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Pro-Methadone Advocate & 8 year user.
From: Matthew Witters cssrules@gmail.com ISP 67.170.78.210
You people should be absolutely ashamed of yourselves. Every one of you. You> think you know anything about what the REAL story is? I've been on methadone> treatment for 8 years and it has SAVED MY LIFE! And people like YOU are the> reason I have to pay $420 a month for a MEDICATION that costs $30 in WA! I> know the people at my clinic, The few doses I've seen sold were to a single> person who bought a few every week because he didn't want to go through the> clinic for political reasons. And that is a clinic with thousands of> clients! I've been on many clinics and there is soooo little methadone being> diverted from these clinics! The methadone being diverted is from doctors> prescribing scripts. Are you people daft? Seriously? You do know we HAVE to> take the medication to survive right?!? Why on earth would we divert it when> we would feel like garbage? We get tested for having proper levels of> methadone is our systems as well. #2 killer in north America?!? What on> earth are you smoking!?! Where in god's name did you get your utterly false> information?!? The only Deaths that occur are from combining other drugs!> You are twisting the truth! Methadone SAVES LIVES! How many thousands would> be DEAD from opiate abuse than the few who died from overdosing on diverted> methadone in combination with other drugs! Why don't you point out the fact> that the VAST majority of methadone related deaths are from combining it> with other drugs which they KNOW they should not be doing!?>>>> You know what, the people who die(d) from methadone are STUPID. Plain and> simple. They were so stupid to combine drugs and they deserved it. Face it.> Whoever you knew and was the reason you started this utter false site and> organization was a IDIOT. If I was prescribed a medication from a doctor and> told not to combine it with other drugs and I did and died what would you> call me? Say It was a heart medication. Would you go and start a crusade> against this heart medication because I was so stupid as to not do as I was> told and take other substances with it? Well Methadone is prescribed to us> at clinics too. We are told not to combine it with other drugs. We are even> tested to make sure we don't combine it with other drugs! Even Alcohol! If> we do and get hurt whose fault is that? Methadone's? Why? Ohh because it's> methadone and we all know it's bad, bad, bad because people who used to use> drugs take it right?>>>> You are utterly stupid people. I'm glad you lost loved ones because you are> horrible people for doing what you are doing. You will go to hell for> hurting many many good people with your ignorance and hate. Do you know how> bad those of us on methadone's lives are due to the absolutely ridiculous> restrictions on the treatment is? I can't work at a job over $10 an hour or> I lose my medical coupons and can no longer afford to pay the ridiculous> cost of methadone treatment because of all the regulation involved due to> frivolous lawsuits and legislation by moronic ignorant people like you. I> will never be able to come out of poverty due to people like you. I haven't> touched drugs in 8 years thanks to methadone. It is a LIFE SAVING> medication. But my life is still ruined and I will never be able to become> the person I could be and attain my dreams because of people like YOU…>>>> You people make me literally ill. You should be ashamed of yourselves and I> wish you all the absolute worst.>>>> Matthew W.>> Seattle, WA
My Letter to Matthew: Posted Jul 24, 2008
Hello Matthew,
Thank you for sharing your opinion as I have been collecting them for some time now. Below is a copy of an e-mail that expresses what appears to be your views and inner most feelings. May I recommend that while you are rushing in to down your dose of a "life saving" narcotic that you discuss your mentally distraught behavior with your "so called" counselor. Although this is indicative behavior of an addict when they feel threatened of having their sources removed or altered. It appears as though you live in WA, so why blame someone that you must pay for your current drug use whether legal or not, you paid prior to getting it at the clinics, the only difference now is you are getting it legally and on a schedule. I am sure your habit cost you much more then 400.00 a month before you found Methadone as a replacement, right? I would like to make a correction, Methadone is currently the #1 killer of a prescription narcotic in this country, only second to cocaine which is not a legal drug. After eight years you should have enough counseling to assist and mentally prepare you for detox but I am sure you will say you have permanent brain damage from all your other drug use prior to finding your "wonder drug", Methadone. You call us "idiots" please look into a mirror as you are making our job easy. Most of you pro-methadone advocates are paving the way to proving how ignorant it was to use this as treatment in the first place. Studies are now showing that it only maintains addiction (as you have proven) instead of producing drug free patrons (as I have said all along). You certainly appear to need more help then a highly addictive narcotic can give which brings great concerns to the safety and welfare of the public. Maybe your consumption of such a strong narcotic is playing a role in such mental distortion of hatred and rudeness. Your comments about the deaths of innocent victims is pathetic and proves even more that maybe our society needs to wake up and look at what we are doing by aiding your and others addiction. In fact many of these deaths have occurred while under a doctors care and monitoring. You have absolutely NO CLUE in regards to your statements as you are only speaking as a user and it is obvious you have tunnel vision. If you expect sympathy and gratitude for saving your life, well your definition and mine greatly differs. We are working to save lives of the innocent and unknowing and remembering those already lost. You have serious issues that go beyond just addiction, lack of morals and compassion, with the greatest inability to respect the families of those that have died. For all that your comments are ludicrous. Maybe you would be a different person if you could free yourself of a drug induced state, but maybe not.
Nancy Garvin - Founder/Director
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Pro-Methadone Comment, Posted June 17, 2008
What is your name? bud
Please enter your comments? Hi Nancy,
You can delete me all you want but these will keep coming. Play nice...
My comment to Bud:
Bud, obviously has some serious issues and I end up having to ignore their behavior. But, it is obvious there are some very disturbed people who
may be advocates for Methadone use and participants in this widely acceptable program. Thus proving that deeper mental issues are not properly being addressed. Substitution often masks more underlying serious issues that can not properly be addressed through simple drug counceling.
Pro-Methadone Comment Posted: June 16, 2008
What is your name? bud
Please enter your comments? Not to offend anyone that lost a loved one...
