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Is there any way to help with methadone detox?
My latest addiction was opioids I got on methadone a couple years ago because I detoxed off oxies twice and relapsed both times so I thought it might help. I had no idea the detox would be this bad. I even said to them before I started that all I'm doing in doing this is replacing one for another and they just said "yes it is just trading but this one kills you and this one saves your life" I am on 150 mg a day as prescribed and am now on my sixth day of detox and it feels like it's worse every day. I knew I shouldn't have done this and I'm kicking my *** for doing it. With the oxies is be feeling a little better by now not worse. Does this really last months? To make things worse I just had surgery on my stomach just over a month ago and I'm stuck with no car out in the middle of no where. I went for a big bike ride into town yesterday it's about 10kms away each way, I should not have done that now I hurt like crazy and feel like I'm dying. Is there any way to help this and how long does it actually take?
Well, it's been awhile since you have been around. Are you okay? I have tried to CT at that high a dose and pretty much went CT from 160-250mgs methadone a day. I used subs for 20 days, but that just helped with some of the physical acute withdrawal, I picked up on detox where I would have been from CT. A taper would have been better, but I just powered through it. Anyway, no matter if you used again or are feeling crazy, we are here for you. Let us know where you are at, if you can. I couldn't do it, but WE did, so I hope to see you again.
Hi Methadonetox,
Methadone is a MONSTER. Glad you are reaching out for support. I tapered down to 25mg - had unrelenting spasms, bowel incontinence, and darkest depression. I was tapering very slowly with lots of support from my MD and family.
Very few can tolerate months and months of Methadone tapering and withdrawal. Our Opiate receptors cling to Methadone like grim death. To recover, the Opiate Receptors must be EMPTIED of Methadone and SEALED with Naltrexone. Period. Two weeks ago I went to California. Had an Ultra Rapid Drug Detoxification in the ICU of a JCAHO accredited hospital. Today I am walking through the park...no pain...no withdrawal symptoms. Blessings to you.
Methadone is a MONSTER. Glad you are reaching out for support. I tapered down to 25mg - had unrelenting spasms, bowel incontinence, and darkest depression. I was tapering very slowly with lots of support from my MD and family.
Very few can tolerate months and months of Methadone tapering and withdrawal. Our Opiate receptors cling to Methadone like grim death. To recover, the Opiate Receptors must be EMPTIED of Methadone and SEALED with Naltrexone. Period. Two weeks ago I went to California. Had an Ultra Rapid Drug Detoxification in the ICU of a JCAHO accredited hospital. Today I am walking through the park...no pain...no withdrawal symptoms. Blessings to you.
Hey Dude how you doing...are you ok?? please post so we know your ok.................Gnarly
Lots of great information here especially from the old time guys many of whom helped me a lot when I was detoxing off Oxycontin and Methedone taper.
I would suggest tapering down from 150 if you can. I jumped from 10mgs per day of Methedone tapered off from 50mgs per day I entered detox off 1000mgs per day Oxycontin.
I suffered a lot basically 1st 12 days were pure hell but then things got ALOT better. Basically once I was able to eat solid foods, keep myself fully hydrated and start exercising things got better very quickly. As soon as you can start taking vitamin supplements, amino acids, eat lots of fish and even red meat if you can and drink as much water as you can. Also try to run a bit every day. I found it really helped with the insomnia.
Currently I am 49 days off Oxy and I feel 100% now. I think I lucked out big time as I have not had any depression at all since I quite. I am just grateful and happy to have my life back.
If you are on Day 7 now STICK WITH IT. You don't want to have to go through those 1st 7 days again. Its a nightmare, really the worse is probably behind you. If you are strong enough to ride a bike you are doing alot better then I was on day 7
Good Luck and God Bless Everyone Here!
I would suggest tapering down from 150 if you can. I jumped from 10mgs per day of Methedone tapered off from 50mgs per day I entered detox off 1000mgs per day Oxycontin.
I suffered a lot basically 1st 12 days were pure hell but then things got ALOT better. Basically once I was able to eat solid foods, keep myself fully hydrated and start exercising things got better very quickly. As soon as you can start taking vitamin supplements, amino acids, eat lots of fish and even red meat if you can and drink as much water as you can. Also try to run a bit every day. I found it really helped with the insomnia.
Currently I am 49 days off Oxy and I feel 100% now. I think I lucked out big time as I have not had any depression at all since I quite. I am just grateful and happy to have my life back.
If you are on Day 7 now STICK WITH IT. You don't want to have to go through those 1st 7 days again. Its a nightmare, really the worse is probably behind you. If you are strong enough to ride a bike you are doing alot better then I was on day 7
Good Luck and God Bless Everyone Here!
