Finally...detoxed from Methadone

[NotDarkYet]

Morning.  I finally after 7 years on Methadone, have detoxed.  I never had been on too high of a dose, I started a slow detox from 35 mgs., the detox was 6 months.  I'm feeling alright, somewhat- but the symptoms are there, the not sleeping is the hard part along with the leg-cramping and the usual bag of unpleasantries. Can anyone give me any time- frames as to how long this will last?  Hopefully not for months on end! I have a feeling I went about this the right way, rapid detox seems like your just setting yourself up for a nasty fall.  I got on methadone when I was 19 yrs. old, I'm 26 and just want to reclaim my life back, go to NA- stay sober!  This is actually my third time trying to kick methadone, the other two times I failed miserably.  I don't want to end up back 'chasing a bag' or limping back to the methadone clinic.  I have severed all ties to previous friends that were users, I do the 20 second rule, and stay busy!!!  My main questions is: how long should I expect these withdrawls to last?  Did I go about my detox slow enough so that most of the drug is out of my system?  For being on this for such a long time, I'm still kind of naive to the generalisation of methadone, always in the past have heard 2 or 3 sides to every story!  Any input would be greatly appreciated!  Thanks!!!

[stev e]

Slow detox worked for me, I detoxed from 100 mg. down. It started getting noticable @ 30 mg. I went very slow with 5 mg drop every month, until  i got to 10 mg. than I went down 2 1/2 mg at a time until I got to 2 1/2 mg. When I felt I was ready. I left 6 doses (licquid) in frig, knowing there was releif if I really wanted it. I also had trouble sleeping, you may want to try a sleeping aid, over the counter. As I remembered it did not last very long. I also used for a period of 5 yrs.
The hard part is over and just hang in there a little longer and you should be proud of yourself. The very best.

[OxyDout]

just curious about methadone, I was on about 160mg of oxycontin a way for a while, i have been using narcotics for 4 yrs, either vicodin, percs and finally now oxycontin, I had been clean for about a month then I went back to using vicodin and some oxycontin here and there.  All though Im nowhere near as bad as i used to be, Im still taking things here and there.  So I am on methadone.  It worked well for me last time.  I stay on for 4 or 5 days.  I only take about 5-7 mg the first day, then about 5 the next and then about 2.5 for the next 2 and it gets me through the withdrawal very well.  My question is, if I do that should I be worried about becoming addicted to the methadone?? I know it has the potential, but if I stay strong willed and only take those low dosages will that be a problem??? thanks guys.  Oh by the way, whoever posted this, (didn't look at the name) great work!!! I think you went about it the right way, just remember you spent 6 months!!! coming down don't give up now, you can definitely do it!!!

GWH

[NotDarkYet]

Morning, again!  Actually slept about 5 1/2 hrs. last night, pretty good- a whole lot better than 0 hrs!  Thanks for your support guys, really!  Actually, I always thought in the back of my mind that I'd be on methadone forever, thought it was literally impossible to get off, always let the 'statistics' get the better of me.  I'm completely out of my old element, living in a new city- so I hope that helps a little.  I realise that if you really want drugs bad enough- you'll get them. It seems that the past 2 years I've been detoxing and it gets very tiring after awhile, enough is enough! I can't let myself down, I can't let my family down- staying focused is the key, also coming clean with yourself is necessary- some people can't do that, I was one.  Never could look myself in the mirror and say, 'Man, your a junkie, but... you don't have to live like one!'  It's not impossible, nothing's impossible.  I know I'm not out of the woods yet, but I know this time it's going to be a success.  So to anyone of you out there struggling with methadone, don't give up- I was on it for 7 years, that's a pretty long time and since I'm only 26, it's also kind of pathetic!:-) Take it slow and easy, keep focused on the big picture!  Everybody take care and have a great day!

[1fortheroad]

i'm curious about something GWH.  you say you've used methadone to detox more than once?  do you get this prescribed by a dr. or do you go to a clinic.  i cannot find a dr. willing to prescribe it for detox, nor do i fit the criteria for a clinic.  from everything i've read and heard, it is a drug which is normally used long-term.  i would think it would be hard to use it for a couple days to detox...is it?  also, i heard that one dose should last about 8 hours...has that been the case for you?  oxy is supposed to last that length of time as well, but for me, being the addict that i am, it never did.

i cannot use any type of narcotic in "moderation" as you've mentioned you've been doing over the past few months.  if i have it, i take it until it's gone.  i tried to detox myself with buprenex, but i found myself using that to get high as well.  for me, there are no easy answers...i think i have to just stop and say that's it.  i cannot dabble....anyhow, i hope you get a chance to answer these questions...i really appreciate it and good luck to you!

