methadone withdrawel

[pillhell]

I have been abusing,and detoxing from pain killers for about 5 years.I have to do it on my own.any treatment from a doc. is self pay,no insurance.They dont want to talk to me after they hear that.I am also hooked on wethadone wafers for about a year.20 mg.meth.wafers a day.I've heard the detox is horrific from methadone.I'm scared to death.I have two kids,so in treatment is not an option.My husband is the only one who is emplyed,and he is hooked as well.where can i go for help.Even to get some meds to help with the detox.I live in the west palm beach area in florida?can anyone give me any advice.It all seems hopeless.thank you.

[hellbent]

It's good to see you back. I still think you have the best name on the forum. Very descriptive, and for me, very appropriate. I totally pictured you as a guy for some reason.

Anyway, treatment isn't an option? Maybe anything and everything should be an option at this point. Like coming clean with family and friends and getting any and help you can.

I don't know that this applies to you, but it certainly did for me. It's a saying, "You can't save face and your ass at the same time". - I had to pretty much level my pride, tell people I was close to that I had a real problem, and be willing to make any sacrifices in my life necessary to get clean.

The best option might be to get to a methadone clinic, and do a 2-3 month taper, or perhaps taper down with Oxycontin, sticking to a strict taper schedule, and only taking them in time-release fashion. However, the latter option assumes that you could stick to an extended taper by yourself, which I never could. I would certainly consider rehab. Couldn't you find a way to have your kids looked after for a month?

Anyway, I'd consider everything. If your life is on the line like mine was, what kind of future are you setting up for your kids by continuing to use? Would you rather they miss you for a month or two or have you or your husband gone forever? This thing only gets worse, which I am sure you have learned by now...

[pillhell]

Thank you for answering me.I've been reading the posts for a long time.too ashamed of failure to write.but desperate times call for desperate measures.Both me and my husband would have to go to rehab.Its not an option because we would lose everything we have.Nobody would be willing to pay our bills.We live on a week to week paycheck.As far as being afraid to let people know,about our addiction.Well Its not so much we dont want to tell them.I'm afraid I'll get my kids taken away from me.My family isn't exactly the supportive type.So thats why I was hoping to do an outpatient deal with a doc.Like I said no insurance.rehab wants ins.not to mention I could never afford it anyway.I know I sound like I have every excuse in the book.But I have been inquiring about help and how to go about it.And I feel helpless.No insurance no help.Dont have thousands of dollars,and cant afford for my husband to take a month off work.I just feel like there is no way out.I know I sound really pathetic.Look I know I have to do this on my own.I just want to know how.I know there are meds. doctors prescribe for detox.Do you know what those docs are called.You know an addiction specialist.Hopefully I dont need to rob a bank to see him.Well keep in touch.How are you doing with your demons?I hope your still winning the good fight!

[hellbent]

I hear ya'. I couldn't get into a medical detox, even though I had insurance. My primary care physician wouldn't help me either, so I was stuck doing the whole thing solo. I did a 21 day methadone detox, then spent almost a full month on the couch, not sleeping or eating, going insane, and it finally began to get better. As you may remember, my habit was really big, and I was withdrawing from benzos at the same time, so it was particularly bad, and I am sure that you won't have to go through anything that extended. The point is that you CAN do it, one way or another.

It sounds like you may need to keep employed, however, which is tricky. Do you think you could succeed on any kind of taper? Is there any way, honestly, that you could forsake the high, in order to simply not be sick, and reduce the dosage over a month or so?

You may need to sort of withdraw from your husbands addiction if it looks like he won't make it, or he may netd to withdraw from you if he is making it and you aren't. It's hard enuff getting clean by yourself.

I don't have any experience with buprenex, or naltraxone (spelling?), but  they are apparently effective meds for detox / withdrawal blockage. They seem expensive however. I think you need to do some research on any and all options at this point.

[southernbelle]

you are in my thoughts and you are NOT alone.  i only wish i could help you more.  somtimes it helps to privately sit down and get things written out on paper.  your plans, a schedule, etc.  it may help you to see things more clearly. you will be okay.  like hippee says....just try to get through today.  love to you.

