I have a Question. Re:Legitimate Sobriety

[golf99]

I have read several posts from folks on Methadone. Am I wrong or isn't that a drug? Isn't it like an alcoholic saying he/she is sober because they drink 'light' beer? Correct me if I'm wrong. Thanks in advance.

[windysan]

Some people just have to be on a maintenance program like methadone/suboxone. I've got nothing against those that are maintaining with these drugs. Some hardcore aa/na folks would say that these folks aren't "sober". I disagree. I look at these drugs as medication unless they (methodone) starts to become abused. My nephew worked his way down from a large amount of methadone then he went to detox. It was hell for him but he made it through. Many out there just can't handle the withdrawal pain and need sub or methadone.

[golf99]

Thanks. So it makes their withdrawal less difficult. I'm glad I suffered like a beaten mule, I don't want to go through those BAD days again. I feel like the pain will keep me from using again. But whatever works...well, works.

Best,
Golf

[windysan]

Yep, I agree with you. Pain is a good reminder.

[REZ]

I don't consider myself hardcore but I would say the person is still using drugs. NA has an opinion on this: http://www.na.org/bulletins/bull29.htm
I think people on methadone should be welcomed into NA because they have a desire to stop using, but they are not clean until they are off methadone. I've talked to a number of people who came off methadone and feel the same way.

[Done-With-It]

I think it is different for all people. I wouldn't tell someone that they aren't in sobriety because they use methadone. I know some people disagree, but everyone has their own journey and way of being imo........

[windysan]

I just try to keep my side of the street clean.

[catcrazy]

This is a very interesting question we have been kicking around my house..I am on suboxone. I am on a low maintence dose, Dr intends for it to be 6 months to a year as I work through my mental issues. They are the regular stuff for alot of addicts, I have been diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder, post traumatic stress, depression, obsessive/compulsive and all those 4 things can encompass. While I work through the first 16 years of my life that I spent being abused(verbally by mother, step father, pseudo grandfather, physically by mother and step father and sexually by step father and step uncle) since I have a highly addictive mind it is the Drs opinion that to keep me from relapse that I use the suboxone. I also used to weigh 350 pounds for years(only 34 years old now but at least last 12 yrs very overweight) so I have permanent pain issues with my knees and a recent lower back injury that the suboxone controls very very well. I lost the weight after a complete lifestyle change due to the gastric bypass I spent 2 years researching and preparing for. Prior to that I had a major shopping addiction. I have slipped from one addiction to the other for the last 17 years, ended with the hydrocodone after a year of medical issues kept me on it legitimately and then started abusing. Now do I consider MYSELF clean, absolutely. I am not abusing my meds, I am using them as they are intended to be used, I get no high from it, it relieves the pain in knees and lower back and there is also some research about the suboxone working wonderfully for depression, which I would have to agree. I feel normal for the first time in well ever.I still have bad moods or days, but those are normal living, life on life's terms..I am learning about myself, and how to handle me. In order to be on the sub I am required to go to 3 n/a meetings a week, 1 relapse meeting a week with a counselor and 1 psychiatry, or psychologist visit weekly. Also can be drug tested any time.I go to as many N/a meetings as possible with one car 2 teenagers and a husband with a funky work schedule, averaging 6 a week so far. That is my choice though, I am serious about my recovery. I am sure some N/a members would disagree about sub users being clean, but that is not My problem, nor does it concern me in anyway, I know myself and am learning how to be me with the help of a slew of Drs and ppl that can be trusted. JMHO
And here are my before/after pics from the gastric bypass..
http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobe...Garra973439852

Realized in rehab that I had the shopping and then the food addictions and had learned how to cope with them. The drug use is along the same line, lifestyle change and thinking realignment...

Also a great info site about suboxone..
http://www.naabt.org/

Hope everyone has a great day!!
Love
Cat