What about methadone

[Beaten]

Hey everyone,

Its been awhile since i've posted mainly because i've been too ashamed too. I'm still on the oxy's and probably worse now then ever. I spent over 300 dollars over the wkd on this junk. I'm sick of it. Really sick of it. I decided that i was going to try a taper again. so i got a some percs to start the taper. Then my b/f blew up and said that he's fed up and want us to try methadone. This addiction is ruining our relationship but i honestly think that we can do it without methadone if he could just build up some willpower. We're both bad enough but when it comes down to it it feels like i'm a little stronger then he is but when we argue (mainly because of this) i just completly fall off the wagon. Now we're arguing about methadone he wants to try it and i dont think we should. I've heard alot of negative things about it. Any advice would be great.

[Beaten]

ok thank you soo much. Thats what i told him. and u know who told him about it? a low life drug dealer. no i haven't considered suboxone? can u tell me a little bit about it?

[wait2long]

my belief is that addiction is not about willpower...its a disease that needs treatment...but i have to agree with IBKleen, because i was on methadone...its just an awful drug to get off, i found myself in a worse situation than before i started the methadone...it was way worse than any drug i ever tried to kick...ever think about suboxone...??

[GoingToMakeIt]

It would be better to not use methadone, IMO It is harder to get off of than the oxy's. It sure sounds like you both need some counseling. You aren't going to get anywhere if you break down over an argument. and He seems to be lacking strength. You both seem to be feeding each other with excuses to use, it sounds like to me.

[Beaten]

you got it right on the mark. We totally feed off eachother in everyway. The thing is we actually have a wonderful relationship if u erase the addiction but these days it seems that our whole relationship revolves around the addiction. I'm not sure what we would even do with our time if we weren't using or trying to find these damn pills or arguing about finances (again because of the drugs).

I've heared about alot about methadone but not much about suboxone. Can anyone tell a little about it.  

Its really time to get a handle on this. I'm begining to get really really scared.

[feelingcrazierbytheday]

hey doll

[GoingToMakeIt]

Do a search. Suboxone is used to help you thru w/ds. It is a RX that only certain Drs can give. I still think that you two need to go to a counselor or NA. Because of the way you two interact. If you both get on the same page and quit. Then you can work on staying clean together.

[feelingcrazierbytheday]

oops...sorry..i always do that. I would just like to advise you to PLEASE stay away from the methadone...if your going to do it...do it for no more than 5-7 days max at one 10mg methadone pill every 24 hours...NO MORE!! ANd dont do it for any longer than 7 days...otherwise your withdrawls are going to be AWFUL....the withdrawl process lasted for me 3 months and i was only on them for about a month...i've quit oxy's and i've quit methadone...oxy's were cake in comparison..not easy..but no where near what methadone withdrawls last....trust me..

[wait2long]

OR go to my profile...just about everything you need to know about sub is there...if you have any questions just shoot me a PM...suboxone is used either for short term detox or long term maintenance, the choice is up to you how you want to handle it, new statistics show a 78% success rate with long term maintenance......and you can never go wrong with therapy...i see it as a MUST DO thing...
but please reconsider the methadone...it was the biggest mistake i made to date...

[Beaten]

thank everybody for confirming my thoughts about methadone. I'm at work right now but i'm leaving in a few minutes to go home for the evening and as soon as i get there i'm going to show my  b/f ur comments. After reading this there is noway i'm going to try it. Its so good to hear from real people who know and who have already been through it to spare someone like myself the pain and stress of having to endure. Thanks so much u guys and god bless.

[wait2long]

withdrawals from methadone consist of being VERY ill for up to 6 weeks, because of its long half life (meaning it stays in your system and receptors for what seems like forever)
and after that if you become addicted to it, depending on how long you are on it and at what dose you are on...you could be looking at up to 3 years of PAWS (post acute withdrawal syndrome)...it is nothing to mess with...not many people make it off methadone successfully...sorry to say, and the ones that do, will tell you to stay away from it...
suboxone isnt like methadone, i have been on it since may...just research both and see what you learn about the 2 drugs...