This is for you nancy, i've seen and heard things you've said. YOU ARE A FRAUD! People do not be fooled, this woman is evil, cruel, and heartless and is doing much more harm than good. Bad things happen when bad vibes are put out nancy. The way you are, the threats you've made, and the people you've hurt... would your son approve? You make the world better through love not hate... so maybe you shouldn't be such a *********
My response to Bud's Comments:
It is obvious Bud did not want to leave any contact information, just his educated opinion. Wow, I am not really sure where he see's the threats
and the people I have hurt. But, I am not well liked in the Methadone world as they will SAY and DO anything to save the current system. Since there are few groups out there uncovering this medical marketing scam they call treatment I am the target for the anger and hostility some possess. For almost two years I have monitored the behavior of many addicts on Methadone and have found it not to be uncommon for this type of response. Reminds me of someone attempting to take a bottle of liquor from the alcoholic, see what happens and how they react. Basically, many people have become comfortable with legally receiving a highly addictive narcotic to feed their addiction, and society welcomes it. This is the addicts dream come true as there are very few success stories of these addicts leaving these clinics DRUG FREE. In fact, they are using every excuse to why they must stay on this "So Called" therapy for years, even a life time. I truly have not been impressed by the comparisons the pro-methadone advocates often rant, like comparing themselves to diabetics and cancer patients, which is purely ludicrous. The best is the brain damage theory, yet none seem to have documented medical tests such as MRI's to prove their point. Yet, the brain will never heal as long as one is still using and taking Methadone everyday is still using. You are only exchanging one drug for another, bottom line.
I erased Bud's comment from the guest book but feel he has something to say and will post here instead. I originally had some support for these
user's but it did not take long to realize what was happening in the real world of these clinics and with the majority of their patrons. I attempted to come together but found that to be absolutlely impossible. The lack of acceptance to the dangers, death tolls and numerous other facts have been called lies and fraud. They have even went as far to often blame the victim but never the drug. I have heard a lot of nasty remarks and threats during my work so Bud's words do not surprize me. Just wanted to share some of the attacks MAMA receives as we are really trying to SAVE LIVES.
Bud, next time please feel free to leave a contact for yourself. It is only fair I personally respond back if need be. May I suggest you discuss any anger or delusions you are feeling with your counselor.
PS: Do not know how you have heard me speak. But nothing of what you said is the truth anyways, except a small compassion for the loved ones that have been lost, that may be legitimate. And YES, my son would be very proud of what I am doing, thank you for asking.
Nancy Posted: June 16, 2008
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Pro- Methadone Comment:
MMT
From: ContactUsForm@officelive.com
Sent:Sun 4/20/08 8:15 AM
Reply-to: Smyth.7@wright.edu
To: ngarvin@mothersagainstmedicalabuse.org
The medication that this site talks so badly about, Methadone HCL, saves lives. Methadone saves a lot more lives than it takes. People have allergic reactions to medications on a regular basis causing death, however that does not mean the drug should be taken off of the market. MMT has been rigorously tested for over thirty years and it is the most effective treatment for opioid addiction. If methadone toxicity is killing people it could be due to many reasons, such as a doctor negligently prescribing, or illegal diversion. The fact of the matter here is methadone has many benefits to society at large that far outweigh the risk. Life on its own will kill an individual, thats a risk we all take on a daily basis. YOU could be killed in a car accident tomorrow by a completely sober individual, and thousands will die this year from sober car wrecks, that doesn't call for the rest of the world to push for having cars eradicated, does it? I doubt we will see eye to eye on this however I hope you consider the thought. By the way Methadone saved my life, and I will spend the rest of my life advocating this medication. As of today there are not nearly enough MMT clinics, they must be more accessible!If the already were then no one would have to drive long distances while intoxicated on methadone.
My Comment: NG
The numerous deaths from Methadone are NOT from allergic reaction but a lethal toxicity that forms from this drug.
Unfortunately people are NOT FOREWARNED of Methadone's deadly qualities, they have the "RIGHT TO KNOW".
"then no one would have to drive long distances while intoxicated on Methadone". This comes from the mouth of a
Methadone user which the majority of these clinical patrons will deny that Methadone gets you high or causes intoxication, even to the point of the related deaths tolls, which we know are absolutely false statements. These same
misconceptions of Methadone are also common speech of the Health Care Groups that own and operate these clinics.
Methadone
From: ContactUsForm@officelive.com
Sent:Sun 4/20/08 1:09 PM
Reply-to: Smyth.7@wright.edu
To: ngarvin@mothersagainstmedicalabuse.org
I apologize for bothering you again, however i read through some of the comments and think that i should explain somethings to you. First, addiction is a disease. It is a neurological disease that has been recognized by the AMA since 1956. Addiction as an illness implies several things, it is predictable and progressive,permanent, and if left untreated can be terminal. When people compare addiction to diabetes it is in the context that they both depend on a medication for their health. I'm sure you have some sort of characteristic that is undesirable, so why would you talk down to addicts? Second, Narcotic substitution therapy such as MMT is not exchanging one addiction for another. MMT is about changing the way addicts think. Since they dont think about how high they are, or spend all their time getting money to buy drugs, they have time to become functioning individuals. Some individuals have used street drugs so long that their brains no longer operate the same way, and requires methadone to live normally. Study after study has been done to show that methadone does not affect an individuals driving while on a stable dose of methadone. Dole and Nyswander conducted extensive studies about methadone and addiction theory. I will not sit here and get up set that you dont agree, I know that you can not personally understand just how helpful methadone really is. remember "you can not readily limit the freedoms of some without limiting the freedoms all"
My Comment: NG
Often I see Pro-Methadone advocates that use terms associated to other illnesses, even cancer. It is ludicrous to compare a person with cancer to a person with addiction, I am professionally and personally familiar with both scenerios. I do not talk down to addicts but have a serious opinion of the activities that these clinics are performing as they are not practicing what they preach or advertise to the public. " Narcotic substitution therapy such as MMT is not exchanging one addiction for another". Thank you for describing this as SUBSTITUTION because that is exactly what it is and is exchanging one
addiction for another since Methadone is a highly addictive narcotic. More often to treat one of the same Schedule II narcotics it is supposed to be replacing. The majority of patrons using these clinics were not hard core IV heroin users but have an addiction to Rx medications. The studies from Dole were directed to Heroin users. These clinics have an open door to many forms of addiction which steers away from the originally intended use of Methadone for treatment. I will say this person is more polite then most Methadone Advocates as they are often very cruel and irradical. I will conclude they have tunnel vision and anything negative spoken about Methadone becomes words for battle
******************************************************************************************************************************************************** Posted: April 8, 2008 Methadone survivor, if you call this surviving.........
