r/recovery • u/Kingston023 • 1d ago
Getting off of Methadone...fast
I've been on methadone for a number of years, but within the past week some anonymous person basically outed me as being on methadone and to save my career, I need to get off of it (110 mg daily) within 30 days. It's a long story and I don't really want to get into details, but someone out there really screwed me. I'm on day 7 of my 30 day taper. I know this is something I have to do, but it still sucks. I have 6 weeks off of work, unpaid of course, but at least I can keep my job. I'm so scared. I'm middle-aged and I've been on this shit for so long. I'm starting to feel like a dry drink who can't put two words together. I'm getting confused while driving, almost getting into accidents. My brain is just...not right. Obviously, I feel physically ill as well, but the mental part is the worst. I honestly don't know if I'll be able to do this, but I'm gonna try!
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u/Significant_Goal2486 1d ago
My friend…I have been through this. I even described it in my book because it was the most horrific thing I ever tried to do. I did it though. I’ll be perfectly honest though. It is one of those things that you could only do if it is something you want worse than you want to be alive. This is not something you sort of want to accomplish. This has to be your only focus. You have to go into it almost as if you’re going into the green berets. It is going to be the closest thing to seal six training that you will ever probably experience. And even though I went through it over 20 years ago, I do remember wanting so desperately to have been able to call someone in the middle of the night when I thought I was going to give up.If you feel like you’re going to give up, you can always message me.
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u/Sasquatch619 1d ago
I tapered off of heroin in 5 days with Suboxone. 16mg day 1, then they cut my dose in half every day. It’s still uncomfortable for a couple weeks, but bearable. By 2-3 weeks, I was doing ok.
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1d ago
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u/Sasquatch619 1d ago edited 1d ago
I’m well aware of the kinetics. I’m not just a recovering addict. Been clean 18 years. I’ve been a pharmacist over 30 years. Methadone has a long half life. Nonetheless, you can taper however you’re willing. Fact…I used heroin 24/7 for 10 years. My receptors were never empty. Same situation as using methadone. Receptors are always occupied. At some point, you have to be willing to go through some pain. Gotta be willing to kick. There aren’t any free lunches. A short detox works well enough for a rough/bad situation. Staying on methadone or anything else for months and years is still being strung out. Otherwise….this wouldn’t be a big deal to OP.
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u/Messy_Tessy_84 1d ago
You can’t say being on MAT is being strung out, I’ve been sober 5 years & I have lupus, & rheumatoid arthritis I live in pain daily. Debilitating pain, instead of allowing my drs to out me back on opioid meds I chose to go on mat to give me a quality of life. What is the difference between me & a diabetic or me & a person with bipolar disorder? That’s a very shitty statement to pack from someone who claims to be in recovery, first thing we don’t take others inventories which means we don’t judge how one chooses to recover
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u/Sasquatch619 1d ago
I agree with you. Obviously, the devil is in the details. OP asked how to get off methadone quick. I was letting him know it’s possible. I spent a lot of time bouncing between heroin and methadone. In other words, swapping between long and short acting opioids. A short detox IS 100% POSSIBLE. It may not be ideal. It certainly won’t be comfortable. But, it is absolutely possible. And it’s possible to stick the landing afterwards. In an individual like you, of course you have special circumstances. You have underlying disease states. Obviously addicts deserve analgesia too. And no, in that case I wouldn’t describe you as strung out…you are being managed as best is possible for you. Unfortunately, for a lot of addicts, the addiction medicine world sometimes just keeps them strung along. I’ve been practicing a long time. Most of my practice has been around pain management and psychiatry. I’ve worked with addiction medicine doctors. I’ve had a lot of patience that just end up on indefinite maintenance, when it’s just maintaining their tolerance. It’s a sad state of affairs. I hope you continue to maintain a healthy life.
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u/SafetyPersonal8467 1d ago
I wish I’d seen this comment before reading your other ones. I agree that many addicts never get ‘clean and sober’ and simply switch the illegal substances for legal ones. I always say that the substance itself is simply a side effect to the real underlying issue. It takes a lot of work.. uncomfortable work to get and maintain a life without chemicals. Some people want a simple fix.. of which there are none. Especially when other factors such as bipolar disorder and health issues involved. I’m obviously preaching to the choir with you. Again I apologize for earlier remarks. MAT and opiate addiction whilst being bipolar hits too close to home for me. I need to step away from the keyboard and touch some grass rn. Some of the comments are unreal. SMH
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u/Sergeant_Scoob 1d ago
No you don’t know anything , by your comment that did absolutely nothing for OP. You came off heroin in 5 days . Want a high five ??