[catchiec]

Hi Beaten,
  I had the same problem. Both my B/F and I started using Oxy for recreational use and wanted to get off it. We decided to go with methadone. Thank god for Meth. The reason people have a problem with it is because they take Meth for to long and get addicted to it. If you just use Meth for detox and not maintence their will be no problems. We started at 25 mg of meth the first day and went down by 5 mg each day for 5 days and then done. By that time the worst of the oxy withdrawals were gone and there was no more oxy in us and we were not addicted to meth after 5 days so we had no withdrawals from that. No body aches after being done just not as happy as usual for a couple of weeks and sometimes a mental craving for oxys after that but thats it! We did not go through a doctor. Got 80 MGs of meth off the street and did it ourselves. We tried to go cold turkey a few weeks prior to trying Meth and could not withdrawls were hell. Could of never done it without the meth. The only reason people are steering you away from meth is because they chose to use it for long periods of time and by the time they decided to get off they were addicted. You can not do Meth for more then 10 or 12 days before becoming addicted. Only ise it for short term detox 5 -7s and you guys will be fine. No physical withdrawal symptons at all and no missed days of work.

[nogie1717]

I have to agree with the others here.  Methadone can help with w/d's, but I would say take it no longer than a couple weeks.  I was addicted to that icky $H!T for a year and can tell you firsthand that it is THE WORST drug to come off of.  Regardless of what you might read, Methadone can get you high, real high.

The choice is yours, though.  I take suboxone and it works well for me.  One, I can't abuse it the way I did Methadone and two, it blocks the effects of other opiates, so I really don't think about getting meds the way I used to.

[catchiec]

Nogie,

I am telling beaten to only use Meth for 5 -7 days to detox and thats it. It is different for people who want to stay on meth and have back pain or whatever and then get hooked,then it is for people who have been using opiates for recreational use and then just need to detox. we used meth for less then a week after using oxy twice a day every day for 3 months now we are off both pills and are fine with no physical withdrawals. Meth is the way to go for short term detox. especially if you dont have insurance and cant see a docter. 1 week of meth and its all over.

[YoungSalt45]

Methadone is harder to get off than the rest I can attest to this. I have been on narcotics ten years now after a broken back.  While I was able to leave methadone behind on a regular basis and now only use it to ween off of opiate pain releivers, it was the worst to get off of IF used for a long time.  It can help very well in getting off oxycontin but it has to be short term or at least if was for me.  good luck

[catchiec]

I am getting very frustrated. I keep saying short term with meth and people keep responding with how they do it a long time and get hooked for the last time all beaten wants to do is get off oxys which were being used for fun not for pain for fun! She and her boyfriend only need to do meth for 5 or 6 diys and then wala they are off oxys without ever getting addicted to meth! Nobody is saying use meth for more then 6 days if you are not going to write a direct experience in which you have used meth for less then a week and had a problem. You guys dont need to go on and on about how you were on meth for years. That was your choice! Oxy detox by meth is 5 - 7 days therefore no addiction to meth!

[wait2long]

IF you are strong enough to not abuse the meth or stay on it any longer than 7 days, this CAN be done...BUT...ask yourself...are you strong enough to NOT abuse it and get off in 7 days???..not all addicts have that will power, which is why they get into trouble to begin with...i know i didnt, some can and some cant, especially when i found out how high i could get on it...almost 11 months later...i was screwed to the wall by methadone addiction...
you would have to stick to EXACTLY  what catchiec is saying...not deviating from the plan for a minute....and simply detoxing does not mean its all over...if you are truly addicted to oipiates it will be a lifelong battle to not EVER touch one again...this is the hard part...staying clean. you need some type of plan for aftercare to keep you this way, and find out why you abused and became addicted..learn to deal with the triggers, cravings and all the other issues that come along with addiction...its just not that simple sorry to say.
and very rarely in a clinic situation do they use methadone like this, from what i hear...so if this is what your thinking, check out the clinic and its policies first...they will try to put you on a high dose for an extended amount of time..not a good idea...

