I know that are successful at quiting methadone, and staying off, detoxed 1mg a week until they felt bad, then they would stop awhile.  I hope he gets off of methaodne one day!!!  He just has to do it the right way. See, my doctor took me down 5 mg, and I got sick, so I asked to be put back up to 135mg.  Slower is better.  Keep us posted on his progress, ok??

Love

Patrice

[sheba82699]

My husband is being prescribed Methodone from a pain clinic for chronic back pain and has been on it now for approx. 3 months but has lately been smoking pot along with it and I am noticing that his balance is really off(this i have never noticed before) and this is really scaring me - does anyone know the dangers off combining these two drugs?  Thanks for any help or comments.

[OxyDout]

I really appreciate the advice, honestly I do, however, I bought it from someone I can trust and He opened the bottle in front of me and handed me the 40mg wafers, plus, i looked it up in the pill book and on the internet, I double checked everything.  And when I said he opened it in front of me, he didn't do it to prove they were real, he did it just because I was there at his house. I say that because I know if someone is opening a bottle in front of me to prove to me that what he has is real, the chances are they probably are not. (did that make any sense) anyway, I already used the methadone, I haven't used any for 4 days and I"m fine, I now have to deal with this mental struggle....ugh.  Anyway, hope all is well

GWH

[Bon Bon]

I had been using heroin since the age of about 13 or 14. I am 20 now and on methadone. well not exactly. I couldn't pay my fees this month so they "fee" toxed me. which is a 10% decrease in your dose everyday. I have quit heroin cold turkey many times as well as rapid detox(worst experience of my life)and as bad as they were nothing compares to what I'm going through right now. I refuse to use heroin again nomatter how sick I am, but I don't know how much longer I can take this. It's been since Saturday since my last dose and from past experience with my ex-husband I will be very sick starting on the fifth day of my last dose and will remain sick for a couple of months. I can't stop crying I am in so much pain. My stomach and my legs hurt and I'm crawling out of my skin. please if anyone has any advice that will help me let me know. Don't woory about me falling asleep!

[NotDarkYet]

Jesus girl, you sound like your in a world of hurt- I'm so sorry!  See, that's what pisses me off about these damn methadone clinics, they're NOT about the recovery of the addict, they're ABOUT the frickin' money!  I'm trying to think of what you can do, but never cold turkeyed methadone- too many horror stories.  Can you get back on the program ASAP?  Will any insurance companies cover you?  It's a rare thing I know, I've lived in 5 different states in the past 7 years and only 1 state had insurance to cover my meth, Oregon.  Take warm baths, antihistamines will sometimes help with the crazy leg thing, if you can please go to a doctor or a hospital if it gets completely unbearable.  Just go to the emergency room and tell them what you're going through, they'll help you out and when it's all over promise yourself you'll never go back!!! I hope everything will be alright.

[Patrice]

Hi GWH

The reaon I am so concerned about you is anytime you want to detox, you need to do it under a doctors care.  I didnt realize you were getting the wafers, I thought you were getting liquid methadone, but still, the sucess rate is soooooooo small if you try to do it by yourself. One time when I was kicking, my doctor (God Bless Him) gave me some sleeping pills so I could sleep. I stil felt awful, but I was able to cathch a few zzzzzzzzzzzzzz's.  I am concerned about you and remember one thing. If you want to be in recvory, you can do it.  We addicts are strong, and we can do anything if we want it bad enough


Love

Patrice

[jennyfla]

I'm sorry you are hurting so much.
No, you won't be sick for months.  You might not feel yourself for a while, maybe slightly depressed, somewhat nervous, but you won't feel sick that long.  The sickness will start to get better after the 2nd week, then you will start to feel better each day.
Stay strong, and know that you will  be getting your life back.  Methadone is great, but it really just prolongs the agony.  If you can make due without it, your so much better off.
My husband was hooked on methadone and oxycontin and he was off both within 5-days.  A lot of it is in your mind (after the initial detox), and you really need some support and some guidance right now.  Have you tried NA?  I'm not familiar with how much you might know about addiction and if you realize how much support you will need to get through this.  You might, but i just needed to say it anyway!
Best of luck to you.  You are so young and have your whole life ahead of you.  There's so much out there to be explored, keep strong for YOU!!!
Lv Jenny

