You aren't an addict, you are prey

[Simmion]

What do you do when you need help to get off the opiates? Do you sit in a corner, black out, scream, want to die, OR do you go see an addiction specialist? Well, obviously most of us would see the specialist because it beats slitting your wrists!

BUT WAIT!

If you aren't made of money, they won't help you.

IMHO, these specialists know that you would gladly sell your soul to escape your hell, and they use that to open your wallet and help themselves. They are, as far as I am concerned, thieves of the worst kind. They let you hold the gun to your own head while they rob you.

One specialist I called when I first headed down the path wanted $800 for the FIRST VISIT!!!! What in the holy hell is that?? This isn't some inpatient thing, it's really no more than a regular doctor visit. And, btw, that doesn't include any medication! But there's more, they want $200 for each follow up, which is weekly.

How can someone get the help they need when the help costs them more than their addiction??????????

Until addiction gets the same level of treatment that any other disease does, it will always be an epidemic. Doctor visits should cost no more than the $60-80 any other doc would charge you if you had the flu. At the very least it should cost no more than the addiction itself. Maybe some of you in the bigger cities have it easier, I don't know. But here, at least, to get help, to get clean, it will cost you thousands.

I don't want anyone to go through this hell just because they can't afford the toll. It's just not fair.

[best]

Originally Posted by Simmion

How can someone get the help they need when the help costs them more than their addiction??????????

That right there could be why they charge so much. You have nothing left to by the drugs with so you are forced into the corner to sit, black out, scream, want to die.

NA is free unless you want to put in a dollar when they pass the hat.

[Doug]

Got a family doctor? He/she can help you too...help you get off the things, then the aftercare, the recovery is up to you, and alot of that is free.

BTW, if you do go see your doctor, be honest, real honest. They don't turn you in or throw you out...

[Gmoney]

If I'm not mistaken, all "specialists" charge more for their services than the average "practitioner." My doctor charges $75 for an office visit, but to see the ENT (ear, nose & throat) specialist cost me $275. The same goes for my dermatologist. I, personally, don't see the issue as being about drugs or addiction - it's about paying the cost for the level of professional care. And, sadly, that's the name of the game.

What do you do when you need help to get off the opiates? Do you sit in a corner, black out, scream, want to die, OR do you go see an addiction specialist? Well, obviously most of us would see the specialist because it beats slitting your wrists!

Actually, there's a lot one could do, and I doubt if "most of us" would seek a specialist first. People with upper-level medical coverage or high income may seek help from an addiction specialist because they can afford it. But from where I stand, most addicts have exhausted most of their resources by the time they're ready to seek help, so they'll take whatever they can get.

NA is free.

[MagicMan08]

i donno, in the state of minnesota, I am not 100% sure of this, but we have a rule 25 clause or something like that where you can qualify for a discount or free treatment....but you have to meet with someone first, usually like an addiction screening or something like that, I donno look around....tell em you are broke maybe they can point you in the right direction anyway

[SkippyD]

Simmion, I just looked in the Substance Abuse section. If you go to the link "How do I recover" they have some information on Salvation Army sites across the US that you could try. Contact one of the administrators here maybe they can put you in touch with someone. Just a suggestion and I hope you find help soon.

[Dodge_Ram_Hemi]

Taking the Rule 25 quiz/test is a "substance abuse" evaluation. When ordered by a shrink or a judge, you still have to pay for the treatment. I was "asked" by my shrink to go take the test. There are only two outcomes in my opinion...In patient or out patient. Of course the test admin guy "recommended" out patient for $5000 and my committment to a 26 week program. He skipped right over AA, and right to what his little clinic makes money doing...out patient.

I'm not poo-pooing treatment, I just didn't see myself at the point where I needed or wanted it. I quit in time to not lose the most important things in my life. I felt dooped about going in for this test where my shrink knew the outcome would only be a recomendation for in patient or out patient.

Sorry to ramble on, and I hope nobody takes offense to my opinion on the Rule 25 Assesment.