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Methadone Stories...Pros & Cons...
I'm 20 years old, 5'2" tall and weigh 100 lbs. I take 30 norco a day and have blew through $300K work of my father's inheritance money and there is nothing left. I have no family left exept for my boyfriend who is doing everything he can to help me. Neither of us have health insurace, and have lost everything because of my addiction. Luckily my liver is made of steel because my enzymes, which were checked a few weeks ago were elevated but not at a dangerous level. I have tried quitting cold turkey and can't handle it. I have tried suboxone and it game me headaches and depression so bad that I actually thought about suicide for the first time since my teen years. I'm considering Methadone but have read so many horror stories and would like hear some from those who have read my story and tell me what they think. I have tried tapering and that's harder than trying to just stop CT. I've tried the Thomas Recipe and I just threw up all the pills. I'm at the end of my rope and I don't want to die...I want to live but my options are running out. I don't want to replace one drug for another stronger one. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you :)
I became a yuppie junkie, quite by accident...it started with pain meds, led to street drugs, heroin...I didnt even KNOW anything about opiates really...Then I heard about this legal treatment called Methadone. I heard you could detox in 90 days! Wow, I thought I had found the answer. I started on a low dose, 30 mil. and wanted to be done by Christmas(It was summer)! Well, Even though I was on the lowest dose, and NEVER increased it, and even though I was on Methadone for less than 8 months, I am here to say, getting off of it, almost killed me. Literally. The withdrawal was 1000 times worse than ANY other opiate I had tried to kick! I had 27 days sleep deprivation, and the ONLY reason I made it was because I had moved to a town where I didnt know anyone to get dope from, AND because the secret of my addiction was SO important to keep at the time,(I didnt feel I could tell anyone)that I lived through what I consider torture. I know this sounds dramatic, but it is TRUE. Had I known going into it what was going to happen coming out of it? I never would have made it! Unless you have been opiate addicted for years, and you want to spend YEARS on methadone to get a life back? Dont touch it! I promise you, it is THE WORST physical withdrawal a person can endure, AND it LASTS for months instead of days or weeks...Good Luck to ALL of those that are dealing with this category of drugs called Opiates.
At all costs I would advise anyone to avoid methadone. It is so much more difficult to get off of than any for of opiate ever. I was on and off the clinic for over 2 decades. They do have meetings alright, and usually you wont know whether you are supposed to be at one until you walk through the door that day. And you willl walk thru that door at least 6days a week, and most that get one methadone, rarely get off. Believe me there are still many a Vietnam Vet that got on the methadone program when the returned to the States and are still battling to get off of it, and they are surely alot tougher than me.
Mainly clinics are a breeding ground for addicts trade meds and network. And remember, methadone was not approved for clinic use as a detox originally, it was to MAINTAIN addicts, and it does so well. But that is all it can offer you. The only thing that changes is that the clinic becomes your new "dealer", and the done is like liquid handcuffs. It is a form of slavery, like any other addiction. Remember, as with all pharmaceuticals, this is a business, and unfortunately there is more money in maintenance than cures.
Check with your doctor about a medicine called Clonadine. It's an old blood pressure medication and helps with withdrawals, though you would probally require close supervision with this as well. It sure makes for an easier detox.
Mainly clinics are a breeding ground for addicts trade meds and network. And remember, methadone was not approved for clinic use as a detox originally, it was to MAINTAIN addicts, and it does so well. But that is all it can offer you. The only thing that changes is that the clinic becomes your new "dealer", and the done is like liquid handcuffs. It is a form of slavery, like any other addiction. Remember, as with all pharmaceuticals, this is a business, and unfortunately there is more money in maintenance than cures.
Check with your doctor about a medicine called Clonadine. It's an old blood pressure medication and helps with withdrawals, though you would probally require close supervision with this as well. It sure makes for an easier detox.