[groovygirl]

Hi - You say in-treatment isn't an option for various reasons...they are good reasons, and I said the same thing many, many times.  However, I think you'd be surprised at the options out there and the people that would come out of the woodwork to support you while you were there.

In-patient treatment is perhaps the only thing that works for some people.  Some need to be completely taken out of their familiar surroundings.  Plus, detoxing isn't fun...to be away from your kids, husband, obligations is a good thing.  It gives you a chance to focus on YOU.

I think a lot of times we think we cannot do something, and we convince ourselves that it is out of the question.  I know that I made a lot of sacrifices to get my drugs...I found ways to have the money, time etc etc to get what I wanted.  A lot of people say they don't have the money, but they sure had it when they were paying for their pills...I did that too.  

I'm not saying you don't have very valid reasons for saying you can't go in-treatment - you do.  I'm a mother, and I have a job and a husband...to me those are actually more reasons to go to a treatment center where I don't have the responsibilities of taking care of everyone...just myself for a change.  I was in a hospital where there were some who didn't have insurance...they did not have to pay...period.  You could check around...I guarantee there are places that will take you.  Most employers would respect that you wanted to get help...they may not pay you for the time you are out, but I don't think you'd lose your job.  Your kids wouldn't get taken away just because you sought help...there would have to be much more there for that to happen, right?

Sorry for rambling...I just don't want you to completely talk yourself out of something that may save your life.  There are always solutions...good luck.

[alchemist]

I don't mean to break in on a thread, but I posted this question several days ago but I got no replies so I'm trying again.  

Most people are familiar with the reasons we go through withdrawal when we are physically addicted to our pain meds and then stop.  However, I can't seem to find a reasonable explaination as to why I would go into immediate withdrawal if I took an opioid antagonist such as naltrexone but an opioid niave person would show no effects.  Everything that I have read or heard about addiction and detox can't account for this.  Anyone have any ideas??

[hyjack]

Doesn't this have something to do with the receptors in the brain?  When we take opiates, they bind to the receptors so our own bodies can't produce endorphins.  When given something like naltrexone, it kicks the opiates out of the receptors, but our bodies can't produce the endorphins on their own yet.  If someone has never taken opiates, then their receptors are not bound and CAN produce endorphins by themselves.

I am not sure if this is the answer to your question, but I think it has something to do with all this.  

Maybe someone else can elaborate further.

[Bodymechanic]

That is almost the exact answer. Except that there are plenty of endorphines around but the binding sights in the brain are worn out. Much in the same way that the insulin receptors are worn out in type 2 diabeties. It takes about 18 months for these areas to regenerate themselves.

[hellbent]

"It takes about 18 months for these areas to regenerate themselves"

-Who gave you the 18 month estimate, or where did you read that?

[Bodymechanic]

Hellbent

Yeah, I don't like the sound of that either but it seems to be how it is, only worse.  What I have read and what was told to me yesterday by an addictionolgist is that it takes 18mo to 3yrs for the "weeded receptor area" to regenerate itself. This is assuming that one totally avoids the following, all opiates (except buprenex), alcohol, dextromorphan, immodium, viox, celebrex, soma, ultram and a few things I've already forgotten.  Some of the things he mentioned suprised me expecially the vioox. Aspirin, tylenol and motrin were all right as were benzodiazapams.  I guess they work on a totally different mechanism.

Pillhell

Compared to the world of methadone users you are not so bad off. A 20mg dose is lower than the starting maintainace dose for methadone.  Still I think it will be very hard to go cold turkey. Can you cut your dose to 10mg a day for 2 months?

[Chezz2]

You didn't say where you read that Bodymech. I was wondering if you can elaborate. I am interested in this since a LOT of people read this information and NEED to be provided with information that is reliable.
I am studying the long term affects of opiods and the chemical composition of the brain. I have NEVER heard of such a long term repair period. Which of course doesn't mean anything, since I haven't read everything!
It would be great if you have any literature that you can share on this. I think this is something that is extremely important to everyone involved with this.
Thanks,
Chezz

[Bodymechanic]

I am doing a net search and trying to find the exact information.  It was most recently told to me by an addictionologist (Mariposa was told 6mo by the same person).  I have heard the same figure quoted not less then 3 times during inpatient detox. It is my understanding that the studies were done at Harvard Univerity Medical. I am not sure if this means that it takes that long to feel completely better or if it takes the receptors that long to regenerate on cell studies. If you have information that documents the time being less, please post it. That would be good news for me and a lot of other people. The thought that it may take over 18mo to completely heal is an awful prognosis.  Maybe the important point is that one needs to be clean for a long time in order to be back to normal. I was told that Aminofuel by Twin labs will greatly accelerate the regeneration time.

