• HEALTH & RECOVERY
    Welcome Guest
    Posting Rules Bluelight Rules Thread Directory 1 Thread Directory 2
    Mindfulness Links Addiction & Mind
    Sober Living Partner Program (SLiPP)
  • H&R Moderators: streaM Freak

Can an employer fire you if you change Schedule for Methadone Clinic??

Status
Not open for further replies.
S

Screaming_Skull

Bluelighter
Joined
Jan 21, 2006
Messages
1,872
Location
We move and groove and cut loose from fear, we kil
I have had same job a little over two years, always kept my availabilty open. Been on Subs, but they aren't cuttin' it(yes they help w/ cravings,give me a lil energy)but I crave like crazy, and have since after the 1st month, benzo's help but I'm not prescribed them, so that sucks having to work around that for my drug test(and know it's not likely I will be able to take them at all on Methadone) but have been thinking only since I have been on a partial agonist I have been using benzo's a lot, and never did while on any full agonist. Was thinkin maybe the subs haven't worked for me so well was because my 2nd opiate to take a couple times a week was Methadone, before that it was Lortab tens... I would take 5 tens or so or 25-30 MG of methadone(not a daily user then.) Sooo, maybe jumping from such a weaker opiate, to a strong one just hella raised my tolerance...
I have thought about going on Pod or Seed tea again(only did pods,most likey seeds this time, there cheaper.) Plus sides would be wouldn't have to deal w/ docs, but have to find somewhere to mail it and most likely share. Not doing that again. But my main question, is can they fire you for that? I work in retail, and some days I have to come in at 7-11 in the morning instead of afternoon shifts..so if I was up front and honest, could they fire me? It's a 2 hour drive to the clinic and 2 hours back(maybe a lil' less), seems like they wouldn't be able too. It is to better myself...right?
 
I would highly recommend against Pods or seeds. They are just as much addictive and your tolerance builds just as it does any other opioid. Also the seeds are much weaker and they don't stay cheap for long for in order for you to maintain the high that you're searching for.

I apologize about not being able to advise on whether an employer could fault you for being on a Methadone program. What I do know about most jobs is that they do usually have an active addiction program. Say you need to leave to go to rehab for 30 days (I worked retail sales at a large chain) and they did give me a leave of absence to complete my program. Usually with the help of doctor notes you will be able to keep your job and get the help you need. On the other hand starting off at a new job and trying to deal with this could be much harder. Atleast you do have you footing in at your current job.


I am sure there is someone here who can answer that question more difinitively for you. <3. Keep your head up.
 
Last edited:
I've done the Pod thing and was able to maintain on 3 tablespoons a day, 4 for a slight buzz, then 6+ to be where ya really wanna be, BUT could maintain on 3. Anyway, not goin to rehab, not going to waste money on what I know nots going to work. I'm on Suboxone now, but really think Methadone would be better for me....well after I get done w/ the drivin so far and get my take homes...I really feel it would be better, I just don't know how to explain this to my family after all the money they have spent trying to help(paying for my scripts,school which I threw down the toilet, me stealing before Subs and while on Subs when I stupidly decicde to go on a run, etc...).
 
Why would Methadone be an improvement? Cravings are part of the process. They should lessen with time. Methadone from what I understand is much harder to kick then Suboxone (tapering and stopping suboxone was pretty easy for me). Don't you think that you would eventually get used to the Methadone and then start to crave again? No offense, but I would try some different methods or try getting more support before turning to methadone. What about one on one therapy? CBT? Meetings etc. However, it seems like you have already defeated yourself "I know its not going to work" isn't the best attitude.

As far as your employer, I don't think that they would have to keep you on and change your schedule because you started taking Methadone. Its not a protected "right" or anything like that to take Methadone. As others have said, going to treatment is one thing and falls under Family Medical Leave Act but I do not believe Methadone does. I would imagine that it would protect you from positive drug tests but who knows.
 