How are YOU feeling?? I too was on Methadone with 2 other meds for 12 years or so. I got mine prescribed for pain after the hydo/oxys did not work, but that was just a game I played to get the dones. Last 2012 I came clean. I can add a bit more to what my Buds have already said, but I will wait to see if you come back..I sure pray you are feeling a bit better!
Bless
Bless
Hi well you have been given some great advise methadone is a monster to kick but we have several members that have done it the initial detox took me about 2 weeks felt like you it seamed to get worst with time that and the lack of sleep makes you feel worst sleep and the ''energy crash'' was the hardest part for me the vitamins Weaver talked about do help a lot if you go to walmart you can get a 3 in 1 vitamin calicum/magnesum and zinc for 6 bucks it takes a couple of days to work take 4 in the morning and 4 with dinner but it helps a lot you can do this we have haD members jump off at 120 b/4 it ant prity but it is doable you got to be in it for the long haul and take the good days and bad the first month is the hardest recovery comes in baby steps it was around 90 days for me to see some hope of recovery epsom salt baths help a lot... this cra p depleats the stuff the vitamins give back we will help you along the way ...just know it is worth the effort you will be surprised at how wonderful life is when you can feel again I often say you dont realize just what that stuff does until you off of it another thing that helped me was whey protein shakes it 16 bucks for a 2lb can at walmart the chocolate flavor is good when mixed with milk Keep posting for support we will help you all we can just post what symptoms are bad for you and we do have a lot of cures as you go along I will keep you in my prayers...Gnarly
yes we have had others who were cut off, had to go cold turkey because of finances, they moved away from their clinic just to name a few reasons.
tapering is the recommended way but your withdrawal will be more intense at first but you will level off.
methadone is a long detox anyway so even when people do taper down to almost nothing they still can months of not feeling well.
weaver and evolver had given you all the suggestions that we offer for opiate, methadone and suboxone detox.
time will be your healer. try to be patient with the process. after years of addiction it will take time for your emotionally, physically, spiritually and mental healing to take place.
take each day as it comes and treat your symptoms.
get into some aftercare, support groups, counseling, church. get as much support as possible.
we are always here to encourage, support, listen, and provide feedback to questions.
there is healing, there is restoration, there is freedom from the chains and bondage of addiction.
praying for you,
Debbie
tapering is the recommended way but your withdrawal will be more intense at first but you will level off.
methadone is a long detox anyway so even when people do taper down to almost nothing they still can months of not feeling well.
weaver and evolver had given you all the suggestions that we offer for opiate, methadone and suboxone detox.
time will be your healer. try to be patient with the process. after years of addiction it will take time for your emotionally, physically, spiritually and mental healing to take place.
take each day as it comes and treat your symptoms.
get into some aftercare, support groups, counseling, church. get as much support as possible.
we are always here to encourage, support, listen, and provide feedback to questions.
there is healing, there is restoration, there is freedom from the chains and bondage of addiction.
praying for you,
Debbie
Hi there & Welcome! :)
Thanks so much for reaching out! You're in the right place. It really rang a bell w/ me when you said that:
"they just think you're like everyone else and if you miss days you can't possibly be telling the truth you have to be the same as everyone else and get put in a category"
I hear you & I felt the same way on my clinic. I was on my last one for just about 20 yrs. I know that your situation is not idea l& a taper definitely would have made it easier but I just want to reassure you that you CAN do this!! You're already 6 days in. (Yaay you! :) Yes indeed, it's a rough, rough kick & I know that you feel cut off & helpless right now. Believe it or not, these people might have done you the greatest favor of your life in cutting you off. I know that time is crawling right now & that you may feel like you can't bear another night of it but in 3 or 4 days you'll most likely be over the acute phase in your w/d's & things will start to get noticeably better. (I promise). Actually, I think days 6 & 7 were the worst for me. Like my friend Weaver, above said, it was well worth it & I'm so so glad that I did it. So, take heart!
Here are some things that might help: Stay really well hydrated. Exercise if possible (but don't overdo it!) & try to get out into the sun & fresh air. Hot salt baths will help ease muscle aches & relax you. Take them as often as you need them. Eat small unprocessed healthy meals. Stay away from alcohol, caffeine, junk food, sugar & energy drinks. Use Imodium for gut issues as directed. You can try a powdered Cal/Mag/Potassium supplement to help ease RLS & Charley horses. A good multi-vitamin & mineral supplement -- especially the B vitamins. Your favorite music w/ earbuds & funny movies will help to fire those endorphins. If you find yourself getting overwhelmed or you start to look down that tunnel, redirect -- if you can't sleep then don't fight it! Journal, talk on the phone with supportive folks, chat online, read, play games, work on a creative project, whatever you can manage to do to get out of your head.