[OxyDout]

Thank you for your response, like I said I really do appreciate it.  I didn't even know they had liquid methadone, I don't know much about it. All I know is that he gave me the two 40mg methadone, they say it right on the pill, it worked very well, know I just need to keep my head on straight because I don't have any more withdrawal symptoms. Anyway, I hope all is well with you..........I sometimes wish I never got so deep into this so that I could take an OC once and a while.....I know it doesn't sound possible, but there are plenty of people who do that, why can't I!!!!!! but on another level, I have gone to the gym every day for the last 7 days, I'm getting back into it and I love being clear headed. my girlfriend keeps me going, shes incredible, (she doesn't know about any of this) I sometimes wish i could tell her but I can't, I would lose her.  Right now she is my strength and I can't let her down.  Take care and post back when you get a chance.

GWH

[confused.grl]

I have been using oxycotin since my 4 surgeries in july, starting tomorrow i will be on methadone any tips?

[confused.grl]

yesteday i posted the stupid letter that i would be starting metadone therapy today, well after staying up half the night reading this site, i decided to tell my doctor everything. Needless to say i am now 20 hours into my withdrawls. If anybody can tell me how long the shakes and nervousness will last it would be appreciated.
                     confused.

[NotDarkYet]

Hey, hope you're doing okay!  Just responding to tell you the shakes, restless legs and all that major un-fun stuff, doesn't last as long as you might think it will.  Just take it day by day and don't give up!  I'm now on my 8th day from methadone detox and feel really good, still my legs at night go all restless but it doesn't last as long or as intense than the previous night.  Everyday it gets better and better and once your out of the 'woods', believe me you'll be so happy to have that dark cloud off your back (and that damn monkey! :-D).  It's not easy but it well worth it, believe me!

Take Care!

[noclue]

I started reading this entire site 3 days ago.  I read everything from vicodin to darvon and I am sooooo confused. Here is my story..started vicodin 500mg acetometifen (not sure of the hydrocodone mg, but the lowest?? 5mg? 3x day over 3 years ago.  From time to time I took 4 or 5 per day but never more because I like to drink socially and my liver was killing me...(enzymes up, but docs say all is well....had a hyda-scan, and 2 cat scans and nothing is wrong) anyway, I stopped taking the vics 2 days ago and started Darvon 65mg 1@6-8 hour intervals.  WHAT IS DARVON?  Some sights say Methadone, some say synthetic opioid some say highly dangerous, some say very lightweight, what the hell is it?  I am not experiencing total withdrawals from vics (although I flip-flop at nite in bed, in a very foul mood, and feel so fatigued I cannot even walk the dog).  I do not feel high or even slightly buzzed as I did with the vics?  My doc says take the Darvon for pain, easy on the liver and helps with the side affects of vicodin withdrawal?  Can anyone help? what if I take more than 65mg? less? drink alcohol? or stop taking all pills? by the way, also have ativan for the heebeegeebees. Can anyone explain what I should be FEELING or not?
Thanks to all and god bless.... I have read ALL of the bulletin and feel lucky I am not on the bathroom floor.

noclue

[confused.grl]

i read you comments yesterday, i was in too much pain to comment.
i feel stupid because i cannot go through with tis cold turkey stuff, like i said i had 4 back surgeries this summer, i have the 5th surgery soon and the pain is getting the best of me. i want to ask the doctor to help with the pain but i am finally through the worst of the wihdrawls, is there anyting that would work for severe pain but is not addicting(or at least less likely to be addicting).  waiting to hear form you or anybody that can help.
        
