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Methadone Clinics

 
Woodsprite
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06/04/2010 06:26 AM
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Methadone Clinics
I responded to something about Anna Nicole this morning, and it brought this subject to mind...wanted to see if others share my opinion about Methadone Clinics.

I have never personally taken Methadone...but I have known several people thru the years that do.
Here about a year and a half ago, I helped 1 of them "wean themselves" off of the Methadone.

The whole experience, blew my mind!
To see how Methadone Clinics operate...

These places claim to be "Treatment Centers", to help Opiate Addicts .
Well, they are nothing more than controlled drug deaers!
They have 0 interest in ever getting anyone off of Opiates!

My friend had been on Methadone, since he was a teenager...15 years of having to go every day, line up at 6:30 a.m., give them his $13 for his daily dose.
Does that sound like "treatment"?
15 years of it?!!!!

I saw they were only interested in money...the day I saw them make an addict go dope sick 1 day, because he was $.50 shy of having the $13!

When my friend told them he wanted to try and free himself from the grip of the Methadone....they tried to talk him out of it , repeatedly!!!
Instead, they offered to "bump him up" on his dose!!!

When they found out I was helping him kick...they got all down on me.
If they saw me on the premises..the Security Guard would boot me...even for just sitting in the car, waiting for my addict friend to be done.

My friend did manage to come off the stuff, with my help...but it sure was a fight.
The Clinic didn't want to lose the $13 x 365 day a year income they got from him...plus all the extra $ they get charging for "classes", having to "see the DR".

These places are not really set up to help anyone...
If anything, they make them more a slave....making them have to be there every day at a certain time, or they go without.
Methadone is probably more addicting than the Opiates, in the grand scheme of things....and it is more deadly too.
If someone just tries to quit "Cold Turkey"...they can truly die from it.
The Clinic people know this.....but they don't care.
If ya don't have $13 for the day...you go without...even if it means you die!

Before they started booting me off the premises...it was heartbreaking to see...parents bringing their young teens to the place, everyday, for their fix....Mothers with small children, and babies...pregnant women.
I always felt sorry for the kids....what an awful way to grow up...having to be woken up, drug out of the house so early, to stand in line with their parents.... :(

I would NEVER reccomend Methadone as a "treatment" for an Opiate addict.
Better to just wean them off the real Opiates, slowly.

Parents, don't take your kids to these places, thinking they will ever get helped....it's all a lie, just to make money, off of sick people.
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06/04/2010 06:30 AM

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Re: Methadone Clinics
My friend's grown son in Austin is in this exact scenario...except he married well and isn't hurting for money. He's been on methadone for years and years too- his wife is getting fed up with it. Of course, the wife's wealthy parents know nothing, but my friend is really getting desperate. It is nothing but feeding another addiction, and it HAS to be harmful. Has to be. This stuff makes me sick- how can they say you've kicked when you're on methadone??
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The virtue of courage is a prerequisite for the practice of all other virtues, because otherwise one is virtuous only when virtue has no cost. There are times when something needs to be done, and yet we know that if we step up and do this needful thing, we will pay a heavy personal price. -C.S. Lewis
_Storm_

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06/04/2010 06:36 AM

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Re: Methadone Clinics
I know about methadone clinics, but don't know of anyone that goes. But I wonder, why not give the people a prescription for the methadone pills? It wouldn't cost that much. They could still make the people come back weekly, or monthly for blood tests to make sure they are taking it right. Even people that go every day could still cheat, and take other, so I don't think it is about needing to be monitored.

Sorry for the ignorance, I just don't understand it I guess.
Anonymous Coward
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06/04/2010 06:37 AM
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Re: Methadone Clinics
OP, you are exactly right. My grandson is going and he doesn't think he can ever get off of it.