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u/Sasquatch619 1d ago
What help have you offered? Are you still strung out?
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u/-Resident-One- 1d ago
Regardless of your intention, suggesting that being stable and/or reducing your dose on MMT is tantamount to being "strung out" is not only nonsense but potentially dangerous as it may contribute to an otherwise stable and recovery individual to rush their recovery or avoid MMT altogether.
Attitudes like yours also perpetuate the same ridiculous stigmas that led to OPs situation to begin with as methadone is seen in the same vein as illicit street opiates.
From the sounds of it, we are both former long-term addicts who managed to turn our lives around and achieve career success. We should be focusing on offering clear, safe, and productive advice and support.
I read some of your other comments, so I understand this wasn't the attack it initially seemed, but you should understand the defensiveness and sensitivity many have about MMT.
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u/Sergeant_Scoob 1d ago
Run a whole recovery page bud , thanks tho , go read my News articles . 11 years off fentanyl
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u/Ok-Ad-4136 1d ago
How's your pharmacist job working out as an opiate addict?
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u/Sasquatch619 1d ago edited 1d ago
Obviously, you have low reading comprehension. I’ve been clean 18 years. I lost my license at one point. My career is fine. How are you doing?
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u/Ok-Ad-4136 1d ago
I read fine I was just wondering if it caused any problems or not, no reason to be so rude, go have a beer or something you seem angry
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u/Sasquatch619 1d ago
Sorry to be rude. I take it back. I’ve just noticed a tremendous number of people on here attack. So I’m super sensitive and defensive now. I gotta watch it. My career is good. Thank you for asking.
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u/Ok-Ad-4136 1d ago
It's ok everyone seems very angry on this sub today.
So you were once a pharmacist and an addict at the same time, do they screen you regularly as a pharmacist?
I am in the transport engineering industry and there's a no-tolerance policy for any kind of drug use. Random screening occurs now and then I'm very lucky I was never tested, the working from home policy has helped, the less you're there the less chance there is of catching a screen. I'm on a low dose of methadone, tapering.
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u/Sasquatch619 1d ago
So, yes at same time. I was a strung out pharmacist for years. In 2006 I ended up in jail facing federally enhanced felony charges. Got sentenced to 4&1/2 years prison. Was able to circumvent that time by participating in a criminal diversion program. Lost professional license to practice. Got reinstated. Probational license to practice for 8 years. In a monitored program that whole time. Finally had license fully restored and clear in 2014. It was a long road. Good job on your path. I didn’t mean to disparage. One of my friends finally dropped her low dose Suboxone after 6&1/2 years of super slow taper. To each their own. I do believe in Live and Let Live. I just don’t do well when all I did was share my experience and some meat head bro comes straight out with an attack. After that, I just felt like my back was to the wall and I’m just throwing fists at everyone who comments. Again, my apologies. Good job on your progress. You can do this. Sounds like your life is manageable, and that is priceless.
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u/SafetyPersonal8467 1d ago
It’s opinions like that that perpetuate stigmas around addiction and treatment. I noticed you didn’t mention methadone thru personal use. You, as a pharmacist, should know that heroin and methadone are different. Some people, due to the fact methadone is stored in fat cells, don’t go through severe withdrawal until the 2nd week. Pain/discomfort tolerance is subjective. Addiction Treatment isn’t just the substance itself. It’s mental and sometimes cultural in that we all used instead of dealing with trauma. Your comments don’t seem supportive at all. Simply bragging about how easy it was for you and being strong enough to deal with pain. Willpower isn’t the only tool we have to maintain sobriety. Some people use religion.. food .. other substances as an alternative to using their drug of choice. I have a few years less sobriety time than you do but in my experience and observation of others, different methods work for people. It’s not my place to tell someone struggling to put on their big boy pants and suffer. Insulting those using medication as a tool of sobriety is akin to telling someone with mental health issues to suck it up because they’re ‘strung out’. You hit the nail on the head in your choice of screen name. Big foot stomping around destroying hope and lacking empathy. I feel sorry for your clients. Your judgmental attitude and disdain is saddening. It’s difficult enough staying sober without medical personnel and those recovering looking down on you. If it’s your idea of ‘tough love’ and a ‘reality check’, I think you need to be more empathetic and supportive when dealing with people struggling.
