Our visitors share their thoughts:

I remember watching the "Saving Carrick" "Dateline" special report, and thinking how I wished they had mentioned more about methadone maintenance as a treatment option for opiate addiction. I was so glad when I found this site and read that you were able to find methadone maintenance treatment. I had been through 2 different 28-day rehabs, and one 6-month program, and nothing worked for my heroin addiction until methadone maintenance. I have been on methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) for a total of 24 years. I have gotten off of it twice, but relapsed within months both times, and got back on. I went to college, got a degree, have a career, family and kids all while on methadone. For me personally, my life just doesn't work as well when I am not on it. All the people I used to use with back in the day are dead, either from OD or end stage liver disease. Many people don't seem to understand long term maintenance, and how valuable it can really be in giving a person their life back. I don't feel anything from my dose, just normal. I don't nod or anything else. There is no way anyone would know I am a MMT patient, unless I told them, and I usually don't because of the stigma behind it. It prevents my cravings and I haven't used in over 15 years. Methadone gave me my life back, and I will be forever grateful. :)

--Pickles

My name is Christina, I am 24, and I am a recovering heroin addict. I've tried it all: Suboxone, Buprenorphine, cold turkey... I have now been on methadone for a few months. I always considered methadone maintenance to be "trading one drug for another". My opinion has changed a bit. So far, methadone has been working for me. I don't intend to be on methadone for too terribly long as I am still painfully aware that I am a different person while on this stuff (as anyone would be when ingesting any kind of opiate). I get groggy 2 hours after "dosing" and my mind moves a bit slower. However, my cravings are gone and methadone works as an antidepressant of sorts, which is definitely what I need at this point in my life. Ideally, methadone will help me through the rough times, until I can get my life back on track. Then, when the time is right, I will taper off. My husband was also on methadone and doing really well. Then, a couple of weeks ago, we were at the DPS renewing his driver's license when an old warrant (for possession) came up. He was arrested on the spot and taken to jail. I have been told that he may get several years in prison. We don't have money for an attorney and I'm pretty scared. He is withdrawing from methadone in jail and is very sick.

--Christina C.

My name is Anna and I am a recovering addict. I have been clean since 4-2-95. I am blessed to have been involved in recovery advocacy for the past 6 years. What amazes me is the stigma still attached to recovering people in this day and age. I have met with legislators and US Senators, public health officials and found much support from them. When I speak to other people in recovery, I find the push back factor to be monumental. Recovering people need to learn to celebrate their recovery. They need to know that you can celebrate and be an advocate and still maintain your personal anonymity in regards to how you support your recovery (12 step etc...) The only way that policy makers will come to believe that recovery is possible is for those of us who are successfully recovering to share our experience, strength and hope. This helps make it possible for treatment programs to continue to serve suffering addicts. I was a hope to die heroin addict and I am now a productive and respected member in my community. Because treatment was available to me and community recovery support existed, I have found a new way to live.

--Anna Sappah