Aa
oxycotin detox and methadone maitnance
i have a neice who is 19 and has been hooked on oxycotin
for about 2 years,in the philadelphia area the neww solution
for young people to get off it is methadone maitnance for
a one year program, that cost 100 dollas a week.
with all my experence with drugs , useing them and getting clean
she asked me what i thought,it was drastic but probley safer.
my question is , im i crazy but woulden't a 30 day detox/rehab
be smarter then getting locked into a year long metadone program.i would think as a society we could offer young people
a better solution,my neice has told me she has more then a few
friends who are now involved with the methadone program due
to oxy addiction, all being under 21. due they have shorter
methadone programs, she also said they want cash and you can try to get your ins to reinburse you.
i have no experence with these programs.
any input would help.
thanks --------------hippy
for about 2 years,in the philadelphia area the neww solution
for young people to get off it is methadone maitnance for
a one year program, that cost 100 dollas a week.
with all my experence with drugs , useing them and getting clean
she asked me what i thought,it was drastic but probley safer.
my question is , im i crazy but woulden't a 30 day detox/rehab
be smarter then getting locked into a year long metadone program.i would think as a society we could offer young people
a better solution,my neice has told me she has more then a few
friends who are now involved with the methadone program due
to oxy addiction, all being under 21. due they have shorter
methadone programs, she also said they want cash and you can try to get your ins to reinburse you.
i have no experence with these programs.
any input would help.
thanks --------------hippy
Hi all,
Reading here is wonderful, I wish I would have seen this before my gilfriend went to a Methadone clinic to end her addiction to Vicodin.
The methadone clinic was explained as a "detox program". However once she went on it, and then could not taper off, I did research and found that most people end up staying on it for life (maintenance) hence the term MMT (methadone maintenance treatment). There is a site (orgainzation) about, and most of the regulars in the forum there promote it as MMT and liken Methadone to insulin.
Be VERY WARY of going on Methadone to get free of addiction. It is prob one of the top 3 addictive drugs in the world. People on it have refferred to it as "handcuffs" and "trading a monkey for a gorilla". The only good thing is that it is doctor regulated (safe) and usually requires counseling. So for some I guess it is a better choice. But just know the ball and chain that it is and consider that heavely. Personally, I would try anything and everything else first.
Part 2 to the story. I dabble in the pain meds abuse myself. I have a love hate relationship with them. I am nowhere near the physical addiction as some here explain, I take them here and there and can go weeks without them. But I do love the feeling from them, heck who doesn't like to fee great?? But once on on them for a few days I start to HATE being on them. I end up going to sleep vowing not to take any the next day, then all throughout the next day that feeling starts to change. And by the the end of the ride home from work I have decided to take some. I see how they work, so I stop for weeks at a time to avoid getting into trouble with them. During that time I focus on the Hate part :) This could be how it starts for everyone, I may be playing with fire. But for now I am using them to get thru the rough spots in life. Plus, I don't drink when I use them, so my body gets a break from the alcohol :)
Best
T
Reading here is wonderful, I wish I would have seen this before my gilfriend went to a Methadone clinic to end her addiction to Vicodin.
The methadone clinic was explained as a "detox program". However once she went on it, and then could not taper off, I did research and found that most people end up staying on it for life (maintenance) hence the term MMT (methadone maintenance treatment). There is a site (orgainzation) about, and most of the regulars in the forum there promote it as MMT and liken Methadone to insulin.
Be VERY WARY of going on Methadone to get free of addiction. It is prob one of the top 3 addictive drugs in the world. People on it have refferred to it as "handcuffs" and "trading a monkey for a gorilla". The only good thing is that it is doctor regulated (safe) and usually requires counseling. So for some I guess it is a better choice. But just know the ball and chain that it is and consider that heavely. Personally, I would try anything and everything else first.
