Methadone: Methadone Facts

Question: What do i do to get perscribed methadone without going on methadone maintence?

(Posted by: on 2011-12-25 09:41:16)

I used to be in a program when I had to go everyday at certain times to battle an addiction to pain killers. It helped me so much but I don't have the flexibility to do that with the job I have. I broke my hand and was given perks for pain and it put me right back off track. I don't want to do this anymore.Please give me some good answers. Thanks

Posted by: shutuppauface on 2011-12-25, 09:48:45

Um, seeking methadone when you're not on methadone maintenance is called drug-seeking behavior, and will not only result in you NOT getting a 'script, but you may well find yourself sent to jail for it. Stop cold turkey and quit being a p*ssy.

Posted by: Shayla on 2011-12-25, 09:48:33

Most clinics will give you take homes if you are on the program and pass all of your drug screens. But I don't know exactly how long that would take (probably 6-9 months on program w/ clean UA's). If you went that route you could get 6 take homes per week. Only going to clinic one day a week. Or Maybe you could talk to your MD and explain the situation. Perhaps he would write you a prescription. Couldn't hurt to ask. Good Luck!

Posted by: J Miller on 2011-12-25, 11:07:29

Unfortunately the only place where you can get methadone treatment for addiction is at a methadone clinic. Federal law restricts methadone dispensing for addiction to clinics. Doctor's offices can't legally prescribe any narcotics for addiction or withdrawal except for for 3 days in emergency situations. They can prescribe methadone for pain but not for addiction. So unfortunately getting on methadone would mean coming to the clinic daily at first. Of course you will earn takehomes after a while but the first few months can be hard. It's not undoable though. Most clinics open very early so that you can come in before work or school. It sucks getting up that early - I know, I did it for a long time - but it beats having an active addiction and it's only temporary. Another thing you may want to consider is trying Suboxone (buprenorphine). Suboxone can be prescribed in a regular doctor's office as long as the doctor is licensed to prescribe it. You can find licensed doctors in your area by going to this website: buprenorphine.samhsa.gov/ bwns_locator/ dr_search.htm . A doctor can give you a month worth of Suboxone at a time so you won't have to go every day. Some doctors want you to come in more often than monthly in the beginning though. Suboxone, in case you're not familiar with it, contains buprenorphine which is a synthetic opiate similar to methadone. It also contains naloxone which is an antidote to opiates (the drug that is used to treat overdoses) but the naloxone is not active if you take it orally. It's only active if you would crush the pill and inject it. It's there to prevent diversion and abuse. Suboxone works about the same way as methadone in that is suppresses cravings and withdrawal symptoms without causing a high. It's not for everyone, especially those who need higher doses of methadone, but it does work wonders for a lot of people. It's worth a shot. The drawback is that it's usually more expensive than methadone maintenance but on the other hand health insurance is more likely to cover it. Some doctors will prescribe a generic form of buprenorphine without the naloxone and that is a lot cheaper. Unfortunately most doctor won't prescribe the generic though. It's worth asking for if you don't have insurance though. I hope you can get some kind of treatment soon. If you don't your addiction will just continue to snowball and it won't stop until you get help. Good luck!

Posted by: jbanks on 2011-12-25, 11:21:42

You can be treated outside of a clinic. You would have to go to regular theropy and submit urine samples to prove not only are you not using drugs but that you are also taking your scripts. Find a doctor who has been certified in the field and they will help you. It is so easy to get addicted to opiates and not easy to get off them. You have a long road ahead of you but just follow instructions and think of the things that are most important to you...(kids, family, etc?) I wish you good luck buddy

Posted by: Barbie Doll on 2011-12-25, 14:23:47

Honestly, I wouldn't go back on the pills. You're doing so well, why ruin it? God created you beautifully by hand with a plan for your life, and Jesus loves you so much that He died to save you:) John 3:16 To receive eternal life, believe that Jesus' death on the cross is the only way to obtain eternal life:) email me anytime!