                                   P.S. sorry for busting in on
                                        your thread.
                                                  confused.

[skipper]

noclue:
welcome to this forum. darvon is a very useful detox med. no mat-
ter how many you take you won't get a high. i once took a hand-
ful and got really screwed up and drunk feeling that was not at
all pleasent. you might try several at a time, just remember to
taper down at a comfortable rate. also, if you can add a benzo
like klonipin (klonopin) or valum. be real carefull with the benzo's and
try not to use any for more than a week.

goodluck and keep an angel on your shoulder!
kip

[noclue]

thanks kip...do you know exactly what Darvon is? methadone? synthetic? opioid? I hate to put **** in my body that I dont know what it is? Dr. says it's safe for me with neck pain and liver issues...although dr. says I have no liver issues, I feel constant tugging, pulling, ache feeling in my upper right quadrant.  hoping an angel is on my shoulders at all time...
noclue

[little mama]

If I get on the methodone program, am I doing more harm or good to my unborn child?

[NotDarkYet]

Hey, your question about being pregnant and methadone: you'd probably would want to consult your physician and ask about this.  I think in very low doses, methadone would not have much affect (but don't quote me on that :-D ), but if you're having trouble with heroin or anything else and are pregnant, seek help immediately!  Methadone can be a life saver that's for sure, but added with pregnancy- I'm not positive if the baby could be born hooked to methadone and I think methadone can even be passed through breast milk, but again- don't quote me on that!  Take Care!

[mckr]

im 36 was on methadone 16 yrs,now been off it 7mnths still get cramps doing the vits exercise etc and still feel like ****,forget about the time thing it will happen and yes everyone is different but all successes ive spoken to and know of it took them many mnths some as much as 18mnths but it will end and
youve got to admitt at least you have peice of mind,something you never have on the damn stuff.dont imagine there is something else  wrong with you ie illness  mental disorders etc,these are just symptoms that will go.im starting na to make sure i give myself the best possible chance of happy life as everything is in place to be happy,some people say one day your head just clicks i suppose what ever imbalance it causes and it does, has to correct itself.i know il never use again and would strongly advise if asked try and find other option to methadone.its not all doom and gloom because despite lingering symptoms i have moments of sheer bliss and if we are determined we do it.i hope this hasnt discouraged anyone but these are the facts i have filterd out of all the bs i have been fed.good luck to you all
and there is another way fight and you WILL win
  love mckr

[mckr]

IN case you were wondering ireduced from 125mls to 60mls then slowly to 20mls swapped to bupre(subutex here in uk)16mg down to 1mg over 3mnths and slept after 17 days,but still had to do methadone withdrawal it seems to get to every part of your body and you cant avoid the pay back time(sorry but these seem to be the facts).however 5 day detoxes on meth seem to work as long as you dont take it for more than 5to7 days after the opiate your trying to kick.again im sorry but its best to be informed of facts so you can make qualified decision dont you think
               mckr

Hi all.

After 3 Years on Heroin i am now clean. I am on methadone (50ml) and am now 23Yrs. I say clean coz its my way of dealing with it all. I dont ever get cravings for the smack anymore and i used to inject about

Hi all.

After 3 Years on Heroin i am now clean. I am on methadone (50ml) and am now 23Yrs. I say clean coz its my way of dealing with it all. I dont ever get cravings for the smack anymore and i used to inject about

[angst]

I was a dilaudid junkie.  I had used methadone before and detoxed after about 2 years of using the methadone.  With NA, I was cleaner than ever.  I made my 6 month birthday clean.  Then I went to work at a high stress job.  It was during the next month, I had my first relapse.  Cleaned myself up for a couple of
months only to have my 2nd relapse.  It was terrible.  My family lost 1200 one week and 1300 the next week.  My ex-husband jerked my chain.  Straighen up or get out.  I went through 2 inpatient
rehabs.  On my way home, my ex dropped me off at my sister's house.  I stayed there for a few months.  I relapsed for my 3rd time.  Without the methadone, I would not be alive

