any one new to the fourm,and lurking / open fourm

[hippy]

i was wondering if there was anyone new to the fourm
who might be lurking and reading, i wanted to welcome
anyone who is just reading the post, and if you had any
questions we could answer regarding getting off opiates
such as vikes, percs, hydro, oxy, lorcet. it's all the
same  in the end. they all steal your life from ya,
they promise everything then  damm you with and emptiness,
ans unhappiness.


peace!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Bodymechanic]

Welcome to anyone that is new. Kick, share or just chat. You will find a wealth of collective knowlege here that you could never get from a doctor, councellor, shrink, 12 step group or anywhere else for that matter.  Share anything you like and remember you are totally anonymous and will not be judged unless you act like a jerk which is extremely rare on this forum.

Peace

[curious1998]

Hi to everyone, I tried to post a new question on this but could not get it to go thru.  I need help with my Soma addiction, going thru a detox center is not an option.  Afraid to tell my doctor, since I have been getting thru the internet.  I have bad back and migraines, I have kicked Vics, and many other things, but I can't seem to shake this monkey off my back.  From my heart, any advice would be so appreciated. Take Care.

curious1998

[athena]

Great idea to post an invite to lurkers.Thats just the type of encouragement people need to post.I hope your doing well.Stay sweet......

pixi

[Bodymechanic]

I don't understand.  From everything I have ever read Soma is not addicting.  But just because drug manufactures call medicine is not addictive that doesnt mean it isnt.  Still you are the first person who I have ever heard who is addicted to soma.

[tuxwan]

Yes I just found this site thru ask jeeves. I'm trying to find out how to wean myself down from 60mg of metadone a day for a cancer surgery, been on it for almost four months and scared to death to come off, I'm a hope to die alchoholic too, so I don't want to play at it, but I also don't want to end up sick all the time. To make it worse I'm hypertensive and take .2mg of clonodine, twice a day to keep my blood pressure down. I don't know what to expect, so any help would sure be appreciated.

[The Golden Slipper]

Could you write back and let me know the particulars.  How many Soma you take daily and for how long you have been taking it.

I posed the question last week about this drug because a doctor wanted to prescribe it for me and got responses that led me to believe it was addictive.  My sister was on it for 2 years and I know she told me she had some trouble when she stopped taking it.

If you could give me somemore detail I will ask my sister about her experience.  

Hang in there
Golden Slipper

[hippy]

i am an addict, i have abused anthing i have ever taken.
i had to take soma for severe back spasams, i became
addicted to it mentally for about a year , it is  a drug you can only take so much of before you end up not being able to walk or talk. they build up in your system and when you take them day after day you think you have only taken 3 or 4 for a day,
but you still have in your system from the day before.
it is a drug that reminded me of qualudes, so i guess i was chaseing a something that does not exist. i stopped taken them when i flipped over my truck, i took 3 or 4 on a sat morning.
went out  everything was fine they hit me and i was like a someone who drank a bottle of wiskey in one minute.
once i stopped there was depression but i do not remember
painfull withdrawl.
it was mental. so i guess an anti -depression med would help.
like prosac.
i think the L-tyrosine and b6 would do the trick for depression
also, .

[hippy]

there are people here at the fourm who know the way to taper from methadone , some mathamatical fourmula.
im sure some one will post it.
it has been posted before many times

[chrisby]

Hi everyone I've been reading the forum addictively for the last 2 weeks Thanks for the invitation. It has been helping me out quite a bit lately. 2 years ago I got hooked on vics than percs oxys. Was told to got to a methadone clinic so I did and started on 25 mgs a year later I was up to 50 why they let you do this I don't know. I weened myself back down to 25 in the last to months and got stuck there. After alot of research I discoverd buprenex and got lucky enough to find a docter to detox on it. (For $1000.) It was a little shacky changing over but now I feel fine. I was just wondering if anybody else has tried this route. and if so how hard was it to get off the buprenex. I have disc problems so I don't like clonidine for withdrawls because it doesn't help with any back pain.
           This forum is great i've read some others and this one sounds like people that want to be drug free...
               Thanks Chrisby

[curious1998]

Thank you to everyone who responded to my Soma problem.  I started taking it when I hurt my back, I have a very addictive personality, and should have never started it.  I have to take 3 or 4 to get any relief from my back pain now. (at a time) when I have tried to go off, the w/d's are similar to coming off Vics.  Restless legs, trips to the bathroom etc.  I'm having more of a problem coming off these then the Vic's.  I thank all of you for your non-judging responses to my problem, this is by far the most caring forum I have ever seen.  By the way, do I find the L-tyrosine and b6 at the vitamin store?  

Thanks again so very much.
curious

[Bodymechanic]

Clonidine is the drug of choice for detox regardless of the substance.  Tyrosine is available in the health food store. If you have an addictive personality I suggest that you investigate deprenyl.  It boosts your natural production of dopamine. Low dopamine levels are a very common problem in the addict.  Low dopamine levels may be the reason that some people find it hard to stop using drugs permanantly. Deprenyl reduces the chance of senility in old age.  Animal studies indicate the use of deprenyl on a regular basis increases lifespan by 20% and more.

[puma]

(Tuxan),

Since you had cancer recently, I can not answer your question about the Methadone as I have never used it.