Part 2 to the story. I dabble in the pain meds abuse myself. I have a love hate relationship with them. I am nowhere near the physical addiction as some here explain, I take them here and there and can go weeks without them. But I do love the feeling from them, heck who doesn't like to fee great?? But once on on them for a few days I start to HATE being on them. I end up going to sleep vowing not to take any the next day, then all throughout the next day that feeling starts to change. And by the the end of the ride home from work I have decided to take some. I see how they work, so I stop for weeks at a time to avoid getting into trouble with them. During that time I focus on the Hate part :) This could be how it starts for everyone, I may be playing with fire. But for now I am using them to get thru the rough spots in life. Plus, I don't drink when I use them, so my body gets a break from the alcohol :)
Best
T
PLEASE CHECK THIS OUT!!! I quit cold-turkey 3 years ago (from hydrocodone, oxy.,...whatever the opiate du jour...massive doses). As many of you know, cold-turkey detox is "hell on earth" I was curled in a fetal position for about four weeks, when I wasn't sitting on the toilet. "When is this feeling gonna go away?!!"..."Will it EVER go away?!!" Most of you know the feeling where simple things/functions are impossibly hard. Anyway, I got through it....for two years, until.............a year ago I strained my back, got some pills from a "friend" and through some internet savvy found myself up to 8 norco a day.
Last Thursday I went to my doc and came clean. Hoping to be "weaned", I was disappointed (actually devastated) that my Doc wouldn't take that approach. After consulting with the resident detox specialist, here's what I was given:
Valium -- 5mg (1-2, three times a day)
Catapres Patch (Clonidine)
Darvocet -- 3 times/day (for pain)
Bentyl -- as needed for stomach cramps
OTC Immodium (for reasons known to most here)
I left the office with major anxiety, being very skeptical that ANYTHING could stave off my impending withdrawals.
I took my new meds, got up the next morning AND PLAYED 18 HOLES OF GOLF!!!!....a business thing I was certain that I would have to cancel.
I'm just past that 1st critical week, and the worst I've felt is being a little "drag-ass" tired as the day wears on. No diarrhea,cramps, and VERY LITTLE edgyness and dysphoria.
Doc told me that this particular "cocktail" has recently become recognized as an effective detox treatment. I can wholeheartedly attest to it.
Do yourself a huge favor, and bring it up with your Doctor. Also recognize the downside in that because this detox has been "easier", the deterrent factor of painful withdrawal isn't there, so the temptation for later relapse is a concern.
Good luck, I really hope that I've helped.
Last Thursday I went to my doc and came clean. Hoping to be "weaned", I was disappointed (actually devastated) that my Doc wouldn't take that approach. After consulting with the resident detox specialist, here's what I was given:
Valium -- 5mg (1-2, three times a day)
Catapres Patch (Clonidine)
Darvocet -- 3 times/day (for pain)
Bentyl -- as needed for stomach cramps
OTC Immodium (for reasons known to most here)
I left the office with major anxiety, being very skeptical that ANYTHING could stave off my impending withdrawals.
I took my new meds, got up the next morning AND PLAYED 18 HOLES OF GOLF!!!!....a business thing I was certain that I would have to cancel.
I'm just past that 1st critical week, and the worst I've felt is being a little "drag-ass" tired as the day wears on. No diarrhea,cramps, and VERY LITTLE edgyness and dysphoria.
Doc told me that this particular "cocktail" has recently become recognized as an effective detox treatment. I can wholeheartedly attest to it.
Do yourself a huge favor, and bring it up with your Doctor. Also recognize the downside in that because this detox has been "easier", the deterrent factor of painful withdrawal isn't there, so the temptation for later relapse is a concern.
Good luck, I really hope that I've helped.
Hi Robyn-it's Boomer.
