Hey Wild..yes it does make sense..although I can understand why it wouldn't to people who don't 'get' the whole 'road to abstinence,' 'harm reduction' thing. Not only do dealers hang out around clinic's, etc..often times people on the program..even if not using..still have the mindset of "just in case,' or I'll pick these up for so and so..or even..just because. Kinda like that bottle of wine for dinner that hangs in the cupboard for 'one day.'

 

As for the 6 months and not feeling high..if it's in relation to methadone..I personally find that to be a true statement. Methadone is a powerful drug..often times the street drugs one uses is not as strong. Programs/clinic's will start a person on a base amount of methadone, (perhaps 20-35 mls or so). After several monitered urine test has assured there is indeed opiates in their systems) and then raise them 5 to 10 mls on an average of twice a week...they also must drink it in front of a professional everyday for at least 2-3 (in Canada) months andmaintain heroin/opiate free Urine tests. 

 

This is to ensure  many things..the most important being the addict taking the methadone is indeed taking it and not selling it.. and has time to acclimate their bodies to it..and not overdose...which would be a very real possiblity if done too quickly. This is why you'll hear some people say they are nodding like crazy the first month or so after getting on a program..but  by the time they get to their maintenance dose..or very shortly thereafter...they can function as if they've just taken aspirin. So when a person starts on methadone yes...they definitely can get high especially as the dose is raised. I'm not saying after they get used to it there still aren't some effects..one can get alot of energy from it when it's first taken during their day (although all these years later I feel almost nothing)..and if tired or without much sleep..one can relax quite nicely. But in general..no they are quite alert..otherwise we wouldn't be allowed to hold driver's licences. Now there are medications that can alter that fact fi taken with methadone..such as benzodiazepines (valium aka diazepam..chlordiazepoxide, etc. especially when used as tranquilizers) and/or any of the other drugs out there as well as alcohol.

 

It goes without saying the effects of methadone is different for each individual..but in general I think what I wrote is in the ballpark.

 

Good question...hope you are well lady..and I do believe I owe you an email....it will arrive. I've just been all over the place Wild..forgive me.

 

Later gater

Sha

x