Update on BRIAN

[Cindy]

Thank you to Brighty, who wrote to us this morning asking if we have found Brian.

Sadly we have not been successful in tracking "Brian" down.  Sometimes privacy and annonymity can be a double-edged sword.  We may never know who "Brian" really is.  We can only hope that he has friends and support as wonderful as are found in this Addiction Forum!

Phil and I thank each and every one of you for your caring & concern.  We commend you and Dr. Steve for the wonderful community you've created here on Med Help International!

Cindy & Phil

[Dee]

hello all...Brighty, I was so happy to read '9months clean'! you are a super mom who stood by her child all the way through,I know that most of us mom's would do the same thing, sad to say, there are some who are just not strong enough,So, a big applause to you..you deserve it..also, 9 months, where does the time go? to me, it just seems to be flying bye...may God hold you and Gina in his hands...
I do have a question to post......
any of you's that are on oxy's, whether you chew them or swallow them,does anyone get nightsweats? I have them terrible,sometimes 2 times a night,they are so bad I have to change,they have gotten worse in the last month,I was wondering if anyone that does oxy's has the same problem...Iam on alot of other meds,so it could be from one of them also....take care all....
PS
still nothing about Brian????

[Marryanne]

I thought I deleted my previous answer and basically tried to remember what I wrote and reposted it above - sorry...Maryanne

[Marryanne]

Brighty, I think you were talking to me (Maryanne) when you spoke of Dr. LG -  coincidentally, a forum corresponsent named Gina was also recently asking for some similar answers.  I would never go through rapid detox.  I am a nurse and I think that it is probably extremely hard on the body (too short a time to wipe it all out of your system) Not to mention that most addicts are probably not in the best of health which would be optimal for anesthesia.  I'm SO HAPPY for your daughter and for you!!  It's a long hard road to recovery and regardless of Gina (your Daughter's) track record, we can all only try our best to maintain a sober life.  I will definately be praying for her and hope she is able to abstain.  I know that the brief period I was sober last year was the best 3 months of my life since I started using!  I am going to go for the Buprenex (buprenorphine) detox!  The only thing is, I'm not sure if I should go to Dr. LG due to all the problems.  But I have to admit that the points you made about the 8 deaths make alot of sense....I just know that I don't want to die - and that means I have to get clean.  Thanks so much for your support!  Anyone else here ever detox on buprenorphine injects or pills or know anyone who did?  How long does it take?  Please, I need the input...                     God Bless, Maryanne

[From Aunt Lindy to Mariah]

First I just wanted to tell you that I wish you the best of luck! Please keep us posted on your adventure.  You sound like you are definitely ready for this. Even though I dont know you I think you will do just fine!  Would it be okay to ask what part of Florida it is in?  Hang in there Gina we are all rooting for you!
Sincerely,
Marcie.

[tom to Dan]

I'll followup with NAMA. Maybe they can help me find the "good" clinic in the area. Still believe you've got the answer, my friend. I know a resolution is near. Gotta hang on a little longer and stay the course. I'm looking forward to comparing my MMT experience with yours. I know you'll be able to help me make the most of it and avoid the pitfalls. Talk to you soon.
Your friend,
tom

[Frankinscense]

That counselor that you talked to is so full of misunderstandings of what methadone is about. If a counselor is gonna give advice about methadone,they darn well better know what they are talking about and leave their own prejudes out about the treatments. MMT is method to help a patient deal with the craving that are associated with opiate addiction.  It is a medicine for a  chronic relapsing disease. Not a replacement drug. Gina why would you want to miss a dose anyways? It is your medicine that keeps you well and feeling normal. Compare methadone to insulin. Does a insulin dependent person WANT to skip his dose of insulin daily? Does a heart patient want to skip a dose of his digoxin? No I don't think so! The consequences are worse for these patients if they skip a dose than if a methadone patient skips a dose. Your questions will be answered by the staff at the clinic if you ask them. Don't worry, everything will come into place after your first dose and experience what it is like to not have cravings and to feel normal again. I am not here to convince you. You must make up your mind. This is your decision Gina. You have to decide what YOU want. You will still have to fight your cravings even if you go to 10 cushy treatment centers in Florida. No treatment center can cure your cravings. Either you can deal with them through abstinence or you can't. You must decide! Have you tried abstinence through a twelve step program? Thats the only other possible  way to obtain abstinence if you do not want methadone as you cure for the disease. The twelve steps over an option to methadone. But, I am on methadone and have attended NA meetings daily, here lately.  I have lowered my dose very slowly and felt absolutely no discomfort. I went from 120mgm down to 50mgs with very little, if any, discomfort. The key is to do it slowly and utilise liquid methadone. Ask to use LIQUID Methadone. This is important. I use the diskettes but I do not have a choice. I must add one last important thing. Everyones therapuetic dose is different find yours and stay there. This is a dose that stops your cravings. For some it is twenty milligrams. Others,it is 300mgms. The lower your adequate or theraputic dose the better off you will be if and when you try to lower your dose. Some people choose to stay on methadone their entire lives. I have been on it since 1996 and have no problems with it. Gina,I gotta go help some paying clients now. A little thank you now and then would help me Gina>> Just kiddin' I know you have a lot on your mind.
Peace to You,
Dan..