I would suggest however that if you are a die hard alcoholic, that you detox from that first. The Methadone will make the withdrawal somewhat less as will the blood pressure med Clonodine. When a hard alcoholic withdraws your blood pressure will shoot through the roof and if you have seizures, stroke, heart attack, or delirium tremens(DT'S), you may be in for serious trouble, severe suffering and even death possible. You will need to detox through a hospital setting since you are a die hard alkie and also had cancer and are on Methadone. That is a complicated mix.

Don't worry, the sickness from alcohol withdrawal will go away with treatment in about a week to one month. After a week it is mostly cravings for a drink. After a month you may not even want to look at a bottle. Then address the Methadone issue. Ask an addiction doctor first for they would know best whether to detox both at the same time or one and then the other.

I hope this helps, thanks for responding and keep posting and let us know how you are doing. Take care and God Bless.

(Hippee), Glad to see you back on the board and inviting new guests. I hope you are doing well. Take care.

Chathan.......wildcat

[DIRTBAG]

Yep its me, Hello everybody, Hippee you post the best questions, and must be the guy that says Hi I'm Hippee a grateful recovering addict, you always come across like you care so much. This is going to be a long post, I've on day 5 no hydro, I'm so excited, today on day five I just down to one nap a little achy and small amounts of sweats.  Because your post is to newcomers lurking and I have just C/T I think it is a good time to share my recent experience. Day one I threw up once and hurt all day but because I'm on vacation I just been able to cruz, I woke up all night sweating and twitching, the twitching is what I hate the most, Day 2 mostly the same, Day 3 better and Day 4 I jumped up and took a shower, when I got out I knew something had changed. I always take baths because my body hurts and I lay there and wait for my dope to kick in to get moving everyday I'm like that, I just jumped right up like I waS NORMAL, after I realized this I really moved forward in my head and I slept the best yet last night.  Day 5 today the evil thoughts are creeping in, oh I'll just get a couple when I get home to catch up, I can handle it now, if I take one I'm sunk, I will never stop at one. I was so lucky to be able to take this trip to kick, I was so bad at tapering and could'nt function sick at home.  thomas said lock yourself up for a week and rest and take baths and that is the key.  There are many ways to kick but if you can get away and keep your secret its a blessing.  Thank you everyone for the help and encouragement to get me here I've just begun to post I'll never stop. In these threads lies a part of me that only can be shared here.  hey Jess, pixi

[DIRTBAG]

Where are you I want to read your happy posts, you really helped me I've been thinking about you all week.  You humbled me mrstracy, lets share. Post soon and I hope your safe and well. Its me Dirtbag/Peagravel and now longhauler. Peace

[puma]

(Longhauler),

Congradulations on day-5!!!!! GREAT JOB. Keep up the good work resisting those temptations. I don't know how true it is, but I read somewhere, that once you are past the acute withdrawal, the cravings only last about ten minutes and if you can distract yourself in anyway then it fades for awhile. I don't know if that is true so don't quote me on it.LOL Anyhow good luck and glad to read you are doing so well.

Chatahan.........wildcat

[DIRTBAG]

Thank you, I bet your right its like that for smoking, that was good advice, I haven't been more than 2 days without pills for 3 years I think maybe 2 I was on crank before that this is huge for me I'm getting so excited I'm starting to sweat gotta stay calm rest mellow I'm fine just the way I am

[Bodymechanic]

Methadone withdrawal is by far the worst and longest lasting of all withdrawals.  I quit 20yrs ago and I was in acute withdrawal for three months.  It was six months till I was able to sleep again. In my case the methadone gave me a permanant case of insomnia. This does not happen to most people. I would suggest that you find an open minded doctor and switch to oxycotin for three months.  Oxycotin is much easier to get off of than methadone. Withdraw from the oxycotin using bupenorphine.  You can go directly to the bupenorphine but I think that this may be the only way to get off easy.  There is the option of slow dexox but I suggest that you drop no more than 2mg a week. In that way you will be off in 6 months. Do not rush this process unless you are prepared to suffer.

[The Golden Slipper]

I talked to my sister last night about the Soma.  She said she was taking about 4-5 of them daily for a year.  She was also taking percocet and lorazapam on a daily basis during that time period.  It was after she broke her leg and she was laid up with alot of pain,anxiety and depression.  These drugs were her comfort during that time.

They gave her clonidine for her withdrawal. She did have a very rough time for about a month.  She did do this as an outpatient, but remember she was on more than just the Soma. You may want to see if you can find an addictionologist in your area who you can consult about this.

I don't know where you live, I live in the Boston area and was able to search the internet and found 3 or 4 doctors who specialize in addiction.

Good Luck and hope this has helped somewhat

Please keep posting

Golden Slipper

[athena]

Welcome back! Im so proud of you!You sound wonderful.....I knew you could do it.If you get a chance to read your old posts,you will see just how far you've come.Give yourself a big pat on the back and ignore that little voice that says...I cant just take one..I can handle it now.I'll keep you in my prayers.gotta run,i'll post more later.

hugs
pixi

[curious1998]

Thank you all for the great advice, I have got to start some researching right now.  After I read a couple of posts, somehow I don't feel so bad about this problem I have.  My mother has very bad addictive problems, I know drinking problems can be passed down, I'm staying away from that, you don't know how much you all have helped me.  Bless you all.

curious -

[DIRTBAG]

Thank you for the compliment, I am going to go back and read my old posts when I get home, blah I know some of them were off the wall, I am so happy to be posting where folks understand me. How are you? Have you heard from mrstracy? She has been a big part of my inspiration this week, her testimony about her children touched my heart so much.  I hope your happy today and I know you told me before how your addiction is going, but I was pretty wrapped up in myself, (imagine that!) Your support has been loved peace to you

[cheermom]

i have been lurking around for about 6 months now but just started posting in the last couple of days.  i just wanted to thank everyone here.  just reading the posts and knowing i was not the only "pill popper" in the universe was a tremendous help.  i am now six months completely pill free!  even though i still have bad days they are not as bad as the days when i was desperately trying to get my next prescription.  anyway, i just wanted to say thank you and i hope everyone is doing great and feeling great!!!!!

