	AllExperts > Experts
	Search

About Daniel A. Toth
(Top Expert on this page)

Expertise
Any questions related to: drug abuse,recovery and opiate withdrawal. Friends and family questions are also welcomed- however there's very little I can suggest if the person has no willingness to change.I will only answer NON- PRIVATE questions as my objective is to help as many people as possible- use a fake name. PLEASE DO NOT SUBMIT QUESTIONS REGARDING DRUG TESTS OR HOW LONG YOUR DOPE WILL STAY IN YOUR SYSTEM! My energy is directed at those wishing to stop self destructing.

Experience
Fourteen years active addiction;Eleven years to cocaine and heroin.
I've used every drug I've known about except PCP Any comments are from personal experiance, and do not necesarily reflect any programs.
SEE UPDATE AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS STORY! This was for an article in a teen magazine hence the youth perspective: I was a good kid. A diligent student with a 3.5 GPA through 9th grade. Now I was somewhat shy and didn't have a lot of friends. I discovered that by smoking weed I had instant friends. It was great at the time. All of a sudden I knew all these people, was getting invited to parties- hanging out after school getting high. Pretty soon getting high at lunch and even before school and then ditching school all together. In the beginning it was the social activity, not the "high" that was the major attraction. I just knew I would stop smoking it soon, perhaps after I got a cool girlfriend. Well then I started really enjoying the high- Having a bad day? Forget about in and get stoned. The parents getting on my case? Forget about it and get stoned. This girl I really like doesn't know I exist, better just get stoned. I found a way to great way to cope with all my problems. Well my grades started dropping, my hobbies such as all ocean activities and sports where only done high and then slowly not at all. Nothing was "cool" or important except getting high. With or without my friends. Then I was introduced to Meth or "crystal" Would I have considered it if not for my weed habit? Of course not. Plus I am just going to try it this one time. Wow! Now I could easily talk to girls. In fact I could talk and talk for hours to anyone about anything. And you know I'm one cool, smooth dude. Man I feel good. Then after it wore off I would struggle with depression and smoke a lot of weed until I got more meth. Now high school was over. I had no ambition for college but I did work in the family business. I still could hold a job with these habits. Now a friend tells me about this drug (heroin) that is just like pot except there’s no "burn out" He doesn't address it as heroin but a harmless sounding slang name. I observe him and his friends smoking this brown powder for months. They seem to be having a good time. They don't die. In fact there having more fun than I am. I wanted to try it. Just once, too see what it feels like. I would never try it again. Again it was the new friends at first and then the drug that became the major attraction. But it was o.k. because I'm going to never smoke it again after this next time. Oops, I did it again. O.K. but next week I'm going to quit for sure! Now the heroin made me feel nice, but the cocaine smoking was awesome. Plus no crash because I'll just smoke a little heroin. Before too long I was injecting a cocaine and heroin solution (speedball) into my veins as often as I could. Working did not accommodate my lifestyle. How could I work anyway in heroin withdrawal? I had to get some dope! Let’s see, my family has disowned me, I've sold everything I ever had. I've robbed every friend or family member than I had contact with. What am I going to do? Some how I got my fix every day. Not once but three or four times average. But it was still o.k. because I'm going to quit, maybe even tomorrow after I get high. I went for years thinking this way. I've been arrested many times. I even admitted myself many times to detox to get over the addiction but found myself planning my next high before I even left. I just couldn't cope with life. I didn't know how. But that won't matter, as soon as I get my fix everything will be alright. And it was..., for a little while. At this point I had long stopped kidding myself. I knew I was a hopeless addict. In fact three of my close friends overdosed and died. Another got sent to prison for years, and none of these guys did anything I didn't do. I knew I was on a dead end course to jails, institutions or death. I would put myself into one recovery home after another only to leave to get high. Why? I wasn't ready to admit I was completely powerless over my addiction and my life had become unmanageable. Only after I completely surrendered was I ready to listen to suggestions from the wonderful people in Narcotics Anonymous. (twelve step program) Today I enjoy many blessings of recovery. I have a wonderful family that loves and trusts me. I work every day, pay bills, support myself and even help others where I can. I love to travel and do as I can afford to. I still have problems but today I don't escape with artificial substances. I have learned coping skills, and realize that life isn't always wonderful but it could be a heck of a lot worse. I don't want to wake up one day an old man, and wonder what I could have been. I'm going to find out! You see, I'm one of the lucky ones and am extremely grateful for that. UPDATE 5/24/2005: Relapsed with painkillers about one year ago, and have been struggling since. I have about 30 days clean as of today 5/24. It's no big mystery/shocker. I stopped doing what I needed to do (program) and made a stupid decision. A couple vicodins woke up the dragon. I'll be ok if I do what I did to get the five yrs. Good luck to all of us! 2/14/06 Doing really well today (one day at a time). I also went through and am still very much going through the most difficult thing I ever have without using any drugs. Not hiding from emotional pain today by artificial means but rather accepting my emotions as natural and moving forward. I'm focusing today on not denying my emotions but acting constructively despite. I realize today that any artificial numbing may help in escaping short term pain but then complete facilitate suffering. Today I recognize my self destructive habits.

