Methadone maintained PhD researcher in UK

[mark_e_la]

length of methadone withdrawals

[vicki595]

I know of one person here who detoxed off from 30-25mg per day. He was on methadone for 30 years....     The first month was rough and slowly he began to feel better. He remains clean today.

It seems it's the longevity of use that creates a protracted withdrawal.  I think,as long as you keep tapering,you're headed in the right direction!

[mark_e_la]

It's just good to know I can access this forum for support.  I already feel more confident about taking on my detox bu airing my fear.  Thank you all.  As with most of us we're good at giving advice but not too good at taking it.  The UK heroin drought is also a blessing in disguise...there's no chance of a backward step when there's little or no h on the streets right now.  I think I'm going to increase the pace of my detox slightly and get clean while the going is good.  Thanks for putting up with me and posting back.

[mark_e_la]

I should've asked you to write my first post!  You're spot on.  I'll try and keep my posts short and understandable!  Heads a bit addled with the fear.  Yeah, my question is should I just take it on the chin and do a three to six month detox or taper down to make it easier

[vicki595]

Well,I'm still not finding a question in there Mark. I've read your posts over 3 times!

So,this is what I teased out of your post:

You take 100 mg of methadone per day. You want to get off of the taper and get it over with because you're tired of the system there. You have never detoxed from a dose below 40mg. and you want to know,roughly, how it will feel,how long etc...

I had to make myself work hard to get that far!!  Post back~

[Richjess2226]

Hi mark, someone else from Cardiff!

Thought I'd just pop in and show some support. I haven't ever been in meth for more than a few weeks so couldn't comment on it really. I have though just stopped taking subutex after 9 years. I wouldn't recommend you going onto subs no. It's been killer for me to kick, I'm 17 days off it and still feeling it a bit. From researching into it wd's are quite similar to meth because of the long half-lives they have.
I would do as you say and continue reducing your dose if that's possible. Realising I'm not alone with this and talking to people on this site has really helped me through the mental battle the last 3weeks so don't be a stranger and maybe we can help you too.

[mark_e_la]

Thanks for the message of support.  I will keep hanging out on this site.  Technology can be a wonderful thing!!  Cross continents and oceans at the punch of a button.  If there's anything I could do to offer you advice I've experienced problems with anti anxiety and anti depressant meds and a substantial chunk of my funded research has been on addiction from psychological and sociological perspectives.  I will keep reading and posting as you advise.  Diolch (that's thanks in Welsh).

[DayToTry]

Mark, I don't know anything about Methadone but this site is a great place to hang out.  The people here understand.  Someone else here will have been in your shoes.  Right now most people here in the states are still sleeping so give it awhile and people will wake up and get on the forum.  

I don't think I would have made it without this board.  Hang in there and keep reading and posting.

[mark_e_la]

I guess I was looking for reassurance and support.  I'm trapped in having to keep my methadone use quiet...could cost my job ect ect.  I appologise if I've confused anyone and found already that engaging with this site has taken the isolated feeling away.  I know what I'm up against but I've never detoxed from a dose lower than 40mg a day.  When I hear of people, although we are all different in the manner in which the body adapts and the lifestyles we lead--diet, smoking, fitness etc.  Is it worth tappering down to a sub 10mg dose or will the length of withdrawals (and intensity) be the same.  I have an underlying depressive condition which pre dates any opiate use, aside from the physical aspects of withdrawal I'm terrified at the emotional impact this detox could have on me, particularly since I'm in the process of completing a PhD and have to teach (social science).  In a senese I just dont have time to be too sick and with the job situation being as bad as it is in the UK I'm kinda stuck between a rock and a hard place.  Once again appologies for confusing anyone.  As with many individuals we have the answers within, it just takes confirmation from without to act on out knowledge.  I hope that by engaging with this site I might gain strength by maybe helping others.  I have been on daily doses as high as 250mg I.V. between 1998 and 2002 and did a rapid 5 day detox in hospital.  Not recommended, it just blew my mind and I was unwell for a long time.  I should have reduced for that but hind-sight is 20/20 vision, as they say.  I'm currently fighting to be put on a shorter acting opiate, something akin to Vicodin although we don't have that in the UK.  I know I'm going to have to be patient for now and carry on with the 5ml per month reduction until I'm at a lower dose.  I'm just so tired of it all and being treated like an animal by some doctors.  Thanks to anyone who reads this.  Regards from the UK.

[quitinoxys]

Mark--I am also confused what are exactly asking?

[vicki595]

Mark~I still don't understand your question either.  You already seem to know how long withdrawl can last...Are you asking how long withdrawl will last if you stop abruptly?

Also, we know that everyone reacts differently to meds/drugs and their withdrawal. I've never taken Methadone so I can't speak from personal experience.  But,I DO know it's  h e l l for some people coming off at a dose of 30 mg.  As it is for other folks coming off of SUB. We're all different.

Keep posting ~~  

[mark_e_la]

Avoid methadone if possible.  It is much harder to detox from than heroin.  All the long acting opiates meth, LAAM, subutex, suboxone, although the last two are slightly less severe, entail long withdrawals.  With methadone I have detoxed in the past and not felt well for a year (from a dose of 80mg).  Am now reducing from 100mg by 5 mg per month.  From high doses it's not too bad cutting down to the 30 to 40mg mark but after that you have to reduce much slower or if possible change to a short acting opiate for a couple of months, morphine sulphate, or a strong codeine preparation.  It's just getting doctors to listen that's difficult!!  We get to know our own bodies.  Good luck.

[pollis68]

Hi there-I have RA/Fibromyalgia and my new DR. has put me on Methadone for the last 30 days- 2weeks 15mg then up to 20mg second 15days. And now I am realizing this is bigger than me in the physical addiction/w drawals senario. I was resistant n bitched ect. but he still gave me no other options of information about this drug. So wanting temp relief I did it. I have b4 been on 30mg/day of percocets for 2yrs. n had little problems getting off physically, mentally-none. Being on this RX for 30days having to see him n tell him next Friday do you think I will have a hard time physically??? ThankyouI am reaching out becuz I know for a fact this Dr. is gonna give me a hardtime n we have already butted heads w me yelling at him "I do not like or want to be on this Grandious drug", he didnt care! GRRR!

[avisg]

I have to say I am confused myself

[IBKleen]

Are you asking for research purposes or are you the person taking Methadone?

[gnarly_1]

HI ......there is a lot of variables in methadone withdrawals no 2 are the same a lot is based on lenth of time your on it as well as dose....did you taper off or just jump c/t if your use is short and dose low some people get by with a week of withdrawals and a recovery time of around a month....if you have been on it a yr or longer at a higher dose say 100mg or so
your withdrawal will be about 2 weeks and recovery is slow...I was on it 6 1/2yrs and I was sick for the first month the second month was a bit better but it was around 90 days b/4 I really started to feel better ....methadone is a monster to kick a big part of it is the post withdrawal energy crash that in itself can be diblatating getting off requires determination
and perseverance to push past the fact your not going to feel well for 90 days...I have helped many get off this drug and this is very typical results I hope this helps your study
.......Gnarly