[puma]

Cheermom,

Congradulations on six months, keep up the good work. I have been partially sober for two years from alcohol until recently again, but I have taken Klonopin for four years and am getting sick and tired of being dependant on doctors moods, whims and such.

If they would just assure me the 8 MG'S Klonopin and not stress me like last February when they cut me c/t and I almost died of the DT'S, I would not drink. When I drink I feel violent and want revenge on everyone that ever screwed me over. It goes round and round in my mind. It sucks. I am still waiting for Super-typhoon, (I need you so badly) to end my misery. This is the time of year here, until mid January. Our Docs here suck.

Sorry for the downplay but I am glad you feel so well, I hope I get there or to the (BIG WIND) very soon. Take care and thanks for posting. Keep posting, the newbies really need the inspiration.

Chatahan........wildcat

[DIRTBAG]

I hope I spelled your name right, Good morning what is the super typhoon? I am also wondering what you do with all your anger in your sober state, I'm so worried about my feelings coming out I've been stuffing them for 20 years and I feel screwed over by many people too. I like to use of course so I don't feel anything.  Hope your day is good.

[lavender blue]

Hi, I just found this forum about 10 minutes ago, wow. Nice to invite us new folks in.
I'm on day 2 kicking a pretty severe alcohol problem---26 oz. per day---I'm on a valium load and feeling pretty good mostly, was scared yesterday but better today.
LIVING w/out the stuff will be the test, of course. My partner is a recovering alcoholic who is prone to being addicted to EVERYTHING, right now its pot; the man can put back a dozen joints of BC bud in a day and hasn't come out of the fog for 2 years, not even for one day. He's on day 2 quitting as well, but still saying things like 'pot isn't addictive', so we'll see. It is encouraging to know there are many others talking and sharing.
Thank you and blessings.

[puma]

Longhauler,

A Super-Typhoon is the same as a category five Hurricane meaning winds are at least 155 MPH GUSTS NEAR 200!!!! That will do me just fine.

(Typhoon-Chatahan) was only 130 mph and I only stood out in it about one half hour. Now I wish I would have made it much longer, especially the backside, northeast quadrent after eye passage!!!!!. Even (Typhoon-Halong), five days later I could have gone to the southeast ocean for the storm surge but I was not suicidal at the time. July is an unusual month so I did not prepare mentally for my ending. Nov. and Dec. are the best months normally. As far as my anger, I don;t know, I pray alot and work like a Carabao, but that's about it. Take care. Glad to heare from you again.

(Lavenderblue),

Alcohol withdrawal is serious business if you are a heavy drinker, especially mixed with Valium. Both withdrawals can give you the Delirium Tremens, hallucinations and bad shakes even seizures. You should go through medical assistance if it is available in your area.

I recently relapsed on the stinking booze and I am so pissed because I have yet another detox coming with shakes and all that **** waiting for me when I stop, which will be tomorrow, since my drug and alcohol counselor-pastor and his wife are going to come and visit me. They are my only support system here. Take care and good luck.

Chatahan..........wildcat

[Sundown]

Chatahan,

Sorry to hear about your relapse on alcohol. Good luck. I know it's never easy to stop again, but we're all here for you.

Lavenderblue,

Valium is extemely effective at controllong alcohol withdrawl and preventing the extremely dangerous DT's. You want to take just enough to not feel too shaky and be able to rest, without knocking yourself out. You should try to reduce your dose after day 1 by about 20 to 25% per day. You should not need it beyond several days for the physical withdrawl. It's not for the MENTAL withdrawl, so don't keep taking it longer than absolutely neccesary, or you risk substituting one addiction for another. Good luck and remember, it does get easier with time. We have all known that feeling that we'll never feel better, but with time we can all heal.

Sundown

[puma]

Sundown,

Thanks for the nice comment and inspiration. Glad to see you back posting. Take care and God Bless.

Chatahan........wildcat

[lavender blue]

Thanks for the caring comments; I'm doing this with my Doctor, She gave me a book on addiction managment to read, interestingly enough I was able to gage my withdrawal response one afternoon, as per this book,  by clutching a pen and paper and writing the details through shakes, twitches, vomiting, panic etc. Most educational....
She was a bit concerned to let me go it alone with such a heavy habit but I really want to avoid detox if I can, don't like the attention.
So far so good.
The programme is: 20 mg doses of valium, 4 per day for 2 days;
                                         3 per day for 2 days;
                                         2 per day for 2 days;
                                         1 per day for 2 days;
And then off. Its supposed to blow you through the seizure-prone days while the alcohol leaves the system, and I believe it is well tested.
The scary part comes after. I'm a chef,so am often surrounded by wine and spirits, (my beauties....) Next event, a 3 day retreat at Thanksgiving(The US one, I'm actually Canadian)where wine will flow....
I will continue to read with compassionate interest, all you very honest people.

