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]

Methadone is pretty safe long term.  It is not without side effects both short and long term.  These include decreased sex drive (common with all opiates), constipation, sweating, skin rashes, loss of appetite, sedation, increased tooth decay, and irregular periods.  In my opinion, methadone should only be used for addicts who are chronic relapsers.  Many (most) addicts are able to get off opiates without methadone, and despite some relapses will eventually stay clean.  You don't say how many times you have tried to get clean and stay clean.  I would think long and hard about going on methadone.  It has the worst withdrawal syndrome of any opiate and many methadone patients try unsuccesfully to get off methadone because of the severe withdrawal.  If you start, you might be committing yourself to a life of methadone addiction.  With respect to endorphins, it takes the body some time to adjust to life without opiates, but only in chronic opiate abusers are there permanent changes to the brain resulting in decreased endorphin production.  It is unlikely you have such permanent changes.  Try a detox program (preferably with buprenorphine) and give your body time to adjust to life without opiates.  Only then will you be able to determine what your baseline is.  Getting on methadone is a VERY big decision, and seems to be quite premature in your case.

[steve]

I have never heard of someone going on Methadone due to lack of Endorphins.  Maybe an anti-deppressant, but not meth. Also I am no doctor ( and don't trust many of them) Alot of them don't understand drugs and what they are handing out.(or they don't care). Think hard about getting on Methadone! If you ever want to get off it, Methadone is one of the toughest to get off. Withdrawals can last for a long time.  Get another opinion, get 10 more opinions. Get as many as you can.  
                                          Steve

[Gene to Joanne]

Hi Elizabeth.  I am no doctor but my trusted physician told me that opiates are harmful to internal organs when taken for many years.  But let the doctors on this site answer your question.  Plus, maybe taking a daily dose of Milk Thistle & other vitamins & herbs can help your internal organs survive the opiate use.