How did your friend get off?
Woodsprite  (OP)

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06/04/2010 06:38 AM
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Re: Methadone Clinics
My friend's grown son in Austin is in this exact scenario...except he married well and isn't hurting for money. He's been on methadone for years and years too- his wife is getting fed up with it. Of course, the wife's wealthy parents know nothing, but my friend is really getting desperate. It is nothing but feeding another addiction, and it HAS to be harmful. Has to be. This stuff makes me sick- how can they say you've kicked when you're on methadone??
 Quoting: snark


It does affect their bodies....
Watching the people in line everyday....makes their teeth brittle, and break, affects their kidneys, and liver...makes them gain weight for some reason.

I'm with ya...you haven't kicked if you are still on Methadone.
What's alarming, is that these places are protected by Law...
Employers cannot hold it agains anyone , use it for a reson to let them go....becuase they are "legally in treatment for thier addiction, and it would be discrimination'!
That means you Surgeon, Firefighters, Police, EMS workers, Nuclear Power plant operators....are all protected...they can be high as a kite, everyday, and it's legal....they can't be touched.
It's a frightening thought!
Anonymous Coward
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06/04/2010 06:40 AM
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Re: Methadone Clinics
I know about methadone clinics, but don't know of anyone that goes. But I wonder, why not give the people a prescription for the methadone pills? It wouldn't cost that much. They could still make the people come back weekly, or monthly for blood tests to make sure they are taking it right. Even people that go every day could still cheat, and take other, so I don't think it is about needing to be monitored.

Sorry for the ignorance, I just don't understand it I guess.
 Quoting: _Storm_


You can 'up' your dose anytime you want but it's hell getting them to take the dose down.

If the Galactics ever come, I think they have a remedy for it.
Nothing is true

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06/04/2010 06:40 AM
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Re: Methadone Clinics
The whole Methadone thing is weird and wrong. I'm not sure if it's correct, but I'm sure I heard that it kills more people than heroin here in the UK.

BTW, have you heard of Britain's biometric methadone dispensers?

[link to www.theregister.co.uk]
Everything is permitted..
Woodsprite  (OP)

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06/04/2010 06:43 AM
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Re: Methadone Clinics
OP, you are exactly right. My grandson is going and he doesn't think he can ever get off of it.

How did your friend get off?
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 992068


We used the same method the DR.s used on me, when I was little.
I grew up taking Phenobarbitol and Dilantin for the first 12 years of my life.
They just started cutting the dosage...first, by a third...then to half...then to a quarter...until finally, I was off of it.

It took about 4 months for me to help my friend, kick this way.
The Clinic kept argueing that it was not going to work...they wanted him to come down 1mg. a month...at the dose he was on, that would have taken over a year and a half!!
He was alright with the way we did it...he never did get "dope sick"..and he was able to kick in 4 months.

I hope you can help your Grandson....methadone surely is the Devil's Drug, if there ever was 1.
I'll say a prayer for him... :)
_Storm_

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06/04/2010 06:48 AM

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Re: Methadone Clinics
I know about methadone clinics, but don't know of anyone that goes. But I wonder, why not give the people a prescription for the methadone pills? It wouldn't cost that much. They could still make the people come back weekly, or monthly for blood tests to make sure they are taking it right. Even people that go every day could still cheat, and take other, so I don't think it is about needing to be monitored.

Sorry for the ignorance, I just don't understand it I guess.


You can 'up' your dose anytime you want but it's hell getting them to take the dose down.

If the Galactics ever come, I think they have a remedy for it.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 992068




I suppose it would be a challenge for an addict to not up the dose if they had it right in front of them. But then again, how many still take other drugs as well if they can get them?

I don't know. There has to be a better way. What is the point in taking a government regulated amount of a dangerous drug without an end in sight? How about helping people to get off all of it for good?

Very sad.
Woodsprite  (OP)

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06/04/2010 06:49 AM
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Re: Methadone Clinics
I know about methadone clinics, but don't know of anyone that goes. But I wonder, why not give the people a prescription for the methadone pills? It wouldn't cost that much. They could still make the people come back weekly, or monthly for blood tests to make sure they are taking it right. Even people that go every day could still cheat, and take other, so I don't think it is about needing to be monitored.

