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 Sick and Scared]

Good choice!  Yes, you are strong enough to deal with 3 or 4 days of feeling like absolute ****.  It will not kill you, and with the right medications it isn't so horrible.  MUCH better than chaining yourself to a methadone clinic.  Which, for chronic relapsers is much better than not being chained to a methadone clinic.  Good luck to you.

[To Nancy from Elizabeth]

I am not going to start methadone, atleast not now, i just hope I am strong enough to do this without it!!! Thanks everyone!!!!!

[Carol]

Elizabeth, I surely hope you did not keep your appointment at the Methadone clinic.  The person who said you would be a "slave" to the clinic and meth is absolutely right.  You will never be able to go anywhere out of town.  You will drink the dose they give you and may not know how much you are taking.  I have spent 15 years with a slave to clinics.  If you are a very dependant person with no mind of your own and if you like being treated (and your family)like scum, then go on the "program".  I wonder if the Dr who is trying to get you there has a financial interest in the place?  I am not addicted or an addict yet methadone programs have adversly affected my life to a degree you would not believe possible.

Please, please, don't go there.  Staying on perscription medication for the rest of your life is a better option.

[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.

[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.

[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.