Hi Nancy, I have read all the comments that you have on here. I am sorry that you have to go through all of this after losing your beloved son.... I can tell you one thing about Methadone, it killed me, but I was the fortunate one. I was put on methadone by a physician for chronic pain, I had been on other narcotics before and thought that this one was the same as they were but absolutely not. I was only on it for two days and went to bed the third nite and My boyfriend woke up and noticed I wasn't breathing and didn't have a pulse. This pain doctor gave me a prescription for 120 - 10 mg pills and told me to take 4 per day. He did not tell me that with my other medical problems it could kill me. I know nothing about street drugs, but this one sure scares me now. I was resuscitated and when the ambulance came they gave me a drug called narcan to reverse the methadone. They had to keep giving me that because I kept slipping away for a few days. They were going to put me on a respirator but thank God they didn't or I would not be here today. I had no idea that methadone stays in your system for days, I thought it was like the other pain meds I had taken, but it is much more dangerous. This doctor overmedicated me and didn't monitor me at all, told me to come back in two weeks. I am so thankful there are sites like yours and people who care enough to spread the word. I am sure it might affect drug users differently as they have more resistance, but it still does kill them. People need to be more informed of the effects of this drug. I agreed to take this drug thinking the results were the same as percocet, boy was I wrong. I have losted my $30,000 a year job, have a brain injury and am permanently disabled because of this lethal drug. I now have to fight for survival, no insurance, can't pay my mortgage and all because I took 7 of these deadly pills in 3 days. Thank you for listening and keep up the good work... Honey1432
Thank you for sharing such a tragic story and experience that I know has changed your life forever. It is so very sad that people are not
forewarned of the dangers so they can make a knowledgeable choice if they want to take that chance, you were never given that right.
God bless you for what you must face for the rest of your life. Nancy
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Pro-Methadone comment
From: ContactUsForm@officelive.com
Sent:Thu 4/03/08 2:09 PM
Reply-to: boberts_b@yahoo.com
To: ngarvin@mothersagainstmedicalabuse.org
I just read some of your replies to some folks who expressed how methadone has saved their lives from the horrors of heroin addiction and people in agony from pain.it seems to me that you need some extreme counseling to help you through the greif of losing your son.you are obviously angry over your sons death as surely as i would be,however i would be more rational about the whole situation by weighing out the truth of the matter.i believe your little pity page is for spreading disinformation about the medication that your son chose to take.Drugs are dangerous when abused i agree but just because you did not teach your child this you should not take your anger out on a drug which has helped thousands get their lives back.so get a grip because you come across as an angry irrational person whos judgement has been tainted.realistically who in their right mind would give your angry words any consideration ?i can see right through all of this crap you are talking about as just that ,CRAP!get some counseling and stop telling everyone your great knowledge about these drugs because your supposedly a nurse(i feel for the patients that recieve your judgemental care),idiots like you should just shut up when you know very little about addiction and people in pain.maybe you should focus on your family instead of spreading lies to make these drugs seem evil.you are the same as these evangelists telling us all we are going to hell if we dont believe what they say.this is the united states of america so you have the right to your opinions but don't lie about these drugs that unfortunately do kill those who abuse them,and at the same time help thousands live productive "normal"lives.
I am not even responding to this one by e-mail. Again another assuming my son was a druggy and screwed up, never blaming the drug. Well, if
he took the time to read through the "Pity Page" he would see Robby's case is nothing like that. There seems to be a pattern of behavior and
that is why I often post these ridiculous attacks. This person has more issues then just addiction which brings great concern to this hostile behavior. Is this because they are still on a highly addictive narcotic or is it because their underlying personality is derranged? I find it interesting that most of the pro-methadone advocates will call the victims of this drug slanderous names yet will defend being called names of the same sort because they are addicts. This becomes more of a hurtful attack on the family member that is heart broken as the dead can not defend themself. Again, this is an example of addiction behavior when they feel threatened that their drug is going to be taken from them whether it be their former drug of choice or their current drug, "Methadone".
*****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
From: ContactUsForm@officelive.com
Sent:Tue 4/01/08 11:36 AM
Reply-to: wendwas13@comcast.net
To: ngarvin@mothersagainstmedicalabuse.org
There is no comparison between a patient in the hospital having surgery and recieving pain medication. They have been under sedation and had an opperation!!! and a opiate tollerant person who has been going to a clinic to recieve methadone to keep the symptoms of addiction away. NO COMPARISON AT ALL!!!
First, I am not ignorant and have been a nurse for twenty years. You are twisting what was stated (ER) means emergency room. NOT
OPERATION. I have years of working in one.........................Get a freaking grip.........Methadone is addictive and that is what you are
doing..........replacing one drug for another, with NO intentions of ever cleaning your life up. There are people out there who CAN and DO
live DRUG FREE even after many, many years of hard core heroin addiction. You appear to have some serious issues, maybe that is
why you can not get your life off of drugs, PERIOD. You are still using excuses and attacking others with ridiculous accusations are all
symptomatic of narcotic use. Dream on in your little Methadone world, but you nor others can stop what this drug is doing all across
this country and your outlandish rants only prove a point, your still an addict.