You are here: Experts > Teens > Health for Teens > Addiction to Drugs

Questions Answered By Expert Daniel A. Toth
In Category Addiction to Drugs

Subject	Date Asked

Quitting Lortabs	8/1/2008
Q: I want to thank you in advance for providing this service, and fortaking the time out of your busy ... A: Good for you. You're really going to do it! Won't be easy but it may be the most important thing ...
heroin/opiate addiction	7/29/2008
Q: i am 21 years old and have been addicted to opiates for the better part of 2-3 years now. i used to ... A: Br0- If indeed you haven't used in eight days these acute symptoms will cease very shortly- perhaps ...
I love him and he is addicted to meth	7/26/2008
Q: My husband was off meth for about 2yrs or so to tell you the truth I dont really know. We separated ... A: Leona- are you kidding? Hell no. An even better question is- Do I deserve better than to be married ...
Should I stay	7/18/2008
Q: I've been in a relationship with a man whom I've grown to love very much, just recently I learn he ... A: How long had he been clean? Typically an addict in early recovery should stay out of relationships. ...
Drug addict or just having fun?	7/15/2008
Q: In April I got back in touch with a college boyfriend after about 10 years and we started e-mailing ... A: As you know I'm not here to tell you what you want to hear but rather my honest opinion. Unless you ...
SMOKING	6/29/2008
Q: My name is Hilda. I am thirteen years old. My boyfriend is also thirteen. he was born november 23, ... A: What a caring, sweet little girl you are! You say "i don't want to feel guilty if something ...
Percocet	6/24/2008
Q: I think I'm addicted to percocet's. At first I started taking them b/c of an injury. Now that I ... A: I'm glad you wrote. It shows that you know you're playing with fire. Certainly your "habit" has ...
Codiene Addiction	6/23/2008
Q: I previously suffered a lot of blunt force trauma to my head which has left me suffering very severe ... A: Narinder- You need to continue to ask medical professionals these questions. They have amazing ...
How to help an addict	6/21/2008
Q: My husband and I have been married for a year together for two and about a year before he met me -he ... A: Lesley- He lied to you for this long and now you believe him. I believe the best way to support ...
Recovery Books	6/17/2008
Q: I am a heroin addict who is now in recovery. I had been clean 10 months before relapsing. I attend ... A: Hey Frank, Wow... I've been waiting forever for someone to ask me this question. The fellowship and ...
boyfriends on methadone	5/31/2008
Q: My boyfriend has been struggling with oxycontin for the past five years. He has went to an inpatient ... A: Suboxone is used as methadone is, and contains naltrexone which is the opiate blocker. Why don't ...
Addiction and concealed pregnancy.	5/29/2008
Q: I posted the question, "My sister is an heroin addict" a few years ago that was answered by Walt. ... A: This would be a great question for Dr Laura. Are you wrong to feel this way? Well- I do believe you ...
