[Monty221]

I have been addicted to Vicodin for 10 years and switched to Methadone 10 months ago. I am at 28 mg. Should I go to inpatient detox ASAP and get of it. I am terrified of the withdraws. When I read some of the post here I wish I were dead. I hate being a drug addict. I'm tired of this ********************. Did I make a huge mistake by going on Methadone? I felt like it was a miracle cure for my Vicodin addiction. I feel so normal on it. Am I a fool????

[SMWSMS]

You should get the help you are considering. This is coming from someone who lost a family member that was taking Methadone to get off of pain pills. She did other drugs on the side too and ended up overdosing. There's gotta be someone that loves you and wants you to be sober You deserve more than that. check into a clinic you need a professional to help you detox someone who know's what's going on with you.

[zenith]

Methadone is the most successful method of treatment for opioid addiction in use today, and can be a lifesaving treatment. I too was addicted to hydrocodone, for twenty years, and went through many abstinence based rehabs without success before trying methadone. I have not felt the need to use drugs or alcohol since my first day at the cliic.

Many opiate addicts who have had heavy, long term using histories sustain permanent damage to the brain chemistry, meaning that their brain does not produce endorphins (the body's natural opiates) any more, even after a long period of abstinence. Methadone has been compared to insulin in that it replaces an essential bodily chemical no longer being produced, and thereby stabilizes the patient so they can live and function normally.

Methadone has a long half life, so it does take longer to taper off than with other opiates. However, that very trait is what makes it so useful for addiction treatment, as it keeps the blood levels in a steady state for 24 hours without causing euphoria or a "high". It must be carefully monitored during the induction process,, and not mixed with other drugs. However, it has been safely taken for many decades by opioid addicted individuals with a tolerance.

I would suggest that, since you are on a low dose, you might try switching to Suboxone. This is a lighter medication and works well for many people with pain pill addictions.

[Monty221]

Thanks for the comments and advice. I really appreciate it! I have asked the clinic to start slowly reducing my dose. Even the low 28 mg makes me sleepy so I think I can hold at a lower dose and then I'm not sure if I should try to get off it or look at it like insulin as you suggest.

So confused and concerned about my future.

[ymccormack]

Originally Posted by zenith

Methadone is the most successful method of treatment for opioid addiction in use today, and can be a lifesaving treatment. I too was addicted to hydrocodone, for twenty years, and went through many abstinence based rehabs without success before trying methadone. I have not felt the need to use drugs or alcohol since my first day at the cliic.

Many opiate addicts who have had heavy, long term using histories sustain permanent damage to the brain chemistry, meaning that their brain does not produce endorphins (the body's natural opiates) any more, even after a long period of abstinence. Methadone has been compared to insulin in that it replaces an essential bodily chemical no longer being produced, and thereby stabilizes the patient so they can live and function normally.

Methadone has a long half life, so it does take longer to taper off than with other opiates. However, that very trait is what makes it so useful for addiction treatment, as it keeps the blood levels in a steady state for 24 hours without causing euphoria or a "high". It must be carefully monitored during the induction process,, and not mixed with other drugs. However, it has been safely taken for many decades by opioid addicted individuals with a tolerance.

I would suggest that, since you are on a low dose, you might try switching to Suboxone. This is a lighter medication and works well for many people with pain pill addictions.

Well said Zenith!

Monty...it doesn't help to beat yourself up about stuff that's already done and can't be changed. I think the key for you will be to reduce down slowly...whether it's from methadone or suboxone.

Whatever the case...you won't know until you try. It's totally possible that methadone is your insulin...but wouldn't you like to know for sure?

Good Luck
YM