Chatahan, I know that heavy-hearted feeling. Whan i was entirely untreated I'd feel it coming and just dispair. Very best of luck, and do consider medical options if you can find a trusted practicioner....everybody has different ways of dealing w/ stuff that suits them best though.

[puma]

Lavender Blue,

Thank you for the nice comments of encouragement. I took your route at first detox session. This is strickly out-patient of course. I wrote everything down, headaches, neck pain, back pain, seizures, how long they lasted, so on. The delirium tremens when that finally hit day-5, and so on. After three and one half months going to this vitamin freak HMO-SDA clinic I screamed at the Doc and he then called a psychiatrist who insisted since I was having so many seizures, 65 by that time, my ex-boyfriend counted and timed most of them, she insisted I go in-patient at the psych ward. A mix of schizos, psychos, violent criminals and so on, male and female alike. I did for six weeks and was clean for almost two years.

The point being, if you stay around your triggers, wine places etc, long enough, it is too strong a temptation for relapse. I wish you luck, please avoid the holiday spirits, alcoholic speaking and stay sober If you can. I don't have much room to speak right now as I am on my umpteenth relapse and stopping tomorrow. Good luck though and God Bless.

Chatahan.........wildcat

[koalabear]

I don't know if you will see this because it's 2 days later, but I detoxed meth onto buprenorphine.

I did it faster than I should've, but here's what I did:

I was taking 60 mg meth.  I got a prescription for Lortab and every third day switched a methadone dose with a Lortab until I was down to 5 mg. meth and 60 mg. Lortab.  This only took me 3 weeks, and then I was placed on buprenorphine.  Stopped the others completely.

It is recommended to drop 1-2 mg. of meth per week, but I wanted off.  It made me ill.  I was sick the whole 3 weeks, but in the end it was worth it.

If you can find a doc to prescribe bup, the w/ds from that are supposed to be a walk in the park compared to meth.  (This is what I've been told).  I will be on this indefinitely, since it helps my pain also.

If you need to talk, you can email me at ***@****.

Leah

[lavender blue]

Well, if you are quitting again, you probably don't feel too good just now....why can't we get addicted to, like,carrots or something.
You've been through such hell with your illness, good luck with this try. (it took me 15 tries to quit smoking)
blessings.

[puma]

Lavenderblue,

I found my formula for detoxing off the alcohol. I have hypoglycemia, very low blood sugar. That I believe now is what started me drinking besides the usual psychological effects of socializing way back when.

I first switched from Gin TO vokka does not give me as bad of shakes. Then after two days of cutting the Vodka to half pint from the entire Gin bottle, the next two to three days are only a bottle of Hard Lemon which is the same as lemon flavored beer and loaded with sudar that seems to go right into my system.

Then I switch to regular lemonaide and I am off the booze. I just discovered this a little over a month ago and it had worked twice but I still have gotten stressed by about two weeks sober and break down and drink again. tHis time I need to stick to the lemonaide for at least 30 days and then just make sure my vitamins and diet are correct.

I felt like garbage this morning but tonight and a little better. No shakes because I caught the relapse fairly early.

Thanks for wondering. How are you doing with your situation now? I'd like to hear how you are coming along and what you decided. Have you stopped completely yet?

Take care, sorry I am a little spacey, I still get that when I cut way down. Take care and God Bless.

Chatahan.......wildcat

[lavender blue]

Chatahan, I'm impressed that you can taper off, I absolutely cannot.I've tried. I'll buy a pint, say, instead of a quart, and then pass another liquor store and think how 'nice' it would be to have some wine in the house, and then I just drink it all up.
Good for you! I'm on day 7 now, and nearly off meds. Still can't really wrap my head around a whole life without alcohol, I guess thats where the 'one day at a time' comes in.....

General question: Does anybody have experience will marijauna addiction? My partner is deeply addicted, he is NEVER straight, and basically smokes to get drunk, (he's been clean from alcohol for several years) He is struggling with the IDEA of recovery, but basically this dependance has ended ALL intimacy in the relationship, he is very angry with me for starting a dialog about it, but honestly this guy can suck back a dozen joints of BC bud every day. He KNOWS he is an addict but after 2 days clean, relapsed and started the usual 'pot isn't addictive' line, and becomes verbally abusive. I know this is addiction speaking but I've about had it. Any ideas?
blessings to all,

[2old2fast]

Addiction adderal been on one form or another methamphamines too many years 2 count this is my 1st time seeking people to vent with on internet

[Bobbybones]

I just wanted to know if anyone could tell me when you know you are "addicted".... I have been on pain meds since I had reconstructive surgery on my elbow 8 months ago. I have a titanium Elbow now and needless to say, my body does not like it! The doctors started with Morphine for post-op pain (WOW - NO PAIN) but after getting released from the hospital, I was on Percocet for a few weeks then lortabs. now it seems that every time I stop taking the lortab for a day, I start to get major body aches, headaches, can't focus, and no sleep.  So I take one lortab 5/500 and I sleep like a baby, or I take one before lunch and feel "normal" and can focus on work and the day seems "better".  Does this sound like the begginning of addiction? Should I be concerned that the real physical pain is being cused by the mental addiction to the pain relief? It scares me to think that I may be heading down that road. I respect the fact that the people in this forum have the strength to dicuss your situations and that is why i am posting this message. thanks for the advice!

