[nannyt]

Hi everyone, my son is on methadone , for 4 weeks now. His behaviour has changed again , very suspicious that he’s using again . I told him I’m buying a drug testing kit and he says this is fine . Any recommendations what one to get , and also as he’s on methodone would this mess up the reading for heroin or any other drugs. Any advice would be greatly appreciated

[kel1]

There are some kits on Amazon which work well, and have different drug categories so it will test for methadone and other drugs etc. The lost important thing to consider is OD – do you have Naloxone? And or consider giving some TIPS on keeping safe, avoiding using alone, In large amounts, testing strength and tolerance levels, as well as practising good hygiene. It’s not uncommon for people (I’m assuming Heroin) to relapse, especially if they miss a dose they would need a substitute.

I’m sorry you’re going through this, I’m sure it is really worrying for you, however the safety plan is necessary.

Good luck with it all.

[nannyt]

Thanks for advice and I do have the epipen indoors , as he only smokes it and not injecting not sure if he can overdose , all new to me . But I will look online for testing kit , many thanks for advice

[kel1]

Morning, you’re welcome. With heroin you can OD whatever route/method you choose. I think most users are under the impression it’s only when IV use (injecting) but that’s not true.

Always here if you need to talk. Take care

[nannyt]

Oh thankyou , sometimes it’s such a struggle , especially with his mental health issues as well. He has to go CGL this week for his new script, I advised him to ask to up the dose , hope this hold him thanks

[kel1]

You could suggest a dual diagnosis worker who will work with both the mental health issues and substance issue. Has he got a care coordinator?

It’s so difficult to manage an opiate addiction. Have a look online at “Ben’s story” it’s about a life of a heroin addict.

I would think he needs to get on a therapeutic dose to stabilize him and then the using on top should reduce. Does he use other drugs also?

You would need to take care of yourself also so have you tried al Anon? Look them up for a group meeting. They help families.

[nannyt]

Not any other drugs no, and have to go through the gp for referral back to mental health , as he missed so many appointments when he was using and on the street

[kel1]

I’m sure CGL doctor can refer to the CMHT and enquire about q dual diagnosis worker on his behalf. It’s not uncommon for many missed appointments, especially if homeless. Not sure if they would consider Subutex? Might be better fit if struggling on methadone. Best thing he needs to do is engage in psychosocial support as that’s where he will change. Medicine is only a small part of recovery

[nannyt]

He has to see the CGL doctor on Thursday so I’ll write it down for him , what to ask . He tried subutex but didn’t like it . He was struggling so bad earlier today, then he seemed ok , now he said he going out for a while, I’m sure to score . Do you know if he will be drug tested at CGL as this I’m not sure of.

[nannyt]

I’ve just found out that my son is also using crack cocaine , and I think he’s been using just cocaine. Will this make a difference to the methadone he’s on do you know . I’m beginning to get bloody angry now with it all as he’s not helping himself thanks for listening

[kel1]

It’s not uncommon for users to use crack cocaine combined. It’s risky but unfortunately it goes hand in hand.

It might be that he is using crack to counteract the heroin use. It’s very addictive also. He should still continue with his methadone programme and update his drugs worker for safety advice. It is frustrating, however all you can do is encourage at this stage and hope he continues to engage in recovery.

[nannyt]

Oh and he’s only on 30 mg so I thought it should be upped , that may help more

[kel1]

He should be tested yes. Also an increase of OST should be advised yes if he is still using on top. Espranol is another medication he could try which is similar to Subutex but it is worth asking him to be patient with it. It’s a blocker so if he isn’t wanting to stop using it might be why he don’t like it.

[kel1]

They do start on a low dose and titrate up so he might be increased anyway when he goes next

[nannyt]

That’s what I thought that maybe it’s just crack , I told him to be honest and not lie , least we know what we’re dealing with then, thankyou for advice

[kel1]

Crack is cheaper so it makes sense it’s that. It’s an awful situation and unfortunately a long road to recovery. Heroin literally sucks the life out of people and rips the soul from them.

Try get yourself some support and look after yourself.

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