Methadone Question

[KristenV]

I've been addicted to methadone for 9 years. I've gotten it from another girl but she is moving to another state and I am about to be cut off. I am taking 30mgs. per day and I don't really get a high anymore. I'm afraid that my bf,mom and work will find out when I get sick. What can I do? I am TERRIFIED!!

[OnOxyfor10yrs]

Get yourself to a doc that precribes suboxoxe asap. That is your only option at this time. You need to fess up to your loved ones too. You can't do this alone. 9 years on methadone is a very very long time to be on it and the WD are terrible so I hear. I am on sub right now after being on oxy for 10 years and I have no cravings at all. When is your source of methadone moving? If it is say in a month or two, try tapering down. You could also try going to a methadone clinic. You have to at LEAST make an appointment with an addiction specialist to see what your options are. I know you are scared. I was scared to when I went off the oxys. I had to be in minor wd before the sub was administered and after an hour or so I felt much much better. I now feel normal and am ready to taper down. I am on 24mg a day and have been for almst 4 weeks. Best of luck to you and keep us informed.


L

[godezzofchaos]

Go to a methadone clinic. Methadone can be a wonderful way to fight addiction, I know many people will disagree with me, many think it is "trading one drug for another" or is "the worst one of all", but for ME..it is a life-saver. I have been on methadone for 9 years at 150mg a day and have a VERY successful career, life and family. I chose methadone because at the time I decided to get off heroin and pills I was a single mother of a young child, and could not possibly lay sick.  That child is now 16 and has had a wonderful life (including being an accomplished equestrian). Methadone HAS to be used in conjuction with a program and used PROPERLY. A stable dose is a MUST. One does not even receive the opiate receptor blockage until 80mg.

Honey, I suggest you admit your problem and seek the help of a professional clinic. They can help you detox properly if you so choose, I fear cold turkey will only push you into a downward spiral.  Good luck and let me know if I can help!

[sadinmichigan]

screw that...methadone is NO WAY to fight addiction to pills. I will stand true to my beliefs i don't care what anyone says..Be sick..get it over with and be done..It is a horrible w/d but not impossible.I went cold off 65 mg...it was no picnic for sure but I didn't die and am still here after 2 years..

[godezzofchaos]

And I'll stand true to mine, what makes us indivuals! Congratulations to you!

[sadinmichigan]

I have 6 kids and methadone didn't save my life in any way...it caused more pain than I ever could have imagined..to each his own...methadone is just another drug...and it's more powerful than heroin.

[godezzofchaos]

Exactly..to each his own.  I know it's not for everyone, I know many people who it has made worst, but fot ME..it worked.  Your way is definetly the PREFERED way, but the orginal post is already in a pickle. Anyway, not a debate I want to have..I sincerely admire and respect your success!  

[OnOxyfor10yrs]

People, she needs to at least taper off the methadone with the aid of suboxone. She can do this w/o the need of going to a methadone clinic. Remember that she has a job that I am sure she can't afford to lose. Kristen, at least look into the sub. Do what you want, but the sub is a quick fix to a 9 year problem. You can taper off the sub easier than the methadone. Just my opinion.

[godezzofchaos]

Yep..I agree. She shouldn't just quit, and I hear SUBOXENE works wonders! I would look into all your options, I would suggest that you talk to those close to you, sometimes letting the secret out to your friends and family can be the 1st step and EXACTLY what you need!  Keep us posted!

[worried878]

some can stay clean without outside help..others can not...my lortab addiction was no picnic either and if i had to stay on something longt term to keep me from relapsing ...then i would choose that over the hydros..it was about tho financially ruin me when i quit...everyone has to make these decisions on their own personality and needs..aftercare is so important and finding a meeting near u would be a great idea for u right now...[phone] and make a plan..tapering down right now off the methadone could help...there are many ways to quit...or if u feel u need it long term then u need to see a doctor about sub or methadone...most go with the sub it seems but it is also very habit forming and is a powerful drug...try not to be afraid and make a plan that u can live with...keep posting

[sadinmichigan]

I am glad that it helped you but the problem is..for me anyway, is that there are only a very very few who will say methadone helped them..and most are still on it when they say it..so in my mind..majority rules..there is always the exception..but it's not the norm.

[KristenV]

Thanks so much for your advice- all of you! I appreciate it more than you'll ever know. I have to keep my job and I'm not sure about the methadone clinic. I think its hours are 6am-12noon and its 45 miles in the other direction from where I work 6am-2:30pm,Mon-Fri.(my work hours). I live alone, my bf doesn't know and I'm afraid it will totally crush my 76yr.old mom. I hate myself for ever starting methadone. However, there is a suboxone dr. in my area but how much work will I miss and will my workplace find out if I use my insurance? I may not have any other choice- things look desperately bleak now as my last dose is this coming Friday.