Sorry for the ignorance, I just don't understand it I guess.
 Quoting: _Storm_


Some people do get pills.....but they are usually the very rich that can afford private Dr.'s...people like Anna Nichole .

The problem with unrestricted access....is that it is very easy to overdose on the stuff.
Too much, and you're dead!
Plus...it's a hot commodity on the underground market...people pay pretty high for Methhadone on the street.

Some people do get what they call "take Homes"...a weeks supply...just go back once a week...but they are few that get to do that.
If they get a blood test back that says their levels aren't high enough for the amout they are supposed to be taking...they take the privelage away...if your bloodwork comes back with something like Marijuana , they take it away... pretty much they can just decid to revoke the privelage anytime they want.
Anonymous Coward
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06/04/2010 06:51 AM
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Re: Methadone Clinics
Actually Methadone is an easy taper. Decrease 10 mg per week or per two weeks. Then when a low dose is achieved. Then go on every other day , then every third day. The key is slowly because of the physical changes that need to be unwound. Pills are easier to taper than daily fixed dose orally taken by a dispensing agent who has no interest in your getting off the train. a doctor

The psychology of addiction I have no idea how to extiguish!!
Woodsprite  (OP)

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06/04/2010 06:52 AM
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Re: Methadone Clinics
The whole Methadone thing is weird and wrong. I'm not sure if it's correct, but I'm sure I heard that it kills more people than heroin here in the UK.

BTW, have you heard of Britain's biometric methadone dispensers?

[link to www.theregister.co.uk]
 Quoting: Nothing is true

Wow!!!
It's unbelievable that they have Methadone in prisons!!
Over here...they are forced to just be dope sick..possibly die.
I don't know which is worse...
Anonymous Coward
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06/04/2010 06:53 AM
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Re: Methadone Clinics
My dear friend had the same situation with her daughter. She found her daughter was selling herself for the 10 dollars a day to get the methadone. They MADE her pay, and MADE her go to the clinic tho she had no home or car. My friend took her in after finding her dying, and of course, she started paying for the drug, cause the symptoms of not taking the methadone were so horrendous for her daughter.
The whole situation is a scam.
I have seen a lot of suffering. I believe in the "weaning off" method for addiction, because as a care provider, I know it works. I also believe in the "do what works best, not what someone in 'authority' says is best" method.
Blessings to you and yours.
Woodsprite  (OP)

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06/04/2010 06:55 AM
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Re: Methadone Clinics
I know about methadone clinics, but don't know of anyone that goes. But I wonder, why not give the people a prescription for the methadone pills? It wouldn't cost that much. They could still make the people come back weekly, or monthly for blood tests to make sure they are taking it right. Even people that go every day could still cheat, and take other, so I don't think it is about needing to be monitored.

Sorry for the ignorance, I just don't understand it I guess.


You can 'up' your dose anytime you want but it's hell getting them to take the dose down.

If the Galactics ever come, I think they have a remedy for it.




I suppose it would be a challenge for an addict to not up the dose if they had it right in front of them. But then again, how many still take other drugs as well if they can get them?

I don't know. There has to be a better way. What is the point in taking a government regulated amount of a dangerous drug without an end in sight? How about helping people to get off all of it for good?