No Sympathy any more,
Nancy G
#2 E-mail from this person today.
From: wendwas13@comcast.net
Sent:Tue 4/01/08 6:12 PM
To: Nancy Garvin (ngarvin@mothersagainstmedicalabuse.org)
No more tip toeing around you. Listen Nancy methadone is the only cure for opiate addiction. If you don't know that you are not a nurse or you are so in denile that you can't see the truth anymore. Methadone is a wonderful drug for opiate addiction to stop the cravings and to let people get on with their lives. Methadone saves lives. I wish that the people who don't need it to treat their disease would keep their hands off of it!!!
I can't believe that you are a nurse. We have nurses that go to my clinic and thank G every day for this medicine.
Why can't people just face the fact that their loved one had a drug problem and if it wasn't one it would have been another. WAKE UP!
My Comment: NG
OK, which is it? Now, Methadone is the only cure for opiate addiction. The majority of these patrons have been programmed which appears to be easily accomplished while under the use of this drug. Methadone simply eases the cravings because you are feeding the addict with what their body needs, an "OPIATE". Sadley, numerous deaths from Methadone were not abusers. Just innocent people taking a drug that was prescribed to them by a doctor who read the rhetoric published by the drug companies and play GOD thinking they can administer this poison safely and are ignoring the death tolls. Again, patients are NOT forewarned that thousands are dying which takes away the patients rights to make a rational choice in their own care. Full disclosures are used prior to surgeries and other treatments, why not with Methadone?
#3 E-mail from this person today.
From: wendwas13@comcast.net
Sent:Tue 4/01/08 6:18 PM
To: Nancy Garvin (ngarvin@mothersagainstmedicalabuse.org)
Denial!!!! You are a nightmare. You better get a grip. I have staightened my life out. Too bad for those who can't sday the same.
#4 E-mail from this person today.
From: wendwas13@comcast.net
Sent:Tue 4/01/08 6:29 PM
To: Nancy Garvin (ngarvin@mothersagainstmedicalabuse.org)
My outlandish rants????? I don't think so. You are the one that is making up a bunch of lies to suit your purpose. Leave me alone and believe me Nancy I will never bother with you again. I am not the one who is messing with your life. Quit interfering with mine. Some day someone close to you might really need to take methadone and believe me youwill thank G that it there. Remember who came into who's life???
I t is impossible to talk to you when you are in a place of deniel with so many others. So sad.
My Reply:
From: Nancy Garvin (ngarvin@mothersagainstmedicalabuse.org)
Sent:Tue 4/01/08 9:14 PM
To: wendwas13@comcast.net
You e-mailed me, remember? I had never heard of you before and only responded to your remarks. I would appreciate
you not contacting me anymore, today was four times, that is enough. I believe I understand your state of mind.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Nancy
*This women went on an e-mail spree a few months ago. These are the some of the same people that post on newspapers and head groups*
*******************************************************************************************************************
Date: Tue, 1 Apr 2008 06:58:05 -0700
From: ContactUsForm@officelive.com
To: ngarvin@mothersagainstmedicalabuse.org
Subject: responsibility
One thing I never read on these anti-methodone sites is no responsibility is ever given to your loved ones who pursued and willingly took this medication. So many are poly-substance abuse.Were do you feel their part lies at?I am a nurse practioner and director of Maryland NAMA. I would be very interested to hear your view on responsibility.
MY REPLY TO:
To: garjazz@comcast.net
Sent: Tuesday, April 01, 2008 10:33 AM
Subject: RE: responsibility
Hello Nurse Practitioner from NAMA,
The addiction page will be posted soon which stems from many months of researching and investigating
Methadone in a clinical setting. The responsibility lies in the medical professional and drug companies who
do not properly forewarn a patient of the lethal qualities of a treatment or drug being given. Many innocent
victims lost their life because they had no clue how lethal this drug can be.
MAMA launched an autopsy research project last year and our findings have been alarming. Why is it so hard
for Methadone supporters to believe that maybe drug companies did not properly disclose information
about a drug, Purdue Pharma ring a bell? We have hard core proof that you DO NOT have to abuse this drug to die.
I receive many ludicrous attacks that make no sense in their accusations coming from chronic Methadone
users. Please correct me if I am wrong, Methadone is a Schedule II narcotic? Methadone is highly addictive?
Methadone is usually much harder to withdraw from then Heroin? While on Methadone a patron is NOT DRUG
FREE. In 2007 Methadone killed more people then American soldiers that have died after five years of war in
Iraq, that is a FACT. Assuming all deaths come from diverted poly drug use is a distorted thought.
Through research we are seeing that although other drugs may have been present in the toxicology reports,
these levels in no way would have caused death.The only common factor in these deaths was Methadone even
in small levels. Are there cases of abuse of this drug?, yes. The putrescent safety of this drug has misled many
medical professionals to prescribe a potential lethal drug to flood our streets in massive amounts.
So where does the responsibility lie? Not !! with the innocent victims. Methadone is not like popping a
Lortab or Percocet to catch a buzz, do that with Methadone and death is a real possibility. I have yet to
find a doctor, clinic or pharmacy that tells a patient before giving them this drug, " I must warn you
this drug is killing thousands of people and their is a potential you may die from it's use". People have
a "Right To Know" and then make a knowledgeable choice for themselves if they want to take that risk.