[NotDarkYet]

Actually one dose of methadone will usually last anywhere from 24 to 36 hrs. (more or less depending on how many mgs. dispensed and how high of tolerance, but I have had as little as 3mgs. hold me for an entire 24 hour period) , that's why it is such a pain to get off!  Methadone has an incredibly high shelf-life, that's why detoxing slowly, very slowly is necessary.  Kicking heroin is way more intense, but in a matter of 3 to 5 days most of the physical withdrawl should be over with, then you just have to deal with the ugly psychological mind games but that's a whole other story!  With methadone it's not as intense but the withdrawls (which are basically flu like symptoms and the spastic legs at night) seem to linger longer. I'm going on my 3rd day methadone free and actually feel quite good, kind of spooked because I always hear the 4th day is the worst, but what can you do- I've made up my mind this time, I'm in it for the long haul! Also, I've heard getting prescriptions for methadone is very difficult (alot of 'red tape') and to the earlier post (sorry, forgot your name), you said that you can't get on a methadone program?!  Why is that?  Are you using?  Don't mean to pry...

[1fortheroad]

i am using narcotics on and off, but that is not the reason.  there are no methadone programs around here that have room for me, and i have not been using long enough to require one (so they say).  you have to have been using over two years, which i have not. i've been using just a little under two years, so they say i don't fit their profile...weird huh.  even if i was to fit, there isn't a program for miles and miles that has an opening in the next six months.

[OxyDout]

I actually buy the methadone from the same kid who supplied me with the oxy's.  He was a good friend of mine, (atleast when I was using) but he was nice enough to give me a call when he got in a bunch of the 40mg wafers.  I bought two of them, but only used 1 and a half.  I took the 60mg and split it into 5mg pieces. I took 10mg the first day, 5 for the next 2 days then 2.5 for then next two and that was it.  I have some left over just in case.  I didn't find it hard to not use the methadone because it didn't do much for me besides keep my leg from going crazy.  5mg has definitely allowed me to make it through a full day.  I didn't feel "high" for those 24 hours, but i was pain free.  When I took oxycontin (snorted, crushed etc...) It never lasted more then a couple of hours, if that.  QUESTION: so if I am detoxing with methadone very strictly, only as I have told I have been. Should I be fine when I'm done on the 5th day?? The last time I did this, I lasted two days after my last methadone, but that was the mental thing, I needed to get high ( i went back to oxy) but I don't plan on doing that this time, so I'm wondering if I will go through withdrawal from the methadone........ like I said, I'm taking it for 5 days. 10mg, then 5mg, then 5mg, then 2.5mg, and another 2.5mg.........

[NotDarkYet]

Hey, I'm just replying to your question.  Since you haven't been on methadone for a very long time and at small doses, you should be alright by the 5th day.  Can't say for sure, so much depends on health, mental health, support etc;.  One thing that has actually helped me out quite a bit are vitamins, especially CoQ10 which is just loaded with vitamin E which is a healer.  It doesn't totally curb withdrawls, but what it does do is help the body heal from the withdrawl and in turn, you bounce back quicker than without.  I'm on my 3rd day methadone free.  I slept through the entire night, legs were doing the little spastic thing for awhile, but then it was over.  Today I just feel weak, it's taking me forever to get motivated, but struggling w/ cravings- no!  Hasn't even crossed my mind.  To successfully get off opiates or any other kind of drug, is to not substitute it with anything else (one demon for another demon)which in turn, you'll find yourself going back to your old ways. Found that out the hard way this past summer. All of a sudden, your back to where you started from and that just plain sucks and blows to hell any self-esteem you might have had.  If you seriously want to be free of this, go for long-term- if it starts getting hard, realise it'll be better tomorrow and keep focused on the big picture!  Methadone is a good deterent from illicit opiates, but there is a ton of beauracracy involved as well, and there's alot of fear involved.  What if I get snowed in and can't get to the clinic?  What if I get arrested and have to kick in jail? (I had a friend that went through that, cold turkey in jail and he was on 87 mgs.!) Alot of what ifs.  And every state has different rules.  I live in Portland, OR. so getting on a methadone clinic is fairly easy, took me about a week 1/2 to get back on the program.  In Denver, where I'm from, the day I went in to speak to a councelor- I was dosed, didn't even have to put any money up-front.  So from state-to-state it's a ton of red -tape and strange rules.  If you can free yourself completely and live out the rest of your life clean, then go for it!  Remember, it's only pain- it goes away, nothing- not even withdrawls last forever!!!