Very sad.
 Quoting: _Storm_


I hope Pahana has a remedy...because this Methadoe sure isn't!
That's just it...they really don't want to Help anyone...it's all about making the money.
It's becoming very big business these days.
Methadone Clinics popping up everywhere... :(
Anonymous Coward
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06/04/2010 06:57 AM
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Re: Methadone Clinics
Methadone is to save their life.
Although its a miserable existence, and one can OD on it if they drink enough, although death is less likely.
Its safer than shooting heroin as the chances of survival doing that long term are very low.
Woodsprite  (OP)

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06/04/2010 06:57 AM
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Re: Methadone Clinics
My dear friend had the same situation with her daughter. She found her daughter was selling herself for the 10 dollars a day to get the methadone. They MADE her pay, and MADE her go to the clinic tho she had no home or car. My friend took her in after finding her dying, and of course, she started paying for the drug, cause the symptoms of not taking the methadone were so horrendous for her daughter.
The whole situation is a scam.
I have seen a lot of suffering. I believe in the "weaning off" method for addiction, because as a care provider, I know it works. I also believe in the "do what works best, not what someone in 'authority' says is best" method.
Blessings to you and yours.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 954745

I hope your friend's daughter recieves some real help with this demon. hf
_Storm_

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06/04/2010 06:58 AM

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Re: Methadone Clinics
So I am gathering that there is no actual treatment. No doctor, or whatever. Nobody reviewing the files of the individual folks that go in there so that they can help them kick the habit for good? Adress their specific needs? No meetings? No help in finding a job?

Basicly if a person gets in line, and has 15 bucks, they sign them up?
Woodsprite  (OP)

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06/04/2010 06:59 AM
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Re: Methadone Clinics
Methadone is to save their life.
Although its a miserable existence, and one can OD on it if they drink enough, although death is less likely.
Its safer than shooting heroin as the chances of survival doing that long term are very low.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 988584


Sorry, but from what I've seen firsthand...it isn't saving anyone!
All it does is slowly kill people!
I've seen more people OD on herione and other opiates...and survive...than I've ever seen happen with Methadone.
Seems like it kills quicker...there is no time to try and give them a shot to counteract the Methadone.
_Storm_

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06/04/2010 07:00 AM

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Re: Methadone Clinics
I know about methadone clinics, but don't know of anyone that goes. But I wonder, why not give the people a prescription for the methadone pills? It wouldn't cost that much. They could still make the people come back weekly, or monthly for blood tests to make sure they are taking it right. Even people that go every day could still cheat, and take other, so I don't think it is about needing to be monitored.

Sorry for the ignorance, I just don't understand it I guess.


You can 'up' your dose anytime you want but it's hell getting them to take the dose down.

If the Galactics ever come, I think they have a remedy for it.




I suppose it would be a challenge for an addict to not up the dose if they had it right in front of them. But then again, how many still take other drugs as well if they can get them?

I don't know. There has to be a better way. What is the point in taking a government regulated amount of a dangerous drug without an end in sight? How about helping people to get off all of it for good?

Very sad.


I hope Pahana has a remedy...because this Methadoe sure isn't!
That's just it...they really don't want to Help anyone...it's all about making the money.
It's becoming very big business these days.
Methadone Clinics popping up everywhere... :(
 Quoting: Woodsprite



Well, I guess that answered the post I just made. Damn.
Woodsprite  (OP)

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06/04/2010 07:02 AM
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Re: Methadone Clinics
So I am gathering that there is no actual treatment. No doctor, or whatever. Nobody reviewing the files of the individual folks that go in there so that they can help them kick the habit for good? Adress their specific needs? No meetings? No help in finding a job?

Basicly if a person gets in line, and has 15 bucks, they sign them up?
 Quoting: _Storm_


There are "Dr.s" there...and a pretense of "treatment"...but the system is not designed to help an addict quit.
It's set up to make money off of sick people.
Pretty much, all ya have to do is be able to prove you are an opiate Addict...and they will take your money, and put you "in treatment"...for the rest of your life!
Anonymous Coward
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06/04/2010 07:06 AM
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Re: Methadone Clinics
Methadone is to save their life.
Although its a miserable existence, and one can OD on it if they drink enough, although death is less likely.
Its safer than shooting heroin as the chances of survival doing that long term are very low.


