Heroin Heroin v/s Methadone

[Crownhead]

I'm new to BL and this is my first post. I've been using methadone for 6years. I was at 95mg, now down to 60. Stupid thing is, I entered a program to kick Percs. Looking back, wish I just went thru withdrawals from the Percs instead of methadone coz I can't kick it and the mgs never seem to be enough (tolerance issue.) In January I ran out of methadone and instead of being sick , my "friends" in another state, (PIA to get there), could only help by getting me heroin, not methadone. It got me thru till my next methadone script (I didn't shoot; nasal only.) It got me thinking tho, people take methadone to get off of Heroin. Forgive me in advance for asking probably a very stupid question, but, what is the probable outcome of me switching from methadone to heroin? I have always easily walked away from every med I've ever tried/used for periods of time: cocaine, crack, benzos, pot....and probably could have kicked the Percs if I put some effort into it. That was a bit harder as my son had just passed from an accident and I was numbing the pain. I've don't or ever care to drink alcohol. My thinking is, to use the heroin until all methadone is out of my system. Then start work on kicking the heroin. I've heard methadone is harder to quit then heroin so it's sounds like my chances are better to get off of heroin then methadone. I've already started going to NA meetings in Cary which has been inspirational. I don't know what to do. I always run out of methadone early, can't get an early script where heroin is easier then the hamster wheel of it all. Anyone have any similar experience? Should I just stay on the methadone which seems like forever? Switch to heroin and wean off that eventually and easier then the methadone? Any advice is helpful. Also, any advice of outpatient facilities in Raleigh and/or Cary that are awesome? I don't go to a methadone clinic anymore (got tired of being treated like a criminal) and now go to a dr. But there is NO counseling or support at all. Just a script. Lastly, how long to detox completely from methadone and how long for heroin? Thanks all!!

 

[Znegative]

You've been using methadone for a relatively long time. not to discourage you, but you will probably suffer acute withdrawals for at least a month, after which point you'll start to get your sleep back, but you'll have to deal with PAWS for probably another few months.

Switching to heroin is probably not the best answer, yes its a little easier to kick than methadone in that the withdrawals aren't so god damned long, but they're more brutal IMO (I've kicked both). Also, heroin, for most people is a lot more psychologically addictive. Believe me you don't want to go down that route. I would look into kratom for detoxing off methadone, it really does work.

 

[cjh1221]

If you run out of Methodone every month then you seem to have a bigger problem with control and addiction than you are letting yourself believe. If you abuse the Methodone, do you really think that you will be able to control your heroin use? The large majority of addicts that try to taper (ANY narcotic) fail miserably unless the drug is controlled by professionals. Even then a large percentage of addicts relapse, use other drugs, or suppliment their doses. The whole reason you're addicted is because of your inability to control your use, thinking that you'll be able to control yourself with a drug as powerful and pleasurable as heroin is likely unrealistic.

Tapering from a shorter-acting opiate/oid is typically easier in terms of withdrawal, but it's rarely successful when self-administered. If you feel like you can reasonably taper yourself, why not do so with the Methodone? The results should be similar if the taper is done correctly, and lowering your dosage will prevent you from running out early. Once you get to lower doses you could then consider switching to a shorter-acting narcotic if that's your desire, but for now, the Methodone should be fine.

I just want to mention, tapering with heroin is made even more difficult by the fact that it's nearly impossible to accurately measure a dose. You never know the purity, it can range greatly from one dose to the next, even from the same bag sometimes. Measuring a known-quality product like medical-grade Methodone is much easier and extremely accurate when done correctly. Even minor variations in dose when tapering can impact your progress and your body's reaction. Sticking with the Metodone is probably your best bet, at least until you get down to much lower doses.

 

[Crownhead]

Thank you. It all makes sense. Using Kratom this very moment as getting sicker and sicker by the minute.

 

[Crownhead]

No, I'm fully aware of my lack of discipline (as if there is much in this field.) I'm just trying to get by, figure it out, and one day have a normal life. I think tapering down the methadone will only work with skilled addiction specialists coaching me along. I don't have that. Sounds like one excuse after the other; and maybe so. But there's a lot of pain and baggage hidden behind the drug use that I'm terrified to "tap into" and I'd actually be willing to "tap" if it were with skilled persons to do it with. In the meantime....just trying to get by comfortable numb and operative. I do appreciate ALL advice, opinions, experiences...I'm humbled.