I am suppose to be taking 30 mgs. of Methadone a day. Problem is-if I am having a particularily hard day(pain wise),I always slip up and take extra, thinking I will cut back later.(cause they won't fill it too soon)And I USUALLY END UP SHORT AT THE END OF THE MONTH.I am a complete knothead!!But I did not know that ,(until you told me)taking a higher dose makes the withdrawl worse.Twice I ended up in the hospital from running out too soon.(so bad!!) Sometimes I got the scrupt filled before the hard core withdrawl set in. And then I about dumped the bottle down to sraighten myself out. I truley need help-don't I??This is the first time I have talked to someone about this. Like I said- my Drs.,either really don't know what's going on,they don't care, or they are afraid to talk about it.(??)Part of me wants to to get off of the meds-but what if the pain gets so bad , and the Drs. won't put me back on them.At least finding this sight has given me some hope. (AND KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THE DRUG)
I didn't know Methadone hides in your tissue.(EMBEDS ITSELF)I truley need support to control this dragon!!Just listening has meant the world to me. "THANK YOU" SO MUCH! P.S. (DOES ANYONE HAVE SKIN PROBLEMS BECAUSE OF THE DRUGS?I get terrible cysts.)
BOOMER
I am suppose to be taking 30 mgs. of Methadone a day. Problem is-if I am having a particularily hard day(pain wise),I always slip up and take extra, thinking I will cut back later.(cause they won't fill it too soon)And I USUALLY END UP SHORT AT THE END OF THE MONTH.I am a complete knothead!!But I did not know that ,(until you told me)taking a higher dose makes the withdrawl worse.Twice I ended up in the hospital from running out too soon.(so bad!!) Sometimes I got the scrupt filled before the hard core withdrawl set in. And then I about dumped the bottle down to sraighten myself out. I truley need help-don't I??This is the first time I have talked to someone about this. Like I said- my Drs.,either really don't know what's going on,they don't care, or they are afraid to talk about it.(??)Part of me wants to to get off of the meds-but what if the pain gets so bad , and the Drs. won't put me back on them.At least finding this sight has given me some hope. (AND KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THE DRUG)
I didn't know Methadone hides in your tissue.(EMBEDS ITSELF)I truley need support to control this dragon!!Just listening has meant the world to me. "THANK YOU" SO MUCH! P.S. (DOES ANYONE HAVE SKIN PROBLEMS BECAUSE OF THE DRUGS?I get terrible cysts.)
BOOMER
Boomer-
I'm sorry to hear of your suffering. I am currently on day 14. I had a similar pitch, "This drug is good for chronic pain because of the long half-life. You won't have to bare the ups and downs of intense pain as you're waiting for the next dose of (Perc, Norco) to kick in. We'll just give you a break from that cycle for a few months and see if that helps cool down your back pain/spasms. Then the wd of coming off will be much more milder than any other drugs. You'll just feel tired for about a month. " I was also told its easy on the liver, however, it does imbed itself in your fatty tissues. Takes forever to purge it completely out.
This is still kicking my ass. I've been going on (2) two hour walks a day. Have had 2 massages and 3 acupuncture treatments. Am taking Klonipin, Catapress, and Ambien for withdrawal/ sleep aids. Also, since my back pain has come back with a vengence, I've resigned to taking Darvon-N 100 during the work day just to get by. I had a really hard time doing this because I beleived the goal we set was to give the pain meds a break for at least 3 months to see if we could reduce my tolerance. So, now what, Darvon? They suck anyways, but do help take the edge off a bit.
I don't know what I'm going to do. The wd is getting easier, but my back pain is getting worse.
Banks-
I did try the taper a few months back. Of course, I tried 5mg drops per week. I was sick as **** and couldn't hang with it. Went back up to the full dose. Guess trying smaller cutbacks may have helped. But, WTF, why extend the misery longer than its going to be anyways?
C/T off methadone was the hardest thing I've ever done in my life. I'm just now able to work a full day with the help of the other meds. Then its straight home to walk the dog.
Best of luck to you both.
I'm sorry to hear of your suffering. I am currently on day 14. I had a similar pitch, "This drug is good for chronic pain because of the long half-life. You won't have to bare the ups and downs of intense pain as you're waiting for the next dose of (Perc, Norco) to kick in. We'll just give you a break from that cycle for a few months and see if that helps cool down your back pain/spasms. Then the wd of coming off will be much more milder than any other drugs. You'll just feel tired for about a month. " I was also told its easy on the liver, however, it does imbed itself in your fatty tissues. Takes forever to purge it completely out.
