Expert: Jacqui - 9/30/2008

Question
Jacqui, I am a 38yr old woman currently coming off methadone-I have been on a program for 10months, was on 100mgs, and am now down to 18mgs. Problem is I'm just not handling it that well. I'm aching all the time, my sleeping is stuffed-only a few hours at a time, and I barely have the energy or want, to drag myself off the couch because I feel so low. I have an appointment at the addiction center today but I'll just give quick yes/no answers because they are hopeless!! The only time I feel better is when I get some extra methadone off my partner-he's on 100mgs- but he's getting a bit annoyed with me doing this! Or if I track down any form of benzo-which actually doesn't calm me down, it hypes me to normal levels. I'm just getting so sick of this!I thought I was doing the right thing getting off but I didn't realize it would be this hard! My partner needs me to get a job as we are not coping on one wage but I really wonder how the hell I'm going to do this? I'm a beauty therapist. I have a part time job-about 10hours a week as a merchandiser/sales support for a huge company, but even that is hard as it takes everything I've got just to get out the door- also doesn't help that I'm around pharmacies all the time! All this, and I'm worried because people I know are gearing up for poppy season. Please don't suggest I move or just don't see anyone-its not that easy!I need something to make me feel normal-or at least give me some energy! I even considered some ups, but quickly realized this was just asking for a new problem! Help!

Answer
Lisa,

I really empathise with your situation.  It is not easy to come off methadone, especially the high doses you are on, and I think you have come down too quickly.  Do you have to come off now?  Can you go back up to about 35 - 40, sit on it for a bit, then come down 1mg a week?  I know this sounds painfully slow, but it will be much easier.

Let me know if this is possible.

Take care,

Jacqui