Discussions that mention methadone

Methadone is a possible solution for you. I take it for chronic pain, but the clinic that I go to has a program for opiate addicts. There are so many women in that program who have the same problem you are describing. I had to educate myself about methadone, because I thought it was only for heroine addicts, & I thought that theres "no way" I'm taking that. But after I spoke with my doctor about it, visited the clinic, & did some research, I decided to give it a try. And it does work for my pain. The women that I've spoken to that are in the addiction program have told me (some of them were taking 30 or more pills a day), that the methadone worked miracles for them. I guess it takes away the withdrawl drug sick feeling, & it somehow works on the part of your brain that craves the pills (at least thats what they tell me).

States differ on how they dispense methadone, & I've heard some creepy stories, but I think if you are determined to be well, you'll find what you're looking for. Unfortunately, there are not a whole lot of options out there. As I said before, I've talked to some of the women in the addiction program, & listened to their stories, and that is no way to live. I can understand the hell you are in right now.

Anyway, here in Michigan, the methadone program is $70 per week (I can get reimburrsed through my master medical 80%, but I've got to pay the $70 up front), & dosing with methadone is a daily thing. For the first 90 days, you must go daily to get dosed, after 90 days, you can qualify for take homes. But, again, thats here in Michigan. Our regular doctors can't prescribe it like a regular drug, its only accessible through the clinics.

My best to you. I know you've got a long hard climb ahead of you. I know what I've suggested is not for everyone, but it is an option. Good Luck.

Valariex3

Hi -- Welcome to the "forum." I'm sorry you're battling this disease -- it takes work.

I would suggest a tapering off the vicodin. You MUST be fully committed to doing it and NOT regressing on the taper. Some people I know have someone else hold the meds for them and dole them out at the proper dosage for the day, gradually decreasing.

You would want to start decreasing maybe 1/2-1 pill per day for 2-3 days, and continue doing that until you're done. As you can see it would take a long time, but you would minimize the side effects/withdrawals by slowly tapering.

Others have gone cold-turkey. Doing this is uncomfortable, but if you're not afraid then go ahead. Vicodin isn't really dangerous to cold-turkey. Your withdrawals would be like a bad case of the flu, i.e chills, sweats, diarrhea, nausea etc. As I said, it's quite uncomfortable and tapering would be best if you can trust yourself to do it.

You can also get the assistance of your doctor. DO NOT be afraid to tell him/her -- they won't leave you in the lurch or refuse to treat you in the future. In fact, it would be best if your doc knew so he could better treat you for other ailments---by that, I mean he wouldn't prescribe addictive drugs in the future but would still be able to treat you. Your doc can be your best friend right now --- trust him. He won't turn you in.

The amount of acetomenophin (sp) that you're putting in your system is dangerous. Permanent liver damage can occur and you should have a liver panel done to be sure that it is functioning properly. With the amounts of Vicodin you're taking, you're getting WAY too much of acetomenophin.

Remember that addiction cannot be cured, but it can be stopped in it's tracks. You will need to be diligent in the future as to what you take as far as meds so that you don't become addicted to something else. People have become addicted to methadone too, so be careful. NA wouldn't be a bad idea. I wish you only the best. God Bless. Peace, Lee

[quote]Originally posted by valariex3:
Methadone is a possible solution for you. I take it for chronic pain, but the clinic that I go to has a program for opiate addicts. There are so many women in that program who have the same problem you are describing. I had to educate myself about methadone, because I thought it was only for heroine addicts, & I thought that theres "no way" I'm taking that. But after I spoke with my doctor about it, visited the clinic, & did some research, I decided to give it a try. And it does work for my pain. The women that I've spoken to that are in the addiction program have told me (some of them were taking 30 or more pills a day), that the methadone worked miracles for them. I guess it takes away the withdrawl drug sick feeling, & it somehow works on the part of your brain that craves the pills (at least thats what they tell me).

States differ on how they dispense methadone, & I've heard some creepy stories, but I think if you are determined to be well, you'll find what you're looking for. Unfortunately, there are not a whole lot of options out there. As I said before, I've talked to some of the women in the addiction program, & listened to their stories, and that is no way to live. I can understand the hell you are in right now.