Help for our 18yr old son	5/27/2008
Q: Our 18yr. old son is addicted to cocaine and opiates. His problem started in high school and is ... A: Congratulations. I can only imagine how hard this is for you. If he wont leave- what I would do is ...
addict daughter in jail	4/28/2008
Q: My daughter is a 6-year heroin/crack addict. I recently brought her home and she cleaned up for 10 ... A: I know how difficult this is for you as I have been on both sides of this situation- many times as ...
herion withdrawls	4/24/2008
Q: I have been using for 3 months and im stopping today!! i only snorted it until this last week and i ... A: If you're still clean- CONGRATULATIONS! There's something special about an addict getting clean! You ...
my son	4/11/2008
Q: I am sure you cringed...I know I cannot do this for him...My 29 yo son is in a methadone maintenance ... A: Cringe....no. Sympathy would be a better word- sympathy for both of you. Not empathy in your case as ...
Fiance & I split due to his addiction	4/9/2008
Q: I am in need of help. My fiance and I split up a few weeks ago because he revealed he had been using ... A: Lord have mercy. CeCi, that was painful to read. You are a victim of drug abuse- his. Why would ...
oxycotin	4/7/2008
Q: I REALLY DONT KNOW HOW BAD IM ADDICTED BUT I KNOW I HAVE A MAJOR PROBLEM I SNIFF ABOUT 2 40MG ... A: I would reccomend getting medical help including an in patient detox. You're right you do have a ...
Heroin withdrawal	1/1/2008
Q: a close friend had a serious heroin addiction reaching 7g/day..he went through a cure and left the ... A: suboxone- fast detox. Do NOT take this medication for an extended period of time as once the system ...
Can an addict really ever change?	12/26/2007
Q: Hey there. My question is simple. Can an addict really ever change? Can they ever be trusted again, ... A: LP, Can an addict really change and be trusted again? Yes absolutely. And yes there is hope for ...
getting through herion withdraw at home.	12/26/2007
Q: i,m on day three-but for the first 2 days i have got through with subxone.will i have to go through ... A: Congratulations on your effort to get clean. Subxone is a powerful opiate with a long half life. You ...
addict daughter pregnant again for 2nd time	12/24/2007
Q: I just got off the phone with our daughter who is an addict crack and/or cocaine - not sure if ... A: Of course you don't want to see her relapse again. But if you do the right thing which you already ...
me	12/24/2007
Q: Well to start.... (Im fallen apart).....little by little! my older sister been smoking weed for a ... A: You say- "i was a good person now she cant even look at me the same". My friend you are a good ...
nightmares	12/11/2007
Q: this is my 3rd question, but i was chicken to let others view the first 2. i was wondering about ... A: Nightmares on H? As I recall I would never dream at all on H but as soon as I could cat nap during ...
How do I beat this?	12/9/2007
Q: I am going crazy right now. I don't know what to do anymore. I have hit rock bottom. I thought I ... A: Tony- hopefully you're feeling better by now. I totally understand and can personally relate to the ...
Hopeless Cause ?	12/9/2007
Q: I am touched by your honesty and desire to help others who are walking in your former shoes. My 19 ... A: what I see here is a mother that loves her daughter dearly and is brave and couragous enough to not ...
My daughter's boyfriend	12/2/2007
Q: My daughter met Steve about 6 months ago. When they met she told him that she was pregnant and that ... A: The best thing your daughter could do for him at this point is to leave him. Addicts need to reach a ...
He is off his binge now but he won't come home	11/30/2007
Q: I am so sad right now. The man I love is not home because the past week he has been on and off ... A: I'm sorry you're in pain. If it truly is over know that these emotions will pass. Give yourself time ...
Am I helping or hindering his recovery	11/25/2007
Q: My husband began using crack about 2.5 years ago (or so he tells me) and we separated a year ago. ... A: If he hasn't- if he want's you back- dealing with those emotions with you available while battling ...
cannibis	11/24/2007
Q: I used to smoke cannibis on a regular basis and it nearly destroyed my life! I quit and tried my ... A: Only you can answer the question- Am I an addict.As an addict I would say your symptoms fit the ...
Drugs	11/15/2007
Q: I am trying to figure out what drug my husband is doing. He had a problem with oxycotin but when ... A: The products don't indicate anything to me other than it's really weird he's buying ambasol with no ...
