Tell me how to get off of methadone?

Readers Question Readers Question: (Name changed for privacy)
Stanton Peele Response by: Dr. Stanton Peele
Posted on July 1st, 2010 - Last updated: November 6th, 2020
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Hi, I have been a herion addict for 10 years and 2 years ago I went on methadone and my life is back to normal and I do not use drugs at all. I started on 100 for a while now I have slowly went down to 65. I am hoping at least by the year 2000 I will be long off this. BUT,I have spoke with many people that have been on the clinic long and short times and was on a lot and a little and they all detoxed slowly, some only 1 miligram a month but when it comes time to be completely off most either use or go back on again? Why? Do you know any ways of helping the withdrawels at the end? or do you think if i got down to about 30 milgrams and went and did the rapid detox [whitch i am sure you must have heard about] would it help? I have heard that 80% of people who have done it stay drug free and after the procedure that only takes 1 day, they leave the hospital with no withdrawel symtoms. I would appreciate any addvice you could give me. thanks

Rachel


Dear Rachel:

I am not an expert on the mechanics of withdrawal. In fact, you have many more sources about that than do I. Do you really think there is any sure way to get off methadone? If there were, would there be so many who never get off or who go back again? Please read “Why can’t people just stop using drugs, and should addicts be maintained on drugs?

Stanton

Stanton Peele

Dr. Stanton Peele, recognized as one of the world's leading addiction experts, developed the Life Process Program after decades of research, writing, and treatment about and for people with addictions. Dr. Peele is the author of 14 books. His work has been published in leading professional journals and popular publications around the globe.

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