Take Care!

[1fortheroad]

hi - sounds like you've been thru a lot - i guess we all have if we're here! i would really like to get into a methadone program, however like i mentioned, i can't seem to find one that will take me.  do you know of an online site where i might be able to get info for finding one in my area?  thanks.

[Patrice]

Here is a link that should give you the answers you are looking for considering methadone.  www.methadone.org.  I am on methadone,and it has helped me in more ways than I can say.  I have been a heroin addict most of my life.  I got clean then after many years of recovery, started taking vicodin for chronic pain.  I dont know about any other addicts, but taking pain pills is my trigger..  The methadone I am on, helps with the chronic pain and also keeps me clean and far away from heroin.  For me, methadone isnt a crutch, it saved my life.  I am in the process of starting Methadone anonoyumus (SP) meetings,and for the first time in my life, I started my own business, I am doing better and feel better than I have in years.  As for being tied down to a clinic, in California, no matter where you are, jail, hospital, you will get your dose, as long as you are payed to date.  When I go out of town, I get all of my doses to take with me, and since I have opened a business, I will get take home bottles, so that isnt a problem either.  My husband is working, so he goes to the clinic on Sunday and Monday.  I do not believ that methadone is trading one demon for the other, in fact drugg addiction has nothing to do with a demon, it is a diease that is treatable but not cureable.  I dont mean to be harsh, but I dont get it when people attack the methadone program.. BTW, the NA fellowship I belonged to stabbed me in the back.  The people that have stood by me through all this are not in NA, I dont believe the saying that we had no friends out there. It is BS, I have friends who I used with, if we go out and do something, they dont use around me..  And to the person who is buying methadone off the street.  BAD IDEA.....  You dont know how much you are getting, how old it is, and if you really want to detox, you will get professional help.  There are many people who get off of methadone and never use again.  Methadone is not only a long term thing.  The clinics have detox programs which last 21 days. The great side of methadone, is if you are on the right dose, PRESCRIBED TO YOU BY A DOCTOR, you will not get high, you will feel normal, and best of all you wont want to use.


CG

[NotDarkYet]

Yeah, methadone will work for some, yes- I'm not denying that, but like I said, some clinics in different states have different rules.  My friend when he went in to County Jail wasn't dosed, all they would give him was aspirin, he was in total hell.  Not saying everyone on methadone is going to go out and commit crimes, just the opposite actually.  I guess I just had some bad experiences with the clinics I went to and with the staff I had to deal with, so I come off kind of bashing at times against methadone clinics.  Methadone probably saved my life, God only knows where I'd be right now if I hadn't committed myself years ago- more than likely dead.  It's just that if a person can quit opiates altogether, then go for it!  Methadone to me was a shackle, I travel alot, move around quite a bit as well- (a restless soul), so I was just looking for personal freedom from all drugs. I'm not knocking methadone at all, believe me... if it saves lives that's the important thing, just personal experiences have left me a little jaded around the edges.  And I wish you good luck in your future!

[Laurad]

I am hoping someone here can answer some questions for me. My son (24) has been taking methadone through a local clinic since early December. He was using herion. I don't believe he used it on a regular basis, at least he says he wasn't. I don't know if that is the truth or not, but that isn't the issue. When he started on the methadone they started him on 20 mgs. By the end of December he was up too 100 mgs. He was so wired around Christmas it was awful!  He has worked back to 80 now, but he appears hyper to me and I am wondering if this high of an amount is normal. He has been herion free since he started and I think the amount he is on is too high. He wants to start dropping it down faster until he gets to around 20 mgs. But they don't seem to want to let him do that. I guess what I am wanting to know is if these amounts of methadone are normal. I almost have a feeling that the clinic is keeping him on a higher amount to make more money. I admit I no knowledge of how this works so I was hoping some of you would share your experiences.
Thanks, Laura