Cravings are part of being on opiate maintenance. It's not like it just goes away. Switching to Methadone or seeds/pods you'll still experience the trouble of craving. Buprenorphine is highly effective at binding to opioid receptors in the brain. Your cravings are psychological. Instead of switching your shit around I would suggest you address your psychological cravings with a counselor or psychiatrist or a 12 Step group.
 
No offense taken phactor, I know what your saying...one of the things though that I THINK would be better with the methadone is there is pretty much no point in going out and trying to score anything, with Subs, I have the luxury to stop taking it 48-72 hours, then go out and get high...and I know Methadone is harder to kick, but honestly, I know some family doesn't agree with me, but at this point in my life I want to be on a Maintaince med for a WHILE..honestly go as far as to say a lifer. Going to bring this up with my next appointment. And tried the meeting things, made me want to use more weirdly enough, and kinda felt judged there as "Your not sober, your still on an opiate" me "Yes, but I don't feel high, and i'm not gobbling down handfulls of pills everyday, or shoving my nose and arms with opiates,stealing/manipulating EVERYDAY to get my drug therefore, I feel sober to me". Netither group seem to get that.... The AA/NA just didn't work for me... Edit: Oh, and what is CBT Phactor?? Behavorial Therapy?? And I think if I did decide to go w/ the done' I could work it out with work... I do not work for some high-scale company(think large coorporation that puts smaller grocery store places outta business all the time, shouldn't be hard to think of the place,lol.)
 
Last edited:
Captain.Heroin said:
Recovering addicts who take methadone/suboxone with the prescription from a doctor are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Click to expand...

Interesting, learn something new everyday. I am not sure if this would extend to having to change a schedule. Don't methadone clinics open really early though?
 
There used to be something called the 15 employee threshold law… (Don't know your company or how many are employed and it may not even be relevant now).
I'm a couple years behind on this stuff, but if you look under samsha you may find something. A boss, may discriminate from his personal opinions, but if you have a doctors note it should be against the law under the ADA.

Good luck!
 
you'd drive four hours everyday to go to a methadone clinic? whether you can be fired with legal impunity or not, take a different approach with your supervisor.
 
If an employer doesn't like that you have to be unavailable for that time then no doubt they will find a way to get rid of you. It's not even something I would share with an employer because of the stigma associated with it. When I went on Suboxone I had to go to the pharmacy daily for 3 months and the time I started work was 7am since the pharmacy opened at 8 and I started at 7 I was out of luck until my lunch break later in the day or after work. My boss knew what I was into he was a recovering alcoholic so he understood but said he really needed me first thing at 7 theres no one else to cover so I said that's fine not wanting to get my job on the Fritz because if he wanted to get rid of me he could've. I don't know how it works in the states but I don't see the employers being much different. Mabye if you have a caring boss and explain to them what's going on it will be all good but its a gamble in my opinion many people see a stigma with the people standing in the line up to get their dose every morning humans are judgemental creatures it makes them feel better about themselves its human nature.
 
Ya, I know all about the stigma and judgemental factor such as coming from hydro...yes I would drive 4 hours(more like 3 1/2 everday) for a while until I get takehomes to not shove a damn needle in my arm as I'm sitting here right now planning my next relapse it seems as I know everyone is getting there scripts, and my Sub doctor is tapering me sooo, yes I would drive 4 hours... found a closer one, it would take about an hour and twenty mins... anyway, thanks everyone,will worry about it when the time comes...
 
my tone was too dry but i'm not judging you. no grounds or cause. i am shocked at the idea of that daily commute in addition to life's others; glad you found somewhere a bit closer. sorry for irking you.
 
neversickanymore said:
You can google the labor laws for the state or country you live in and get a pretty good idea as these laws are state laws.
Click to expand...


Agreed. Since this is edging on legal discussion, which is not allowed on BL, we are going to have to close this thread. There is also quite a bit of drug talk in her for "Sober Living". Good luck.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top