The Myths of this drug have fallen in the lap of the Pro-Methadone advocates as their level of public
statements play a role in the false sense of security with this lethal and unstable drug. Recently it was
released that Methadone is fatal even in therapeutic doses which is what MAMA has been saying for
almost two years now. Comparing Methadone to Insulin and an addict to a cancer patient is nothing
more then another attempt to mislead the public, medically speaking it is preposterous. It is almost
impossible at this point to predetermine who will survive and who will die from the use of this drug.
Many have died while under a doctors care and monitoring, and only did what they were instructed,
should they be held responsible for their own demise?
Unfortunately, Methadone supporters can not appear to handle anything that is negatively stated
about this drug even when it is not targeted at them directly. In fact the behavior from many shows
the common pattern of an addict using drugs. Hostile and rampant attacks, twisted verbal recollections,
and sociopathic signs. Many lash out with no regards to the families of a loved one, accusing the
victim of wrong doing without full knowledge of the incident leading to the death, again assuming
every death comes from abuse.
In the early growth of my research I had a soft spot for Methadone's use and attempted to work
together with the chronic user's of this drug, that proved to be impossible. I have always targeted the
the drug companies, doctors, federal agencies and other medical professionals that have their hand
in this epidemic, these are the ones that are responsible for these deaths. You may want to research
the financial sources that backed some the studies that promote the safety of Methadone. This drug
given to an unborn child is pathetic as babies are born daily addicted to Methadone from a clinical
patron, why is that acceptable?
I can state in confidence that if an average person was handed Methadone just to get high but was told,
"here take this but I have to warn you there is a good chance it may kill you", the response would
be "HELL NO", give me a percocet instead. So where does the responsibility fall? Someone who
had no clue that what they were fixing to consume would kill them because it is widely misconceived
on it's safety, (who would be doing that?).
Please do not take it personally about my stance on this drug. I would do all the same aggressive public
awareness if it were any other drug marketed under the same circumstances.
Hope this answered your question, I did not have the time to address the corruptive practices in the
clinics. I am curious, are you on Methadone? If so, what is your daily dose? How long have you been
consuming this drug for therapy? Again, just curious.
Kindest regards,
Nancy Garvin
I never received a reply from this "Nurse Practitioner" after I sent the above response.....................
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Pro-Methadone comment:
First off if one is driving after dosing, the accident while fatal and sad, was just that. It takes at least 45 minutes for methadone to peak. It's not fair to blame a drug that has save hundreds and hundreds of lives be the blame for everything. You may as well blame it for cancer. Your reasoning is all wrong. An accident can happen pulling out of a Wal Mart, a clinic, or a church. The ADA will challange this, be prepared with DEFINITE RESEARCH THAT THIS WAS CAUSED MY METHADONE AND NOT JUST A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT. I don't think you can. italianeyes3/Pennsylvania A R M italianeyes3@hotmail.com (point made, they will hide behind the Americans with Disabilities Act also known as ADA).
My Comment:
Again another Pro-Methadone advocate that often leaves remarks for those of use trying to forewarn others of a dangerous
drug. The many deaths may be contributed to this level of thinking. In another message sent to me from Wendy below (not posted here) states, " people all ready have to drive over two hours to get to their clinic". Indiana is reporting a huge number of
people traveling from other states to enter their clinics because of more relaxed policies. They consistantly contradict their
own statements and make every effort to mislead the public on the safety issues of Methadone. We have had many families
come forth and tell of their loved one reacting from Methadone dosing in a drug induced stupor. NG Posted 3-2-2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Pro-Methadone comment:
I am also a medical professional and have been for over 25 yrs. I feel that I am very well informed about this drug. This drug has been researched more than any other that I know of. It has very small side effects and works better than anything else to help cure my disease. I do not feel that I am substituting one drug for another. This is a medication that keeps my disease in remission.
As far as being held accountable if I was in an accident and it wasn't my fault, I do not believe that you are right. That would be the same as saying a diabetic would be held acountable if they had insulin show up in their toxicology report. I have a disease that I take medication for that I get legally from a doctor at my clinic. Why would I get punished for that?
I just hope that you and others are coming from the right place. You should really think very hard about what you are doing. If methadone would be taken away there would be so many people back on the streets and people dying. I don't believe that anyone , not anyone would think that you did something good. Then what???
You have to understand that without this drug I would die. Simple as that.
By trying to push your will and make patients get designated drivers you will be making it impossible financially and in other ways for people to get the treatment that might save their life. Do you know how hard it would be to get a person to drive someone to a clinic? In some cases it takes a couple hours to get to a clinic in the middle of the night? And to take a cab would be very expensive. A lot of people do not live on a bus line.
If people who take methadone need a designated driver then all people who are treated with class 2 narcotics should have to do the same. Especially people on benzos, such as zan ax, valium etc.
How many accidents do you know of that were caused by someone leaving a clinic after they took their medicine? 000Like I wrote the best thing that all of us can do is educate.
Another thing that bothers me is that you try to scare people with these number of methadone deaths that are not true. If you listened to the vidio you will know what I am talking about. Wendy
-------------- Original message --------------
This was a recent message sent to me from a Methadone user in response to our "Driving After Dosing"
program. Again, my words get twisted and we get attacked as being these horrible people that will cause
addicts to die if we continue our efforts and they loose their source of this drug.
The highlighted portions of her comment are often statements used by Methadone patrons. They play
on the excuse that addiction is a disease and will compare it to cancer and diabetes, always. As I have been collecting these remarks and statements over a long period I have found a set pattern between their thoughts and beliefs in comparison to reality and facing their addiction.
I have many years experience in oncology, also lost my father to cancer and will soon lose my mother-in-law
to this tragic disease, it upsets me that they can even compare themselves to the same level of a terminal
cancer patient. Addicts CAN live drug free, but it is not an easy venture and takes dedication and hard work and most of all the determination to fight the battle. Methadone in many cases is nothing more then a bandage that only covers the underlying problem, addiction. I am also an insulin dependent diabetic and again a ridiculous comparison. Insulin is NOT a mind altering, Schedule II narcotic, Methadone is. I am beginning to think these people are brain washed into their way of thinking.
