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  • AADD Moderators: swilow | Vagabond696

Why are the psychiatrist and psychologist pushing methadone so hard?

It's fucked up someone passed on your confidential information. I'd be fucking livid about that too. It seems like if the psychiatrist did pass it on he's blatantly broken the law, especially if you have it in writing from him that he wouldn't. I feel like surely there must be consequences for doctors/psychiatrists that do that. I had a quick look around, I found this, regarding law in Victoria.

Confidentiality between patient and doctor

In addition to the statutory offences of breaching confidentiality, doctors and other health service providers may be sued at common law (i.e. judge-made law) if they divulge confidential information without a patient's permission. The patient may sue for breach of contract or because the doctor has been negligent in disclosing the information. However, such actions are very rare and complaints about breach of confidentiality would now almost always be dealt with under the privacy legislation described above.
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This section outlines how you can make a complaint. There are a lot of conditions on that page where they can give out info, but from a quick skim, I don't think it was justified in your case. I can imagine it's possible they'd weasel out of it somehow. I would follow it up if you could though, that's simply not acceptable.

Regarding centrelink, I truly believe they try to fuck people around as much as they can so that many people simply give up. I hate the attitude of many people at centrelink, who are not only incompetent, but condescending.

The attitude of so many 'professionals' regarding drug users is just dismal too. It really is shocking that people who have presumably gone into the profession to help people can have such a nasty attitude to people who use drugs. I can understand the frustration, but how you've described them treating your father is really just horrific. I really don't even know what to say about that, it's just so fucked up. I do know there are some good counsellers/psychologists out there; I've had some who have really helped me. I've also had some shockers, such as one psychiatrist who told me I would never be happy again if I stopped using methamphetamine, and would just have to work out how much to use each day to reduce the negatives as much as possible. Fucking awful advice when I was wanting reassurance that I could stop, and that things would be ok if I did. I have found counsellers attached to drug and alcohol centres are generally better than average - many of them have been through addiction themselves. I get though you wanting to stay as far away from them as possible though, after all the ways they've let you down.

You've had a bad run, but don't give up.
 
Christ! & Footscrazy: thanks so much for those thoughtful replies. Just reading your words is better than any counselling, because I can tell you've been there and you can empathise with me. That's what's been missing lately. The psychologist is friendly, but clearly doesn't know much about drug use.

The psychiatrist was more machine than man - not a shred of empathy or even sympathy was detected. Only contempt.

And Footsy, I couldn't agree more with this:

Regarding centrelink, I truly believe they try to fuck people around as much as they can so that many people simply give up. I hate the attitude of many people at centrelink, who are not only incompetent, but condescending.
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I was given the wrong forms three times, and was never told simply what I needed to do. It's like they made it up on the go to keep me busy. I'd struggle through one 40 page, douuble sided booklet, return it and be told that wasn't really relevant. Then they'd produce another form and tell me to come back when that was done. Then just went on and on, despite me asking directly: "Can you please just tell me what I need to do and not do?"

That question was met with another 50 page booklet, explaining every single form and what to do with them. And, of course, it's written in such a way as to be nearly incomprehensible. I studied linguistics and professional writing/proofreading/editing - and I struggled to understand some of the "explanations"

It's undeniable: They block you out through jargon and circular questions.

Anyway, thanks again guys for the support. It actually means something coming from you two (as opposed to detached psychs).
 
Don't take it personal, places like centrelink are intentionally bureaucratic and convoluted in order to deter people and reduce the amount of services they have to provide.

If you had a bundle of cash to throw at your issues you wouldn't be experiencing these problems, you get what you pay for unfortunately.

3P's for dealing with a government service; Patience, Perseverance , Play the Game.
 
Speaking with people who have worked in Centrelink it seems that they get moved around from role to role frequently so that no one gets to know one particular role too well. Also the system and the policies change regularly too, so much so that you are lucky if you get someone who actually knows what they are doing. Some of the specialist teams are good though.

You're right about it being so difficult to use that a lot of people simply give up. This would be cutting the costs somewhat and I'm sure it is intentional on some level. The whole show is geared towards churning people through as quickly as possible without employing too many staff to help them and not paying benefits unless absolutely necessary.

At least we get it a lot better than most other countries when it comes to unemployment benefits though.
 
I've never been on the dole/centrelink whatever it is. But I know people who are and have been. I think they should get a nationally qualified skill for filling out forms just for being on it, I've seen some of them and they are just fucking insane. They try and trick you too I think. The last question on one page is something innocent sounding but in reality it relates directly to something on the next page which makes your previous answer look suss if you were nonchalant about filling out the form and just wanting to get it over with as quick as possible.