Anyway, here in Michigan, the methadone program is $70 per week (I can get reimburrsed through my master medical 80%, but I've got to pay the $70 up front), & dosing with methadone is a daily thing. For the first 90 days, you must go daily to get dosed, after 90 days, you can qualify for take homes. But, again, thats here in Michigan. Our regular doctors can't prescribe it like a regular drug, its only accessible through the clinics.

My best to you. I know you've got a long hard climb ahead of you. I know what I've suggested is not for everyone, but it is an option. Good Luck.

Valariex3

Hi she-

I honestly don't believe that a methadone clinic would be right for you. They are only open certain hours and with 4 girls your schedule may not allow you to work withing the realm of their hours. I would STRONGLY urge you to find someone to take care of your kids for a week or so and put yourself into a rehab to detox, and then immediatly into an aftercare outpatient program to stay off. Join a support group like NA - there are tons or moms in those programs - many who have lost their children because of their addciction - you don't want it to come to that - believe me, I know first hand. The only way to get past this is to make it the priority right now so that you can be the best mother and person you can be - your girls deserve it.

- Christine

[This message has been edited by Christine (edited 12-17-2001).]

Wouldn't getting on Methadone just be substituting one for another? You have to go to the clinic, you have to pay to get it. That doesn't seem like it is taking care of the core of the problem. Do yo feel you are an addict? Only you can admit that. If you think you are an addict and need help, then maybe you are. The withdrawals from methadone are absolutely horrible!!! If it were me, I wouldn't want to get strung out on methadone, much less pay for something like that and have to live my life around trying to get it. The addictive behavior does not go away with methadone. Using and abusing drugs is a symptom of the disease of addiction. This belief works for me. As far as keeping me clean. I have been in NA since June 20, 1998. Every belief that I learned has helped ME stay clean. It is different for everyone. Some people can't stand the 12 step programs and many of those people also cannot get off whatever they are using.
I don't know, but I also learned that we need to go to any lengths to get clean and stay clean. People that really don't want this thing(recovery), start making excuses. "Can't leave my kids, my job, can't tell my husband, etc.) Well, we did whatever we could, (lie, cheat and steal), to get our drugs, so why is it so difficult to apply that same intensity to getting clean? Wow, what a concept. If we keep making excuses, eventually the behavior of the disease catches up with us and we lose the kids, job, husband, etc. This concept is so diffucult for an addict active in their addiction to grasp, but that is who we pray for, "the still suffering addict."
Much luck to you on this suffering, I know how hard it is to get through, but once on the other side, it is wonderful.

peace out,

h

I have to AGREE with the majority, that Methadone is NOT right for your situation; UNLESS you have ALWAYS had a problem with Opiates (for the most part of your life!) And, IF you have tried numerous attempts to quit and failed. You have exhausted every avenue to get clean & stay that way, and failed. It is MY understanding, that a "Methadone Program" is for the Addict who has tried everything possible to quit, and this treatment is their LAST resort. If this is the case, by all means - start a "Methadone Maintenance program"!!!!!!!

RaZzLe

I have to agree with everyone also I am a methadone maintained patient and hsve been for 3 YEARS!! I was also addicted to pain pills and after only 2 years of addiction the methadone clinic signed me up. For me it was my last option, I had tried every thing else. If I had to do it all over again I wished I would have made in the rehab. If you think its hard to get off the pills then you wouldnt EVER want to try to get off of methadone!! Most people can get off the pills (physically anyway) in about 1 week to 10 days, With methadone 2 months after your last dose you still feel as bad as the first week of withdrawal. It is a very long painful withdrawal, that is why most people are on methadone for life!! So really think hard before joining a methadone program, The only way I would recommend it is if you have tried all other ways to get off the pills. I dont want to sound so negative about methadone because it has improved my life, but I will never really be able to say that I am "Drug free" and I know I will probably have to take it for the rest of my life. Any way just weigh your options carefully before making such a big decision. I wish all the best for you! You can do it without any other drugs!!!!