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How To Wean Off Methadone?
Question: I have been going to a methadone clinic for almost 9 years. I worked so hard on my recovery but I slipped 2 month for the first time, I know it was wrong I just couldn't take life's knocks. Too many at one time. Now they have taken my 6 bottles away which I know I must have consequences but half the week I am a live in caregiver and they are making me sneak out every MORNING to come get my dose. I just can't do it. Bad if I get caught. Can you help me find a doctor that can ween me off methadone and put me on Suboxin. to get me off methadone. I heard Suboxin is good.
Brief Answer:
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question. I'm sorry you are going through some difficulties. Here are my thoughts.
Unfortunately, when you relapsed, the consequence of this decision is more regular visits to your methadone clinic to ensure that you are compliant and do not take more than you are supposed to or relapse further. You were aware of these consequences when you relapsed, and now have to live by those consequences for now.
Suboxone is indeed another opioid maintenance option that can be managed as an outpatient without regular visits to a methadone clinic, although given your recent relapse it may be difficult to find a doctor willing to prescribe it to you at this current time. Prescribing suboxone also requires a special license. You need to contact your insurance company to acquire a list of providers in your area that can prescribe suboxone, and then reach out to one of them for a consultation. This would be the best way to proceed in the future.
Please remember to rate and close this answer when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private link below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question. I'm sorry you are going through some difficulties. Here are my thoughts.
Unfortunately, when you relapsed, the consequence of this decision is more regular visits to your methadone clinic to ensure that you are compliant and do not take more than you are supposed to or relapse further. You were aware of these consequences when you relapsed, and now have to live by those consequences for now.
Suboxone is indeed another opioid maintenance option that can be managed as an outpatient without regular visits to a methadone clinic, although given your recent relapse it may be difficult to find a doctor willing to prescribe it to you at this current time. Prescribing suboxone also requires a special license. You need to contact your insurance company to acquire a list of providers in your area that can prescribe suboxone, and then reach out to one of them for a consultation. This would be the best way to proceed in the future.
Please remember to rate and close this answer when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private link below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Doctor it's not just that on Wed of this week my health ins ends and my work ins which is anthem blue cross is not accepted at my clinic. There is no way I can afford to pay, I grew up in a violent home, mother married 7 times, I was molested by 3 different people I can't handle dwelling on that and then worrying about breaking the law when I leave my client to. I risk so many things by doing that. I don't understand why I could not find someone to help me get off the drug and leave the clinic. if I loose my job my world will fall apart
Brief Answer:
Followup
Detailed Answer:
I understand, but doctors do not work for free. If you do not have insurance, you need to purchase insurance or apply for Medicaid. Or you can pay privately for a doctor who can prescribe Suboxone, though this cost is likely upwards of $150 per visit out-of-pocket. Otherwise you will have to search for free clinics in your area.
Please remember to rate and close this answer when you are finished and satisfied.
tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Followup
Detailed Answer:
I understand, but doctors do not work for free. If you do not have insurance, you need to purchase insurance or apply for Medicaid. Or you can pay privately for a doctor who can prescribe Suboxone, though this cost is likely upwards of $150 per visit out-of-pocket. Otherwise you will have to search for free clinics in your area.
Please remember to rate and close this answer when you are finished and satisfied.
tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Naveen Kumar
Thank you doctor, I do know that and I can pay. I make good money at my job. last question if I use you as a therapist, how much do you charge?
Brief Answer:
Followup
Detailed Answer:
That's good news, in that case it shouldn't be too difficult to find someone who can treat you privately.
I do offer text-based therapy on this website via my private link:
tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
OR
https://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=70684
The cost is $35 per thread, which starts with a question and allows up to 4 followup questions/entries for discussion. We can talk as little or as much as you like and are able to afford. I'd love to have you as my private patient.
Dr. Sheppe
Followup
Detailed Answer:
That's good news, in that case it shouldn't be too difficult to find someone who can treat you privately.
I do offer text-based therapy on this website via my private link:
tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
OR
https://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=70684
The cost is $35 per thread, which starts with a question and allows up to 4 followup questions/entries for discussion. We can talk as little or as much as you like and are able to afford. I'd love to have you as my private patient.
Dr. Sheppe
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Naveen Kumar
Last question please, why can't you be my therapist and treat me
Brief Answer:
Followup
Detailed Answer:
I can certainly be your therapist, but unfortunately doctors are not allowed to prescribe medication without examining a patient in-person.
You can reach out to me at:
tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
OR
https://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=70684
Please rate and close this thread.
Dr. Sheppe
Followup
Detailed Answer:
I can certainly be your therapist, but unfortunately doctors are not allowed to prescribe medication without examining a patient in-person.
You can reach out to me at:
tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
OR
https://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=70684
Please rate and close this thread.
Dr. Sheppe
Note: In case of any other concern or query related to prevention, evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, or the recovery of persons with the any type of addiction or substance use, follow up with our Addiction Medicine Specialist. Click here to book a consultation now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Naveen Kumar
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