Methadone program

[Elizabeth]

I have been addicted to hydrocodone for over 2 yrs, my doctors wnat me to start going to a methadone clinic to start the "program". I guess my question in this, they have told me that it is a possibility that this is somthing that I may have to do for the rest of my life!! The doctors say my brain does not make enough endorphins, and without some kind of opiate in my system,now that I have had them, I will never be able to go totally without them. I found this so hard to understand, and they tried explaining it to me by comparing it to a diabetic. Is it safe for someone to live thier entire life with a daily dose of opiates in thier system and not have some kind if damage done to thier body? I know this is kind of long but, I need any info. I can get I have about 4 days to make this decision!!! Thanks to anyone that can give any comments.

[Brian to Elizabeth]

Once again, I don't know your drug history, your relapse history, etc.  What I do know is that Steve is correct, millions have gotten clean without methadone.  Methadone is great for those people that have been hardcore addicts for years and simply can not stay clean.  I must say I am shocked at your doctor saying you have a 2-3% chance of staying clean.  What are the facts upon which he makes such a judgment?  Please know that if you get on methadone you will have an incredibly hard time getting off of it.  Do you really want to be a slave to the methadone?  Try other things first, then if everything fails and you can't seem to stay clean you can always go on methadone.  I would find a new addiction specialist while you're at it.

[RB To Gene]

Opiates are not harmful to your body.  That simply isn't so.  Opiates are actually one of the safest drugs out their for your body.  Now opiates are bad if they are combined with acet/asprin, now that will destroy your liver.

[Gene to Joanne]

That's an interesting post you made.  I believed my doctor without checking out what he said so maybe he was wrong. As far as your liver, the best way to keep your liver working & healthy is to take a daily dose of an herb called Milk Thistle.  It is available in all health food stores and most pharmacies in the vitamin section & it has been proven to restore liver function to damaged livers as well as keeping livers healthy when you abuse them with high doses of Tylenol or alcohol.  I take one every day as do my friends who take painkillers for fun or actual pain.

[pinky to rebecca]

Elizabeth, listen to Steve and Brian. You don't want to get mixed up in methadone if you don't absolutely have to. i have a young friend (he is 27) who has to go every day to the clinic to get his daily dose. he doesn't have the energy he used to, sweats all the time, and has basically become a slave to the clinic. Please make sure all alleys are blocked, before stepping into one where you can't see the other side.

[Mick]

Elizabeth,
   How are you doing ?Thinking things over?I feel like I know some of you from reading all your posts.I know you feel like you are between a rock and a hard place,but you(we) have to believe you can make it through these times.Don't let anyone talk you into something you don't feel is right.
Keep us posted.We're listening.

[Carol]

I haven't yet read the other replies but I have to BEG you not to
go on a methadone program.  Methadone is much more addictive than
anything else and the program will own you body and soul (and especially your pocketbook).  I have observed programs in action all over the country, and altho some are better than others they all own you.  Please get another MD who cares and don't jump from the frying pan into the fire.