Heroin addiction

[Sir_Dispensalot]

Dexedrine is an amphetamine and methadone is an opiate. I can't imagine dexedrine having a place in treating opiate addiction although I have known psychiatrists to prescribe it for stimulant users! It isn't recognised as a treatment option.

on reflection it seems i got the wrong end of the stick - i assumed the meth that was being talked about was crystal meth (ie methamphetamine)

my bad!

[Jeff]

The orange guidelines recommend lofexidine as a viable option but I don't know anyone who has successfully used it.

I do - but as part of a cold turkey withdrawal to codeine addiction - not heroin.
It helped with some of the physical symptoms of withdrawal - the main difficulty with its use being finding someone to do a daily BP check.

Jeff

[Jeff]

hi jeff, i have been to my doc 3 times in the last 6 months begging them to prescribe me dihydrocodeinne to get myself clean (after 5 years have got down to a bag a day) they werent interested.

Lots aren't - but some GPs are.

was told to sign up with drug agency in area (7 week waiting list just to be assessed).

Bummer isn't it

i needed help then an there i was ready to get clean.

There are other sources of help - (if not opiates) - I'm fairly certain that there will be a branch of NA somewhere close ... hold on I'll see if I can find the link.

If NA isn't near you try AA.

Here are the Links to the web sites you will find a full list of meetings in your area on them.

Narcotics Anonymous The Narcotics Anonymous website for England, Scotland & Wales

Alcohol Anonymous Alcoholics Anonymous Great Britain

Cocaine Anonymous Welcome to Cocaine Anonymous UK

Emotions Anonymous Emotions Anonymous - a 12 step anonymous program

i was told by doc it was surgery policy not to prescribe to addicts.

Unfortunately it's not just about prescribing, it's also about helping you to change the way you think, not all GP's have either the skills or the backup to offer this help. Some GPs have made an active decision to get involved and will be part of a shared care approach, they'll do the prescribing, but a key worker/therapist will be at the surgery for a day or two a week to do the other bits. (You'll find me and Tony talking somewhere on here about CBT and motivational interviewing).
It hard (even for me) to accept that the idea that talking can help beat an addiction, but someone telling you how well you are doing - often someone who has been there - does help.

You've done well already by reducing the amount that you use, done even better by deciding to seek help - and help is there - unfortunately it isn't instant.
Use any resources that you can find to get you through the seven weeks - and after your assessment see if they will consider moving you to a shared care GP.

.when you are ready to get clean being told you have another seven weeks,if not more before you can get help can depress you so much that its this time that most people give up the good intentions and revert back to bad habits.

If you aren't there already - could I recommend

The Alliance Forum - Index

Take care

Jeff

[Tony Schofield]

I do - but as part of a cold turkey withdrawal to codeine addiction - not heroin.
It helped with some of the physical symptoms of withdrawal - the main difficulty with its use being finding someone to do a daily BP check.

Jeff

If it worked I would volunteer that it could make a useful enhanced service where the patient could be treated in a pharmacy. I just don't think lofexidine is any use. Nor clonidine for that matter.

[krishug]

i understand jeff what you say about talking,it didnt help me.as of tonight i am attending my 2nd hypnotherapy session and although i wouldnt have believed it something is changing in me. although i have withdrawal when i dont use, my mind seems to be telling me i dont need it,this is after 5 years continuous use with over £50,000 spent on it. i cant explain but the power of suggestion which my hypnotherapist used seems to be working.this is expensive (£50 per session) but i think its something which should be looked into more.the most important thing which isnt there is the craving. might not work for every one but if it works why not?

[johnep]

Do you have more money than sense or perhaps you could share with us the secret of obtaining 50k.
johnep

[krishug]

50k over 5 years is a drop in the ocean compared to what some spend,i count myself extremely fortunate i have not ended on the streets.im not boasting,im disgusted with what ive spent but it goes to show what sort of money goes on drugs compared to what is spent on help (i know,i know) if i hadnt taken in the first place.i cant go back,only forward.

[funkeeduck]

Just gotta take it one day at a time (or whichever other cliche you prefer ).

BUT it'd be a whole lot easier for the thousands in that position if the political agenda put as much time/money/expertise into rehab and talking therapies etc etc rather than just the 'WAR ON DRUGS'.

Plenty of us pharmacists, and other health/social care profs, are willing and able to help be part of the solution (not that it's that simplistic obviously).

Sorry, quick rant, I just get fed up with the Daily Mail type agenda having such an influence on such important issues.

[Jeff]

Krishug,
So how did the hypnotherapy go - or is it too early to say?

i cant go back,only forward.

Nice line - I'll borrow it

grant us the serenity to accept the things we cannot change,
courage to change the things we can,
and wisdom to know the difference.

Jeff

[Jeff]

i was told to sign up with drug agency in area (7 week waiting list just to be assessed).

Not certain if this is the case in your area or not - but if you can get your GP to refer you to a drug agency - ask which one - then you phone them up yourself and try to make an appointment.
It's much harder to say "hang on for 7 weeks" to a person than it is to a referral form.

Take care

Jeff