quitting methadone

[snowflake24]

As most of you have read my posts, and I have decided when I get to 10mgs of methadone Im quitting cold turkey...my tapering down is not working very well for me at this point...I woke up at 5am with diarrhea, chills and a little sweating. Im pigheaded and stubborn, as addicts can be, and im at 13mgs right now, but either i continue going down 3mgs a week., or quit cold turkey......and the 3mgs a week thing is starting not to work,that is why I am sick, but I dont want to drag it on and on for 3-4 more months, going down a 1mg a week. I know Im rambling but  this is going to be h**l  for me. If I am this sick at 13mgs.....and quitting at tenmgs.....I think, no I know that this will be the hardest withdrawal i have ever gone thtough. And to be honest I am scared s***less. Im soo scared I am going to quit, then 3-4 days later end up back at the clinic.......I hope not because that place is really bringing me down.....

[andyodo]

you still ok hun im on day 48 and still get odd chills  craps etc sleep ok its just really the first 3 weeks for me but im still on the road, i feel and now hope your doing ok let us know   andy x

[stayingpositivetoo]

Please, also, be kind to yourself. So many times we think we deserve to have the withdrawal symptoms because we've been "bad" for taking too many pills and this is our "punishment." It is not. The fact that you're trying so hard to become a better person by quitting this horrible addiction says that you should be treated with kindness and respect. And that kindness and respect must first come from yourself.

A long time ago, I heard the saying, "Whether you believe you can or believe you can't, you're right." And that is so true. If you tell yourself, "This is too hard. I can't do it." Guess what? You can't. But if instead you tell yourself, "I'll get through this. It will be okay. I can do it." Guess what? You'll get through it. You WILL be okay.

Please do not underestimate how important this is. Yes, all the hints and tips on hot baths and herbal remedies and over-the-counter meds and vitamins are great. I've used many of these tips and they've helped me immensely. But unless you have your head in the right place, you're working under a severe handicap. And getting your head in the right place is easy. You just have to monitor your thoughts.

If you hear yourself say, "I can't . . . " Say, "STOP! Yes, I can do this. Many people have done this before me, and yes, I can do it too."

If you hear yourself say, "This is too hard . . ." Say "STOP! Yes, it is hard, but I'm a tough gal (or guy) and I can handle it."

When I'd feel fidgety and like I just might go out of my mind, I'd rub my arms and say, "You're going to be okay. This is only temporary, and you're going to be just fine. You can do this."

When I'd be in pain and it wasn't yet time for my next dose (I put myself on a strict schedule), I'd say, "Okay, Sweetie (always call yourself kind names), let's stay busy. You're going to be okay, and in 45 minutes (or whatever the time) you can have your dose. Just stay the course. You're going to be fine."  

My tapered withdrawal was tough, but I knew I had no back-up and no choice. I continued the positive self-talk and treated myself as kindly as I could. I was worried about going into convulsions or dying from withdrawal. I did some research, and guess what? ALTHOUGH THIS WITHDRAWAL IS PAINFUL, IT IS NOT, ACCORDING TO WEB-MD, WIKIPEDIA, AND MEDHELP, LIFE-THREATENING. (unless you choke on your vomit or fail to re-hydrate).

I thank each and every poster to this forum. Your stories have gotten me through many rough afternoons. I love the positiveness of this site and the support. God bless you each and everyone.

Now, be kind to yourself. You can do this.

[snowflake24]

First off, wanted to thank you again for your support and answering my questions. Everybody has been soo wonderful in trying to support my decision. I think I told you I havent dosed in over 48 hours, so far I feel fine, but it can take up to three days. I will find out tonight or tomorrow morning how bad I will be. I will keep you informed. Thanks again

[atthebeach]

hi kara,
just take it as it comes. dont let fear in.
most times the fear is worse than the actually withdrawal.
it probably wont get any worse than you are already feeling.
just try to relax, breathe,stay focused.
when did you last dose?
keep posting for support and let us know how you are doing.
debbie

[gnarly_1]

Hi.....dont be scared of it but treat it with respect.....when your coming off methadone you just got to be ok without being ok for a wile your attitude is good you will do fine attitude is 2/3s of doing this then putting up with the discomfort.....pic up the vitamins I told you about it will help a lot keep posting for support and always remember you can do this.........Gnarly

[snowflake24]

thank you so much for your advice. I am scared to get off methadone because I have never withdrawn off of it before. But I am mentally ready. Thanks for your support,

Kara

[atthebeach]

hun i think you will be fine if you stop now.
you are young and havent even been on it for one year.
drink the protein shakes, look at the amino acid protocol and the thomas recipe on the bottom right under the health pages,
treat your symptoms.
keep a positive outlook.
one day at a time.
exercise,seek aftercare.
this too shall pass......
keep the faith....
sending hope,encouragement,support and prayers
debbie

[snowflake24]

well i topped off at 80mgs for 3 months, then have been weaning down for 8 months, so a total of 11 months at the clinic......i feel like such a weakling because i havent stopped cold turkey yet. i need that push, but i need that push from myself. i didnt realize how much courage it takes to quit cold turkey.....because once i do i know there is no turning back. but now I am pushed into a corner because i wont slow down, so I know its time to quit. Im nervous but I can do it. thanks

[gnarly_1]

Hi.....well we have had member quit at all different doses 10 is doable but it will be worst then what your feeling now.....Methadone is not the most sever to come off off but most will say the withdrawal last the longest for most its going to be a 7 to 10 day deal physically and anywhere from a month to several mo b/4 your back to yourself for me it was the 10- day deal then about 90 days b/4 I felt well again that is what makes methadone so ruff to come off of now we have had several people get over it in a month so a lot is based on how long you where on it and at what dose for me I spent almost 7 yrs on it and at 150mg so my dose was high .....just know your not going to get over this in a few days but thats ok it is so so worth it to get clean from the stuff most will do whatever it takes to break free......keep posting for support we all want to see you break free good luck and God bless.........Gnarly  

[snowflake24]

My point exactly. I think I am waiting for that little, tiny push from somebody.....but deep down I know that I have to be that push,,,know what I mean??? I will wait a couple more days and If I continue waking up sick I will quit cold turkey....I would really like to hit the single digits but I dont know if I have the patience to do that. thanks for your words of encouragement.

[candy_17]

Yes if you're already feeling withdrawls just quit it now and feel better in a week! My boyfriend quit ct at 70 mgs so I know you can do it from 13! You're already feeling withdrawls anyway so why prolong it and make it harder on yourself? If you're tired of being a slave to methadone and having to live your life around a clinic then stay determined and committed, get in a aftercare program and take control of your life. I promise you that you're going to feel so much better off of methadone. Good luck to you, stand firm!