[NotDarkYet]

Hi, Laura just replying to your post.  Do you have any idea of the amount of heroin your son was using before he checked into the methadone clinic?  Usually they'll dose you by the amount you were taking to begin with.  It sounds, to me since I've been where your son is now, like they're overdosing him.  Do you know if he gets really sweaty, heart races, nervousness, anxiousness?  If so, he's gotta come down.  If he said he didn't use on a daily basis then 100 mgs is way too much!  I had a gram and 1/2 a day habit, I was started out at 80mgs. and that was way too much, thought I was going to have a heart attack, finally got to 40mgs. then lived basically for 5 1/2 years on 35 mgs. When a person is dosed at the right amount of methadone, they should not in the least be impaired by that, sounds like your son is and that is not good.  Methadone is only used to curb an addiction and get you on the right path, but like I've said earlier there's alot of stuff you have to deal with.  He has to talk with the clinic doctor and just say 'hey, I'm on way too much, at least bring me down to 60mgs., then slowly go down to where he is comfortable, where he can function without being all speedy and so forth.  I wouldn't recommend decreasing down alot all at once, but again it all depends on how long of a time he's been on this dose.  But in all complete honesty, it sounds like he's on way too much.  Take care and let us know how he's doing.

[Patrice]

Hi

Thanks Not dark yet, you are right in a lot of ways.  I guess where I live the clinics are much more liberal, I have neveer been to jail (yet) but we do get dosed.  I think the methaodne thing is real contraversial right now, because it hasnt been totally accepted by the general population yet.  There are a lot of fears people have.  In fact I was talking with a good friend tonight, he has been clean off and on for 25 years.  The only time that he doesnt use is when he is on methadone.  I tried to get him to go to the clinic tomorrow, but he said "I am going to try it my way, one more time"  Yea, and Thursday that one last time almost killed him.  I was reading a book about methadone, and in it it says that opiate addicts who have used for 20 or 30 years, may always need something, because we lose the endorphins in our brain, and they never come back.  Thank you for being so nice, I really appreciate it!!!!

And Laura, if your son wasnt doing dope that long, heshould have NEVER gone to the methadone clinic.  Where I live, I had to prove I am a heroin addict,they checked my tracks, and went into my history.  I am on 135mg, but I was eating 25 vicodins a day, and shooting 2 grams of dope.  If you son is on the right dose, you wouldnt even be able to tell he is on anything.I think they over dosed him, but unfortunatly he has to be brought down slow, or he will be sick, and probably go back to heroin, just to feel normal..The people I know that are successful at quiting methadone, and staying off, detoxed 1mg a week until they felt bad, then they would stop awhile.  I hope he gets off of methaodne one day!!!  He just has to do it the right way. See, my doctor took me down 5 mg, and I got sick, so I asked to be put back up to 135mg.  Slower is better.  Keep us posted on his progress, ok??

Love

Patrice

[sheba82699]

My husband is being prescribed Methodone from a pain clinic for chronic back pain and has been on it now for approx. 3 months but has lately been smoking pot along with it and I am noticing that his balance is really off(this i have never noticed before) and this is really scaring me - does anyone know the dangers off combining these two drugs?  Thanks for any help or comments.

[OxyDout]

I really appreciate the advice, honestly I do, however, I bought it from someone I can trust and He opened the bottle in front of me and handed me the 40mg wafers, plus, i looked it up in the pill book and on the internet, I double checked everything.  And when I said he opened it in front of me, he didn't do it to prove they were real, he did it just because I was there at his house. I say that because I know if someone is opening a bottle in front of me to prove to me that what he has is real, the chances are they probably are not. (did that make any sense) anyway, I already used the methadone, I haven't used any for 4 days and I"m fine, I now have to deal with this mental struggle....ugh.  Anyway, hope all is well

GWH

[Bon Bon]

I had been using heroin since the age of about 13 or 14. I am 20 now and on methadone. well not exactly. I couldn't pay my fees this month so they "fee" toxed me. which is a 10% decrease in your dose everyday. I have quit heroin cold turkey many times as well as rapid detox(worst experience of my life)and as bad as they were nothing compares to what I'm going through right now. I refuse to use heroin again nomatter how sick I am, but I don't know how much longer I can take this. It's been since Saturday since my last dose and from past experience with my ex-husband I will be very sick starting on the fifth day of my last dose and will remain sick for a couple of months. I can't stop crying I am in so much pain. My stomach and my legs hurt and I'm crawling out of my skin. please if anyone has any advice that will help me let me know. Don't woory about me falling asleep!

