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| | | From: Echo (Original Message) | Sent: 7/18/2003 4:21 PM |
After reading a lot of posts about methadone on this site, many of them dispelling myths I had about it, I am seriously thinking about trying to get on a clinic. I've tried counseling, inpatient detox, etc and I'm still using off and on and more on than off. I keep a small supply of meth (not prescribed to me) for myself to use so I dont get sick (i take small mgs just to get through) but I'm really tired of the whole cycle. I have heard so many success stories on this site about how methadone has changed lives. I am so tired of chasing drugs and losing money. I want my life back. I want to be able to wake up in the morning and not worry about staying str8 and not being sick. I know it's a big commitment, but I am a responsible person (when I choose to be) with a steady job and all that. Does anyone have any advice for me? What do I do first? I plan on calling a drug counselor I've been to I guess and ask for advice. I live in MA and I know the clinic systems probably differ state to state. Maybe lifeoverkill (beth) could help me out with advice? I'm grateful to anyone willing to give some advice. I just feel ready to take the step because nothing else has worked. I thought foolishly AGAIN that I can use and keep it under control. I'm just tired of the whole thing. I need motivation and I'm tired of getting it from drugs I have to pay a ton of money for - money that I dont have. I'm sick of chasing after it. I just want to feel good and have energy and not have to use H or pharmies to do it. Thanks ECHO |
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Echo,
are you an iv user if so just showing track marks usually will
suffice.....records of past detox attempts but most clinics will allow you to
switch to maint. after several months.....if you need further advice contact me
[email protected]
claude |
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Reply
| | | From: Echo | Sent: 7/22/2003 10:27 PM |
Hi Claude - No i'm not an iv user, never have been. And to everyone else as well- I am feeling a lot more positive about the clinic thing though right now. I kept at it all day and made a bunch of phone calls and I think i found a place that is right for me (Actually I've got to thank lifeoverkill Beth for her suggestion...) It's the cheapest I've found yet (i've got to self pay cuz my private insurance wont cover methadone EVER), they allow prescribed benzos (good for me) and i can get take-homes eventually. This is going to be a huge commitment but I am completely ready for it and really really excited. I cant get on right away, but the wait should only be two weeks. I am really really hopeful at the moment and I just want to thank all you guys for your inspiration, information and advice regarding this big step in my life. one question tho- does anyone know anything about switching clinics? I only ask because there's one opening up closer to me soon and transportation is an issue. If i am really happy with this clinic and I can get take-homes fairly soon, I'll stay but if not than what's the deal with changing? i mean is it easy or a pain in the ass? once again thanks to everyone for helping me out. ECHO  |
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| | | From: Echo | Sent: 7/22/2003 10:34 PM |
Oh and as far as the documentation goes- at this particular clinic anyway the woman said a letter from my PCP would suffice, but i'll start on the 180 day meth program. my pcp knows about my drug addiction so if they know meth is best for me (and i'll tell them it is) they should write the letter during that 180 days and then I'll be able to be on the maintenance program. From what the woman said, it seems like getting onto maintenance here will not be a problem for me. just wanted to update on that- which is why i'm so hopefull at the moment!!! ECHO |
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| | | From: Marco | Sent: 7/22/2003 11:53 PM |
Hi Echo- I can only speak about the DC area, where I'm from, but around here switching clinics is no problem at all, especially if you're self-paying. If insurance is paying it can be a problem as one clinic might not accept the insurance another clinic accepts, etc., but since you self-paying it shouldn't be a problem. Also, as far as take homes, there are federal guidelines that outline how long you have to be at the clinic for, how long you have to have clean urines for, etc. A clinic can be more strict than the federal guidelines, but can not be looser than those guidelines. You can find the guidelines on the inernet. As you as you get to the clinic, get oriented to what their policy is. In the long run that may be more important than geography cuz if you have to go there less often it may be worth it even if it's further away. Does that make sense? Marco. |
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| | | From: Indigo | Sent: 7/23/2003 12:34 AM |
Unfortunately a 6 month methadone detox is totally different then a methadone maintnence program---I've never heard about requiring proof that you've been addicted to opiates for the last year, but nothing suprises me about meth clinics depending what part of the country(world) you're from...Most clinics only require a few days of dirty urine samples----You should find out about methadone clinics in your area through NAMA, which is the largest methadone advocacy group around---They'll help[ you as best as possible---try their webste --I think its www.nama.com I could be wrong about the website address, but good luck & stay persistent like a good junkie-- |
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dear echo,
hey amy,
i want to send you a more indepth letter later but i was scrolling through
my mail, and wanted to answer thisfor you. if you have been in a detox,
they will call and verify that you were there, and if they cant do that they
will put you on a six month detox, and then have the clinic dr. to sign a
waiver for maintenance, but you wont have trouble getting on. just sign a
release saying they can call the detox for verification.