Painkiller addiction	11/11/2007
Q: I have been addicted to norco painkillers for 10 years. I started taking them as prescribed by my ... A: Hi again.I hope you're ok. I'm curious to know where your at (status qoe or not) and what you ...
please help	11/7/2007
Q: im a typical indian gal...i fell in love with this guy 1 and half years back and before that he was ... A: im a typical indian gal...i fell in love with this guy 1 and half years back and before that he was ...
son on oxycotin	11/2/2007
Q: We just checked our 28 yr old son into a 90 day rehab. We can't contact him for 30 days. He came ... A: First lets give thanks... That's great that you're willing/wanting to educate yourself on the nature ...
Family and addiction	11/1/2007
Q: I need advice in how to deal with my husband in respect to his brother, who is addicted to crack. ... A: If we were having tea I would ask you if you were happily married. I am concerned about your ...
1st friend died, 2nd friend won't stop.	11/1/2007
Q: Daniel, My name is Elaine, and I'm 13 years old. I have a question regarding drug abuse. My ... A: What a precious and caring person you are! I'm so sorry you're going through this difficult ...
abaut my husban	10/26/2007
Q: My husband has been in doing drugs for 12 years we are a fairly young he is 28 and I am 21 we have ... A: I'm sorry you're going through this you sound like a great person. So it sounds like part of the ...
My soon to be ex is a heroin addict... am I making the right decision?	10/12/2007
Q: .. will try to make this long drawn out story as quick as possible... Met my soon to be ex 13 years ... A: Hey Shannon, Sorry your going through this. Now I can confidently help someone that wants off dope ...
brother using heroin	10/10/2007
Q: i just recently found out that my younger brother has been using heroin for the last few months. I ... A: What an awesome sister you are. I'm so sorry to inform you there's very little we can do here.Your ...
oxycotins	10/7/2007
Q: can you tell me i have a son on suboxen for 4 months now detoxing from oxycotin ..when he runs low ... A: Suboxone is very addicting and IMO has a far worse withdrawal(similar to Methadone) than 100% ...
my husband is on crack and it ruins our lives!!!	10/4/2007
Q: We had been married for only 6 month, but for the past 3 month my husband was smoking crack. he does ... A: Sofia- leave him as soon as possible. You say you love him. Do you love yourself? You know we can't ...
My Son is Addicted	9/9/2007
Q: A year ago, my son went in Detox for a heroin addiction and got off of it. He relapsed about 4 ... A: I'm sorry for the delay- the truth is I've been putting my answer off hoping to be inspired in a ...
Fentanyl, Norco, Ambian and more	9/8/2007
Q: My sister is currently in rehab and the arsenal of medications we found in her possession is ... A: Unfortunately there's very little you can do unless she has complete willingness to do whatever it ...
boyfriend on crack	9/7/2007
Q: i didn't know what to say so i just walked out the basement and left him alone. i have had problems ... A: Carla- I'm so sorry you're going through this extremely difficult situation. You wrote me for advice ...
boyfriend	5/21/2007
Q: my boyfriend is in recovery right now from heroine addiction. He has been clean for almost a year. ... A: Jennifer- Sorry but I would be really worried as well. I have seen people successfully quit without ...
Dating a cocaine user	5/21/2007
Q: I'm glad I found this website and I sincerely look forward to your response- I've been seeing this ... A: Listen if I were you I would print this letter out (you're letter) and read it to him. Tell him ...
CALM OR STORM	5/18/2007
Q: I'm a mother of 3 children, my husband of 10 years is addicted to crack/cocaine. in the last year ... A: Oh my! If you were my sister and here right now, I wouldn't know if I should hug you first or try to ...
Methedone detox	5/13/2007
Q: My fiance has been on methedone for 2 years to recover from his heroin addiction. He is currently ... A: Not only possible but absolutely essential if he(& you if you stay) is to have any type of life ...
ocycotin	2/14/2007
Q: I have a son who is a drug addict...he jumps from drug to drug. I have just heard he is taking ... A: OxyContin is a synthetic opiate that is prescribed for pain and also sold on the street as are all ...
help me help my fiance	1/9/2007
Q: My biggest question would be how can i really help my fiance kick heroin for life? I've been sitting ... A: Unfortunately, the answer to your biggest question is you can't. Only he can do that, yet he ...
drug testing	1/9/2007
Q: I am a recovering drug addict who is on Methadone Maintenance. I have been clean for over 11 years ... A: Paul- I've never heard of this happening buddy, but continue to research. I would ask medical ...