I have concluded that they refuse to believe this drug is killing people and in many cases are in complete
denial of so many issues involving their addiction as well as Methadone.
PS: She has been on Methadone for 7years.........and she says it is curing her disease.
Posted: March 2, 2008 by, NG
******************************************************************************************************************************************************** Patty's news article is posted on the News Report page. Patty Kesler is my mom... I am very proud of all that she does. I don't tell her enough... I love you mom... Thank you, Sarah Kesler
Posted Jan. 7, 2008
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Posted Dec. 5, 2007
I just wanted to say thank you for creating this avenue of support for people to look for answers and information. I have been battling this drug for the last 10 years in regards to my mother who was put on it for pain mgmt. I moved her here with me in August of 07 and have successfully managed to get her into a treatment program and she is no longer taking this dangerous medication. She is still an addict and probably always will be but Methadone along with all the other medications prescribed to her almost killed her on more than one occasion and truthfully I will never have a clear picture of just how many occasions. None of this has been easy and what made it even more difficult was not having any resources for information and assistance. I did my best to weed out information as each close call happened but still found myself feeling like there was no where to turn. I truly believe that you have created an avenue for people like me to help us when we feel like we are alone and the situation is hopeless, which clearly it is not. My mom has been off Methadone for about 3 months now. This a a terrifying drug. I am sure it has helped some but in my mothers case it was the biggest mistake the Doctors could have made; to put an addictive, suicidal personality on this drug. What were they thinking and/or were they thinking????? Again, thank you for this resource and I hope that it can save lives and help others through something I would not wish upon anybody.
Love and light,
Tiffany
Thank you Tiffany for sharing such a personal story and letting people know how Methadone has played a roll in your
life. Nancy G
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Posted Dec. 5, 2007
Yes, we know that drunk drivers kill; that is the purpose of MADD, to raise awareness for that cause. Also, it is NOT legal to drive under the influence of alcohol. The purpose of MAMA and HARMD and other websites like this are to raise awareness and educate the public about Methadone, and the dangers that go with it. The loved ones we lost turned to this drug or treatment for help, believing there was NOT a risk involved. Everyone knows that there is a risk driving drunk, they know when they get behind the wheel they are taking a risk. And for all the pro-methadone readers that jump to judge, do not judge until you have walked in my shoes, or others that are grieving the loss of their child. My son started having neurological problems at age 14, nobody could diagnose the cause, and he went into a deep depression. It took almost two years when my son actually fell down and had a grand mal seizure for the drs to diagnose epillepsy (there are many types of seizures; he was having drop attacks before which are a type of seizure). He attempted suicide several times due to his severe depression and after being hospitalized was diagnosed bipolar. After this, I cannot begin to count the psych meds and the combinations that they "tried" to stabilize his moods, but he only got worse. He got to the point he was having psychotic episodes that he didn't remember afterwards and at the same time having uncontrollable grand mal seizures every day at school his senior year. He actually almost died once from "status epillepticus" where a seizure does not stop, as they worked on him, the dr turned to me and said "we're losing him!!". They had to quickly put him in a drug induced coma for three days to stop the brain activity. After graduation, he tried college, but had trouble focusing with the high dose of anti-seizure medication (Topamax also known as Dopamax). This led to more depression, and by this time he was addicted to the benzos he had been on continuously for 4 years for his anxiety and for seizures. This With extreme pride of my son's strength and courage, Matthew's Mom
Thank you for sharing your story and your support..................Nancy G
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Posted Nov. 9, 2007
"I, Tammy Reynolds was put on methadone in the beginning of my lung cancer. Was on it for a month and it was very addicting in that short time. When I had a reaction to it they took me off cold turkey and it was worse than my chemo. I was so sick and vomited my head off every day. I can see why drug addicts can't 'give it up', it is too painful"
I give you permission to use this info if you need to.
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Pro-Methadone advocate and user:
From: frances magisano (franual20010@yahoo.com)
Sent: Sat 10/06/07 9:45 PM
To: ngarvin@mothersagainstmedicalabuse.org
Didi you know that alcohol is the number one cause of deaths by vehicle? But wait, thats ok right because alcohol is legal, socially acceptalbe and readily available on any corner. Methadone saves lives, your research do you do it with a glass of scotch? Or do you just drink to be socialble?
Fran
PA ARM (advocates for recovery with medication)
It is hard to believe that this is the behavior of a person who is representing the pro-
methadone user's, not very professional or believable. This is the first contact I had received from this person..................Nancy G
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September 17th 2007
09:51:52 AM
What is your name?
Ted Murphy AKA: Brian Levine
How did you find this website?
My professor
Where are you from?
Washington, DC
Please enter your comments?
Don't blame the drugs...blame the people that abuse them. Everyone that dies from this **** is usually a ******* huge dope fiend and they makes horrible choices with their lives. Methadone doesn't kill. OC doesn't Kill, Xanax doesn't kill, cocaine doesn't kill, heroin doesn't kill, drugs don't kill....people kill themselves
Email : bdl911@hotmail.com
My Response To Ted Murphy (aka Brian Levine)
Ted,
I am not even going to respond to your ignorence and childish behavior. It is obvious you are very uneducated in the field of narcotics, especially Methadone. If at any time you decide to communicate in a civil and professional manner, I would be happy to talk to you.
Nancy
What did not show on this e-mail that was sent fromTed Murphy (Brian Levine) was the smiley face that said Ha! Ha!. (Pathetic behavior)
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In a message dated 9/16/2007 9:47:49 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, heidi@ourgaia.com writes:
I've received a request that you put out looking for people who have been harmed by methadone. Has it occurred to you that almost everything can cause harm if used incorrectly? This can include even water. People have died from drinking too much or too little.