Sorry, but from what I've seen firsthand...it isn't saving anyone!
All it does is slowly kill people!
I've seen more people OD on herione and other opiates...and survive...than I've ever seen happen with Methadone.
Seems like it kills quicker...there is no time to try and give them a shot to counteract the Methadone.
 Quoting: Woodsprite

You don't have to be sorry, you haven't done anything to me to be sorry for.
For you to be saying this then you must not have a clue how dangerous injecting heroin is.
Most people who do it, can be saved if they OD, but the chances of them being near people who will get them help are very low.
Because of the impulsive nature of heroin, and the fact its illegal, most people die in some back alley or in some bushes and no one even finds them for days.
Drinking anything instead of injecting it is much safer as you tend to puke most of it up before you OD to much.
Once its injected, thats it, if its too much, your gone.
You obviously don't understand the difference between being sick and being in the morgue.
Many addicts are only one more hit away from death, they just cant exist anymore on their current level, they need more to stop from getting sick.
Methadone is a viable option for those who wish to not die this week and possibly eventually get clean.
Anonymous Coward
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06/04/2010 07:06 AM
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Re: Methadone Clinics
Methadone has no euphoria when taken but the drug hangs on to the receptors longer and thus lessens early quick withdrawl. But upon sudden abstinence (not tapered) its withdrawl shows up later but is longer and harder. Respiratory depression (death) is there because addicts are trying to high when it just isn't there...hence overdose from a strong respiratory depressant. Narcan has a shorter half-life than methadone.
Woodsprite  (OP)

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06/04/2010 07:07 AM
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Re: Methadone Clinics
The psychology of addiction I have no idea how to extiguish!!
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 975988


It is difficult....most of the time there is an underlying issue that made the person reach for something to make them feel better in the first place.
Hard to stay clean if that issue isn't addressed.

Some people just grow up thinking that this is the way life is...like my friend.
He grew up with both parents being Opiate Addicts...he started shooting Herione with his dad when he was just 15 years old.
It's def. something very hard to truly break free of, for the rest of your life.
Have to truly want to be clean...just be sick of living that way anymore.
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06/04/2010 07:09 AM
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Re: Methadone Clinics
What I heard was true, it seems.

'In the late 1990s there were consistently more death from methadone overdose than from overdose of illicit heroin (Royal College of Psychiatrists, 2000)'


[link to priory.com]
Everything is permitted..
Woodsprite  (OP)

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06/04/2010 07:14 AM
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Re: Methadone Clinics
Methadone is to save their life.
Although its a miserable existence, and one can OD on it if they drink enough, although death is less likely.
Its safer than shooting heroin as the chances of survival doing that long term are very low.


Sorry, but from what I've seen firsthand...it isn't saving anyone!
All it does is slowly kill people!
I've seen more people OD on herione and other opiates...and survive...than I've ever seen happen with Methadone.
Seems like it kills quicker...there is no time to try and give them a shot to counteract the Methadone.

You don't have to be sorry, you haven't done anything to me to be sorry for.
For you to be saying this then you must not have a clue how dangerous injecting heroin is.
Most people who do it, can be saved if they OD, but the chances of them being near people who will get them help are very low.
Because of the impulsive nature of heroin, and the fact its illegal, most people die in some back alley or in some bushes and no one even finds them for days.
Drinking anything instead of injecting it is much safer as you tend to puke most of it up before you OD to much.
Once its injected, thats it, if its too much, your gone.
You obviously don't understand the difference between being sick and being in the morgue.
Many addicts are only one more hit away from death, they just cant exist anymore on their current level, they need more to stop from getting sick.
Methadone is a viable option for those who wish to not die this week and possibly eventually get clean.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 988584


:)..nice response

You're right about people not calling for help, because of the nature of the emergency...but I think that goes with any substance that people aren't supposed to be doing...like Cocaine.
I agree that it does keep some from Oding the next day....but what really is the differance if they just stay on the Methadone for the next 10 years, until it kills them too?
Seems all it does is extend the time it takes for the inevitable to happen...:(
If the Methadone Clinics really were trying to help people kick...I'd have no problem with them.
But they don't do that....it's like they keep people hooked, and keep them coming back for years...just to make a buck.
If they really were interested in helping...they wouldn't be trying to talk people out of quitting.( and I Know firsthand, they do this)
Woodsprite  (OP)