[sadinmichigan]

call the sub dr..you will not be able to work going through the w/ds from methadone..it's too hard..You will have to be in w/d when you get on sub..so I suggest you make an appointment..asap! Hopefully they are open on the weekend, if not..then skip taking the methadone to start a sub plan..sub is not as strong as methadone so you should expect to take the highest dose possible of it to counteract the methadone..but please..try to get off the sub as soon as you can..

[TysonRed]

Look into the 21 day method of using Suboxone, it has worked for many people, you may need to be Sub for longer depending on your doctor's decissions. You will need to find the courage to come clean, you cannot hide this, it will become too much for you to deal with by yourself under the radar from others. Trust me, there was a point in my life where I had admit to my parents that I was an addict, all the fear and stress of their response was soon relieved when I realized all they wanted to do at that point was to help and support me in getting clean. If your friend is not leaving for awhile you may have time to taper your dose down, or other option is to just cold turkey. Next option is to find a methadone clinic or a doctor that is willing to help you...In my case there isnt a methadone clinic around, but I did find a compassionate addiction specialist who started me on a taper...I myself was just like you in respects to getting all my methadone through friends rather than a doctor so I was dependant on friends constantly that caused tremendous stress. So check and see if you can find an addiction specialist, or clinic. Next option is to find a sub doctor in your area, you can go to suboxone website and type in your zip code and area around, and it will filter the results showing you Sub doc's around you. Since you have been on methadone for long time, I would probably imagine the doctor will probably set you on a longer schedule. But you can try the 21 taper when/if you get suboxone, I wish Id known about it when I started Suboxone. Now I do think suboxone works, theres some question as to what is the absolute appropriate way to use it though. In my case Im on 4 month plan and started at 8mgs, theres also some controversy in what starting doses should be administered, my own opinion is simple the lower the better, it would seem the lower the dose is that makes you comfortable is what you should be started at. In your case, you will have to wait 48hrs without methadone to start sub treatment. If you have any questions Id be happy to try an answer them, I hid my addiction to methadone for a long time and that constant stress of the daily grind was greatly reduced once I came clean and realized that I had support. Do what you know is right and in return shall come the light! Good Luck...keep posting for support...you can do it!

[KristenV]

If I go the suboxone route can anyone tell me a guesstimate of how long I'll be out of work?Thanks for your advice TysonRed, sadinmichigan,godezzofchaos,worried878 and OnOxyfor10yrs! I need everyones perspective.

[godezzofchaos]

Sadi, you are absolutly right..the negative seems for many to out-weigh the positive!  I am proof that is you do it like it suppose to it can work..now that's not to say at times it doesn't frustrate me that I ALWAYS have to be prepared..meaning, I have to plan trips around my clinic schedule and need to be very careful of who I let into my inner circle. (as we all should).  I am fortunate that I have monthly take-homes and it is less and less of a hassle, however I do plan to begin my SLOW taper.detox when my daughter graduates. This is my long-term goal. FOR ME..IT WORKED, I know many who it just was a legal high. I have stayed at the same dose for the past 8 years and have never touched another drug, including alcohol.

Because Kristen is on a fairly low-dose SUBOXENE is a real good option, if you are going from methadone to SUBOXENE you have to be down to 40mg before you can begin, that is a long way from my 150.

KristenV, you can do it, but PLAN now so you are not left to do so in the midst of withdrawls. GOOD LUCK!

[theeagle]

Well, you only really have these few alternatives. And they were spelled out for you. You can do sub or methadone. You can taper your dose until you can quit. You can switch your habit to something else and then quit it. Or you can quit something cold turkey. Your friends and family will notice if you c/t around them. Most have sickness and cramps in addition to sweats and chills and trouble sleeping and the rls .....just all kinds of things that people will notice....best of luck no matter what direction you take .....

[KristenV]

my friend is leaving this Friday; short notice unfortunately.

[KristenV]

Thanks.

[godezzofchaos]

KristenV, where do you live?

[godezzofchaos]

I have another question...have you only been taking 30mg the ENTIRE 9 years, and do you take it every day? They start you out on a higher dose than that at my clinic, and were you on another opiate prior to you taking methadone? Just wondering.

[KristenV]

I appreciate your comments. I have hidden this from so many for so long. I worry about losing my job. I know I can take a week off but I'd rather they didn't find out- I've worked there for 10 yrs.

