Hello, I am 24 yrs old, married with a beautiful two year old boy. I was an addict (all drugs, mainly heroin) for many years and entered a methadone program when I found out I was pregnant. I have been clean of all drugs (except methadone) ever since (3 years in May). I have no desire for drugs. I don't want that life. I have a good family and I am living the life I never thought was possible. My son is amazing, I am starting my own business, went to school, and I'm happy about that. But, I'm so stressed and down and out because of methadone. I had gained 5 take outs from my program but they took them from me for not being able to make groups (because I'm just too busy getting my life together). I really don't believe I need it, and when I do feel I need it I attend. I don't want to put my life on hold anymore because I have done that for car too long. I can't tell my boss that I have to leave early once every two weeks to sit in a room with a counselor who talks about her kid for an hour. Anyway, I want off the methadone because I know in my heart that I am ready, and the program is becoming a nuisance and a stress for me more than helping me. I have it wake up every morning to go and get it and I hate being dependent on it. I am currently slowly getting tapered down, I think I am now on 80ml. I want to be off it completely by the middle or end of summer. Is that possible? I know I can tolerate minor withdrawal, but, not heavy stuff. I just try to stay focused on other things. I also have a very under active thyroid which makes me very sluggish and weak and so it's even harder for me. I want to know the best and most effective way to get off of it and how I should,d bring it up to my counselor. She believes all addicts are the same, I believe all people are different. Some people need therapy and some don't some need methadone forever and some don't. I need help. How can I taper quickly yet effectively and what can I do during the taper to help me feel as comfortable as possible? (Sorry for the book)