hi there i have a question about coming off of 145 mgs. of methadone and your name was given to me if you would please read my last post itll give you all the details-anybody else too--id really like to get off without screwing up-thanks my e-mail is amitywkcmo25@yahoo.com if anybody would like it i could really use the suggestions
look for my email tonight
The hell with the email. I decided that others can give you advise just like I can -none of us are doctors but we can relate personal experiences -something that most doctors cant.
You say you have been on 145 mg for about 5 years. I gotta say that is a pretty high dose. No matter what ,you will have to come down slowly. In the beginning you can get away with 5 mg a week because your on a high dose and it has built up in your system. Remember m done is a long acting drug and stays in your system for awhile.
Say you can get down to 80-100 mg. Then you can begin to slow down the taper to 2-3 mg a week. Don't be in any hurry,because to do it this way with any success takes time and commitment. I would even find a support group out there because your going to have days when you feel better than others.
This slow taper is going to take time, from what I know about subs(and its not much) is that you really shouldnt consider using them until you are at least 30 mgs- and even then its best not to have drank your dose for a day or 2.
That is if you are considering switching to subs when you get low enough, my attempt didnt work out that well. I got to 40mg and started feeling bad-and stopped my taper right there. However,everyone is different so my try(s) should dissuade you 1 way or another.
A big thing is to keep you self busy with productive activities. Its good that you don't have to go to a clinic every day. Once every 2 weeks is very good. This way you don't have to deal with all that clinic nonsense. The bad thing is that you have plenty of take homes, and trying not to touch the next days bottle when you feel lousy can be tough. You can try letting someone else you trust give you 1 every day,but if you think you can have all them around without a problem that's great.
Ive often said that methadone is a good treatment to get off of heroin. It is when it becomes a lifestyle that is the problem. Many stay on for the wrong reasons- to function on the days they dont have or cant afford the dope.
If your really serious, you have to remember that it took a long time to get where you are and its going to take a long time to get out of that place.I know I keep bringing up that point but its only because so many people who try, lose there commitment somewhere along the road. Myself included.
I would start soon -talk to your counselor and the doctor. Get their inputs. You all should be on the same page. Remember also ,its better to stop the taper for awhile when your having a tough time then to use again. Besides with so much mdone in your system ,you really wont feel the dope for a long time anyway.
See about methadone support groups if NA makes you uncomfortable. A lot of clinics have them. If your not working,or cant, try to volunteer to do something - it will fill your day & help your self-esteem.
Also remember, methadone treatment has been around for a long time. Its not evil , your not doing anything illegal, you are just now making a choice to live life without it. So dont get frustrated or beat yourself up over being on it. Its Ok . It doesnt have to be forever- but for now you are doing what you have to do. The fact that you made a choice to get off is a plus. Many dont make the choice- its a court or a jail term , or they want to get off for a loved one. I can tell you a forced detox doesnt usually work out to well.
I have to go to work(agggh this freaking job of mine) so Ill talk to you again soon. Keep us posted and have a great day
with much respect,
jack
You say you have been on 145 mg for about 5 years. I gotta say that is a pretty high dose. No matter what ,you will have to come down slowly. In the beginning you can get away with 5 mg a week because your on a high dose and it has built up in your system. Remember m done is a long acting drug and stays in your system for awhile.
Say you can get down to 80-100 mg. Then you can begin to slow down the taper to 2-3 mg a week. Don't be in any hurry,because to do it this way with any success takes time and commitment. I would even find a support group out there because your going to have days when you feel better than others.
This slow taper is going to take time, from what I know about subs(and its not much) is that you really shouldnt consider using them until you are at least 30 mgs- and even then its best not to have drank your dose for a day or 2.
That is if you are considering switching to subs when you get low enough, my attempt didnt work out that well. I got to 40mg and started feeling bad-and stopped my taper right there. However,everyone is different so my try(s) should dissuade you 1 way or another.
A big thing is to keep you self busy with productive activities. Its good that you don't have to go to a clinic every day. Once every 2 weeks is very good. This way you don't have to deal with all that clinic nonsense. The bad thing is that you have plenty of take homes, and trying not to touch the next days bottle when you feel lousy can be tough. You can try letting someone else you trust give you 1 every day,but if you think you can have all them around without a problem that's great.
Ive often said that methadone is a good treatment to get off of heroin. It is when it becomes a lifestyle that is the problem. Many stay on for the wrong reasons- to function on the days they dont have or cant afford the dope.
If your really serious, you have to remember that it took a long time to get where you are and its going to take a long time to get out of that place.I know I keep bringing up that point but its only because so many people who try, lose there commitment somewhere along the road. Myself included.
I would start soon -talk to your counselor and the doctor. Get their inputs. You all should be on the same page. Remember also ,its better to stop the taper for awhile when your having a tough time then to use again. Besides with so much mdone in your system ,you really wont feel the dope for a long time anyway.
See about methadone support groups if NA makes you uncomfortable. A lot of clinics have them. If your not working,or cant, try to volunteer to do something - it will fill your day & help your self-esteem.
Also remember, methadone treatment has been around for a long time. Its not evil , your not doing anything illegal, you are just now making a choice to live life without it. So dont get frustrated or beat yourself up over being on it. Its Ok . It doesnt have to be forever- but for now you are doing what you have to do. The fact that you made a choice to get off is a plus. Many dont make the choice- its a court or a jail term , or they want to get off for a loved one. I can tell you a forced detox doesnt usually work out to well.
I have to go to work(agggh this freaking job of mine) so Ill talk to you again soon. Keep us posted and have a great day
with much respect,
jack
wow- you are the guy to go to--thanks a ton i really am not sure i want to get off but i think that the addict in me, im living in a recovery house and do attend aa and na with a sponsor so i have some really good support, but right now is a really crazy time ive just moved into this housing situation and not everyone here is as in tune to being positive as id like but hey thats life its hasnt been as easy as i thought but itll get better as soon as i find work again theres just too much crap going on to not stay focused i know im rambling but thats how i feel im confused so i think you are very right as to the fact that i should go really slow and listen to my body like you said it took along time to get here.... well off to the clinic igo-haha mif you dont mind id really like your e-mail thank again its so great how sometimes the most caring people are complete strangers-take it easy-AMity
