^^^We whupped 'em! Sanity finally prevailed. The '2nd opinions' thought 11 out of 12 complainants should be returned to their full scripts forthwith. Our Drug Service Provider ( what, before privatisation, we called the 'clinic' ) has said it will follow their recommendations. The full, fantasitic story is on 'Life Suspended' but that's the bottom line for the too-long-didn't-read demographic.
It's quite a mindfuck. Imagine if you were closing 70 and someone who's paid to know about such things told you coming off your 40 hear habit will cause at worst minor upset? And when you told them how it really is they took no notice and carried on cutting your prescription? Very weird to share a powerful despair with folks with whom you have nothing in common but a habit. A very stressful year. We only heard Monday but already my cigarette smoking has reduced by two-thirds
when i went back into treatment last time before this,i struggled swapping over onto subbies and i really didn't want methadone so i pleaded with them to prescribe DFs.They refused and told me they couldn't do anything for me and let me go.
If I can't get DFs then no way are they gonna give me pharma dope
It's a wicked dream but the reality is they got us over a barrel
Looks that way, doesn't it? But what from a distance seems an unsurmountable mountain up close is only a few people. They may be better organised but they're not better informed, don't really know about narcotics.
Look beyond the 'they' talking to you and refusing your dope de choix. To your local DAAT, PCT or the representative of the National Treatment Agency. Find the person or persons without dumbfuck eyes. Know your facts and figures and how to express yourself. Ideally, find articulate, resonable mates in the same boat as you to even up the numbers. Arrange to meet and explain the problem. Highlight the ignorance, misunderstanding and confusion.
Ever since Thatcher, the various categories of society have been deliberately separated from one another. Those in the comfort of the muesli belt are insulated from the estate dwellers and fed second hand stories to replace first hand intercourse. Those who decide your treatment regime are rarely seen in your local dope dens. Some are arseholes, some are bullies. Many are opiophobic without really knowing why. They're affected by the conditioners and the anti-opiate propaganda. But in every area there's some decent folk involved in Drug Treatment who would like to know more.
If it's important to you, it's worth the effort. It's so easy to be downtrodden, stop it. Speak clearly, politely but firmly - remember you're the one who knows what theyr'e talking about.