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06/04/2010 07:18 AM
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Re: Methadone Clinics
Methadone has no euphoria when taken but the drug hangs on to the receptors longer and thus lessens early quick withdrawl. But upon sudden abstinence (not tapered) its withdrawl shows up later but is longer and harder. Respiratory depression (death) is there because addicts are trying to high when it just isn't there...hence overdose from a strong respiratory depressant. Narcan has a shorter half-life than methadone.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 975988


If it had no Euphoric effect...there would not be such an underground market for it.
I've actually seen how it effects people...and yes, they do get high.
I could see the differance in my friend when he came out, dosed, opposed to going in, almost sober.

I don't know about the effects on the brain...I'm no Neurologist...just an observer of the drug/system that is in place these days.
Anonymous Coward
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06/04/2010 07:19 AM
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We knew a guy that was taking it. His family was wealthy. He worked for the city of Memphis for years all the while high as a kite. He was a garbage man driving around in a big ole garbage truck.

He got on the weekly thing and that was his big worry that they would take him off. We live about 120 miles from Memphis and he would come to our area to visit friends and he loved it here and he was trying to clean himself up. The only way he could come here was to stay on the weekly plan. As soon as his week was up he had to hightail it back to Memphis. He had been on it for years and was as crazy as anyone I ever knew.

His family was fed up with him but just kept paying for his treatment. If he found a vacant house for sale around here he would just move in and tell everyone he was buying it until he got booted out. He would then rent a storage room and stay in it until he could find another vacant house because he was so insane he could no longer work.

The last time I saw him he was squatting in another house and had a huge sore on his leg and it looked like it was getting gangrene but he was afraid to let anyone know because they would take him off his weekly plan. It was
the craziest thing I ever knew about. It was very scary to watch. I felt very sorry for this guy, he may even be dead by now, I don't know. He was only in his 40's but had been doing Methadone since he was 17. Very sad.
Woodsprite  (OP)

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06/04/2010 07:23 AM
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Re: Methadone Clinics
We knew a guy that was taking it. His family was wealthy. He worked for the city of Memphis for years all the while high as a kite. He was a garbage man driving around in a big ole garbage truck.

He got on the weekly thing and that was his big worry that they would take him off. We live about 120 miles from Memphis and he would come to our area to visit friends and he loved it here and he was trying to clean himself up. The only way he could come here was to stay on the weekly plan. As soon as his week was up he had to hightail it back to Memphis. He had been on it for years and was as crazy as anyone I ever knew.

His family was fed up with him but just kept paying for his treatment. If he found a vacant house for sale around here he would just move in and tell everyone he was buying it until he got booted out. He would then rent a storage room and stay in it until he could find another vacant house because he was so insane he could no longer work.

The last time I saw him he was squatting in another house and had a huge sore on his leg and it looked like it was getting gangrene but he was afraid to let anyone know because they would take him off his weekly plan. It was
the craziest thing I ever knew about. It was very scary to watch. I felt very sorry for this guy, he may even be dead by now, I don't know. He was only in his 40's but had been doing Methadone since he was 17. Very sad.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 992091

What a sad story.... :(
Unbelievable that anyone would think this is a better existance .
Unfortunatly, there are probably millions of people that have suffered this same fate...all for money.
It's sickening, and heartbreaking... :(
Anonymous Coward
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06/04/2010 07:24 AM
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Re: Methadone Clinics
I've had 2 friends who were IV drug users and known a few others who got into trouble with pills. Methadone is DEFINITELY NOT a "cure", but, managed correctly, it can really sort of "chill someone the fuck out".