[YoungSalt45]

Didn't I just say short term? Fine. A good friend used for fun short term and got hooked He nearly died getting off. He wished he's had some advice from experience. No more posts here.  You seem to know everything and seem to know what my choices were as well.  I have had few choices in fact. I won't respond so don't answer please.

[wait2long]

suboxone is the better choice, it cant be abused and can be used for short term...i have no insurance and i manage to do it, and i am on long term...
and SOME people have a tendancy to become addicted a lot easier than other...someone could very well get addicted in 7 days to methadone...
and if you think addiction is a choice honey...you have alot to learn!!!
maybe YOU decided to become an addict when you grew up...but most of us didnt!
learn your facts before you come down on people about their experiences with drugs...

[nogie1717]

First, I must have missed the part where Beaten talked about a quick detox on Methadone.  

I said a couple of weeks at most is OK.

People are only giving their experience and suggestion.  I got burned by Methadone and yes, it was my own fault.  But I have had excellent success with Suboxone and that is why I express my preference for it.

People are reading your post, but don't assume that you are the only one with the answer.

[catchiec]

to Nogie Thank you for the direct response. and yes of course some people will do better with suboxone. I am suggesting meth to them because ti worked for us, you can get it off the street and it only takes 5 days. And I did consult a meth clinic first which is how I learned the difference between methadone maintnance and short term use to detox from oxys.of course most people will say consult a docter and that might be best for them. however I worked in mental health for a long time and I know that docters often try to keep patints on meds to make money. I gaurentee if you do not have insurance the docter will keep you on pills for a lesser lenth of time if he knows you can not keep affording to come back but if you have insurance. he will milk you for all your insurance is worth. that is why many docters do not take new patients who dont have insurance. Thank you for you response nogie. I am trying to tell beaten my experience because I know how much it sucks having to spend so much money and to depend on both the pill itself and whoever sells them.

to young salt. There is no way your friend did it for five days dropping 5 mgs a day and almost died. There should be no problems doing it that way. Your friend was like you said trying to get high so he or she must of did a large amount. Starting at 25mgs a day and dropping 5 mgs a day will not get you high it will just stop withdrawals from oxy.

to Wait to long: doing oxys for fun for a couple of months does not make them a addict its your choice weather to stay on drugs or not its called will power. THERE IS A BIG DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ADDICTION AND PHYSICAL DEPENDENCE.

To Beaten. I was like you, I did oxys for fun. My b/f and I needed it to end and it did in less then a week. I honestly think Meth is the best thing as long as you don't deviate from the dosage plan or try to get high off of meth..

[Savas]

The only time you go to methadone is when you're out of money, time, and options. the only useful thing you can get out of it is it can give you a breather to get your act back together (if your facing eviction, job loss, whatever you think is to horrible to comprehend).

If you've never taken it, you could probably get away with a 5 day detox and switch to clonidine at the end with hopefully minimal withdrawals. But it's a bit of a risk. and if it doesn't work, don't take it again. It's the most addictive of the opiate group, taking months, even years to get over.

[catchiec]

Then how come both my b/f and I were on 160mg of oxy a day, could not get off oxy without going through hell withdrawls but then took meth for five days and were able to get off both after five days with no withdrawals, with no physical symptons, feeling okay mentally and not having to miss work? and that was a month ago.

[Savas]

Like I said, it can work for some. Did you have a prior methadone history? If not, it helps enormously to increase the chance of success. I've talked to folks with your experience and some who it didn't work out. It's a small gamble, as long as you can avoid it long time. Take methadone for more than a few months and you're getting into a harsh addiction.

[catchiec]

We had no prior Meth medication at all bu I still don't understand why in your last post you said " Take methadone for more then a few months and your getting a addiction" Actually its more like take it for more then 10 days and your getting a addiction. I don't understand why most of you keep talking about using methadone for months.I am only talking about Methadone detox not Methadone Maintence. I AM TALKING ABOUT BEING ON METH FOR 5 OR 6 DAYS THAT IS IT! Nothing to do with weeks or months. and yes Beaten after the 5 days the oxy will be out of your body and you will not have withdrawls when you stop taking Meth! I DO NOT WANT TO READ ABOUT ANYONE WHO HAS TAKEN METH FOR MONTHS OR YEARS HAVING WITHDRAWALS. WE KNOW THIS. BUT 5 OR 6 DAYS THERE ARE NO WITHDRAWALS JEEZ.