[freedfrmhell]

hi angst,  i read these posts daily.....you all inspire me soooo much...i initially started reading them because i was quitting smoking cigarettes....had no type of involvement with drugs....maybe a little pot....but that was it....well then several months later my 19 yr old came and told me he was in trouble and smoking crystal meth daily.....it got really ugly....i took him immediately to a detox and he was there for 5 days.....we moved shortly after that....he has gotten a job....and pretty much stays away from those friends....so he has been clean for a while now....crystal meth and methadone are not the same thing are they??....and can you tell me the difference??...thanks for your time....and i have nothing but the utmost respect for ALL of you and your daily struggles....take care and keep your chins up.....wish i could help...  :o)

[angst]

No maam they are different drugs. Crystal meth is an upper cooked in homemade labs.  It can keep you up for days at a time.
You really never know what it is cut with or what they use to take the buffer out.  It is more dangerous than most uppers, but it gives a real high for a long time.  Usually people on crystal meth need a little xanax or valium to bring them down so they can sleep.
Methadone is legal for treatment of addiction in 46 states.  I live in the south.  I go across state line to get my methadone at a clinic.  In more progressive areas doctors dispense this at their office.  I only have to go once a week, since my urine drug screens are always clean.  I get counselling and group therapy there also.  Methadone treats addiction to opiates.
Hope I cleared things up for you a little.  Good luck to you and your son.  NA in always helpful for the addict.

[kathryne]

WOW

I truly dont know where to start.

I was a heroin addict for three years....i started a methadone prescription to come off...only to find that the methadone withdrawl (withdrawal) was much worse...then a 'friend' told me about oxycoton, great....having a serious problem with opiates and desperately wanting to stop the pain i used OC....it was amazing, in an instant it ridded me of any pain of uncomfortableness i waws feeling....i have been using OC for about 3 months now, and im petrified to come off it....a few times i havent been able to get any and i havent felt good, but before the REAL withdrawl (withdrawal) kicked in i managed to get hold of some....can somebody tell me...is it harder or easier than heroin/methadone withdrawl (withdrawal)??....what should i expect?...what are the differences??.....is there anything (except bloody opiates) that i can take to dull the pain?

i would really appreciate any advice or stories any of you may have that would help....and if anyone would like to ask me anything then please do

thanks

im sooooo thankful for the internet :)

[angst]

If you can post higher up on the forum, that is where most of the oxy addicts and users are.  I am on methadone for the 2nd time.  I have come off once before and had 6 months clean, but I relapsed 3 times and ran back to the methadone clinic.  I know how hard methadone w/d is.  I went to NA long before I was completely off.  I also tapered down to 10mg before I stopped.
I think you will find better advice by posting up top.  If the computer will not allow you to ask a question, just jump on in on someone posting today.  They will be glad to help.  Welcome to the forum.  There are not many like me on methadone.  Good Luck.

[bigsteve38]

My girl friend of 8 years back and forth started taking pain pills ,vicodin 7.5 about 2 a day in the beginning and ended up on about 30-40 a day ,so we decided to get help from the methadone clinic it has worked out good for her ,but as an end result she keeps trying to get it raised ,she started off at 30 mg a day and now is on 80 mg a day  over a period of 5 months ,and she still has cravings after about 8-9 hours ,she went behind my back and seen her doctor that prescribed the pills to begin with about 270 vicodin 10,s over a 3 month period and the clinic found out about it ,fortunately for her i flushed all the pills but now there is a great chance she will get kicked out of the program or have to start from the bottom again ,I am drug and alcohol free person and it breaks my heart to see anyone get caught up in any kind of drugs and alcahol (alcohol)  but these are the facts of life we have to deal with ,but I dont think i can deal with pressures and conflicts of someone who is having withdrawels again and she is scared to death she will die from them,any one with any positive info please let me know