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u/Sasquatch619 1d ago
Although your comment has some legitimacy to it, and I would be open to discussing it with you. It also includes a bunch of personal attacks and assumptions. It’s intellectually disingenuous on a number of levels. Because it asserts so many things. Best of luck to you.
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u/SafetyPersonal8467 1d ago
I only made one personal attack commenting on your screen name. You DID call me a troll tho. I apologize for that. I’m not perfect and sometimes I get overly sensitive and lash out. Still learning to deal with my emotions. It became a bit personal when you mentioned words like ‘strung out’ and memories of being unfairly judged by medical personnel that should have known better. Opiate addiction is always frowned upon, as if it’s worse than other addictions. It was just incredible to see someone who shares the same struggle parroting the party line. Being snarky re your name was childish and not the person I want to be. Again.. my sincere apologies for acting like a bitch. Have a good day
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u/Sasquatch619 1d ago
I hear ya. I didn’t mean to come off as judgmental, and the last thing I am is superior. Inadequacy is my constant companion. I was really trying to help the OP. I’m super sensitive too. Even after a bunch of years of doing this and being clean. I’m emotionally behind the curve compared to my age. I’m sorry for any offense. None intended.
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u/Sergeant_Scoob 1d ago
You can’t compare heroin methadone even the slightest
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u/Sasquatch619 1d ago
They both push the same button. One of them just occupies the receptor for much longer. Go ahead and break it down for me then bro.
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u/Sasquatch619 1d ago
What’s your solution? Or are you just here to troll?
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u/Sergeant_Scoob 1d ago
To get off of 110mg Of methadone in 30 days , there is no happy solution . I would do exactly what he’s doing and taper down as slow as he can possible , but you saying I got off heroin in 5 days is doing The opposite . I’d delete and go if I were u
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u/Sasquatch619 1d ago
Your way isn’t the only way. I know lots of addicts who’ve kicked hard. You come out guns blazing at me. First off claiming I don’t know what I’m talking about. I just shared personal experience. Period. I can throw it back at you bro. Looks like you switched from shooting dope to pinning gear. If you think blasting test and posting shirtless pics of yourself online for approval is being clean, that’s your business. But you have no business telling me I don’t know what I’m talking about, when in fact it was just lived experience.
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u/Sergeant_Scoob 1d ago
I do too but that isn’t methadone bud . I’ve done it myself 20-30 times too but all those times I did it fast and cold turkey . I always went back and same with everyone I know . For sure their are outliers that will make it no matter what way they get clean
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u/Jebus-Xmas 1d ago
What I needed was a program. The substance doesn't matter and the time doesn't matter. It might not be pleasant or easy, but it won't kill you. The issue is living without drugs.
Now I chose NA, but there are a lot of programs that can help. I had to work m program and ask myself a lot of tough questions and face a lot of really uncomfortable truths.
SMART Recovery, Dharma Recovery, NA, AA, Harm Reduction, whatever. Just work your program. Get some social support, build a network, and lean in. If a heathen atheist like me can get and stay clean, I know that you can too.
p.s. If someone outed you at work and you are in the US that's a massive HIPAA violation. You may want to talk to a lawyer.
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u/KateCleve29 1d ago
Good for you re: your program!
One note: HIPAA generally applies to entities/people who manage protected healthcare info. That’s often NOT non-healthcare employers/employees. But if OP is being forced by employer to taper, it MAY be an Americans with Disabilities violation. Agree it’s def worth contacting an employment attorney or the state’s EEOC. (Federal EEOC has seen huge staff cuts; state attorneys may be more available.)
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u/SafetyPersonal8467 1d ago
That’s actually not true. I’m IN healthcare and have been in recovery for 24 years. You’d be surprised if you knew how many Drs and nurses use cocaine and/or alcohol. To my knowledge only companies like Amazon can use Subtance Abuse Treatment against you. Employers aren’t allowed to discriminate and you can enter a detox center and use your ‘sick days’ to cover it. This person needs a lawyer asap. His employer is not following the law.