This is still kicking my ass. I've been going on (2) two hour walks a day. Have had 2 massages and 3 acupuncture treatments. Am taking Klonipin, Catapress, and Ambien for withdrawal/ sleep aids. Also, since my back pain has come back with a vengence, I've resigned to taking Darvon-N 100 during the work day just to get by. I had a really hard time doing this because I beleived the goal we set was to give the pain meds a break for at least 3 months to see if we could reduce my tolerance. So, now what, Darvon? They suck anyways, but do help take the edge off a bit.
I don't know what I'm going to do. The wd is getting easier, but my back pain is getting worse.
Banks-
I did try the taper a few months back. Of course, I tried 5mg drops per week. I was sick as **** and couldn't hang with it. Went back up to the full dose. Guess trying smaller cutbacks may have helped. But, WTF, why extend the misery longer than its going to be anyways?
C/T off methadone was the hardest thing I've ever done in my life. I'm just now able to work a full day with the help of the other meds. Then its straight home to walk the dog.
Best of luck to you both.
What was/is your dosage?....Its important to taper off methadone VERY slowly. Its also important to be on the correct dose-don't take more than you need-you know how hard it is to come off of it. Methadone stays in your system OVER 24hrs. I believe after the first 12-24hrs- it has a half life (half strength) that lasts up to 36 or 48hrs hence the detox is slower=takes a long time to get out of your system. I would never ever consider coming off of it cold turkey; I have done that from 15mg but it was a horrible experience. This time, I plan on decreasing by 1 mg/week (I'm at 24mg) until completely off. After that I will have some valium or prescription sleep aid as well as an anti-depressant on hand. It takes a good 4 months to feel normal again. I am aware that I am fortunate in that my insurance covers methadone 100%, so finances are not an issue. If this is an issue for you-go down faster (by 5mg/week) until you get to 15-20mg and then take it down slower (2 mg/week). Though its still going to be expensive, it will make the detox MUCH less painfull therfore chances of relapse will be reduced.
Good luck, Robyn.
Good luck, Robyn.
I have been on methadone for chronic pain for a year now. (prescribed by a pain specialist) This is what his sales pitch was(since I had tried and been on everything else) He said that it doesn't break down through your liver, but goes directly into your bloodstream. He said it one dose stays in your system 24hrs.(instead of the take every four hrs.,like oxys. ect.)He said it isn't as hard on your body.YOU SHOULD HAVE SEEN ME WHEN I WENT THROUGH WITHDRWL, CAUSE I HAD RUN OUT!!!NOT HARD ON THE BODY?? I hate hospitals-but I knew I either go or the dehydration from vomiting,the horrible pain, the hallucinations, the hot and cold sweats, the rapid and high blood pressure, the shallow breathing, and no sleep for 72 hrs, were going to kill me!!!(THEY GAVE ME A STRONG SHOT OF VALIUM AT THE HOSPITAL, AND THAT didn't phase me )It took four shots of valium,five shots of vomiting medicine(within 6 hrs) to just ease the symptoms. I lost ten lbs. in 48 hrs.I am an addict because of major surguries done 10 yrs. ago. And I developed fibromyalgia.I just know if you want off- you better find a way without methadone. I was really naive about it.Trouble is, my pain is real. So I still take it.My regular Dr.,who live in the town I do(my pain specialist is 200 mi. from here) wouldn't believe me when she saw me in the ER ROOM, THAT IT WAS WITHDRAWL.She wanted to do gallbladder tests and everything else.I don't know, but I think she did not want to talk about it. Anyone know why she would be this way? I need lots of suppoert to stay on the right dose, so this does't happen again.
THANKS FOR LISTENING! BOOMER
THANKS FOR LISTENING! BOOMER
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