I went from vicodin to methadone and that was the worst decision I ever made. Since you have no insurance you beed to give tapering another try. It is hard, but I sware to you with everything I have, methadone w/d is a million times worse and so much longer. I am on day 22 from methadone w/d and haven't even started to climb up that monster of a hill that is recovery. I am being as honest as I can because I know what you are going through right now and I promise you will regret getting on methadone. If I could I would flush every bit of methadone in the world down the toilet because I know what it did to me. For most people, if they start methadone, they will never get off it and you are too young to go through life with that weight on your shoulders. Do you not have a state hospital where you live that sees everyone no matter the lack of insurance or money? It's not the easiest and fanciest way to go, and don't be surprised when you have to wait 8 plus hours to see a doc, but it is an option. That's the way I had to go. My husband doesn't have insurance at his job and I'm a stay at home mom, so unfortunately when we need to see a doctor that's where we have to go. Whatever decision you make is your own. I just wanted you to know my experience before you walk into a methadone clinic, because once you walk in you may never walk away... Good luck and God bless.
I can tell you from first hand experience, if you get on methadone it will make things worse, much much worse.
I switched from heroin to methadone to suboxone and ended up stuck on suboxone for 4 years. Once suboxone or methadone become a routine part of life it may seem that things are working out and your life is getting back in order and everything is getting better, but you will be committing to a life-long, nearly impossible to quit addiction.
I strongly advise you not to consider either of the 2 and simply taper down to minimal dosage and then if at all possible create an environment for yourself where you are not alone, cant go out, have no money, no access to drugs.
You can scream, yell, cry, claw at the walls, or spend half of the day in warm baths like I am doing now, but you have to get through it, switching 1 addiction for another is no solution.
I always thought I was weak, unable to tolerate pain, but have surprised myself this last week, day 7 without suboxone and still holding on and getting better.
Good luck.
I switched from heroin to methadone to suboxone and ended up stuck on suboxone for 4 years. Once suboxone or methadone become a routine part of life it may seem that things are working out and your life is getting back in order and everything is getting better, but you will be committing to a life-long, nearly impossible to quit addiction.
I strongly advise you not to consider either of the 2 and simply taper down to minimal dosage and then if at all possible create an environment for yourself where you are not alone, cant go out, have no money, no access to drugs.
You can scream, yell, cry, claw at the walls, or spend half of the day in warm baths like I am doing now, but you have to get through it, switching 1 addiction for another is no solution.
I always thought I was weak, unable to tolerate pain, but have surprised myself this last week, day 7 without suboxone and still holding on and getting better.
Good luck.
I'm 14 days free of methadone today using 2mg of suboxone! I will never take another methadone as long as I live! The w/d's from those devils was like nothing else! And that was with suboxone help! Strengthen yourself mentally and do it! Just give the pills up!
Oh my girl you are so beautiful and going through hell/ I have been addicted to vicodin, methadone, suboxone, oxys of all sorts cigarettes, booze. Over the years have been depressed/sucidal because of pills an just plain never thought I could stop any of this crap....I knw what you are going through and you probably feel so helpless!!! I have no idea what kind of time you can take off from work? Over the years I have traded one addiction for another and you know the most recent I was taking 20 to 50 vicodin a day 10mg-325, morphine 30mg-3 to 5 a day, 80mg oxy-1 and 10mg of methadone-5 that is crazy and I weigh 110 and I am 5'7. I recently went to an amazing doctor sick sick sick!!!! He put my on this coctail of generic cheap meds! I felt kind of sick for the first 3 days then I just felt heavy like I weighed 250 and dizzy. I was too tired to smoke and have been drug and smoke free since jan 22/2011. I took these pills which my boyfriend fed me for 3 and half weeks. I could sleep for 10 to 12 hours at a time! I was so exhaused tv was not even interesting and I love my svu and law and order. It is the only time this has ever worked for me. I have been addicted for over 10 years. I have blown through lots of money too!!! My man stood by me and found this doctor whom is a genius and was an addict himself! He knows his stuff and was only like 200.00 hundred plus like 60.00 dollars of meds with refills and now when he sees me he is shocked at how amazing I am doing. Suboxone made me depressed too, I wanted to cry all the time and i was sucidal and apologizing for everything. I was terrified because I thought I would be addicted forever!!!! If you are still seeking an answer let me know? I want to help I know how it feels to be at the end of a very long rope!!!! I hope you respond. This method needs someone to stand by you though because I had a very hard time walking to the bathroom without help, I actually feel 1 time and that sucked trying to get up when you feel heavy is impossible. I would turn right around and do it all over again and I can't say that about much in my life! SavSam don't give up hope you can be helped AND YOU ARE RIGHT METHODONE IS ANOTHER ADDICTION THAT YOU DON'T WANT!!!!
