scouse 66
Thanx Jspun wise words, are sure your not one of those gurus who sits under a tree who has fasted for 20 years and the life force of mother earth keeps the ticker pumping along.
LOL- far from it. I have been using gear since 95'. I got clean 98-2002 by doing a rapid detox with methadone: was young and very involved in NA in the San Francisco Bay area were I stayed clean. One drink on new Years made me want to get a taste of gear- and that started me on a 6 year run. I tried the rapid detox but this time unlike the last I didn't move. Managed to get on MMT in San Jose (they had very few spots- had to beg). I used on top of the juice my first year. They raised my dose to 135 mg- at about 100 mg I was still jonesing, even if it was blocking the euphoria. Finally my craving was halted at 135 mg. Moved to San Diego and started my new career- MMT with that last year clean from gear really helped.
But I started chiping again after 3 years. The reasons why I atribute to lack of a support group and continuing to drink- alcohol effects our judgement adversely. The chipping led to economic hardships, screwed up credit i had repaired, problems at work, ect...after more turbulance I finally stoped dope and then tappered off methadone- alcohol I quit work and took a few months going to meetings and staying with my parents. After a year of nothing but wellbutrin I'm on suboxone and benzos that are Rxed to me- I'm working on tappering. But I havent drank in 2.5 years and havent used any illegal drugs including cannabis. I attribute being able to do this to going to meetings- but then it takes work and I've been slacking lately.
So, this is my experience- 1.)MMT is very helpful getting our lives on track
2.) Having a support group or some kind of counseling improves your chances
3.) Cannabis helps some with the craving
4.) Alcohol is best avoided if used at all
5.) Eventually, after life has stabalized you can taper off the green- just make sure to do it
slowly and take breaks when you feel the cravings comming back.
6.) Careful with the benzos- they have been therepeutic for many of us but they pose there own problems getting off.
7.) Incorporate nutrition, excercise, hobbies, ect into your overall plan. Not having to score gear will provide you with extra cash and time.
8.) If your thinking of using call someone- consider NA- you don't have to disclose anything, but then honesty is the best policy- so people know were your at- I've only told a few about my benzo and sub Rx- I am thinking of comming out of the closet especially when I taper the benzos.
9.) Avoid your old friends that used gear- hang out at thee clinic as little as possible.
10.)
taper slowly- and slow down the taper- the last 20 mg are the hardest. I would consider no more than 2 mg/ week
Reward yourself and be easy on yourself.