Can a pregnant woman be detoxed from methadone?

[Wendylee]

I am thirty years old and have been trying desperately to change my life over the past few years. I have been using on and off for seventeen years, and have been through eight inpatient treatments and many other outpatient and detox facilitys. I've always wanted to stop but it's been a difficult road. My addiction progressed to herion and I ended up on the methadone maintenence program about four years ago. The first two years were rough but thanks to the grace of God and my family I have been clean now for over a year and a half. My husband and my son have been my anchor to reality and responsibility. My husband does not smoke, drink or use drugs and never has(how we ended up together is a mystery). Also through a stroke of luck I got pregnant with my first son during a time in my life that I was clean, so there where no problems with him at birth. The only problems we have with him is the horrible separation anxiety he suffers from because of my past behavior. I have been to many detoxes during his life and he did not understand why mommy had to be gone and also while I was using I wasn't home much, so that didn't help. Anyway I have been coming down on my methadone dose since last July and I am down to 40mgs. I recently found out I was pregnant. I really wanted to be off the methadone before this happened, but that is not how things have worked out. My husband and I are happy about the baby, we are just worried. I don't want my baby to go through withdrawls because of my problems. I have a big problem with that! The bad part is everone including the clinic I go to says I could miscarry if I detox, but I have read otherwise from mothers that were in the same boat as me. I am so confused. I acually went down at least 10mgs possibly 15mgs before I found out I was pregnant, so I really want to detox if I can. Any information I could get regarding this matter I would be very grateful for. Thank you in advance.   Wendylee

[n8tiv_ndn]

hey stephy you are posting on an old thread.....cut and paste your question into a new Post A Comment and you will get a lot of support.....stay strong peace...........

n8tiv_ndn

[StephyB12]

I am almost a month pregnant .. I just found out . But I'm currently doing heroin daily .. I dOnt want to go on methadone at all ! But they sed it's dangerous to detox .. Even tho I'm only One month do u think it will hurt the baby?  Or if I have a comfortable detox will the baby be ok? Any1 with answers would rlly help.. Thanks

[adgal]

This is a subject I could discuss forever.  It's really hard to get pregnant woman, and women with children to get help simply because they are scared.  The judgement, or fear of losing their children or babies, it's just so hard for them.  My city has actually launched a pilot project geared toward keeping addicts and those with mental health issues out of the legal system.  Now, a crime is a crime, and if an actual crime is committed, then that is different.  But when it's possession for personal use, or something of that nature, then we are finally beginning to realize prison is not the answer.  We even have a new branch of our police force where this is there focus.  It's slow, but there is forward movement.  Hopefully we will get to the point that those who want treatment can reach out and get it without fear of legal repurcussion.  I think that is the number one reason I am given for pregnant women not getting help when they desperately want to get clean.  

The OB's at my agency are specially trained to help pregnant women who are addicted.  We are so busy as it's a safe place for them to get help without judgement.  I hope to see more of that as well.  You are so right, shame helps no one, and in all honesty, anyone addicted trying to get clean deserves nothing but our utmost respect.  

[marycarmel]

Very well said.  And I wholeheartedly agree that part of the problem is the legal system.  I've worked in the court system, and for the most part, they're just not that interested in making sure addicts are given good resources to help them with their addiction.  Our prisons and jails are filled with people that are ill and need help, not punishment, at least for the most part.

I've been fortunate, as well, to not had to deal with addiction, though I've had a taste of it due to dependence.  And I've seen what addiction can do as I've had many family members with addiction problems.  People that are uneducated seem to think it's a matter of will power or character.  Shame doesn't help anyone get better.

[adgal]

I feel the need to comment on this thread. I have been fortunate enough to miss the addiction road, but I do work daily with folks struggling with addiction in various forms.  When I read some of the comments on this thread, I can say that I find it very hurtful.

Being addicted does not mean that people care less about their children.  It does not mean they love their children any less.  It means that are addicted to something, plain and simple.  It is not disgusting or immoral, it is an illness.  I have had moms to be crying in my arms they so badly want off the drugs.  One of the problems I see quite frankly, is the legal system.  So many pregnant women are terrified to reach out for help for fear of being harshly judged or losing their children.  It is scary and difficult.  To anyone experiencing this problem I always encourage you to reach out for assistance.  If you feel your Dr. will judge you, find another.  Look for a local non profit that deals with this sort of thing.  They are out there.  Sometimes the decision is made to wean, other times to maintain, but these decisions should always be made with the assistance of a qualified Dr.  These babies can lead healthy and normal lives, and many of the families I see going through this are able to stay together.  Do your homework and find help.  It's there, and not everyone is going to judge you.  There are lots of agencies out there like the one I work for who's goal is to help stabilize and keep families together, and baby healthy.  To anyone going through this, I wish you nothing but the best.  

[Selena78]

I agree, addiction and recovery differ for everyone, we are here to HELP, not insult one another. That is great that your husband got sober so easily. I care about my children as I am sure many of us do. I am not a cruel person so I won't say much more but I feel sorry for you that you would be so hateful to someone who so obviously needs support.
To the people who do understand that it's not that easy please support us. We can't knock each other down. I hope everyone will find the help they need. I hope I will find someone on here to give me advice on how to quit. Sorry that I am not made of stone and cannot quit cold turkey. I will be praying for you