[bigsteve38]

My girl friend of 8 years back and forth started taking pain pills ,vicodin 7.5 about 2 a day in the beginning and ended up on about 30-40 a day ,so we decided to get help from the methadone clinic it has worked out good for her ,but as an end result she keeps trying to get it raised ,she started off at 30 mg a day and now is on 80 mg a day  over a period of 5 months ,and she still has cravings after about 8-9 hours ,she went behind my back and seen her doctor that prescribed the pills to begin with about 270 vicodin 10,s over a 3 month period and the clinic found out about it ,fortunately for her i flushed all the pills but now there is a great chance she will get kicked out of the program or have to start from the bottom again ,I am drug and alcohol free person and it breaks my heart to see anyone get caught up in any kind of drugs and alcahol (alcohol)  but these are the facts of life we have to deal with ,but I dont think i can deal with pressures and conflicts of someone who is having withdrawels again and she is scared to death she will die from them,any one with any positive info please let me know

[kiylen]

I tried to cold turkey off 240mg one time and I swear it almost killed me.  Hallucinations, vomiting, not eating for 15 days, seizures, night terrors, you name it.  This was in the hospital too!  I ended up back in the clinic and have been there only six months and starting tapering down a couple of weeks ago.  I'm about to go down to 55mg and some things I have researched and found that really helped are to take B6 and there's actually a multivitamin that has only calcium, magnesium and zinc in it which are some things methadone really depletes your body of.  Try to stay away from caffeine if you can help it.  Melatonin is over the counter at any pharmacy and helps some people sleep.  I feel for you and I know it's awful.  It really is.  If God created this entire universe in seven days, he can give you the strength to get through this.  It's yours for the asking.  These sites have been lifesavers for me and if you go to my profile there are some other sites I have been talking with people on and they have had some really good advice.  Please know we're all here for you.

[tbi110]

this is day 6 for me with nothing.i used benedryl for first 3 days then valium for sleep at night. sleeping okay but waking up is the hard [part. i like to know how much longer i will have to feel like a 90 year old man.
its a struggle to be up and about.

[tbi110]

after watching the episode of DJam helping others then dying from accidental overdose it bothers me soo bad for some reason something about that guy. i knew that nite i was not going to let his death be for nothing. im doing this for him. dont know  him but i will not let his death go for nothing..

love u Dj.

[gladtobeoffmethodone]

This is day 7 without any methadone or anything for that matter how long will the withdrawals last  I was on 120mg and the clinic cut me off all my carries and then cut me off methadone so how long will this go on. thanks Glad to be off

[mj666]

