Expert: Caroline West - 9/2/2010

Question
Hi Caroline,

my partner takes prescribed methadone, 80 mg. Before, he did a therapy but after 6 months he just couldn't cope with it anymore, he was always very depressed and not in the mood for anything, so he started to take methadone from the doctor. Now he wants to reduce it again, very slowly, like within two years or so. He has already started to reduce 5 mg. I'm worried that he will get into this "joyless long-term state" again, so I googled a lot about the topic and found out that our body normally has own opiates and that this depression exists because the brain of someone addicted to opiates has stopped the production of such substances and that it takes up to two years until it has relearned that. I also found that there are electric devices such as "Bio Tuner" or "Alpha Stim" which are used to "tell the body to produce" such substances. Some people who tried it say it works but I didn't really find anything that looks really trustworthy and I'm not educated in the field. I'd most like to know if it can help in the long-term process to alter that "joyless state" and if there are any negative side-effects it can produce. If it helps, then why is it not better known and widely used?
Have you heard about NET and can you say anything about it (http://www.netdevice.net)?
Any input you can give or links you can post will be of help.
Thanks.
Diana

Answer
Hello Diana,

I just want to say first that for a Dr to prescribe Methadone to a person who is not an Opiate addict is crazy. You did not mention if he had a Heroin/Opiate problem so I take it he hasn't,and to be prescribed that high of a dose is serious malpractice. However,if he was on Heroin,then it would be understandable. I just wanted to tell you that.

Yes your research is correct. Dopamine is the brain chemical that Methadone interferes with,and it replaces it,so the brain no longer needs to produce it by itself. So when the Meth gets taken away,the Dopamine is so depleted,that yes,depression will happen. Dopamine is our natural pain killer and our natural 'feel good' anti depressant. So,if the Meth is taken away too fast,then there is a problem. I had it quite bad once when I did a 2 week detox. Reducing slowly is the only,higher successful way in coming off from Meth,but it's got to be gradual. Also,you read right,that it can take 2-3 years for the Dopamine to be fully functioning again,but that does not mean depression the whole time.

Ok,this machine. I have had a look at the link and seen that it received the 'Most innovative Product' award for this year. However,'innovative' just means it's a good idea,and does not mean it has any scientific value with research to back it up. It will only ever get into mainstream drug addiction help after many years of testing on addicts with comparative and safety tests. I cannot see this really happening within the next 5 years. These subject tests have to be carried out first before it receives approval from many health bodies,organizations and national/international centres for health. So I would say to you to be wise,as you have been,and be aware that this treatment could also cost 1000's. If it's a kit you use at home-forget it,seriously. As it interferes with the brain chemicals and transmitters,and is not officially approved,I would stay well clear.

There are other things that your partner can do to help fight these feelings. They have never been dealt with and all the Meth is doing,is masking this underlying problem. All of us that have used,some more than others,get varying levels of depression-that's what the 'joyless state' basically is. I will give you advice on what all the professionals would say,and what I would say having gone through this myself. Get some prescribed Anti-Depressants,they will boost the necessary brain chemicals to ease the symptoms. Exercise,I cannot stress enough. What exercise does is that it boosts Dopamine. Do it every day and this will help him. It relieves the stress by an amazingly high degree which is also a symptom of depression. A good balanced nutritional diet is key too. Plenty of water,fresh fruit and vegetables,fish,turkey,supplements,they all help,believe me. But first,he really needs to get started on the Anti-Depressant medication from a qualified Dr. If you can get him referred to the nearest Drug and Alcohol Support Team,then there are trained Dr's there who are best suited to help. Find out your nearest one and contact them. He also needs a trained and fully qualified Therapist,why?,because his depression may be a result of some personal issues he has. The thing with doing a detox,however it's done,is that the original problems,like his joyless state,will always come back. So really that has to be addressed as he may end up back on the Meth and so the cycle continues. Getting clean and sorted is a lot of hard work,I know this well,but it has to be done if a person wants freedom from his/her problems and addictions. We all use for an individual reason,and that has to be addressed and it takes,time,effort and commitment to get through it.

Go the natural route Diana. All the above is what works. I don't know if he works,but he has got to get some hobbies going and do something meaningful with his time. This is so vital as well. He has got to get his mind occupied,then the feelings will be more manageable,and that's what it's about-managing the symptoms. It is hard work but it's do-able. Do some research on depression,their are some good sites. I will recommend one to you which is not a substitute for Therapy but it helps. It is a self help course in CBT-'Cognitive Behaviour Therapy', they use this type of treatment a lot in addiction centres. It's at Living Life to the Full.com (one word,lower case).

Have a think. Ultimately it is your and your partners decision to try this product out,but there are other ways and options,that I have talked about here. If you wish to write in again then feel free,I'm always here,just have a think about what I've said. All the best,Caroline.