[KristenV]

I take 30 mg. around 7:30 am every morning

[KristenV]

I live in Hickory,NC

[godezzofchaos]

That is a very low dose-you should have no problem switching to Suboxene and may not have any down time. Get on the phone TUESDAY! You may even try your primary care doctor, We all have our crosses to bear!

[KristenV]

My addiction started when I was in a car wreck and took a Darvocet for the first time. Suddenly, I felt happy and confident like I'd never felt before. I then switched to Ultram from a dr. for my period troubles. Later on, a friend told me of a friend who had methadone and now here I am today.

[godezzofchaos]

Well girl, I think the burden of this secret is probably your biggest obstacle. No one wants to disappoint our loved ones, but our love ones would NEVER want us to suffer alone either.  Have faith in your bf and your mom, they don't love you because you are without flaws, the love you in spite of them. If your bf turns his back on you when you need him most, my advice would be you don't need him at all!  Hang in there girl. Where do you live (what state).

[TysonRed]

Yes, tuesday get on phone and try to get into a sub doc sometime this coming week. Try to make whatever methadone you can get last as long as possible, seriously start to conserve until you can get in for an appt. Once you do, and have not taken methadone for 36-48hrs you can start sub. You will feel fine while on sub, fully capable of going to work in my opinion, although its different from methadone, for me it gives me the energy methadone did to get my things done. Start to conserve right now, tomorrow you should try to take less than normal, start stocking up whatever you can just in case you cant find a sub doctor right off the bat. Good luck, and remember were here for you, and Im sure your family will be to when you get this off your chest. I know the shame and embarassment involved but its essential for those around you to be aware and supportive in getting you the help you need.

[KristenV]

Thanks so very much! Your comments are helping me a great deal! TysonRed, I am encouraged to hear that you felt fine on Sub! Did your Dr. give you something to make you sleep?

[KristenV]

I've also heard that taking Suboxone too soon will push you into horrible withdrawals .Any thoughts on this? How do you deal with PAWS? Also, did you have trouble sleeping and restless leg syndrome?

[KristenV]

I'm getting off the computer now - I'll check back later. Thanks to everyone - I don't feel all alone now and that means SO MUCH!

[godezzofchaos]

They actually offer Suboxene at my methadone clinic and from what I was told you can start it once you are down to 40mg a day. That is another alternative, you can check with your area methadone clinic for information, they may be able to point you in the right direction. I also wanted to tell you that methadone has a 1/2 life, so do as the previous poster suggested and CONSERVE. If you 1/2 dose one day then full the next you will be okay. The toughest part is the mind games it plays with you, you ARE NOT DYING if you miss one day. See if you could maybe purchase some extra to get you through or if your "friend" knows anyone to help you. Don't wait until the last minute Kristen, get on this right away...it will make things ALOT easier on you!

[KristenV]

Thanks for your info about the half life

[godezzofchaos]

Kristen..e-mail me at ***@**** OR instant message me

[mtgoat911]

suboxone is dangerous
i kicked a 10 yr 200mg a day methadone habit
suboxone was not needed
infact sub. made me very sick for the short time i tried it
if you want to get clean please send me a message here at medhelp
with so many people needing help for this issue
it is important to know first
if the person wants to get clean

[TysonRed]

I take xanax xr 2mg daily, clonidine 3 times a day, and Im trying to just use melatonin to help me sleep. Now everyone reacts different to suboxone, but Ive found it to be somewhat similar to methadone, not really in how it feels, but just that you have the energy and are not sick. Now to say suboxone is dangerous, that is somewhat correct, but make no mistake methadone is just as dangerous, and last time I checked methadone related deaths far out weighed those of suboxone. Neither one is something you want to be addicted to, but the fact remains, suboxone is an alternative to using methadone, just as quitting cold turkey, or tapering your dose is an alternative. Just because on person likes methadone but doesnt like suboxone doesnt make one more dangerous than the other. There is more potential for abuse with methadone that is for sure, when taking a dose below 80mgs you can still get high from using other opiates, while with suboxone that is not the case. Suboxone can be abused to a point, but the ceiling effect is 32mgs, and really most of the bad experiences you will hear is that from some who have been started on too high of a dose, or used it as a maintenance drug,and not purely as a tool to be used for recovery. Dont think your gonna get on suboxone and stay on it for a long time, that is for methadone. Just a closing note, methadone related deaths are at an all time high, now most of those deaths involve mixing with benzos or other sedatives that are also CNS depressants, but the fact remains methadone is causing more deaths than it ever has before. Im not advocating suboxone as a cure all just as a tool in the path to sobriety. Wish all of you the best of luck, and congrats to all to have overcome their own demons, but we are all unique, what works for one may not work for the other,so please be open minded when it comes to peoples choices. There is no blanket statement that can be said to be a cure, and of course if your strong enough to get through something without any treatment then so be it, but please be understanding to those who may not have the power within themselves to overcome their struggles, there's no harm in asking for help. All the best,and any questions you have, Id be more than happy to try and answer them when your ready.