methadone/heroin addiction	4/30/2006
Q: my mother recently married a childhood friend. he has been a heroin/methadone addict for 20 years ... A: You can find a local chapter on the internet. This is an organization that gives help and support to ...
help?	4/17/2006
Q: my fiencee is adicte to something and all i can get out of him is "yellow" and its a mix of 4 ... A: I was a little abrubt in my previous answer. This is actually a very similar predicament to one I ...
health affects	3/22/2006
Q: Toth, I was wondering, based on short and long term effects, which is more harmful for your body; ... A: Luca- there is not a healthier option- there both really bad- however- I was addicted to both at ...
my husband has a cocaine/crack addiction	3/21/2006
Q: I discovered last week that my husband has a cocaine and crack addiction. I found out because all of ... A: My sympathies to you. First off you only can help him if he wants the help. Furthermore he's going ...
Help with my son who is an addict	3/6/2006
Q: My son was a using crack addict when he went to Thailand to fulfil a dream of being a Thai boxer. ... A: My heart goes out to you. Your situation reminds me of the grief I put my mother through. Thank you ...
Ex is Cocaine Addict/Alcoholic	3/1/2006
Q: We both come from upper middle class backgrounds. He drank socially for the first year or so, but ... A: My heart certainly goes out to you. If there was ever a case of 'time to move on' yours is it. ...
Same story as your bio	11/23/2005
Q: Decided to write you because you are a heroin addict, clean 5 years, then started abusing ... A: Laura- Hi from time to time I don't get notified of a question and it happened in this case- sorry ...
suboxone	10/20/2005
Q: Dan, Thanks for getting back to me. I can't believe that the suboxone w/d is 10x worse. ... A: Both times I was answering another and while in my account noticed I have an unaswered question. ...
suboxone	10/18/2005
Q: Dan, I think you and I have spoken before. I have been prescribed suboxone for vicodin w/d. I have ... A: Hey Buddy- Yes we have talked before. Sub. is a potent drug- but better than V ONLY FOR A FAST ...
Recovering Addicts & Oxycontin	10/16/2005
Q: My sister-in-law is a recovering drug addict. For the past 10 or so years she has had pain problems ... A: As you know this is an extremely tough situation. There is no magic solution I can offer- or even ...
boyfriend and heroin	9/17/2005
Q: I met my boyfriend in college. we experimented with every drug we could find. He took a liking to ... A: Toughie It sounds to me like you already made up your mind. Just the fact that your asking me this ...
Herion withdrawl	9/15/2005
Q: I am going to be helping someone go though herion withdrawl, he is going to start on friday thurdays ... A: Hey J- Typically the 3rd day is worse than the first two with the fourth being the worse. Day 5 it ...
post-withdrawl depression	9/14/2005
Q: i really dont know who to go to at this point. i had been doing heroin for 3 years and just recently ... A: However If you don't mind a cliche; "take what you can use and leave the rest". I don't do meetings ...
heroine rehab	8/22/2005
Q: My brother has been taking heroine and crack cocaine for many years. He alledgedly wants to have ... A: Claire- Please exuse my language and straight foward manner. Your brother is full of shit! I'm 95% ...
heroin	8/10/2005
Q: does heroin addiction affect my emotional stability A: what emotions? Absence of and major stunting is what's going on. Your basicly at the same emotional ...
Herion	5/24/2005
Q: I have done this so many times and I dont get why I cant just say no when I get back from whatever ... A: Hey Buddy- I wore the detox's in San Diego out.I was banned from two and started going to hospitals ...
Mushrooms and Marijuana	5/21/2005
Q: so it is dangerous or does it do anything to you( the flashback things)? or do you not know. and how ... A: Hey- I wouldn't worry about it as it totally went away. If you did more over time the residual ...
Mushrooms and Marijuana	5/21/2005
Q: so you dont know any reason why i should be getting really ripped when i only smoke like half a ... A: Oh I see, sorry I didn't understand your question the first time. Yeah man there is something to ...
Brother-in-law addicted to marijuana	4/25/2005
Q: I have a brother in law who is 19. He has been smoking marijuana since he was 14 or 15 and is a big ... A: Yes very few addicts stop until they reach a personal bottom. If he is prone to low self esteem, yes ...