I got in a car accident in Jan of 2008 (as well as a horrible TMJ issue that started in 2005) and started using oxys in Feb 2008 not realizing the severity of the dependency.  In the end I had about a 400 to 500 dollar a week habit.  I had an addiction to a drug called Special K for about a year and a half and have always used one substance or another too much.  However, the oxys were the worst.  I did things to get my oxys that bring me quite a bit of shame.  I quit in August of 2008 and got on the methadone program..started at 55 and worked myself up to 95 pretty fast.  I cheated alot after I got my 6 carries and would use oxys Tuesday Wednesday about 20 20mgs and then pee clean at the clinic on my Monday appt.
Ive finally decided that this is not the life for me...the doc has tapered me down to 88mg but when I ask to be taken down more he says no...only 3mgs a month.  And when you do the math that's a long long time!!!! Too long for me.
So Ive decided to stockpile the methadone starting this week I took the six carries and took 1/10th out of the top of each after shaking it with the tang and put it in another bottle as that day that I don't have a carry that I go for my test at the clinic Im up at 5am climbing out of my skin with my heart in my throat.
I thought that maybe this way I can take control of my life.  Im reading the holistic remedies and looked in my cupboard and found the zinc that everyone has been talking about and already have started the search for tyrosine and will get B6 tomorrow.
I just baked away the last semester at school in a very important course because I just couldn't keep it together with methadone in my life.  
For the short period I was on oxys I was totally messed...but methadone is no better...Im not acting crazy doing whatever it took to score and yes Im more active and take responsibility for my life...but this leash is a bit of a joke.  And the idea of staying like this for at least the next 30 MONTHS...not a chance.  I took the drug for less than a year and Ive been taking this longer than I was using the oxys.
The doctor sees 45 to 70 patients a day at $150 a patient paid by OHIP (Im in Canada)...BANKROLL.  He does that three times a week and tells me that my withdrawal is in my head...yeah right.  The guy can't even remember who I am week to week.
I found this site tonite and just want to say thank you to everyone who has contributed.  Ill be here to help and share all I can and tell you the truth about how I am feeling.  The possibility that women are affected different than men is possible just because of the fat cells etc.  I also have the luxury of being on clonozopam (thank god) that many aren't and at the clinic they can't be or they won't get carries.  Luckily I have a shrink who I have been with for 10 years who remembers me when I was suicidal, strung out and a mess.  A few benzos...I know I have to get off them too someday..,but the methadone has made me fat (which is killing me, I work out every day!) and at the mercy of a man who spends 5 mins with me every week and claims to know me better than I know myself.
Thanks for being here peeps...Knowing that I am not unique and although the internet can be a curse...today...it is a gift.  Thank you..

[hurtingjunkie]

3 yers at 70 mg 4days at 65 its going to b a long and shi---ycouple years 5mg every 2 weeks  c what happens i wish i never started on methodone if u got a min say a prayer 4 me i will do the same 4 all of u  good luck bob

[inpinegrovepa]

ITS A GOOD THING AND BAD THING,really your just adding to the problem,but it will straghten your life out.ive been on it for about 8 yeears now,and i had enough of all the running and allways trying to find a ride,it *****.i started to detox 12 weeks ago iam going down 10mg a week,i no it fast but iam sick of all the bull ****.iam down to 15mg now i feel fine,if i sit there and think about it,i make my self sick,some of it is in your head,i have been playing with pills ,dope,coke,meth you name it for a really long time.it really a long road i dont care who u are,it will never go away,good luck with a the ******** if your thinking about going on METHADONE..my apinoinn is DONT DO IT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[radray]

three weeks off and still feel the heebeejeeebeeessss but takin tylenol for the pain how much longer do i need to feel pain?

[gnarly_1]

HI welcome to the forum...dont know how you found your way here but where glad you made it...we really need a little bit more info to be able to help you ....for 1 how long where you on methadone and how did you go about getting off did you taper down or just jump off
and what dose where you at when you jumped...all this will factor in to how long this is going to take...just know this what your feeling now is fairly normal for methadone withdrawals
the first month is the hardest and it usually takes a good 90 days to really start to come out of it...have you experenced the energy crash yet...that in itself is hard to deal with but just know with God and time you do get better...I got 302 days clean now and life is a beautiful place once again but it took time...post back with some more info and I will try and help you further ....good luck and God bless.....Gnarly

[texasstar0068]

Thank's to all for all the info I wish i would have done more research before I started methadone.I've been on it for 4years my dose is 120 I want to get off soooooooooo bad. How much do I drop and when do you recommend? I need alot of prayers.I'm so sick of this demon having a hold on me and the money i have spent and will spend till I'm off. $360 a month $4,320 a year is crazy! ! !  Please  someone help with some info please it will be greatly appreciated.
                             "GOD PLEASE HEAL US ALL"

[copper255]

I was on 30 mg per day (methadone) and have shaved down near the end from 10 to 5 to 4 then 2 1/2, then 1.25 mgs per day. This is over a six month period, cancer treatment( I'm in remission). Today was my first day without methadone and my stomach is upset, nerves are frayed, and I'm a mess.  How long will this last, what should I expect.  My main goal in life is to stay off it! help please