>From: "Heritics of Heroin" <[email protected]>
>Reply-To: "Heritics of Heroin" <[email protected]>
>To: "Heritics of Heroin" <[email protected]>
>Subject: Re: considering methadone
>Date: Tue, 22 Jul 2003 11:05:56 -0700
>
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Hey Echo-
The clinic I go to did want to call my old rehabs and detoxes to verify that I've been a heroin addict for a long time. I thought that was pretty retarded. I mean who would fake being a junkie to get meth ya know? They also wanted to see my tracks as proof. I never really had tracks for some reason. They all healed really well. And...they needed 2 dirty urines from me. Well,I was trying not to use til I got on the meth,but they basically told me that I HAD to use again! Crazy huh? So,I went and made my habit 10x's worse over a weeks time. There's your fuckin proof. Happy? But what if I would have died that last time around just cuz they needed proof? I think itz absolutely ridiculous,but alot of the way they give addicts "help" is stupid if you ask me. Why can't things just be simple for once! Anyway,thatz the way things are at Maryland meth clinics. Where r u? Good luck dude and just hang in and hang on! PEACE -Nikki |
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| | | From: Echo | Sent: 7/23/2003 5:55 AM |
Hey Guys From what I've heard on here and am hearing now, the clinic system here in the U.S. is pretty strict and very bizarre too. Obviously you guys know this better than I, and hopefully I'll have none but a good experience once I know firsthand. I definitely do not want to be on any 6 month meth detox, that's for sure. I dont see how that can help many people at all. although I'll listen to advice from anyone (such as the people from the clinics on the phone today), I think I know myself and my experiences better than anyone. It's not the getting clean part that I worry so much about anymore, it's my inability to stay that way. Indigo- yes- maybe it's a new rule or something I dont know, but apparently here in Mass. at least, one must prove they've been using for at least a year. It seemed like a pretty insane condition to me too. Anyway I'm crossing my fingers all goes well and I am happy cuz I feel like I've got something so positive to look forward to. I should get an appointment made thurs. I'll update! and THANKS! again guys! ECHO |
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dear nikkiwell
this may sound crazy,but i used to work in a meth clinic as a nurse, dosing
etc, but i also did the intakes,
the reason you need to test dirty is because believe it or not, many people
have and still will get on a clinic just to sell it,or get a little buzz.
the other thing about the documentation is that they dont want to put
someone who has a two month problem with perks on meth maint. possibly for
life or an extended period of time.its the one case where the remedy is
worse than the illness(much harder to kick).
if you are coming strait from a detox, all they need is varification of your
last meth dose, but no dirty, but thats like if you come on the same day or
the day after.
usually they only need varification if your going on to maint. if you dont
have varification, you can still be admitted with a dirty screen or swab,
and they put you on whats called a waiver, that is they put ypu under a
sixmonth detox, but before you ever drop yourdose, the doc signs a waiver
putting you onto maint. ive never seen anyone turned down for that in mass
anyway.
it is crazy!!!
>From: "nikkiwell" <[email protected]>
>Reply-To: "Heritics of Heroin" <[email protected]>
>To: [email protected]
>Subject: Re: considering methadone
>Date: Tue, 22 Jul 2003 17:18:09 -0700
>
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Reply
| | | From: Marco | Sent: 7/23/2003 7:31 PM |
Echo- just a thought- if the only way to get in is on a six month detox, think about doing it. Once you're in, if you have just a couple of dirty urines they'll likely change their mind and encourage you to remain there for maintenance.
And keep in mind that meth isn't an immediate miracle cure. Until you get to the right dose, which often takes months as they start you at a low dose and then increase it slowly, it's likely that you'll continue having strong cravings.
I don't want to sound like a downer, cuz this seems like a good, well thought-out plan on your part. But you should be aware that it's not a magic cure. There's still work to do and it may take time. I guess I'm just concerned that you're obvious high level of enthusiasm might taper off after you're there for a couple of weeks and things don't seem that different.
On the other hand, for some people it does work right away. Depends on the dose you need. I guess I'm just trying to say don't get discouraged if it takes awhile to work for you.
Marco |
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| I totally agree Marco. I went into it thinking I would automatically have no more cravings EVER. WRONG! They aren't as strong as they were and I was able to actually think through it and not use. I've managed to stay clean for the whole month that I've been on it. I'm also doing a whole lot of counseling with it so I can change everything about myself and my thinking cuz I know from experience that "the same person will use again"( a stupid NA cliche' that I hate so much,sorry) It is true though. Anyway,just had to add my two cents. Thanx 4 listening and take care all. PEACE,Nikki |
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| | | From: Echo | Sent: 7/23/2003 9:38 PM |
Marco thanks for the reality check- I know I cant rely completely on meth to keep me clean and it's ignorant to believe I'll be perfectly happy just living on methadone. obviously I have issues to deal with and "real life" is going to catch up with me. (Just like it caught up with me this morning when i had no cable/computer b/c i havent paid my bills.)  I have to say though that I am just so sick of living this way AGAIN and the meth option just seems right for me at this point. ECHO |
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hey echo,
me again, just quickly wanted to answer the switching clinic question for
you...if you switch within the clinic ex.. hmi boston to hmi lynn they
usually do an internal transfer, send your med file over and a brief visit
with the dr. possibly. its pretty easy, but you need to be on the original
clinic for 30 days. if you go from one clinic to another, hmi to the
bananna one they require usually an intake and and possibly lab and
physical, but some may be more loose than others. if you have just had lab
and phys. they may just have your old clinic fax the info or send your
chart(photocopy), and just do a mini intake, and see the dr.
they usually are pretty accomodating. i dont know if it costs extra to
transfer though from one clinic to another, i know its free if you go within
the same clinic ex. hmi to hmi.
i hope that kinda made sense!!!
ill talk to ya soon!!
your friend beth
>From: "Heritics of Heroin" <[email protected]>
>Reply-To: "Heritics of Heroin" <[email protected]>
>To: "Heritics of Heroin" <[email protected]>
>Subject: Re: considering methadone
>Date: Tue, 22 Jul 2003 14:27:27 -0700
>
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Indigo,
you are right we are the largest advocacy group around and I thank you for the
plug. but the website is www.methadone.org if you have
any questions you can email me at [email protected]
claude
nama/nj |
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