About Gareth Stubbs Expertise Given that I am not a “medical professional” I cannot answer questions on medication and the like, however, I can offer my experiences thereon. I am able to offer answers to questions on the effects of most drugs (street and prescription) as well as advice regarding halting the use of and recovery from active addiction, which plays a very important role in the recovery process as well addressing underlying issues and reasons as to why drugs and the like are abused. I am also able to address any questions regarding dealing with depression, suicide and self-harming, recovery from these and advice on creating a different lifestyle without these afflictions. I can also answer questions from families, friends and partners of drug users and depressed persons, and in addition to this, I have a very good understanding of the 12-step recovery program.
Experience With a long history of severe clinical depression, self-harming and substance abuse (since the age of 12) I “successfully” managed to lose all that I owned (marriage, home, children) as a result of suicide attempts, numerous hospital visits and severe drug use for 18 years, ranging from street to prescription drugs. I am now about to enter my 8th year free from substance and depression and my 4th year free from cutting myself. I know what it is like to be suicidal and in the grips of active addiction and self harm, how difficult it appears to reach out to people for help, and at the same time, I know how I managed to free myself from the lifestyle and how I continue to create a happy life without the use of medication and constant therapy and the like
Education/Credentials Life Change Consulting, Master Practitioner of NLP, Advanced Neurological Repatterning, Ericksonian Hypnosis, Master Hypnosis, Performance Consultant, Master Result Coach, as well as a Masters Degree in Life Experience.
Past/Present Clients Have spoken to school and groups (ages 12-16), ranging in size from 50 to 200 attendees at a time, as well as speaking to parents of school children. Have also worked one-on-one with young adults with successful and continuing results. Currently working on creating and presenting a development program encompassing all areas of change in lifestyle, as well as a magazine and book publication.
Question Hello Gareth,I have some Q's regarding my imminent Methadone Detox and would appreciate any advice you can give me around this delicate area. I have been on Methadone for around 5 years (this time around) I am clean 2 yrs of Heroin. I am on 65ml Methadone. I want to ask you about an inpatient 2 week Detox (thats the length of time my Drug service offers).I am really worried about how I will FEEL once the withdrawals are over. How will it change me as a person? Is it beneficial to go into Detox? There are beds available this week and my animals will be put into kennel and cattery which my Drug team will kindly pay for but I am SCARED. Also I am a very independent person and worry how I will cope being locked up for 2 weeks. Are there any plus reasons you can tell me with going in because I now realize that at the moment I am looking at all the negatives? I feel trapped by being on Methadone and would love the freedom of being off it once and for all but I am worried as I don't want to 'lose' myself meaning my personality. Half of me right now wants to change my mind with my therapist who I saw last week and turned down Detox but I am having a change of heart and thinking it will be a better idea to go in in the long run. I have a meeting with my doctor next week to discuss this and I know he will tell me the ins and outs but I wanted some knowledge before hand so if you can offer anything at all it will be most appreciated. Thanks, Sarah
Answer Hey Sarah,
Thanks for writing in and congratulations on how far you have come so far - this shows a lot of strength that many people do not have so well done.
My honest opinion for you would be to not owrry right now - I know that that is easier said than done, but worrying only gives yourself more to worry about and that is something you do not need. Instead, think of how FREE you will feel, how free your life will be now without having to rely on things to get you through. As with everything, there will be a slight wothdrawal periond, however, you will be in safe hands and not locked up, so there is nothing to stress there - these people know what they are doing and are just there to monitor that things are all good, which they will be.
You will also be able to speak to others going through similar situations, which will also help ease your mind, but the future is bright when things are not relied upon, and you will be in safe hands, ready to take the next step.
Also, speak to your doctor and they will definately have more information for you.
Let me know how things go and best of luck. If you need anyone to speak to, feel free to write in and I will be more than happy to lend a listening ear