[gnarly_1]

HI.....well it all depends on how long you where on it....from your post I know it was at lest 6 mo  the initial detox takes about 2 weeks for methadone to run its course this is the hardest part but the recovery time can also be drawn out if you have been on it a wile typically it takes about 90days to get over the energy crash and start to feel like yourself again
dont get discouraged recovery happens slowly as you go along I was on the stuff for 6 1/2yrs but if you have been on it a yr or longer expect your recovery to take a wile
I wish I had better news but I dont candy coat it...rather tell you the way it is so you dont think something is wrong with you ....you posted on an old thread you may want to start a new one for yourself ....go to the top of the page click on the green button maked post a question you will get a lot more responses off a fresh post ..keep posting for support good luck and God bless......Gnarly  

[Coat1296]

I have been going to a methadone clinic for 5 yrs. It has really helped me in the sense getting me away from all the temptation of pills and changing my lifestyle. Although you don't feel like ur getting high it still gives u energy. My mistake was getting takehomes because it wasn't as hard on me going to the clinic everyday I got comfortable and never tried to really come off of it! That is until now. My house got broken into n someone stole all of my takehomes, so now I have to go to clinic everyday before I drive an hour to college. Now that it's not so easy i want to come off of it! My best advice to anyone is if u don't think u can get away from the drugs n people that do drugs then I think the methadone program wld be good for u. But methadone is supposed to be a program where u get on it then start coming down. Once the clinics have u taking it they never try to get u to come off of it! So if I were u I wld not go past 60 MHD n once u feel stable to start coming off of it! You don't want to be there forever and coming off methadone is a slow process unless u want to set itself up for diaster. Hope this helps! Good luck to u! Methadone is good for some people bt not all! If u can quit pills urself it's better than getting on something else! Be strong u can get off pills urself u don't need methadone unless u are like me n can't quit urself! It has it's pro's n con's!

[drevan123]

Well bon bon thier really isn't much i can say except u are exactly right about the 5th day.  It's horrible if you can get xanex that will help a lot or a sleep aid, clonodine also helps.  i'm 25 yrs. old and i have been thru thisseveral times, and it's a *****.  but don't get ur head dwn you can do it where you from? depending on that will let me know what coverage ur state offers.

[hungry2]

Not sure appropriate to post here, but have watching the agony of my husband of 21 years trying to get off the methadone he's been using for about 2 years now.  Was up to 125 mg & decided he wanted to be free of it.  The constant fear of withdrawing/difficulty of going on vacation/unexpected trips are inpossible/etc etc.  It's a slow process, but 13 months since started weaning I believe he's down to like 42, but the third and fourth day after a step down are obviously agony.  He is SO negative, unhappy, can't eat (sweets only & milk), smoking so much.  I hate living this way, our 3 kids have no idea what's wrong with him, just that every few days he's an animal crouching in the dark bedroom.  I wish to support him, I know he's getting closer all the time, but I've sacraficed so much of my own life & my girls for SO long (10 years chronic pain/addiction of my husband) but I want him to find his peace.  Just want to know...can a person with chronic pain (back surgery, circulation problems in legs) ever truly be free from this stuff?  

[tristalynn22]

you did it cold turkey....thats amazing! how...i can;t!!!!!!!!!!!

[gnarly_1]

HI welcome to the forum and yes a cronic (chronic) ain suffer can break free from this stuff I was on it for 6 1/2 yrs for cronic (chronic) pain all the way to 150mg it took 8 1/2 mo to tapper down but I did it and tomorrow is my 2yr anniversary its taken a lot its not ez and the recovery is long mabe 90 days or so but today I live with less pain then wile on it motrin takes care of most of my pain I choose to live with a little......better then living in a fog and missing out of life sex and emotions if you guys need help im kinda the go to guy for methadone I can help you write back if you have queations or want help good luck and God bless,,,....Gnarly