[Diesel girl]

Hello everyone,
I have been checking out this site for a while, and I love the feedback you all give eachother.  Anyway, that is what I need.  I am on methadone 80mg for 9months.  Well my clinic informed me yesterday that they are putting me on a 30day detox (if I am lucky) could be 2 weeks.  This is all because they say I have a bad attitude towards their program and I don't go to their clinic 6days a week like I am supposed  to all because it has seriously affected my eating,(I dropped almost 30lbs in 2 months) and a couple other problems it has brought into my life, problems I didn't even have when I was strung out heroin for 6yrs.  Anyway, I am not going to ask how bad the withdrawal will be, I have a pretty good idea. I would like some information on easing the pain up, preferably the "recipe" I see alot of people talking about it and that it is posted on the site, but I can't seem to find it.  Is there anyway that someone could share this information with me, my detox starts next week, and I am pretty much willing to try anything that will ease up that horrible feeling.  If someone could please contact me with the info it would be greatly appreciated.  If for some reason someone doesn't want it posted out there for everyone to see,(I don't know why that would be) my email is ***@**** I will be grateful if someone could share this info. I hope to hear from someone soon.

[MethMan]

Hey... Been there... actually am there.  I've only stopped my methadone habit 12 days now. There are far wiser folk than I here that will JUMP to help you just like they did me.

Email is cool and all, but to be honest, please try the forum first.  It's also a pretty good idea to post at the top, even if the subject is not Methadone.  That's where most of the posting seems to be going on.  No one ever says anything about off topic especially when they can (and do) help.  Personally, my WD are still happening to me, but because of this forum, I've found an ENORMOUS amount of hope.  Hope for me was something very far away for a few days and these people in this forum pulled me through.  You're probably skeptical as I was about this forum.  I've only been here about 10 days and they've all made me feel like family. Just like one of the good ones here said to me, you are NOT alone.  And if you keep coming here, you won't EVER be.
Take a look up higher in the threads.  I think I posted my daily regiment and how I felt coming off methadone under "How long will it last."  If it isn't there, then let me know and I will be happy to email it to you.
Additionally, I will be happy to walk with you through each day if you need it.  I am not a walking book on how it all works, just an addict in the same situation you are.  But, I do have 12 days so far and will happily share what I felt each day if it helps you.  For me, not knowing what to expect was a big one.  But several people here responded to me and let me know just what to expect which made a big difference for me.  If I too can help, I will.
To maybe be able to help you in some small way would make me feel good too.  Like I said, I've only got Day 12 done and tomorrow is Day 13.  After that, day 14.  After the initial hammering you take coming off Methadone, the higher I seem to get.  Life is starting to kick in for me after being in a damn methadone clinic for 10 years.
One thing I am curious about. You said the Methadone Clinic was putting you on a 30 day detox?  Man, that is the FIRST time I have ever heard of a methadone clinic wanting to drop a customer.  Whatever their motives are, GO FOR IT.
If I were you, the first thing I would do is see a Doc when the taper starts.  (Not the Methadone "Doctor" that admitted you in to the wonderful Program. You know.. they guy with all the bucks?) A doctor that knows about addiction would be best.  He or She will more than likely stick you on Clonidine which helps and something to help you sleep.  The taper is not bad.  At least it wasn't for me until I got below 5mg a day.  Then, they went down 1mg per day.  I did cool until about 3 mgs, then I started feeling kind of tired and weak.  2mg felt the same. So did the 1mg.  At that point, I made an err in judgement and thought, "Hell, 1mg.  Big deal. I can handle this."  My reasoning was that 1mg was not **** and I didn't feel horrible.  But once there is no Meth for the brain to play with, withdrawals become pretty tough for about the first 3 to 4 days.
Start NOW on a multi-vitamin, B Complex on top of it, 1000mg of Vitamin C, an anti-oxidant and 3 hot showers a day.  This is part of the "Thomas Recipe" that was provided to me.  Also, bananas work for leg cramps.  When you need to drink anything, drink Gatorade to replace your electrolytes that you'll be crapping out.  Plus no matter how bad you feel, get up and MOVE.  Move around.  Walk in circles if you have to.  The first couple days, it's all you can do to get up.  But if you keep moving it helps get your mind off it, plus it helps your brain start healing.
Whatever you do, if you are at a point where you want to stop, when the WD's come from methadone, DO NOT GO BACK TO H.  Just hang strong and visit here a LOT.  People here will pick you up and carry you past the dark spots.  It worked for me as well as many others.
Hang tough girl... if I can do it, you can too.

God Bless,
Mike

[Patrice]

I am really getting tired of you talking **** about the methadone program..I dont know where your clinic is at, but where I go, we are encouraged to be drug free......Why dont you get off of your high horse, and remember that when you were on methadone, you werent shooting dope!!!!! In the first place, at least at my clinic, you dont just go there and "Get on the program" you have to have proof you are an addict, and you must go through counseling where they try their damnest to get you to detox...In fact, the clinic doctor told me a few days ago "You do understand that are goal is to get you off of this, this is not a for life solution" So methman, shut up already..........., and BTW, why are you still calling yourself Methman......Remember one thing friend, if you do go out and have a relapse, (I hope you dont) you will find out that your NA "friends" will cut you loose.....