If anyone knows this answer and can provide documentation, it would be greatly appreciated.

Peace

[Moxy-oxy]

Hi all-
I wonder if anyone remembers me on this site. I felt I needed to post for two reasons, because I am still having trouble staying clean, and I might have an answer to pillhell's problem.

Pill-
Check into outpatient detox centers in your area. Especially methadone clinics. Some offer a buprenex treatment, which costs about two hundred dollars, covering about five days worth of buprenex, which may get you over the worst period of your withdrawal. These centers often do not need insurance, and most will taper you down off the methadone with there own methadone supply for about ten to twelve dollars a day. Since I was in the same situation you were, this was my only option and got me off about a 1000 mg a day oxycontin habit a few months back.

Everyone-
I hope you are doing well! I have missed the people in this forum, and I think one of the reasons I keep relapsing is that I stopped posting and asking for help from the people here. I enjoyed all the intelligent and heartfelt dialogue that goes on in this forum, and in Los Angeles and Hollywood the superficialty of my business sometimes gets in the way of anything real. I hope you will welcome me back.

[Rex1]

Welcome back.

Rex

[bmac]

Hey,good to see ya posting again.How is everything in Tinsle Town? Hope everything is been good with you.
                     bmac

[Chezz2]

Whats up Moxy,

Welcome back Man.
Did your girlfriend every go back to NY(?) ? I remember you said she was out here from somewhere. That she had some back problems or something and was Rxed perc10's. So I am sure that has to be hard to have around.
Hope things are going alright with you.
Things are going good up here in Santa Barbara. Getting ready to move though..........
Chezz

[krystanna]

hello my name is krys, me and my mother were just looking around and found this site.  I have been addicted for pain pills for a while, and have gone to the methadone program and i'm only on 20 mg when I use to talking about 30 lortabs a day.  I have been doing it for a month now, and haven't craved pain pills since, but my hands have started to go numb and cramp up all the way up my arms, and it is very painfull, it wakes my up at night.  does anyone have experience with methadone or know what my be causing this to happen?  if someone could you  please help me  I would  greatly appreciate it.  thank you!

[krystanna]

hello my name is krys, me and my mother were just looking around and found this site.  I have been addicted for pain pills for a while, and have gone to the methadone program and i'm only on 20 mg when I use to talking about 30 lortabs a day.  I have been doing it for a month now, and haven't craved pain pills since, but my hands have started to go numb and cramp up all the way up my arms, and it is very painfull, it wakes my up at night.  does anyone have experience with methadone or know what my be causing this to happen?  if someone could you  please help me  I would  greatly appreciate it.  thank you!

[mr.lucky66]

I don't think you should go to a methadone program yet. You have to be really desperate and it's a program of last resorts. Most programs have a lot of criminals on them. I know I used to be one of them. As far as the last poster, Methadone made my hands and arms go numb a lot and caused many other side effects such as ; excesss sweating, contipation and depression- panic attacks. It's hard to get off of but I did it several times the last time over 5 years ago  Once you get on a meth program there is always the chance that you will be on it for life, especially if you stay on it for more than 2 years. "Methadone, there's no future in it" all the best

[Penelope14]

Hey, Hey Now, I happen to go to a methadone clinic, & never ever have broke the law or been arrested & live in a nice home, drive a nice car, & have nice friends & a great career, drug addicts come in all shapes, sizes, colors & all have different life styles, geez half the people who go to my clinic are pill junkies, theirs even a nurse & a law student, oh and a fire fighter, many different type people, to say that most programs have criminals in them is not fair!  Sure their are some I wouldnt bring home to meet my mom, but overall their just addicts, no different then you & me. But yes I do agree, if you can help it dont choose methadone, as there really is no future in it!  As I, just your regular girl from California, found out the hard way.  

