Methadone Drug Addiction .com

How do methadone maintance clinics figure out the correct dose to give a patient? What if the dose is to low or high?

The initial dose is based on your history of tolerance to opiates, your physical findings (COWS Score), degree of withdrawal symptoms. The federal Guidelines state you cannot be given more than 30mg as a starting dose. Then you will be gradually increased usually 5 mg every other day until the following criteria is reached...
Your cravings are eliminated & Your withdrawal is eliminated.
Symptoms that the dose is too high can include sedated,
nodding, or unsteady. slowed or difficult
breathing; a slow heartbeat; mental confusion; or,
pinpoint pupils, In contrast, an unusual boost in
energy and ability to stay awake long hours also
may indicate overmedication. Report these symptoms immediately. Undermedication will produce signs of withdrawal, which can also include sleepiness but you will also have the desire to use. In either case your dose will be adjusted gradually until the criteria for stabalization are met and last for 3-5 days consecutively.

2008-10-06 12:03:33 by Fendifreak

Tony Scheuren's spooky imitation of James Taylor. Complete with a harsh, flatted-A pronunciation of the word "clam". Thanks to Claus ...

Our friend has chronic pain associated with an assault to the head with a tire tool, that resulted in a fractured skull, crushed sinus and a broken jaw. He has had one surgery but will require more. Because he is at the mercy of his home state's budget, he may not get the surgery. Now the high-powered pain-killers he's on are the only thing that get him through. He's taken so many that there's no way he could stop now, and the pain which is very real is still an issue. So...how do we get him the pain management he needs and get him off the Oxycodone? Is methadone maintenance a solution? Would he qualify for a state program? What kinds of non-narcotic pain management programs are out there that could he try? This is not a joke. We love this person and want what's best for him. No insurance, no trust fund. Any ideas?
Yusuf... it's oxycontin.
Juvinjbj...a little touchy, aren't you? I am looking for alternative pain management..I said that. I want to treat the pain. What I don't want is a $300.00 a week, run to Mexico habit to ruin his life. Back off.
Mandy VZ: You need help, girl.

Methadone WILL work for his oxycodone addiction as well as help him with his pain. Like the others have said it is an addictive med in itself, BUT.....when you enter into a Methadone Maintence program they take away your control over giving yourself meds. YES, he will have to go dose every morning, YES it will also become addictive to him but I think for people who become addicted to opiates.....be it heroin or pills it is a GOOD program. I dont think as some people have said that it is trading one thing for another because along with getting meds he will also be required to go to group, see a counselor, see a nurse and everything is very controlled. I am on Methadone for some pretty bad back pain, recently started it, and it has been great. I have been onther opiates for quite some time and have a physical dependancy and tolerance. If I had days I ran out of meds it was hell....I would go through some nasty withdrawl along with nasty back pain. The Methadone has helped my pain LOTS, but does not make me feel out of it.....I feel normal and free of pain for the most part. I do have to take other meds at times for breakthrough pain, but for the most part the Methadone is working great.

All that being said, since it is SO addictive....if he decides, or is able, at some point to come off it he will have major withdrawls. At that point going on Suboxone would be the route I would reccomend. It does not treat pain as well, but will get him off the Methadone if he so chooses. There are people who take Methadone for the rest of their lives. Most people look down on them, only see that they are trading one addiction for another....but being in that kind of treatment gets them off the streets, they are able to lead produtive lives for the most part. But its an enviornment that is controlled and is a very good program for a lot of people.

You would have to look into what your state offers. Most Methadone treatment centers are not all that expensive if you have to pay for it yourself, but a lot of states have programs or medical coverage that would take care of the bill depending on his income.

2007-09-18 19:23:49 by farm-gal

Price: $15.00

Does the average American see methadone as a valid treatment method for heroin and other opiate addiction?

Oh Steve, thanks for this one. I've always wanted to be an average American. Having worked in the mental health field for a number of years I can tell you that I have seen some great responses to methadone maintenance. Anyone that has seen or been drawn into the world of opiate addictions knows how all encompassing this addiction is. Life's primary focus becomes that next high and avoiding withdrawal at all cost. Many have been able to resume a degree of normalcy in their lives by complying with a methadone program. Granted, a lot of work remains to regain one's life after beginning a methadone program. Like any treatment, it's the work that you put into that gives you the chance to look beyond active addiction. As far as the general population's perception of methadone, who cares? It's your addiction..own it, get treatment for it and be at peace with the fact that you have made the best treatment choice for you.

2007-11-16 07:35:16 by Stevie B

Price: $87.95 $87.95

My friend is already on methadone maintenance and it's really expensive (105$ a week). I know there are some insurance companies that cover it, but don't know which ones. Also, he has a temporary job, so can't get insurance through his job yet.
the website wouldn't open up.

The more likely question would be does the clinic accept insurance and if so what kind. Most MMT clinics do not accept insurance and if they do they will tell you which ones.

2008-09-18 15:16:35 by sarah d

My bf was addicted to oxys.He has been on MM or 18 months. He is doing excellent. He has not used since being confronted and beginning treatment. He complies with all aspects of his recovery program.I understand, the whole, when he is ready line. I just want some opinions of when you think enough is enough, and he should let go of this security blanket?

12 months is really the absolute minimum, and I've heard of people going up to 20 years. This is his decision, and his responsibility, and having a security blanket for what may be longer than what seems necessary to you is better than letting it go too soon. Talk to him about it if you start to feel he's ready to stop, but don't pressure him to.

2009-07-06 18:15:48 by Barb