About Crystal Expertise I can answer questions on substance abuse and addiction as well as possible ideas for abstinence and groups. I have been a substance abuse counseling specialist for 5 years. I cannot give medically diagnose but can give accurate advice and helpful ideas.
Experience I have been a substance abuse counselor for five years and have detoxed clients off of all drugs and alcohol.
Education/Credentials I have a minor in addiction,an A.A. in Juvenile Justice and am working on my B.A in Criminal Justice with addiction. I have worked with doctors who specialize in medical detox and have 10 years nursing field experience.
Question I HAVE BEEN ON METHADONE FOR 6 YEARS I INJURED MY BACK FELL DOWN A ELEVATOR SHAFT,WHILE WORKING IT INJURED MY BACK I HAVE TO HERENATED DISKS,I WAS SEEING A PAIN DOCTOR HE HAD ME ON 6 DIFFERENT PAIN MEDS I WAS TAKING APPROX 22 PILLS A DAY,AFTER SIX MONTHS IT WAS TO MUCH A WAS ALL SLEEPY,HE SENT ME TO A METHADONE CLINIC,THE METHADONE WORK GREAT DID NOT GET ME SLEEPY OR HIGH.BUT HAVE TO GO ONCE A WEEK AND THE COST IS 400.00 A WEEK,HEAVEN FORBID IF I HAVE TO GO OUT OF TOWN,BE ON METHADONE IS LIKE BEING IN PRISON WITHOUT BARS. IN FOUR MONTHS I DECREASED FROM 100 MG TO 50 MG OH THEY DONT TAKE MEDICAL INS. CASH ONLY.I WANT OFF AND DO IT WITHIN THE FOUR MONTHS WHAT ARE THE BEST MEDS TO ASK FOR FROM MY DOCTOR.I TRIED TO GO COLD TURKEY IT IS A NIGHTMARE I RATHER BE BE THAN DETOX COLD TURKEY,THE WITHDRAWAL LAST 6 TO 12 WEEKS CAN YOU HELP ME.AND EMAIL ME ON WHAT I SHOULD ASK MY DOCTOR FOR THANK YOU RICHARD ZAPPONE
Answer You would be better off in an inpatient facility so you can be monitored by the proper medical staff because methadone and narcotics are the hardest things to come off and can be hugely dangerous. When you come off methadone it is not the same as coming off just narcotics and you run the risk of overdosing on other meds because you will be so uncomfortable and irritable.
You also run the risk of having seizures during detox if you are not properly monitored and medicated.
I hope this helps. Good luck.