[MethMan]

No "NA" for me,
God bless you.  I hope that you find peace in the clinic.  Shortly, this board will be enabling a way for you to not have to read anything I write.  I hope that helps too.

With all due respect,
Mike

[Patrice]

You still didnt aanswer my question, why do you talk **** about the clinic that saved you life, and kept you from shooting dope?????? And I will ask again, why are you still Methman.....I think you need to stay at the NA board, you sound like one of their "zombies" already

[MethMan]

Dude.. unlike you, I have not been to the methadone clinic for over 2 months.  Tomorrow, I will add another day to that.
And you are calling ME a zombie?

Since you asked (twice), I will give you the courtesy of my response to your question.

Why am I against Methadone Clinics?
I traded a comparativly small hydro habit for a monster.  Never shot dope.  Personally, if it keeps you from shooting dope that would be cool.  What is UNCOOL is that once the "Dr." allows you into the clinic, asking for more will get you more.  Your comment that your methadone clinic does not do that is impressive.  Afterall, I've only been in 8 other methadone clinics around the US and found them ALL to do the same thing.  You must be one of the lucky ones that found the good ONE out there.  Where is it? Easter Island?
I'm with you bud... instead of all the chances you take to shoot, if you're desire is not to be off and you know you will use again, then maybe it's a good thing.  But like all things in life, each of us can only speak on our own experiences.  Mine obviously is different from yours.  The diversity is cool.  
I respect your opinion, just don't agree with it.  No big deal.  
You also mentioned something about why I use the screen name I do.  Actually, I used it because I didn't think about making up something cool, didn't want to spend the time to think about a good one and just typed something out real quick.
Maybe if I were actively in a Methadone clinic I would have thought about it more and came up with one as good as you did.

Now... a question for you. Would you trade a 12-16 hydro habit for a 40mg methadone habit?

Obviously we're a diverse group.  And with that, different things work for different folks.  I'm just airing out my opinion like everyone else is, in the hope that in some very small way, I can help others like they've helped me.  Actually brother, you've helped me too.  Now I KNOW I'm going in the right direction.

Props,
Mike

[Diesel girl]

I am the opposite, knowing what to expect is worse for me.  I fear alot of it I will bring on myself just from my head messing with me. How long does it take from your last dose til you really start feeling the pain? Also, alot of people I have talked to from my clinic say it m ight not be that bad because I haven't been on it to long others say it will because I am at a pretty strong dose.
You also said  you were curious about the 30 day detox, my clinic gives out Administrative Detoxes. That is either a 14 or 30 day detox depending basicly on how mad you have made them. I missed 2 of my dr.s' appointments and 2 weekends with a verifiable and reasonable excuse and they say that I have the attitude that I don't want treatment, I mean I missed other days too after talking to the Dr. of problems I was having and I wanted my dose lowered and she says that it is just the side effects, if I have to deal with the side effects I have, I don't want to be on it.  Granted it did help clean me up and get my life somewhat back in order but, I can't stand the staff and the way I feel also I want to add to the other persons post, that you pretty much have to prove your an addict there too, well at least through a blood test and a detailed check up  of your arms and stuff, for tracks, we also get couseling too, but it is horrible, and I don't feel that many of them are really there to help us.  They are completely backwards if you ask me.  They also tell you that they would like for you to be drug free but don't act like they really care in the slightest bit, and pretty much the majority of people I talk to at my clinic will say the same thing.   I remember once my counselor was furious with me for not dosing right and they held my dose and told me to just go home and be sick so I could reinforce the bad feeling. Granted, they only held it that day but it is just the point. It would be nice if all clinics were polite and did what they are supposed to, but that's not the case where I am at. I wish it was.

[movingon]

hello hippee

I'll take you up on your offer. Thanks. I found this site a few days ago.  I have been taking about 80 mg of Oxycontin and 80 mg of Hydrocodone for about 2 years as a result of a car accident where I broke my back.  I don't know how relevnat it is but I have also been what most consider a heavy drinker for quite a while (I'm 43).  I've decided  to try and kick the habit and I'm just looking for some advice on how to get started.   I'm still in a fair amount of pain but I'm tired to death of watching the clock and the next pill whether I have the pain or not.  I tried to just stop and that lasted less than a day.  I've read this forum for a few days and it give me encouragement to try but also scares me. I wonder if it is harder to kick taking two drugs rather than one.  I think my doc would up the dose of Oxy if I dropped the Hydro.  There seem to be a lot of drugs out there to consider - ambien, clonidine, xanax, darvol and methodone although nobady has anything good to say about meth.  I don't knwo if I should attempt outpatient or inpatient or neither.  I have a lot of job and family (4 kids) responsilbilities so I can't be non- functional for any great length of time.  I know I have to see an addiction doc but I'd like to be a little better informed so I don't get steered down a path I shouldn't go. It would help if I knew the besat and worst I could expect.  I greatly appreciate any guidance or advice you (or anyone) may wish to share.


movingon (eventually i hope)

[FLAMES]

