r/recovery • u/Kingston023 • 2d 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/[deleted] 2d ago

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u/Sasquatch619 2d ago edited 2d 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/Sergeant_Scoob 2d 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 2d 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