[oneeagle]

Its time for two more cents worth...this is a great little discussion - but from my experience the methadone issue can be dose related. Rather high doses (100mg or more) are frequently prescribed. Now I cant tell you whether there were lingering issues from previous narcotics or not - but tapering from that dose can be problematic even if taken for only a few days. And its a terrible problem if you are on it for any length of time - and most clinics are more into maitenance than quiting the stuff. I would not recommend methadone to anyone.

[Greatgreebo]

In case you haven't noticed, this is an addiction forum. People here are addicted. You seem hell bent on getting nasty with people who have experience with real addiction. I'm glad that you and your boyfriend got off the oxy's. You were only on them for 3 months....so, it seems your addiction was still in it's infancy and you both still had some control. You really need to watch the advice you hand out when on this forum. Methadone is the devil and to someone already struggling with a serious addiction-it could be a death sentence.
Perhaps you should hang around the forum for a while and get to know people before you start arguments on the posts. This is counter-productive.
It hi-jacks the reason for the post.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but if your opinion involves suggesting that a serious addict buy even stronger drugs off the street that will eventually make the situation worse....my suggestion is this:
Keep your opinions to yourself.
Greatgreebo

[Greatgreebo]

Welcome back!! You and your man already have some serious addiction issues. Using an even stronger drug to ween from the oxy's is a very bad idea. PM a friend of mine named 'skyscreamer'. He is in the middle of WD-ing from methadone. He is on day 20 or so and still in a living hell.
Look into the Suboxone. It is a much better choice!!
Good luck and keep posting.
Hopefully your boyfriend will listen to reason. If not, you may need to cut out for a while to get yourself cleaned up.
Stay strong,
Greatgreebo

[catchiec]

People give advice about using sub my advice is Meth. The clinic I called said if you just want to detox with meth you can do that but the reason most people stay on meth is because they want to! 5 days you do not form any physical dependence on the drug! Addiction and physical dependence are two different things.

[feelingcrazierbytheday]

I think you both have a valid point.  Everyone is different.  Some people COULD possibly become addicted in 5-7 days.  Now catchiec that's not to say that if they stopped at 7 days they would suffer withdrawls, but they could potentially become comfortable, and paranoid to where they stay on it longer, hence becoming addicted. An addict ALWAYS justifys getting or staying on drugs.  I know cuz i'm one of em.  It's always, "just one more pill," just one more script," just till after the holidays," just to minimize withdrawls for another day"....it's always something....if you have the willpower to tell yourself otherwise...than more power to you. Also, remember that the half life of methadone lasts much longer.  

[wait2long]

well all, i owe most an apology for stooping to that level...i dont go low like that, i am above this BS and we all know what advice is the advice that is being followed...again i am sorry beaten for losing my cool and stooping so low...this is your thread and we all know you will do the right thing...if you need anyhelp or advice on suboxone...just PM me anytime hun...trust us...your doing the right thing here...

[avisg]

sub is a wiser choice , you are monitored NOT BUYING IT OFF THE STREET .You can also discuss with the sub doctor the length of time you want use it .There are short term tapers that i hear work very well. Methadone should not be used for prescription drug addiction .
It is going from the frying pan into the fire . Even more so if you are speak of recreational use .

