benzo addiction and methadone and smoking cigs which one do i come of first?

[billygee2360]

I need some advice badly. I am on 5, 5mg valium ihave been on the benzos for 16 years.  I am also on 18.5 ml of methadone brown syrup a bit over ten years now.  I dont shoot anything up.  I have stopped that garbage years ago. I am under a doctors supervision for the methadone. T he methadone added 30kg on me in less than six months i weigh 94kg. I smoke 20-25 cigs a day its ruining me financially and healthwise. I live by myself. I have tried living with other people but it doesnt work. Always ends in greif and the loss of friendships.  I lost my fiance to a drug overdose in the year 2000.  Then i lost my next boyfriend to drug related heart condition about 4 years ago. Not a day goes by where i dont think of them. U know i never knew life could get so lonely.  The only people i see are the people at the chemist when i pick up.  The town i live in has about 10,000 people. There is no support systems here.  I really need to converse with other people even if it is over the internet.  Could some please help me about what drug to give up first.  I am really serious about it. I am  a 44 year old female. Please HELP ME.

[Aquarius9]

Hi, I dissagree with the advice you have just been given. You should taper the valium/benzos first. (You do not want to be on any benzo whilst detoxing from meth - trust me!) If Im right isnt the brown version of meth 20mg per 1ml? If this is true, you are taking way too much! Luckily meth responds well to large decreases in the initial stages. You need to taper down to a level where its minimal, then jump to a non-addictive BP drug for help with your WD symptoms. Ask your doctor about Britoflex/Lofexidine (if in the UK), or Clonidine (if in the USA), or Catapres (if in Australia), this will help your symptoms no end.
Im so sorry to hear about your fiance and boyfriend, that is so unlucky for it to happen twice. It pains me that you had to go through that. Many addicts over estimate their addictions and take way too much to compensate. Id reccomend if you are serious about getting off drugs, you should plan a detox rather than maintenance. Have you considered which is best for you, getting off as soon as possible, or long term aim to stop? Just a bit of background regarding my situation, I was a heroin addict for 17 years (among other drugs) and stopped on the 28th of sept this year using methadone 1mg per 1ml doing a quick taper un-officially at home, my first and only attempt. Note, also stopped smoking at the same time. Keep me up with your progress, and I wish you all the best. And if you need someone to listen, Im here, just let me know.

[gnarly_1]

HI....I see your from the land down under....we have a lot of members from there...well where on opposite time schedules so be pacent the response might have a bit of lag in it your day is our night...Lisa gave you some good advise ...your on a small dose of methadone but you have been on it for a long time ...it would be best if you tapered it down to around 5ml b/4 you try and jump ship...tapering can take a wile and you have to be willing to put up with some discomfort but it is totally doable with the right attitude I was on 150ml of the stuff for 6 1/2 yrs took me 8 1/2 mo to get off.....coming off 18.5 will take a wile you have to move slowly in the lower doses to avoid major withdrawals I have a great taper schedule given to me by a neo/natal nurse that brings babys off heroin methadone oxy ext I figured if it was safe enough for a baby it would be safe enough for me....I use it and it worked great we no longer post them in the open forum but if you want it I can send it threw the messenger to you...the main thing the forum can do for you is offer support and positive reinforcement ...it is never any fun having to do this coming off methadone was difficult to say the least but with God and the help of this forum I did it and I try and help others do the same...keep posting I think you will find the forum can help you also...good luck and God bless.....Gnarly  

[10356]

Hi billygee2360 and Welcome to the forum. are you from Scotland ?? It just sounds so familiar. ya know we are are not suppose to give taper advice but I would taper the methadone first as the Valium will help with the adjustments. Once off this I would work on the Valium it is a long slow taper like the methadone. the cigs I can not advice as I still smoke. I just want you to know you have been heard and will find a good niche here as we have many members that are going through the same thing.. Congrats on reaching out and making a decision.. keep posting . stick to this thread and I'm sure you will get a lot of responses.. involving a Dr. would be a good idea if possible for they can monitor and guide you through the reasons you started in the first place. I wish you well on your journey.. lesa