I was an oxycontin, heroin addict for 4 yrs and have now been clean for 3. I'm currently in a methadone program and have been tapering for about a yr. The reason that most people have negative opinions about methadone, and refer to it as a 'crutch' is because they're uneducated on methadone. Methadone and the counseling required while in such a program is much more than a crutch. It saved my life as well as my child's life. I was 3 months pregnant and using opiates every day when the first person suggested methadone and I laughed at them and had similar opinions until I was educated. I started the program when I was 5 months along (I would definetely suggest doing it much sooner!!) and thanks to methadone I have a healthy 3 yr old little boy who is perfect in every way and he has a healthy mom and everything he could ever ask for, most of all, my love and attention. I honestly believe that without methadone, I would have miscarried or lost my child to the state. I think that in making statements such as "methadone is just a crutch" you are discouraging people who could better themselves and their lives. I don't think that you should make such comments without being properly educated on what you're speaking about. Methadone actually assists in repairing damaged brain cells caused by drug abuse. It is a proven fact that addicts nearly double their chances of remaining clean with a methadone program than without. I speak from first hand experience. I went from a junkie who lived in a car, stole anything that wasn't glued down, lied to everyone I knew (including myself) and refused to talk to my family to a loving mother and wife who works with children and families with disabilities and who only gets high on life. Thank you methadone, thank you family for your support, and most of all thank you God for not judging and always believing in second chances. And to the person who called methadone a crutch, please educate yourself.
