Methadone for 15 years and Why a Clinic would leave it up to the Addict?

[angie]

I have someone very dear to me that has been on Methadone for 15 years to keep clean from heroin. My thoughts is that it just helped prolong her situation and helping her not reach a bottom. There are even some states that will give it to her free. Florida however does not give it free. It is pretty costly. Yes, I have read all about how it keeps them off the streets. They do not offer any real counseling or really try to help her get off this stuff. Why would a methadone clinic keep someone on the program for so long? I know several people within the program that has been on it for 10+ years. Why would a program leave it up to a drug addict to reduce their dose or get off the program? There was another question posted about Hepatitis C and the effects of Methadone. I would like to just say that the medication that could help the Hepatitis C is blocked due to the use of Methadone. Only quoting the Doctors. Yes, I probably sound Angry. 90% of the time I am not. I attend Alanon and with the help of a greater power than my self I keep the focus on me, Take it One day at a time, Letting go and Letting God.

Thank you for listening to my questions and my thoughts.

[From Aunt Lindy to Mariah]

When are you due? We could have a CYBER BABY Shower for you!  You should register with Babys R Us or something like that! I think that is a great idea!  Just like me being a CYBER God Parent!  I am so glad you are doing so good! Pat the Baby Hello!

Sincerely,
Marcie.

[tom to Mariah]

I don't know what to say ... you humble me. love to you too, Mariah. God bless you and little Ryan Thomas.

[Gloria]

To Barbara
Congrats on eight months of sobriety. I would like to make some critical points about some of your claims and dispel whatever belief you have that you are "now addicted to Klonopin."  Current research regarding anxiety/panic disorders has revealed that there is almost 90% correlation between panic disorders and mitral valve prolapse.  Research has yet to define what triggers the panic component, but it is currently believed that the tachyarrhythmias (extremely fast heartbeats and irregular heartbeats) are the culprit.  Klonopin is the drug of choice to correct this illness, along with beta-blockers (Tenormin, Inderal).  So Barbara, your Klonopin is as important to your continued living as Insulin is to a diabetic.  Yes, Klonopin is a benzodiazepine and has the potential to be addictive.  In your case, I would venture a guess that your alcohol dependence was your attempt to self-medicate an underlying panic/anxiety disorder, which was triggered by a physiologic problem (Mitral Valve Prolapse).  Because of your past history, you are wise to be cautious about taking your medication only as prescribed, but I doubt that is an issue with you.  Keep up the good work and try to see your Klonopin as life-sustaining medication--not an addiction.  You do not need to "detox" from it, only take it as prescribed.  Best wishes for continued sobriety.

[From Aunt Lindy to Mariah]

Hi Gloria,
I just wanted to say that you gave a GREAT response to Barbara.  I know that she will appreciate that information.  That is all I wanted to say. Terrific Post.

Sincerely,
Marcie.

[Frankinscense]

More myths based on non scientific non facts. Methadone boosts the immune system. It does this stabalising an off balance immmune system that has been compromised by the abuse of short acting opiates. I have studied various research findings and never has anyone been so wrong than the above poster. Methadone/LAAM helps hep c or hiv/aids addicts recover or live better lives by keeping them off of short acting opiates. I too believe in many ways in twelve step recoveries. This method helps many recover who have addictions that are not complicated by years of abuse and many incarcerations. When a person is facing lives that are so unhealthy and out of order. Methadone/Laam help these people get their lives back together so they can find employment and become productive citizen.
                                                                
Methadone/LAAM has helped people from all walks of life. (doctors,lawyers,pharmacists,etc.) The press usually only print negative articles in regards to this treatment. It does not print all the success stories that have come about due to these therapies. I must point out that opiate agonist therapies are not for every opiate addict. It is for addicts that have relapsed continually despite various treatment and twelve step programs.
I am not trying to convince anyone to stop trying abstinence. These methods of treatment help many addicts keep this horrible disease in remission. But when these addicts after several attempts at abstinence contiually fail, methadone/LAAM offers another tool to help them stay away from short acting opiates. Short acting opiates if used continually over long periods of time will have negative effects to the immune system and all the neurohormones (endorphins,dopamine,serotonin,norepinephrine,etc.)
Methadone BLOCKS no medicine that helps HEP C patients that I am aware of. Methadone has absolutely no ill effects on vital organs throughout the body if taken at a proper dose. Methadone has been researched for 40-50 years and no research scientist can find anything negative about this drug in regards to the health of the  user. Methadone is a very safe drug with no toxic effects if used properly. It is a medicine with many similarities to other maintenace meds such as insulin and blood pressure medicines. If anyone cares to find holes in what I type.. Do some research and try to prove me wrong. I am a methadone patient and will stay on methadone until some other treatment comes along that is superior  to methadone.  I wish that i could  continue this discussion,but I have to take care of my responsibilities and go to work. My Peace I Give You, My Peace I Leave You,
Dan..
ps. I had no time to proof read this, so xcuse any errors! Dan

[tom to Dan]

thanks for the clarification. Knew you'd have the skinny.