[NotDarkYet]

Jesus girl, you sound like your in a world of hurt- I'm so sorry!  See, that's what pisses me off about these damn methadone clinics, they're NOT about the recovery of the addict, they're ABOUT the frickin' money!  I'm trying to think of what you can do, but never cold turkeyed methadone- too many horror stories.  Can you get back on the program ASAP?  Will any insurance companies cover you?  It's a rare thing I know, I've lived in 5 different states in the past 7 years and only 1 state had insurance to cover my meth, Oregon.  Take warm baths, antihistamines will sometimes help with the crazy leg thing, if you can please go to a doctor or a hospital if it gets completely unbearable.  Just go to the emergency room and tell them what you're going through, they'll help you out and when it's all over promise yourself you'll never go back!!! I hope everything will be alright.

[Patrice]

Hi GWH

The reaon I am so concerned about you is anytime you want to detox, you need to do it under a doctors care.  I didnt realize you were getting the wafers, I thought you were getting liquid methadone, but still, the sucess rate is soooooooo small if you try to do it by yourself. One time when I was kicking, my doctor (God Bless Him) gave me some sleeping pills so I could sleep. I stil felt awful, but I was able to cathch a few zzzzzzzzzzzzzz's.  I am concerned about you and remember one thing. If you want to be in recvory, you can do it.  We addicts are strong, and we can do anything if we want it bad enough


Love

Patrice

[jennyfla]

I'm sorry you are hurting so much.
No, you won't be sick for months.  You might not feel yourself for a while, maybe slightly depressed, somewhat nervous, but you won't feel sick that long.  The sickness will start to get better after the 2nd week, then you will start to feel better each day.
Stay strong, and know that you will  be getting your life back.  Methadone is great, but it really just prolongs the agony.  If you can make due without it, your so much better off.
My husband was hooked on methadone and oxycontin and he was off both within 5-days.  A lot of it is in your mind (after the initial detox), and you really need some support and some guidance right now.  Have you tried NA?  I'm not familiar with how much you might know about addiction and if you realize how much support you will need to get through this.  You might, but i just needed to say it anyway!
Best of luck to you.  You are so young and have your whole life ahead of you.  There's so much out there to be explored, keep strong for YOU!!!
Lv Jenny

[OxyDout]

Thank you for your response, like I said I really do appreciate it.  I didn't even know they had liquid methadone, I don't know much about it. All I know is that he gave me the two 40mg methadone, they say it right on the pill, it worked very well, know I just need to keep my head on straight because I don't have any more withdrawal symptoms. Anyway, I hope all is well with you..........I sometimes wish I never got so deep into this so that I could take an OC once and a while.....I know it doesn't sound possible, but there are plenty of people who do that, why can't I!!!!!! but on another level, I have gone to the gym every day for the last 7 days, I'm getting back into it and I love being clear headed. my girlfriend keeps me going, shes incredible, (she doesn't know about any of this) I sometimes wish i could tell her but I can't, I would lose her.  Right now she is my strength and I can't let her down.  Take care and post back when you get a chance.

GWH

[confused.grl]

I have been using oxycotin since my 4 surgeries in july, starting tomorrow i will be on methadone any tips?

[confused.grl]

yesteday i posted the stupid letter that i would be starting metadone therapy today, well after staying up half the night reading this site, i decided to tell my doctor everything. Needless to say i am now 20 hours into my withdrawls. If anybody can tell me how long the shakes and nervousness will last it would be appreciated.
                     confused.

[NotDarkYet]

Hey, hope you're doing okay!  Just responding to tell you the shakes, restless legs and all that major un-fun stuff, doesn't last as long as you might think it will.  Just take it day by day and don't give up!  I'm now on my 8th day from methadone detox and feel really good, still my legs at night go all restless but it doesn't last as long or as intense than the previous night.  Everyday it gets better and better and once your out of the 'woods', believe me you'll be so happy to have that dark cloud off your back (and that damn monkey! :-D).  It's not easy but it well worth it, believe me!

Take Care!