[worried878]

there is a good possibillity that u could use sub and not miss any work at all...if u stay at the 21 day limit and follow a schedule...it is like any narcotic tho..if u can not follow a taper u will be hooked..most insurances do not cover sub...check with urs and  privacy makes it to where ur work place will not find out if ur insurance does indeed cover sub....u can do sub long term as well if u need too...i am not an advocate of sub and think u should try every avenue possible before using sub to quit...but i do understand having to work

[KristenV]

Thanks- that's what I was wondering- (if I had to miss work?)

[Penelope14]

Kristen, I just wanted to wish you the best of luck in getting off methadone, it's not as easy as other opiates to detox from, but it's done everyday by many people & at different mgs. I know the fear of trying to hold your job while detoxing, I have first hand experience of this, as I detoxed from methadone 5 1/2 months ago with the mindset that I could return to work after taking off 2 weeks, I really thought this would be plenty of time to recover, well I found out it wasn't, even after two weeks off of methadone I was still dealing with anxiety, sweats, chills, and no sleep, Im not trying to be negative nor scare you, I only want you to know what you may be up against, as this is a lengthy detox. Whatever path you decide to go down be positive, having a good attitude is the best advise I can give you. Take Care Penelope         P.S The typical time frame to recover from a methadone detox is around 4 weeks, this is a huge turning point for most.

[Mustang01]

For the past year I have been on Avinza 60 mg  QD and Oxy 15 mg 6 tabs QD and would take up to 10 a day at times of the Oxy, before that I was on Vicodin 10/500 every day since 2003 for a MVA I was in, right now Iam taking just the Avinza and 1- 15 mg Oxy a day, when I would try to decrease my dose of Oxy I would feel the W/D but, I am taking Clonidine this weekend for the first time along with my Xanax and Ambian and I do not feel any W/D, this is my 3rd day.  to think that I was on 6-10 Oxy a day down to 1 a day is great and no W/D symptoms since using the Clonidine, It is for high blood pressure but is being used for W/D symptoms in clinics and pescribed by PCP. Go to your Dr. and ask for the Clonidine. Iam using it as Iam tapering and it is working wonders, a little tired but that is passing today...I feel great today!

[KristenV]

Thanks Mustang01 for the info. I am so scared of losing my job and telling my mom. I am 43 yrs old but I still hate to hurt and shame her. I live next door and spend lots of time with her.
Penelope- I want to ask you more questions- I'll send a message. Thanks for your info as well.

[KristenV]

I wonder if suboxone and clonidine are prescribed together to get off methadone?

[KristenV]

Sorry for last post- after going back and reading  TysonReds response they are prescribed together so he already answered my question!

[OnOxyfor10yrs]

Kristen, what you could do if you need time off from work and they deny this to you is.....well this is shady but take a fall in work and pretend you hurt your back. This should give you a week or two off from work if you can fake it well. I was on oxys for 10 years and on other opiates 4 years prior to that and let me tell you that after the first hour on the sub I felt completely better. After taking the full dose that I needed I felt totally normal. I am returning to work tommorow after a family leave and feel confident that I can worknormal. Iam on 24 mg a day and now I am tapering down to 16mg starting today. I have been on it for a month, Goodluck hon


L

[worried878]

right now u need to take care of u...like oxy said...work is so important, this i know...when i quit my doc..practically ct i took 4 days off...i returned but there were many ups and downs...at one point i just decided i did not care anymore..my main problem was lack of energy and my job requires mental and physical alertness...i worried as some days i would have to go home early..i called in more than usualy...but u know getting myself clean was more important than any job..i love my job but i had to love myself too...i made it...job intact...and u can too

[worried878]

one last thought....u need to focus on what u need to do right now...and let the future fall into place...take it day by day....make ur plan and stick with it...u r not on a high dose of methadone and u will come out of this just fine..mentally u need to stay as positive as u can...because the mental aspect of this is what will get u...KNOW THAT U CAN DO THIS!   never think u cant....it is all upstairs and dont doubt urself...move forward and play it by ear...day by day by day...put all the advantages u can in ur corner..seek aftercare, make a plan, post and pray...u will be fine..i feel it in my bones