On the other hand, there are many people whose lives are made possible only because they have access to pain medications like methadone. I have been one of those people.
What are you trying to do? Losing someone dear to you is a horrible thing. But extrapolating the cause of that person's death to all use of that drug is wrong and horribly unfair to the thousands who benefit from it. Have you considered how many die from many other pain medications? In truth, far more die from acetaminophen and ib uprofen than methadone.
I am sorry for your child's death. It may be true that it is a case of medical malpractice. But going after methadone, a drug that is relatively harmless compared to most that are prescribed and makes life livable for thousands, is hardly the right thing to do. You may be condemning your sister, mother, or friend to a life of agony.
Please, instead of campaigning against a single drug that can be of enormous benefit to many people, why not campaign against doctors prescribing medications without providing full disclosure about the benefits and risks? Isn't it far more beneficial to allow people the right to make their own decisions, informed by good information, about their bodies?
Sincerely,
Heidi Monson
This is her first comment sent, posted: Sept 16, 2007
From: heidi@ourgaia.com
As I tried to point out, the issue is that doctors misprescribe and do not inform patients of the risks. Those people who are informed and choose to take methadone - often because there is nothing else available to them - should certainly have the right to do so. My objection is to your desire to keep it from people in need.
Please, show me the stats showing that 4,000 people who were given methadone for pain died from it. I'd be very interested in that.
In my reading (http://www.inpud.org/index.php?option=com_joomlaboard&Itemid=28&func=view&catid=8&id=238), it's quite clear that the vast majority of methadone deaths are the result of replacing heroin use with methadone. In this instance, you get no argument from me. I have been against the use of methadone as a heroin replacement since the original program was trialed in San Francisco well over 30 years ago. This, though, is not the issue. The issue is the relative risk of methadone as a pain killer. The idea that any drug should be banned because of illicit use is offensive to all those people who rely on it.
You are not aware of the risks of acetaminophen because you haven't looked. I have. The number of unintentional overdoses in 2001 was 35,705, with major damage (generally meaning severe harm to the liver) in 829 people and death in 120 - nearly all of them using the drug for pain relief. (http://www.drug-rehabs.org/articles.php?aid=178)
If you want to talk about number of people dying from drug use, why not talk about alcohol? In the U.S. alone, 100,000 people a year die of it, either directly from using it or indirectly by being victims of its users. (http://www.gdcada.org/statistics/alcohol.htm) But alcohol doesn't produce a fraction of the good that methadone does. In terms of relative danger and misuse, alcohol is far more serious.
By the way, I didn't make any comparisons between number of deaths by water and number by methadone - simply pointed out that nothing is completely safe.
My own concern has nothing to do with the numbers, but if you are going to use stats, then it would be better to compare them with others before considering the number of methadone deaths as compared with other things.
As to bothering someone, I wrote to the person who has put out a request looking for people who have been harmed by methadone. If it's so common, why is it necessary to put out such a request?
Sincerely,
Heidi Monson
This was her second comment sent, posted: Sept 16, 2007
People like this with a lack of education in the use of Methadone are extremely dangerous to the public. They have no clue to it's lethal properties and most likely will
tell another how safe and effective the drug is. This may lead an innocent victim to consume this drug and death may be the result. This is how ignorence is passed from one to another, and she truly believes she is right. It is also obvious that the thousands
of deaths have no influence on her thoughts or concerns with this drug. These are the attitudes that make METHADONE even more dangerous and deadly...............................
This is a common response from a Methadone user...............................................Nancy G
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I have a story to tell. My son's story. A story he can't himself tell. A story of how a young, healthy man, following his dream to become a firefighter was taken from this earth by the hands of a negligent family, and one little pill. We struggle under the oppression of popular opinion, that a death by methadone is a death of the nefarious. It is only at the hands of us, left behind in strangling grief, telling our stories that will stop additional sorrow, and make the TRUTH known. Sites such as this, and HARMD help get the word out, but, it's not enough. Still, methadone continues to take lives, and those with blood on their hands are allowed to carry on, while more and more are left behind trying to live on in dire grief. There is no justice, and little support. Understanding is sparse, until it is you who struggles to seek answers or solace.
Thank God for sites like HARMD, and this one; and the strength these women have, in spite of their own heart breaking grief, that allow lost souls such as myself, a place to go, to find empathy, understanding, friendship and support. Unfortunately, I am not alone in this Club of Sorrows, fortunately there are others who walk in my shoes and offer their hand, and a hand up. Thank God, thank you.
Peace be with you;
Nanci Marvin
In loving remembrance of JOHN ROBERT MARVIN, II
(01-15-80 ~ 12-31-04/01-09-05)
Thank you Nanci, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Posted: Sept 13, 2007
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My brother was 29 when he passed from a combination of methadone, zanex and other drugs including many other pain meds. He had a very stressful job at the New York Stock Exchange. He may have started using cocaine before he started there, but his usage definitely increased while he was there. After ten years of doing cocaine and three rehabs later he finally was off the drug. He did not ever feel "right" after that, he kept looking for answers from doctors. He did not understand or listen to us telling him his brain needed time to recover. The beginning of the downward spiral started when on doctor diagnosed him as "bi-polar" and so began his jouney into the world of phycotic meds. He eventually got hooked on zanex, which was a bad experience to everyone around him, did not bother him because he would not remember anything. It got harder and harder for us to keep track of all the drs and pharmacies he went to, he was always a step ahead. We even spoke to some of his doctors and pharmacies but it did not stop them from prescribing and filling more meds. I remember one "doctor" convieniently located a few steps away from his house loved giving him meds. I don't know why but one sunday we called him b/c my brother was hospitalized three times in five days for taking too much zanex. My brother told him he was hearing voices, so rather than refering him to a phycologist or someone qualified, he said "oh you must be schizofrenic, here is a prescription for that," he did not even think it could have been all the anabolic steroids and junk he was taking. Anyone could have gave that diagnosis.