[hungry2]

Thanks Gnarly.  And congratulations on 2 years!!  I read your post before reading your reply to my question & I have to say it's great how much good first hand experience you help so many people thru.  A true gift.  I think the irresponsible clinic my man goes to (and pays 500 a month to) is crazy cruel to give no support to people trying to get off this stuff. Conflict of interest ya think???  My man does not go to meetings or consult with his med. Dr... But the nutritional packs I got him from dr Dave seem to be key to his healing.  I am convinced that the brain chemistry imbalance is essential to work on.  My own personal experience with gabba & vitamin b has proven to work so well in helping with depression that I take no other med  we are hopeful that my husband will get as much from the nutritional path.  Anyway I just wanted to say thank you as you've given me hope for a better quality of life for this great guy I love.  Today better...4 th day from the Friday step-downs.

[Goldoman]

Hey guys what's up, my name Carlos. I got o line and searched the methadone detox and luckily saw your post. I've been detoxing methadone for about 18 months and I just went down from 7 to 4mg this week about three days ago, and tried kicking it yesterday. I went all day feeling ok, but at night time I started feeling like crap, I had a burning sensation in my stomach, I was very gasie. I felt like I can deal with that so o went along with it, but when the time came to go to sleep my legs started cramping like hell and the leg pain wouldn't let me sleep, so I just ended up taking my dose, and decided that I'm going to wait a few weeks and go down to 2 mg and take it from there. Any advice? Please

[Cruelworld94]

Id like to know if its better to just quit when you are at 15mg of Methadone a day...I was at 20, went down to 15 for the past week, cramping and diarrhea *****.  Wouldnt it just be easier to just quit and get it over with all at once? Have been taking for about 5 mo. Before that it was Percocets 5mg 2x a day for about a year for pain. I want this to end, tired of these pills owning me.  

[annieoh]

Kiylen,I am new to this site . I  really need to actually talk to someone ono on one. Iam detoxing off of Methadone and Im soo scared.If i give you my email address,will you respond ,then i could give you my phone number. Anne

[gnarly_1]

check your mail

[Perk10]

I have been on methadone ever since my near fatal car accident & for the past year I have dropped dwn to a 20mg dose per day. Does anyone know how long it will take to start feeling ok again bcuz I am not in the position to be able to lay dwn &,withdraw, I have to care for my newborn baby by myself, I really need some friends for support but noone I know would understand my situation. If I didn't have someone small depending on me for everything it would be a whole lot easier to accomplish this. My doctor of 5 years perscribed this evil drug to me & failed to patient counsel me of what was in store for me if I wanted to come off of it. Now, I am rushing around my house washing clothes, etc trying to get as prepared as I possibly can, feeling & acting as tho my life is going to end in a day bcuz that is when I take my last dose of 10mg. I am already getting fever, chills, & nausea & I only cut my dose in half. What happened was this, my doctor of 5 years dropped me without any warning bcuz when he gave me a test, the right dosage wasn't in my system. I have been taking it like I am suppose to but he won't believe me due to other patients lying to him I guess. Can he legally just drop me & let me suffer like this. Please, if anyone has any advice that will give me an ounce of hope it will greatly be appreciated.

[gnarly_1]

get up to walmart and pick up a 3 in 1 vitamin calcium/magnesium/zinc .......take 4 in the morning and 4 with dinner in a few days this will help with your withdrawals
for recovery I recamend whey proten shakes again walmart for 15 bucks for a 2lb can there full of amino acids as well as extra vitamins ans raw protein all of witch the brain needs to heal the choklate flavore is good just mix it with milk drink 2 a say till you come around im so sorry your doctor did this to you this is just like coming off 20mg so its going to be a ruff ride but you gave birth its not as bad as that but expect the next 2 weeks to be sore and run down along with the symptoms you have already if you need support im out here to help I help most of the methadoinans good luck and God bless.....Gnarly