[avisg]

I just reread this string i reported posts no one here has the right to spew the **** i just read on here .i was disgusted

[Greatgreebo]

Like everyone who knows what they are talking said: Look into the sub. PM me if you need any help, okay?
We are here for you. You can do this!!! Congrats to you for taking the first step towards getting your life back :-)
Stay strong and keep posting.
Greatgreebo

[LQQKThrewU]

You know I am reading here the short time concerns and yes they are a living hell. I wanted to die last PM and other times I detoxed without anything especially when I went to a center,but what about long time? Can you control your addiction? Many of us fight tooth and nail and often fall off the wagon a time or many. What will you do when the physical pain goes away and you are left with uncontrollable thoughts of using and the depression that often follows. Although I cannot speak personally yet about suboxone all the research I have done on it really seems to greatly outweigh any of the typical deterrents that we have about being completely clean. I have first hand seen the side effects from methadone detox and felt horrible for my friend who tried it. I have also seen written works from people who are desperate to get off the meth and go to suboxone. Most of us will need help in the long run to try and stop the frantic desperate need to use these awful drugs just to feel right. accck!!

[Med Help]

Enough of the fighting on this post. If it continues, the entire post will be deleted to stop it which only hurts Beaten who has nothing to do with the argument and was asking an on topic question, seeking help.

MedHelp - Harry

[Greatgreebo]

I'm not paid to advertise anything. Please don't let ill-given advice distract you from your goal of getting off the drugs.
You can do this. Keep asking questions and keep posting. Having others to talk to is such a comfort when getting clean. You are not alone and we are all rooting for you :-)
Perhaps we should change your name to 'Beaten no more!!'
Stay strong
Greebs

[catchiec]

Med help you are right I dont want to fight with anyone all I wanted to do was make my point to Beaten. I have not used Meth in a month. Before Meth I was on oxys for 3 months. I tried cold turkey off of oxys and had terrible withdrawals twice. I then researched the possibility of using Meth to detox. Both my b/f and I did our last oxy on a Monday about 4 weeks ago. On tuesday we started our first dose of 25mg. on wed we did 20 on thurs 15 on friay 10 on saturday 5 and that was the end of it. We have not touched a pill since or gone through any withdrawals. The meth curved the oxy withdrawals until the oxy was gone and we were not on the meth long enough to get a physical dependence on it so we had not withdrawals from Meth. This worked perfect for two people in a similar situation to yours that is why I think it is the way to go and you should try it. Doesn't that sound great. Being off all pills in less then a week instead of being on pills formonths. I used the 5 day plan the clinic gave me a tiny information about since they really wanted me to come in but I could not afford to do that after ending up broke even through I had plenty of money before I started on the stupid oxys. If you have any questions please pm me

[Savas]

I suppose I should clarify. I talked about months because many, many people I work with started out with taking methadone for "just a few days" detox and it tends to go one of four ways;

a: It works out well and they get clean. A very small percentage. If you can do it, terrific!

b: You fail for a number of reasons. The street methadone you bought isn't the amount you were told it is (we call street methadone around here "Colored Water"), you dose improperly and end up sick regardless-an emergency comes up and you decide you have to put it off-you get arrested for some reason-etc...etc...

when you fail, you decide to try again in a week. Then again two weeks after that. Three months later you've got a double methadone-heroin/oxy-whatever habit.

c: You Try to detox and succeed...but discover that you feel fine and decide that "one more high" won't matter (surprise! classic addictive behavior!)

d: You detox and feel blah/crappy for days/weeks afterwards.After the initial withdrawal many suffer from PAWS, which can be very debilitating over time. Instead of taking proper treatments, many just resort back to the above cycle.

The point is, if you can do the five day thing, great. But if it doesn't work, don't "try again next week" a few times. It takes about 4-8 weeks to get a full blown methadone addiction, with the full two week withdrawals. It's not a good thing to play with.

As far as buying street methadone...unless you're at the window when the person gets the bottle and they hand it directly to you and you never lose clear sight of the bottle, assume it's not a full dose. People at the HRC I work at brag about all the tricks they know to extract methadone from their sealed bottles so you can't tell. Do you really want to risk an important detox on the honor of some junkie who's selling their dose to purchase an illegal drug? Not the most reliable of people there.

[Greatgreebo]

Well said my friend...a very helpful post!!

[Savas]

Thanks...but I think I may have just inadvertently scr*wed myself with another post. It's coming up as an "automatic abuse confirm", something i've never seen before! Perhaps I should have chosen a different wording! :)

[wait2long]

goodnight all...