Methadone Maintenance: Methadone Symptoms & Side Effects

Question: How long should a person be on methadone maintenance?

(Posted by: on 2009-07-06 18:15:48)

My bf was addicted to oxys.He has been on MM or 18 months. He is doing excellent. He has not used since being confronted and beginning treatment. He complies with all aspects of his recovery program.I understand, the whole, when he is ready line. I just want some opinions of when you think enough is enough, and he should let go of this security blanket?

Posted by: scazzbag on 2009-07-06, 18:28:39

I think if you want ancedotal evidence you need to look up the biography by irvine welsh, author of the film and book trainspotting. he got off heroin but still relied on metadone for years eventually i think he went to see someone who gave him the strenght to finally kick it. good luck its rotten stuff hope he gets better.

Posted by: Elizabeth on 2009-07-06, 18:33:00

12 months is really the absolute minimum, and I've heard of people going up to 20 years. This is his decision, and his responsibility, and having a security blanket for what may be longer than what seems necessary to you is better than letting it go too soon. Talk to him about it if you start to feel he's ready to stop, but don't pressure him to.