You don't have far to go before the worst of this is over. In the meantime, please, stay on MH as much as you need to, read other threads, reach out to people, journal, post for support, etc This is YOUR place, my friend. Use it for all it's worth. It's an amazing tool & a community full of special folks who'll be honored to share their hard-won wisdom w/ you & support you through detox & beyond. So, Hold Fast!
We're here & we're pulling for you :)
Thanks so much for reaching out! You're in the right place. It really rang a bell w/ me when you said that:
"they just think you're like everyone else and if you miss days you can't possibly be telling the truth you have to be the same as everyone else and get put in a category"
I hear you & I felt the same way on my clinic. I was on my last one for just about 20 yrs. I know that your situation is not idea l& a taper definitely would have made it easier but I just want to reassure you that you CAN do this!! You're already 6 days in. (Yaay you! :) Yes indeed, it's a rough, rough kick & I know that you feel cut off & helpless right now. Believe it or not, these people might have done you the greatest favor of your life in cutting you off. I know that time is crawling right now & that you may feel like you can't bear another night of it but in 3 or 4 days you'll most likely be over the acute phase in your w/d's & things will start to get noticeably better. (I promise). Actually, I think days 6 & 7 were the worst for me. Like my friend Weaver, above said, it was well worth it & I'm so so glad that I did it. So, take heart!
Here are some things that might help: Stay really well hydrated. Exercise if possible (but don't overdo it!) & try to get out into the sun & fresh air. Hot salt baths will help ease muscle aches & relax you. Take them as often as you need them. Eat small unprocessed healthy meals. Stay away from alcohol, caffeine, junk food, sugar & energy drinks. Use Imodium for gut issues as directed. You can try a powdered Cal/Mag/Potassium supplement to help ease RLS & Charley horses. A good multi-vitamin & mineral supplement -- especially the B vitamins. Your favorite music w/ earbuds & funny movies will help to fire those endorphins. If you find yourself getting overwhelmed or you start to look down that tunnel, redirect -- if you can't sleep then don't fight it! Journal, talk on the phone with supportive folks, chat online, read, play games, work on a creative project, whatever you can manage to do to get out of your head.
You don't have far to go before the worst of this is over. In the meantime, please, stay on MH as much as you need to, read other threads, reach out to people, journal, post for support, etc This is YOUR place, my friend. Use it for all it's worth. It's an amazing tool & a community full of special folks who'll be honored to share their hard-won wisdom w/ you & support you through detox & beyond. So, Hold Fast!
We're here & we're pulling for you :)
Amino acid shake, EmergenC electrolyte drink powder, a good multi vitamin, Cal/mag/zinc 400% morning and nights. Drink lots of water and keep moving. I paced the yard realllllll slow. Just keep moving. Get out in the sun some too, even dappled shade in the fresh air. Immodium is helpful, if you have to be social or in public, but what we want is your whole system to find it's own balance. Write a journal, go to 12 step meetings, just keep yourself busy on recovery all the time.
To answer your question, yes, it does take months. My last dose was 160mgs, down from 250 mgs from a month taper. The peak acute withdrawal hit me at about 7 days. 3 weeks of severe withdrawal and slow improvement the first 90 days. It was a good 6 months before I really felt good enough. Is been worth it though. My mind did clear and I feel love and hate again, joy and sadness. It's a rough ride, but being off methadone has exceeded my expectations. Life really is good. I year felt like forever the first year, but now I see how much time I get to be clean. Hang in there, it will be worth the worst of it. Do you have any local support?
To answer your question, yes, it does take months. My last dose was 160mgs, down from 250 mgs from a month taper. The peak acute withdrawal hit me at about 7 days. 3 weeks of severe withdrawal and slow improvement the first 90 days. It was a good 6 months before I really felt good enough. Is been worth it though. My mind did clear and I feel love and hate again, joy and sadness. It's a rough ride, but being off methadone has exceeded my expectations. Life really is good. I year felt like forever the first year, but now I see how much time I get to be clean. Hang in there, it will be worth the worst of it. Do you have any local support?
Oh just read you got kicked out. Wow. That su cks.
Can you plead you case and do a quicker taper?
Not sure how ethical it is for them to leave you hanging at 150mgs.
Can you plead you case and do a quicker taper?
Not sure how ethical it is for them to leave you hanging at 150mgs.
Hang on hun. Someone will be along to help you. I sent a message to a few people so just be patient. this si a great place for support and we will help you through this.
I just want my life back so bad. I wanted to do this but not right now but I got stranded and because of the doctors that run these clinics I'm cut off now because they just think you're like everyone else and if you miss days you can't possibly be telling the truth you have to be the same as everyone else and get put in a catigory that you just stopped taking it so other drugs would work. That is not the case for everyone. Some of us in these clinics truly just want to get better. I've been battling addiction for the last twelve years from alcohol to coke to crack to pills to this I just want my life back. I need help
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