usarmymedic1 is right. The mindset that you are going to quit is I think the biggest key to actually doing it. Set your goals and start achieving them day by day.
ok methadone clinics have new regulations and now can not use it for a fast or slow detox only can be used for a maintance program which is BS the first time I came of Narc's I did a fast taper of methadone took 8 days along with a verity of other meds to help with the sign symptoms of the withdrawals. that was 4 years ago I went back to the va agian to help with my detox after several surgeries and multiple spinal fractures this is when I found out about the new regulation. going on a methadone maintance progam means you have to go to the clinic 6 to 7 days a week in the morning ( well at the VA it is between 0600 to 0900) go through class ( classes can help with the mental aspects ) but if you want off you just have to do it not want it but well it be it live it like the saying just grab the bull by the horns. then kick it's A$$ you need to get in the mind set that you are going to quit this is the first step and I applaude you for making it. there are meds and vitams that can help with the withdrawals but you have to have the mind set before trying good luck you need some one to talk to just message me I am here to help any way you need it
stay strong
army strong
MEDIC1
stay strong
army strong
MEDIC1
In my experience through my husband Methadone wds are crazy too. But the key is to not get addicted to it. Which may prove difficult, just depending on who you are I guess. How have you been doing today though?
Hi SavSam
I was taking about 120mgs of hydro daily. Of course it didn't start out that way. The addiction spiraled out of control so quickly. I asked my doctor for help and he prescribed two 5mg methadone daily. I was skeptical too after reading so much negative press about meth. I took my first pill today and feel pretty good. Not near the w/d symptoms I usually experience when going cold turkey. It's hard to know what to do but I think in your case it's clear that you need to get off the norco. I highly recommend NA. Find a womens meeting near you and get there today! Good luck to you.
I was taking about 120mgs of hydro daily. Of course it didn't start out that way. The addiction spiraled out of control so quickly. I asked my doctor for help and he prescribed two 5mg methadone daily. I was skeptical too after reading so much negative press about meth. I took my first pill today and feel pretty good. Not near the w/d symptoms I usually experience when going cold turkey. It's hard to know what to do but I think in your case it's clear that you need to get off the norco. I highly recommend NA. Find a womens meeting near you and get there today! Good luck to you.
Tramadol wd's are far worse than any regular opiate pain med wd's..Be careful..There are a number of members in here that can attest to that fact
I agree with gnarly. But as you said you don't have insurance or money so it's hard. You just have to make a plan and do it on your own. Others here can tell you about tramadol and stuff as I don't know about that. Xanax is addictive even though most don't think it is so be careful with that.
sister i am right wtih you! I took up to 30 norco's a day and today is day one for me.. i took a xanax when i felt like ripping my skin off and i did help. be very thankful that you have your husband because im alone and no one in my family knows. I am very ashamed of my self!. Now here's my advice. IF you can go one day with out a pill, try a tramadol or zanax, only if you want to rip your skin off. also, i have not had any other wd's symptoms yet so i tried to not sit at home, when i was at home all i did was think about more pills. SO go do something,go for a walk, something. I will be here to talk with you as we beat this damn it together! GOod luck.
I have a bottle of tramadol I'm supposed to pick up tomorrow from the pharmacy and I know that I can use it to treat the withdrawals and am able to stop it at anytime. When I begin building a tolerance to the Trams I stop for a couple of days and the tolerance goes back down. Luckily I had bloodwork done recently and my liver enxymes were up but not in any dangerous levels....