THANKS FOR ASKING & OFFERING HELP.
I FOUND THE SITE A FEW WEEKS AGO & WROTE ALITTLE BIT ABOUT WHATS GOING ON WITH ME.IHAD GOTTEN IN THE HABBIT OF TAKING A COUPLE OF MY WIFES METHADOSE FOR MY BACK EVERY DAY OR SO.THIS HAS PROBALY BEEN GOING ON FOR 8 MONTHS OR SO. SHE RAN LOW & I DIDN'T TAKE ANY FOR A FEW DAYS & FELT WORST THAN ****.I AM A RECOVERING ALCOHOLIC SO I PUT THINGS TOGETHER PRETTY QUIK & STARTED READING UP ON THIS STUFF & FOUND THIS SITE.THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE!!!!
MY QUESTION IS OR MY PLAIN IS.... IAM NOW TAKING 20MG A DAY STARTING MONDAY TO 15MG A DAY,THEN THE NEXT MONDAY 10MG A DAY,
IS A 5MG A WEEK TO BIG OF A DROP OR WILL IT WORK??? I CAN'T GO AHEAD & COLD TURKEY ,I HAVE TO WORK & TAKE CARE OF MY WIFE IJUST WANT RID OF THIS ****. I'VE DONE REAL WELL WITH THE BOOZE 3YR'S
SOBER , JUST PLEASE GIVE ME SOME POINTERS ON THIS STUFF
        THANKS EVERYONE FOR WRITTING IN,GOD BLESS

[Ronsin]

I am fairly new, I have reading for about 2 months but not posting much. I live in Philadelphia & it's very important that I get in touch with you. When you get a chance Please e-mail me at ***@**** . thanks.

[Ronsin]

I am fairly new, I have reading for about 2 months but not posting much. I live in Philadelphia & it's very important that I get in touch with you. When you get a chance Please e-mail me at ***@**** . thanks.

[Ronsin]

Sorrry I hit the post button twice.

[hippy]

flames that will work, the only thing you can do  , is go
down in incriments of 5mg. per week.

ronsin, whats up, where are you from in phila.
do you go to na. if you do you probly know me.
peace!!!!!!!!!!!

[Ronsin]

I live in the northeast. I don't go to NA, It's not for me. I have a bad case of social anxiety disorder. I been on & off meds for 30 years (mostly On). When I am on them my anxiety goes away & am fine. I've done everything. Benzos, hydos, oxys,. The last time I stopped was from percs & tussinex (I did them 10 years straight). When I stopped 15 years ago I swore that I would never take anything stronger than a darvon. Boy was that was a mistake. Darvons are chemically similar to methadone & almost as addicting. I did them for almost 15 years. At the end I started doing lorcet & percs again. In the past 2 months I stopped everything except Xanax. ( I used the recipe). I still have bad cravings almost everyday. My fist shrink helped me stop the first time, but he retired. My new shrink is an a-hole. He is one of those doctors who think they are god. He new nothing about addition medicine, I had to supply him with all the info. All he wants me to do is get on a seritonim reuptake drug like Paxil, & he thinks everything will be allright. I keep telling him that I've tried these meds & if they were to work for me it would take at least a year & can't hold out that long. I would go back to using. He doesn't give ****. He tried to switch me from xanax to klonipin. But I have a bad liver & the klonipin made me sick. (I told him about my liver) I told him he tried to kill me. & we will have to work together from now on. He calmed down (probably thought I was going to sue him).
    My point is that I was in business with my father for 30 years, the business went under. I am out of a job, I have a liver problem & a severe case of anxiety disorder. All I have is my wife who is a school teacher in Phila. I read your post that  your aunt can get people on disability. With my liver & anxiety problems, I thought you may be able to help me. That's why I wanted to talk to you. My e-mail address is ***@**** . Thanks again

[hippy]

***@****

[nklarson]

Hey guys...stumbled across this site while trying to get info on a new pain medication that has been prescribed for me. I am taking 60 mg oxcotin q 12 hours. I see alot of things here that scare me so any questions you can answer will be helpful...first, does everyone become addicted??? If so ..is there anything I can do to prevent this short of suffering?  I expect to be on this for about 3 mos...will I need treatment to come off this when it's time? My  husband is a police officer and has expressed his desire that I not use this stuff as he has seen the horrors this drug can cause first hand....all I know is my quality of life has improved tremendously since taking this. ( no more being in the hospital on iv morphine) Incidently, I have poly cystic ovaries with several masses on my left ovary which will require removal but we are trying to harvest some eggs so that we may be able to have children after my ovaries are gone. My Dr. wants to put off surgery due to me having a recent surgery in which my colon was knicked due to adhesions so finding pain control has been the priority right now, but after reading this forum I am very worried. Any info would be appreciated....thanks NKL

[sharonver]

Welcome,

Sorry no one got back to you yet but its difficult when you post on the bottom, not everyone goes down that far!  Any opiate drug is addicting.  Everyone is different, it will depend on how much you take and how long you take it for.  As long as you take it as prescribed and not for a lengthy period of time you shouldn't have too much withdrawl from it.  It will probably be like having a bad flu for a few days.  Be honest with your doctor let him know of your concerns.

Sharon

[J. E. W.]

I dont know anything about the drugs you are on. But I wanted to offer you my congrates on how far you have come!!!!!!!!!! Ill be praying for you. If you post further up on the forum you get alot more responses. Alot of people dont read all the way down here..      God Bless...       J.E.W.

[hyjack]

I know of some information that may be helpful to you, if you email me I can relay that to you.