Heroin vs. Alcohol	4/21/2005
Q: Okay my boyfriend is trying, well not really, but says he is, to get clean from an addiction to ... A: Hey Nicole-Your right. Many times an H addict trying to stay sraight will break the ice with pot and ...
tricky herion situation	12/5/2004
Q: I recently found out that a friend of mine is using herion... every day for a few weeks now. When he ... A: Your right this is a tricky situation and there are easy solutions. In fact unless he want's to quit ...
How Do I Help Someone I Love?	11/8/2004
Q: I have a boyfriend whom I live with. We've been together nine months and have lived together most ... A: Sorry for the long delay Kelly, I was supposed to be on vacation status. Tough love is the only way. ...
withdrawl	8/15/2004
Q: I recently went to detox for 7 days. I managed to stay clean for 5 days after that. However ... A: Hey Todd- Yes but the fact your asking this question probably means you havn't been using that long ...
Kicking heroin	8/5/2004
Q: Daniel, I've been going through withdrawals for two days. I did a one small issue to releave the ... A: Hey Joe- You know it will bro, but don't sweat it. If you keep it at one you'll be fine. Four day's ...
Oxycontin	5/24/2004
Q: I apologize in advance for the length of this email... My stepdaughter who is 19 has gotten hooked ... A: I forgot to mention, there is Oxy C in the state where the other family is. Wherever you go, there ...
problem	5/18/2004
Q: My family has become convinced that a relative of ours has become addicted to some substance. No one ... A: Hey Cowboy, Sorry you have to go through this. Yes there is a site that will be very helpful to ...
12 Step Recovery	3/2/2004
Q: My name is Sarah and I'm an 19 year old student from Sydney, Australia. I'm currently researching ... A: I'm sorry...it's just that... well your question is not easy. Additionally I'm in this forum to help ...
addiction	3/1/2004
Q: what is the best regimen for maintainance after giving up addiction to heroine A: The program of Narcotics Anonymous saved my life. It is a 12 step program but the entire program is ...
Drugs	2/17/2004
Q: since the age of 16 i have smoke a lot of pot, ate a bunch of shrooms, ive done way too many over ... A: Mike- Listen Bro- You can absolutely regain your health. The body's ability to heal is amazing. Your ...
Illegal drugs	2/7/2004
Q: Let me just say that I appreciate your willingness to share your knowledge with others via ... A: Hey Luke- You know the drugs I indulged in,although taking a definete toll on ones body definetly ...
Heroin Withdrawl	2/6/2004
Q: My boyfriend of 9 months has been a heroin user for a steady 10 months & in rehab for about 2yrs for ... A: Congrats to your boyfriend for wanting to get clean.I myself made many attemps before achieving the ...
Heroin Addiction/Withdrawl Info & Help	5/15/2003
Q: A good friend of our family is a heroin user. She got hooked by her boyfriend. She is 23 yrs old ... A: This is a complicated matter. If your going to help her at all she first has to be completely ...
cocaine addiction	1/25/2003
Q: Mr. Toth, Thank you for volunteering your service. I am researching a novel. I was wondering if you ... A: I am researching a novel. I was wondering if you could tell me some detailed information on cocaine ...
son in withdrawl	1/6/2003
Q: January 6, 2002 - 10:15 p.m. My son is taking methadone prescribed by our physician for heroin ... A: Your absolutely right, a shot of heroin will not help his withdrawl. If anything it will extend it. ...
helping my husband	12/28/2002
Q: My husband is addicted to Heroin and keeps promising to stop, but has yet to do so. He promised to ... A: That comment is just a low blow from a sick person. Your right about him having to hit rock bottom. ...
Withdrawl - Paxil/Heroin	12/6/2002
Q: I'm currently experiencing withdrawl from Paxil, which I am told is a lot like heroin withdrawl. ... A: Good to hear from you.I was not aware of Paxil being physically addictive. Your symptoms do sound a ...
Heroin Withdrawl	9/23/2002
Q: I am in the second full day of withdrawl from Herion. I can handle the physical pain, but the ... A: Cindy- Sorry it took me a day to get back to you, allexperts was down. Congratulations for getting ...

All Questions in This Category