AboutJacqui Expertise I am committed to Harm reduction (is it a dirty word in America??), a philosophy which acknowledges that people are going to continue to use drugs despite all of the effort put into stopping it (case in point - US government drug war ... trillions of dollars, people still using ... hello??) Anyway, I advocate to support people who use drugs by reducing the harms associated with their use through needle and syringe programs, advocating for drug law reform (alcohol legal, marijuana not ... go figure?). I currently manage a service that provides primary health care, health education and needle and syringe program to people who inject. I have also worked as an "on the ground" worker for many years and am currently studying a Masters in Clinical Psychology. Happy to answer questions about blood borne viruses such as HIV and hepatitis C, questions about dependency on opiates and other substances. Questions about treatment (particulary methadone and buprenorphine). Questions about harm reduction and why we bother with it. I can try to answer questions about drug tests. As an alternative to my fellow experts, I won't be judging anyone. If anyone has taken a sip of a coffee, or drunk a beer, then ... well we are all drug users, and I don't think we are going to see an end to it! Deal with the real, I say.
Experience Manage a primary health service for people who inject drugs, and have worked at that centre for 7 years
Organizations Registered as a provisional psychologist with the Victorian Psychologists registration board (this is for psychologists working under supervision or currently studying a masters). Much of my experience is related to my work rather than to my studies
Education/Credentials Bachelor of Arts (Humanities), Bachelor of Psychology with Honours,
currently studying a masters of clinical psychology, completed one half of a graduate certificate in Addiction studies (transferred to psychology as it had better career prospects) - lots and lots of short training courses.
Awards and Honors Presented at international conferences (Harm Reduction Conference in Thailand and Melbourne)
Question I have been using oxycotton for a good three months taking at least 80 mg. each day. I have been trying to get off the last two weeks but don't want to abruptly stop. I have been easing myself off and smoking 20 mg each day because stopping altogether left me feeling horrible. I was wondering what I can do to lower the withdrawl feeling because that is what is keeping me from quitting all together. please send your advice because I only have 40 mg left and have to quit this crap
Answer Hi Jay,
With opiate withdrawal, the only thing that will get rid of it altogether is more opiates! So, in some respect, you are going to have to tough it out a bit. Ideally, people ween themselves off very slowly, for example going from 80mg on day one, to 75mg day two, 70mg day three, etc (if you can break up the tablets or crush them).
You haven't been using for that long, so the withdrawals shouldn't last too long. You aren't going do die from this, but you may have some trouble sleeping. You need to kick start your body's natural endorphins by doing pleasuable things, and often you don't feel like doing anything when you are going through withdrawal. I always encourage people to take warm baths, eat regular meals, make sure you get nutricious food, some moderate exercise). Try to avoid alcohol and sleeping tablets if possible. Also, avoid any unnecessary stress (apart from the stress of the withdrawal - you don't want to have to deal with anything else).
I know this probably isn't ideal, but believe me - it won't last forever. If you need any further info, please don't hesitate to contact me.