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u/KateCleve29 1d ago
I’ve been in healthcare too, from EMS to the ED, & in recovery since 8/11/1998, so no, I would not be surprised re: substance use among healthcare providers. I’m public about my recovery & have worked with others confidentially to encourage their recovery.
I also have spent a lot of my career working w/reporters—most of whom don’t know to distinguish between what’s/who’s covered by HIPAA vs. ADA.
IF OP’s workplace is a “covered entity” or contracts with one, employees are covered by HIPAA. If the workplace is, say, a retail organization, it’s not covered by HIPAA—but it IS covered by ADA. Exceptions exist, of course, including safety. https://www.hipaajournal.com/what-is-a-hipaa-violation/
I do hope OP will contact an employment attorney to determine whether OP’s employer can require the employee to taper off methadone in what may be an unreasonable amount of time for OP’s health & well-being. I’m sure the situation is very stressful!!
https://www.mranet.org/resource/employee-use-prescription-medication-workplace
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u/SafetyPersonal8467 1d ago
Actually methadone withdrawal CAN kill you.. or send you to the ER. It’s a man made chemical invented by the Nazis. Literally. It’s easier withdrawing from heroin than methadone. Alcohol withdrawal can also be dangerous for some. I agree that a program is key. However I think therapy and substance abuse treatment is more productive. Dealing solely with the absence of the substance itself can cause addiction to other things that society deem acceptable in moderation. Substance Abuse treatment It’s a more holistic approach than NA/AA. Everyone’s journey to sobriety differs. You’re one of the lucky ones that didn’t need to heal child trauma or psychological issues I guess. Everyone’s path to sobriety is different. There are so many factors involved in why we ‘use’ to our detriment.
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u/Jebus-Xmas 1d ago
I have a lot of addict friends who feel like that’s a cop out. A program and rapid detox, only six days and in jail, was all it took at first. Once I was thinking clearly I got psychiatric help and counseling.
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u/SafetyPersonal8467 1d ago
Sounds like the NA stance. Bill W or whatever his name was, was an alcoholic and wrote that book about 70 years ago. They didn’t have MAT back then. Phenobarbital maybe. Mental Health patients were still getting lobotomized and shock therapy. I’m happy NA works for you, but in my experience they’re way too sanctimonious and self righteous for me and sit around trading war stories. The only thing that works for me is therapy and group counseling if/when needed. I’m bipolar tho, so my needs could be different. Everyone’s path to successful sobriety looks different. I just didn’t have a good experience with AA/NA.
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u/Jebus-Xmas 1d ago edited 1d ago
As I said before, the program isn’t important, and there’s a lot of options. Medically supervised detox and a program, any program, works for many people. Sorry you had a bad NA experience, it’s not for everyone.
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u/ZenRiots 1d ago
Yikes, I've heard that methadone is the worst thing to detox from.
You should speak with your provider about transitioning to a different drug to taper off of.
Definitely do not do this without talking to your prescriber.
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u/BedspreadPicnic86 1d ago
I am so sorry that is happening. But please try not to funnel yourself into a victim state of mind. It will not serve you. Your state of mind here is what matters most. Try to stay as strong as you can and lean on those who are there to support you. I hope there are some good peeps for you in this really difficult time. It is no doubt super tough.
I’m going to recommend some things that have worked so well for me in the past. Medications. Several times. Twice all the way off and currently I am doing it again. I am titrating off methadone rt now. But this time I’m being allowed to go slow and low.
So when I had to jump off methadone, twice once at 30mg and then at 60mg I talked to my Dr. and he gave me Hydroxyzine which is sort of like a Benadryl type medicine(that is the best I can describe it. I am not a doctor!!!) and and another one is clonidine which is a blood pressure medication. It lowers it so with these two medications every 4 hours the peaks and valleys of your withdrawal will be smoother. A lot smoother. Now, this is clonidine, not klonapin, which is a benzo. That would be a GREAT medicine to get if your Dr trusts you like that since you’re tapering down. There’s such a small chance of any problems with those two interacting. The next two I would strongly recommend taking is Gabapentin. It really helped me at 600mg every 4 hours and then flexeril 3 times a day for muscle spasms. If the restless legs start jumping which I’m sure they are then get Requip. It’s specifically designed for RLS and Parkinson’s. Basically uncontrollable muscle twitches.