The problem with inpatient treatment is that I have no insurance and no money and the only place I have found which is 2 hours away has a 6 month + waiting list. It seems everyone's attitude that I talk to at treatment centers changes when they find out I don't have insurance. I want to try this at home tomorrow using the tramdol and I'll keep posting how it's going. Right now I tool a xannax bar to help with the anxiety and so far I feel okay. Fortunately I have never had the urge to take xanax other than when I can't sleep or to calm the kicks and anxiety during withdrawals but stopping it is no problem. I do not drink (makes me very ill) and I don't use any illegal drugs. I started taking the norco after walking in and finding my father dead from a self-inflicted gunshop would to the head.
If there was a free inpatient treatment center...or at least one that would offer a payment plan...I would so go, but I can't find any that have less than a 6 month weight for a bed and you are knows as a number (like a prision inmate number) and they already said that they would put me back on anti-depressants which made me have vaginal bleeding so bad I became anemic and spent 4 days in the hospital, while Cymbalta made me produce breast milk when I wasn't even pregnant, Serequel made me go into a coma for 5 days...the scaries thing that's ever happened to me. Paxil did nothing, Depakote killed my fetus. I didn't realize I was pregnant until I miscarried in my bathroom. One medication make my skin burn and blister. THAT was crazy! Has anyone had any success using tramadol for anything? It doesn't make me feel high or euphoric, just normal. Thanks for the advice. Can't wait to get to know everyone on here.
The problem with inpatient treatment is that I have no insurance and no money and the only place I have found which is 2 hours away has a 6 month + waiting list. It seems everyone's attitude that I talk to at treatment centers changes when they find out I don't have insurance. I want to try this at home tomorrow using the tramdol and I'll keep posting how it's going. Right now I tool a xannax bar to help with the anxiety and so far I feel okay. Fortunately I have never had the urge to take xanax other than when I can't sleep or to calm the kicks and anxiety during withdrawals but stopping it is no problem. I do not drink (makes me very ill) and I don't use any illegal drugs. I started taking the norco after walking in and finding my father dead from a self-inflicted gunshop would to the head.
If there was a free inpatient treatment center...or at least one that would offer a payment plan...I would so go, but I can't find any that have less than a 6 month weight for a bed and you are knows as a number (like a prision inmate number) and they already said that they would put me back on anti-depressants which made me have vaginal bleeding so bad I became anemic and spent 4 days in the hospital, while Cymbalta made me produce breast milk when I wasn't even pregnant, Serequel made me go into a coma for 5 days...the scaries thing that's ever happened to me. Paxil did nothing, Depakote killed my fetus. I didn't realize I was pregnant until I miscarried in my bathroom. One medication make my skin burn and blister. THAT was crazy! Has anyone had any success using tramadol for anything? It doesn't make me feel high or euphoric, just normal. Thanks for the advice. Can't wait to get to know everyone on here.
HI Welcome to the forum......30 norco a day is a serious habit.....inpatcent rehab would be best you need to get off that amount b/4 it kills you your kidneys are more fragal then your liver and more supseptable to damage......methadone is safer then 30 pills a day but after detoxing on it I could never recommend it to any one check with your state run mental health care they should be able to point you in the right direction to get some help.....we have had members both taper and C/T off that amount and make it clean just know methadone detox is by far the worst and longest lasting of them all and in the end it is a loose loose situation please seek professional help first if that dont work we can walk you threw a home detox ....it wont be prity nor will rehab but in the end you will be clean good luck and God bless.....Gnarly
I don't know where you live or what your states laws are but maybe you could try applying for Medicaid
I've never had experience with methadone, I'm sure some who have will respond soon. Are you willing to do inpatient treatment? I have heard of some rehabs that go based on income, and even 2 in my area that just do donations, if your interested I can look into it more for you or you can google, call your local salvation army, they have little to no cost rehabs, but I don't know where they all are located, I have 2 in my area but I don't know if they have them all over or what but you could ask.
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