I'm glad I haven't had to put up with that shit, unfortunately it looks like I may have to some day if I keep heading in the downward spiral of self medicated depression, which causes more problems in the long term but in the short term it is oh so worth it.
 
Halif <3
You're one of the best people around - so caring and thoughtful - and seeing you unburden yourself of all of this pain and trauma helps me understand why you care so much; because you understand.
I'm sorry I've been out of touch most of this year - please, please don't hesitate to reach out if you need to talk.
I know exactly the sort of shit you're going through, and hope that I can do anything I can to help you through it.

Much love, brother. Don't let the foot soldiers of Big Pharma phuck you over.
I'm here for you dude, even when I'm not "here"
 
I'm supposed to be taking a little hiatus from BL die to moving house soon, but I had to respond when I saw your post, SJ.

DOn't worry, I know that you KNOW. And I will indeed contact you soon by email just for an update.

And, do not be concerned regarding passive slavery to big pharma - I've had a few experiences recently that have made my resolution complete. I believe there is literally a kind of group mental disease in the mainstream society norms criteria, I want to add myself as one more who considers themselves to be living on the Earth, but not investing their psychic energy into the system.
 
^ well said.
Sometimes "the system" and it's many cruel indignities just push you away from ever wanting to take part.
My "break" from bluelight comes and goes, but sometimes I just miss you kids too much, and I want to let you know I'm still around.
Good luck with the move - never much fun - and I look forward to hearing from you when you have time.
You have a big heart and a sharp mind, sir. Wishing you all the strength and love you deserve.
In the very least, I hope you realise what a fucking top contributor you are to this forum.
My interest in AusDD comes and goes - but your posts are always well considered and worth reading IMHO.

Take care, my friend.
 
Methadone maintenance is the most effective treatment for opioid addiction and had been deemed the "gold standard treatment" as well by the National Institutes of Health... I don't know about the UK but in the United States there are certainly no kickbacks for referring to MMT. It might actually be a good thing to consider, as it is the standard of care... :) Good luck.
 
^ this be the Australian subforum, dude.
If you check out the rest of the thread, you might see where the OP is coming from - that "the system" is full of betrayal and stigma for the patient seeking help.
Australia's health system is very different to the US model. Accepted practice or not, many people don't want to have a life of medical stigma based upon being forced into a prescription regime that both escalates their physical addiction and marginalises them as members of the community.

Sounds to me like halif's "medical professionals" would rather wash their hands of his complicated needs than try to treat him in a more suitable fashion.
 
Hey there Halif, I just jumped on to the forum and read your post. I'm sorry about all the problems you've had in your life recently. I was put on Methadone only a couple of years ago, because I became dependant on a pain killer medication, called Oxycontin. I had a knee replacement operation in 09, and one of the pain killers they prescribed post op, was Oxycontin. I went from taking virtually no medication, except Panadol for my arthritis pain, to being a full blown drug addict LOL. The methadone doctors in The ACT where i live, love plying me with the stuff - methadone, that is. They told me I could have as much i want or need. But no one told me that I'd be on the stuff for the rest of my life.... when i first was inducted. They tell me I'll never get off it. They are a bunch of liars and ought to have the pants sued off them. So I do understand what you are saying Halif, when you ask what the deal is with Methadone. There seems to be some kind of agenda going on in the background, in regards Methadone. In many cases, including my own, I believe that there would have to be alternative options, other than Methadone for folks who run into trouble with other medications. It seems like an easy route out for the doctors - shove people on Methadone willy nilly and wait for the applause. It really sucks. So, I hope you don't get bullied into taking methadone. It's not good stuff - it's just another form of heroin. And Centrelink - sheesh!!! boy did they give you the run-around. Life sucks for sure - but don't let those turkeys get you down okay! I know some of what youre going through mate - I also had a breakdown and just couldnt handle life any more. Can't work or do anything much at all. Cant get any Centrelink benefit cos my husband works. It's all crap. Stay in touch and let me know how you are getting on.... all the best, Elle
 
ztalbott, well maybe Methadone is the right thing for some of us here on this good earth, but certainly not all of us. When people start reeling off blanket statements about some drug or treatment being the 'gold standard' for all the good little sheepies, and use phrases like 'standard of care' it makes me wanna puke - sorry mate - that's just how I feel about it. You have good intentions obviously, but I believe all people are unique, and what works for one, does not work for the other. Nobody wants to be rounded up and drenched with Methadone, simply cos some bright spark said it was the standard of care - boy am I feeling nervous right now. Think I'll go for a long run ... to another planet preferrably!! kind regards to you
 
Hey mate, I hope whatever treatment you choose works out for you. I appreciate the advice and experience you've shared on some of my threads.

Best of luck Halif.

CF
 
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