***@****

[BlackHeartedWolf]

Hello

My name is Dana and I am a 28 yr old female living in San Francisco. I used heroin and cocaine (IV) from 1995 to 1998, and have been on Methadone Maint since June 1998 (no relapses back to heroin!) I am down to 9 mg, dropping to 8 next Weds. I was at 85 mg when I started tapering off, a few yrs ago. Now that I am getting closer to being totally off Methadone, I am getting nervous about withdrawal, so I am looking for support to help ease my mind. So far I have not hit "the wall" since I dropped to 15 mg in Aug 2001. Anyway, I hope to get to know some people in here!

Dana

[dienikad]

Hi,

I'm 18 I just signed up. I went into the hospital in 9th grade. Its my senior year in High School. I want to do well in school. It has been getting tougher.

Been on and off for about 4 years. Including Heroin (snorting) Morphine sulfate, OC, Percs, Hydros, Codeine, Fentinol etc...

What do I do, as i am a sparatic user. As I can buy it I will.
The only limit is availability. Sad. Im scared.

[u2shibby]

hi i am new to the forum and I have a huge problem.. I have diabetes and severe back pain. getting vics does not only help my back but helps me function. I have tried twice to get off them. both times with in 8 hours of the withdrawls i fall into a diabetic coma and i wake up in Intensive care unit where they drug me up again. I only realized now that I have a problem pain or death. I can't go cold turkey cause I end up in a coma from the vomiting not eating and dirreah. It is horriable I ran out yesterday. I have no doctor. No insurance. I just talked to an er doctor today and he wants me to check in to er. So I am headed off to there in an hour. I am scared. I am a 22 year old male with a kid who does not live with me at the time. I want help and the diabetes is not allowing me to handle it well. Tell me what u think... laters Tim
p.s does anyone now anyone addicted with a medical conditon like daibetes.. please talk to me about it.

[J. E. W.]

I dont know about the diabetes but when you go into the E.R.let them know you want off of the vics. but cant do it on your own. They can help. Can you get help with insurance through your state? Here in WA.they have alot of differant low cost or free {when you have know money to pay. Most hospitals have sliding scale or free too. You just have to ask.They dont tell you inless you know to ask..Ill be praying for you and your son..Take care my friend...         J.E.W.

[pillhell]

CONGRAT.on your progress.I have been taking methadone wafers for a little over a year.Trying to come off them-total nightmare.Please dont say ONLY12 days.12 days is so totally awesome!!!!BE PROUD OF EVERY DAY YOU STAY AWAY FROM THAT ****!!!!As far as that name Methman.I think its cool.Its kind of a reminder.Maybe it helps you stay on track.I personally think that NONAforme comments were uncalled for.We all vent at times.But my god chill out!Methadone clinics are not for everyone.They do help alot of people.I dont think its right for someone to fight on here.If your reading this NONAforme I think you owe methman a heartfelt apolagy.If you don't agree with what everyone says or feels-thats fine,nobody does all the time.Just live and let live.Thats all anybody wants on this forum.Picking on his name?How old are you?Look you dont have to agree with methman but you dont need to be so sensitive either.Keep up the good work methman.Some people might think I'm out of line,but we come here for support,not negativity.

[pillhell]

Welcome to the forum,
Is there anyone you can tell?a parent,a relative?I hate to see anyone battling with this hell(including me)But your so young?How long have you been using?Have you ever tried to stop?There is alot of things you can do to get help?A medical professional is the best.But I'm sure you dont want to let people know.Which is totally understandable.The heroin is scary.If you can get away from that on your own you should.Methadone could help if your addicted?Which would help with the pills too.BUT METH. IS VERY HARD TO KICK-VERY ADDICTIVE.That is what im trying to kick-a total nightmare.But If you go to a clinic and get put on a program for short term,maybe that would help.You have to really want to stop.There are other meds to help with withdrawel.I'd really like to help you.email me if you want-***@****
keep posting here on this forum.there is alot of great people here who can help.GOOD LUCK!

[momonhydros]

hi everyone! been reading here for a couple of weeks. i to am addicted to codiene and hydros.i am 38 years old with 3 kids two of which are twin girls 3 yrs old, and a 18 year old son. iv been using pain meds for a herniated disk with sciatica pain for about 2 years on and off. for the past 6 months ive been taking codeine about 4 or 5 a day then my pain doc gave me ultram to use about a month ago so i stopped taking the codeine and man did i go though some horrible withdrawl. severe depression, and irritable, and the freakin anxiety.anyways i didnt realize that the ultrams not a narcotic and what i was experiencing was withdrawl dah! till i started to read this forum. the ultrams not covered under my insurance so now the doc has me on hydros again. i know im screwed here im definently addicted i take about 5 to 6 hydros a day and when i run out of my script early i get them off the street. i could not handle the withdrawl at all especially trying to take care of the girls i though i was losing my mind. i dont have much of a support system nobody understands this addiction in my family they just know im miserable when i dont have my meds. i need to stop i know this but i dont know if i can handle the mental withdrawl i wanted to kill myself. thanks for listening to me hope someone reads this because its on the bottom i just needed to tell someone my story thanks you guys nancy

[merry73]

hi everyone,

i'm sure this question has been asked many times, i apologize for i just found this forum minutes ago.

my ex-boyfriend is about to start withdrawal from methadone tomorrow morning.

is there any way to ease this?  anything homeopathic?

i've seen him withdraw from heroin before and it was miserable, and from what i understand this is going to be worse.

thanks for any advice given.

merry