Because, really, WHEN are drug addicts the MOST dangerous? When they're dope-sick. NOT when they're high. In fact, there really AREN'T too many creatures on this planet LESS lethal than a junkie who's dozing off.

A house plant is more of a physical threat. Literally.

It's when they're DOPE-SICK that people rob, assault, mug, steal, commit crimes. My friend described it as "battery acid seeping through the pores" of his skin.

Both of my IV-drug using friends (these incidents happened years apart) were able to kick with the HELP of methadone because it levelled their withdawal-symptoms off. And also methadone, though powerful, is a drug you get tolerant to REAL QUICK. Hence, why it's good for drug managment- because after a few doses you really can't get high anymore.

Not if you're being properly prescribed.

THAT'S the key though. IF everything's "proper". One of my friends confessed to still abusing Xanax during her first stint on Methadone. So it's tricky.

I know these places have very stringent drug testing policies and failing tests can get you into trouble.

BASICALLY, I see it like insulin. If you see addiction as a disease (which it is) then Methadone is a medication someone has to take to MANAGE its symptoms. Like insulin for diabetics. And if they have to be on Methadone for life, then so be it.

As long as it keeps them from getting high and/or dope-sick it gives them a chance at a normal life. And that's all that really matters.

But in the end no one can be helped if they don't help themselves. It's complicated.
Anonymous Coward
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United States
06/04/2010 07:26 AM
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Re: Methadone Clinics
Methadone underground market can be a purchase to stave off oxy/heroin withdrawl. It has "weak" euphoric properties but if the opiate receptors are full ... benzos can be enjoyed easier I am guessing. Ask a junky if they want heroin or methadone to get high. Methadone is easier to get in most cases and not street made.
Anonymous Coward
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Australia
06/04/2010 07:27 AM
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Re: Methadone Clinics
Methadone is to save their life.
Although its a miserable existence, and one can OD on it if they drink enough, although death is less likely.
Its safer than shooting heroin as the chances of survival doing that long term are very low.


Sorry, but from what I've seen firsthand...it isn't saving anyone!
All it does is slowly kill people!
I've seen more people OD on herione and other opiates...and survive...than I've ever seen happen with Methadone.
Seems like it kills quicker...there is no time to try and give them a shot to counteract the Methadone.

You don't have to be sorry, you haven't done anything to me to be sorry for.
For you to be saying this then you must not have a clue how dangerous injecting heroin is.
Most people who do it, can be saved if they OD, but the chances of them being near people who will get them help are very low.
Because of the impulsive nature of heroin, and the fact its illegal, most people die in some back alley or in some bushes and no one even finds them for days.
Drinking anything instead of injecting it is much safer as you tend to puke most of it up before you OD to much.
Once its injected, thats it, if its too much, your gone.
You obviously don't understand the difference between being sick and being in the morgue.
Many addicts are only one more hit away from death, they just cant exist anymore on their current level, they need more to stop from getting sick.
Methadone is a viable option for those who wish to not die this week and possibly eventually get clean.


:)..nice response

You're right about people not calling for help, because of the nature of the emergency...but I think that goes with any substance that people aren't supposed to be doing...like Cocaine.
I agree that it does keep some from Oding the next day....but what really is the differance if they just stay on the Methadone for the next 10 years, until it kills them too?
Seems all it does is extend the time it takes for the inevitable to happen...:(
If the Methadone Clinics really were trying to help people kick...I'd have no problem with them.
But they don't do that....it's like they keep people hooked, and keep them coming back for years...just to make a buck.
If they really were interested in helping...they wouldn't be trying to talk people out of quitting.( and I Know firsthand, they do this)
 Quoting: Woodsprite

You are not supposed to stay on it forever, there is a program to start you on it and eventually slowly get you off.
But it is for a period of time, and stopping before the program is finished statistics show you will be back on heroin in no time at all.
I don't know whether that is the case at the place you are speaking of but that is how it is meant to be.
A program you need to finish.





GLP