[mr.lucky66]

You sound like you are doing well and go to a good clinic. I was on 5 different methadone clinics over a 25 year period and met some of the worst people ever there. It's not the place to make friends. It much better and safer if you can get methadone from a pharmaccy like is starting to happen, I'm told. The clinic system is punitive and broken and too many people are on methadone that shouldn't be and now may have to take it for life . all the best

[determined814]

i have been reading posts on here and i am trying to quit myself  i have been takeing 80 mg for awhile in the past two months i have reduced my daily dose to 30 mgs i am determined to get off i have plans to go into the navy and dont have much longer to get off of the methadone any one have any advice?  

[kim715]

This is an old thread you posted on.Go back up to the top of the page and hit question and start a fresh post you will get lots of help that way.There are some people on right now with methodone experience,including myself.You will find lots of help and support here.I'll be looking for you.Peace.

[dopefiend4ever]

i have been on methadone for the last three years 130 mills a day and i used heroin heavily before and occasionly during my treatment now im detoxing i was so scared because of all the horror stories ive heard but i promise you its not what you think you obviously have access to meth so all you have to do is cut your dose a little bit at whatever pace your body will allow the worst part is in your head i promise you its not as bad as you think alot of people like to say how bad it was so other people will think they must be so strong and its easy to brag once its all over

[kim715]

First congrats on your decision to get off methadone.In a few days I will have 7 months free from it,best decision I ever made.I'm glad that it has not been that hard for you thus far.Although it has been 7 months I still remember those first 6 weeks very vividly.I jumped off at 25 mgs so it was really rough for me but as strange as it sounds it's something I hope to never totally forget.When most people post about their experience here about methadone detox they tend to be a little scary I agree,but I certainly don't agree that it's to brag or make people think we are strong.There are a few of us here that actually worry about scaring someone by telling them what it was like for us,but we remember how it was for us in the beginning and how much we relied on people to just be honest so we would know what to expect.I needed to hear that at 3 weeks it was perfectly normal, due to the circumstances,to still be feeling so sick.Again I jumped off and I always tell people it may be different if you taper.It may be different because we're all different in the sense that whats really difficult for one may not be so hard for another.Trust me I was not brave or all that strong when I was going through my detox.It was sheer commitment and a whole lot of praying,along with the help of the people here that got me through that,nothing more nothing less.All the best....Kim

[dopefiend4ever]

its 7am and i just got back from the meth clinic and im sick as hell !,,,,this is as bad as it gets for me i have bad nausea hot and cold flashes a headache goosebumps anxiety and my nose is running like a faucet,,,,,,,,maybe i downplayed it a little to much because i felt somewhat normal at the time i was writing it ***** rite now but i still say some people dont accurately portray the expierience im in this all alone and i think that makes it worse my wife who thank god has never taken a drug or had to experience anything like this thinks everything is just fine as long as im not shooting dope she just looks at me and says you'll be ok and i suppose i will but i hate when she tells me that because everything doesnt feel ok to me either way i wouldnt wish this on my worst enemy if your thinking of picking up heroin for the first time or your on rx pain meds just read up on whats gonna happen when you stop it may not kill you but it sure as hell isnt pretty i cant sit still long enough to write anymore because my legs are kicking sometimes a hot shower helps get the meth into my system i think ill go take one bye for now any comments or questions are appreciated

[mr.lucky66]

I also kick the done and am so glad not to be a slave and a part of the "broken" clinic system. I am clean from all drugs and kicking done sucked but it is doable with determination, God , Friends and a little medicine. Note I said a little medicine, too many people here stress medicine and drugs and not enough about what you have inside. all the best

[dopefiend4ever]

you are obviously over your meth addiction and you mentioned it being doable i have god when i let him in i am determined but extremely weak i dont have any friends but you mentioned a little bit of medicine i take 2mgs of klonipin 2 times a day and motrin as needed could you help me out and tell me what meds you took so i could ask my doctor if there ok for me thanx please write back

[mr.lucky66]

I took a benzo and clonidine for the first week or 2 after the last dose of done. God is the most impotant followed by friends and family.

[dopefiend4ever]

thnks for the feedback keep  it coming thanx