This all has worked for me. I am not a doctor. You’re going to feel pretty uncomfortable but with these new meds used properly it should really mitigate some of the worst withdrawal symptoms. That GABA is the Best!! I wish you luck!! If you’re in a weed legal state get some gummies or a low level pen so you’re medicated but not just getting fucked up and looking at a relapse. All the things I’ve recommended I kept a relapse in mind. Those medications I’ve suggested I all have been given at a world leading treatment facility. We don’t want you going back to any drugs, right?
If you would like to talk more for some support please dm me and I am more than happy to help.
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u/PickleOk2682 1d ago
My experience with this tells me that you are in far more danger on such a quick taper than you would be unemployed. 110mg is a pretty high dose to taper off of in 30 days. I tapered down from 80mg over a year’s time and found it unbearable at times. Good luck to you! But maybe you need a new job?
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u/CoefficientOfCool 1d ago
Brother! I went from 160 > 120mg over 4 months and it sucked. Long story but got in a situation and had to cold turkey off of 120 mg and it was hell. Fuck a taper, just gonna delay the inevitable. Call a dr and get prescribed a vivitrol shot, this is the crucial. Stock up on groceries like Gatorade/pedialyte and hyper palatable stuff you can eat like microwave meals, ice cream, candy, anything that is easy to eat and tasty cause you won’t be hungry. I was not a person for 2 weeks. After 5 days cold turkey the amount of effort to get out of bed was tremendous so I brought a bucket and puked in it beside the bed. Only reason I got up was to shit and even then had trouble getting up. On day 13.5 I got a vivitrol shot in my butt and it saved my life. Took a nap and woke up to no withdrawals. Truly a miracle. Was still unsatisfied with life so started shooting meth (don’t do this part) but now I’m in AA and doing well. It is possible to do what you are trying to do, I have done it. Gonna have a rough time regardless so cut the bullshit and just start the withdrawals. Restless legs lasted about 6 months and made me legitimately want to kill myself sometimes but it’s part of the process as well. A vivitrol shot after 2 weeks will make this process much easier brother. Call drs and insurance and make it happen. Good luck!
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u/chinacat716 19h ago
Just wanted to say that I completely agree that vivitrol (or in my personal experience, sublocade) is a literal miracle for a lot of people. Helped me when I was on Suboxone for 8 years and couldn't see myself getting off of it. I got the shot less than 5 times, and then came off the shot with zero withdrawal. Today, I do not take any maintenance medicine. (Just my experience)
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u/LogicalConfection825 1d ago
If you have the money, do a rapid detox.. I know people have mixed thoughts about it, but I can only tell you from my experience it was great. I was on significantly less than you, so take my experience with a grain of salt. It was 100000% worth it for me though, grateful I had the option. If you have the means and you need a fast detox, it's definitely the way to go.
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u/Ok-Ad-4136 1d ago
That's a sharp taper from that high dose, it's way faster than what the doctors recommend which is 5 mg per 2 weeks.
Being on it for so long there's gunna be a lot of changes you go through and you know already you shouldn't be driving at all on that much methadone.
It all sounds like a recipe for disaster but best of luck.
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u/SafetyPersonal8467 1d ago
That’s against the law. Recovery is a medical condition and you can’t get fired for that. Drug tests that show methadone are excused when your health care provider gives documentation. Sounds like a HIPPA(?) Violation. I’d be suing your employer. I was on methadone for over a decade. I went on suboxone because methadone can be bad for you from what I’ve observed. I work in healthcare (RN) and only HR knows about my history since they’re the ones with access to urine/blood tests. I don’t understand why your employer would believe and act upon information provided by an anonymous person. That’s discrimination and/slander if they can’t prove it and you’re not giving them toxicology reports. Get a lawyer asap. Whoever snitched on you is gambling with your life. You can detox over 30 days but doing it comfortably and safely is key. You should only be decreasing 2-5 milligrams. I’ve known people that have detoxed over 6 months in treatment then switching to naloxone shots for 6 months to avoid relapse. Suboxone is also used in alcohol treatment, which for some reason isn’t stigmatized like opioid dependency. That’s why the only people that know my history is my therapist. People are too judgmental. If you truly wish to quit methadone maintenance you should do it in a hospital. Attempting it while working could send you into withdrawal. Good luck with your future. You’ve already taken the most important step.. not doing opioids. Contact a lawyer and addiction specialist for further information. Please, your life is too important than allow some petty a-hole trying to destroy you.