A couple of months later he was helping his girlfriend move in and he hurt his back, which got more agravated by him bodybuilding at the gym so he started taking pain killers. He got a few prescriptions from one doctor and got methadone from the doctor across the street. He was sent home with a month's supply (40 mg/2xper day). This same "doctor" gave him zanex and even valium not even a month before. He took only about a two or three day supply. His girlfriend said he had flu like symptoms. She also said he snored very loudly that night, early morning. I will never forget that phone call as long as I live. We will never be the same after this experience. I wish people would open their eyes and see these doctors and drug companies for what they are, crooks looking to make money off of us, not caring about our well being. It is sickening
Thanks Gina, for sharing your story with us and to others. Rx drugs are out there because of the doctors who put it there. They are some of the biggest drug dealer's and they are doing it "Legally".
POSTED: Sept. 8, 2007
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Methadone User Comment:
Aug 22, 2007, Briton Dean , Tennessee
I am a 34 mother of 2 and also a nurse who works in private duty taking care of a trach patient who is also on a ventilator..I couldnt do any of those things and definately not as well as I do them without MMT..I have been a MMT patient for over 3.5yrs now.During this time I have never once taken any sort of benzodiazapam with my methadone or any other narcotics with it..I currently get 2weeks worth of takehome medication(I can get more if I need/want it) and have never once sold so much as a tiny piece off one of the diskets given as my dose.MMT saved my life,my family,my marriage and my carreer..I couldnt/wouldnt be all I am today without it...Ppl need to get real and realize that the media doesnt like to have stories about people like me..The ones who get up,dose,get their kids to school then go to work,come home and go to bed only to start over the next day with the same deal..They dont show this stuff because well its rather boring if I do have to say so myself.Though I wouldnt trade it for all the excitement and drama available anywhere else..They show,write and talk about the ones that are messing up and acting crazy because well its "good" tv or sells newspapers.I personally think people should leave well enough alone and think about the people that would be "HARMD" by doing away with MMT..Lord knows I would probably not survive another bout of active addiction...Thanks.. (This was posted on a pro-methadone petition site @
Can you possibly imagine that someone taking care of you or a loved one may be taking Methadone. It is unfortunate that this person is a "Nurse" and has no clue that a
daily dose of this drug is not still being an "ADDICT". I assume her term "ACTIVE" means she no longer has to steal, lie or illegally purchase her drug of choice to supply her habit. Now she can go to her local clinic and receive a "LEGAL" dose to satisfy her needs. Sad, she never talks of detoxification of the METHADONE, most of these clinic patients do not.
Posted: Sept. 2, 2007
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My brother was addicted to Vicodin. He went to a
clinic for help and they put him on Methadone and he
was dead three weeks later. He kept telling them he
wasn't feeling well and needed to see a doctor but
they refused to let him see one and he was only able to
see "SO CALLED" counselors. He died within days after
telling me they wouldn't let him see a doctor. I did
not know at the time he was getting Methadone I
thought it was a rehab clinic.
Candi (Wayne's sister)
Posted Sept. 1, 2007
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After a year since I filed a complaint with the SC Medical Board in regards to the doctor that is responsible for my son's death, I finally received their results.
They determined that this doctor on Hilton Head, SC did nothing wrong. They also sent me a copy of the letter they sent to him stating that he needs to be more careful in prescribing and documentation.
This doctor is responsible for 2 deaths. He killed another young man six months before Robby for the same reason, methadone toxicity. So, basically he is getting by with murder.
As much as I join with others to make the changes on how this drug is distributed, thousands more are going to die and agencies are giving a blind eye to this epidemic. Doctors are not being held accountable for their actions.
MAMA.ORG needs your help. Please repost this and let everyone you know how deadly this drug is. If you know of anyone who has died from methadone please contact me. I am so angry (even more then before) because this drug is being prescribed and distributed (even street sales) out of control. All it takes is one pill to kill. I guess it will take a Senators child to die before we see overnight success. Nobody is being held accountable on any level for these deaths.
Love & hugs, Nancy
Posted August 27, 2007 (MySpace)
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I am sorry to hear that the doctor will never pay for what he did. The doctor that killed my son will never pay either. They say he did nothing wrong. He did do something wrong, he killed my son, he took my heart from me. When he called me and told me that it was the one pill METHADONE that killed James all he said was well Donna we need to put this in the past and go on. NO YOU GO ON.... you have your son, you killed mine. He will never pay for taking a life. Please repost this. These deaths need to stop NOW.
Donna, James mom
Posted August 28, 2007 (MySpace)
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WENDY DYER:: Back in 1992 I moved into a new neighborhood far away from what I knew. I had two children and was hoping that the neighborhood would have some nice children around so that my children would have playmates. Well just then my prayers were answered. A little 9 year old boy knocked on my door. He introduced himself and I fell in love with him instantly. That little boy was Robby Garvin. He was a part of my life for 15 years. He was smart as a whip and could make you laugh until your belly hurt. We could have enjoyed many more years with Robby had it not been for a doctor prescribing him METHADONE that was obviously too strong for his body. Now Robby is gone and his mother, my best friend has made this wonderful website MAMA.org. Robby would have been very proud of his mother for doing this just so other young or old will not have to live the horror that this has put on her and her family. God bless you Robby and Nancy. Love ME (this was posted to the petition site #1,616 in signatures to implement tighter restrictions on Methadone)
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CACHET BRINK: As everyone can see my brother Robby Garvin died after being given Methadone by his doctor for pain. I have been to web site after site and I see people saying, "Oh, Methadone doesn't do anything, it helps me". Well when it takes the life of one of their loved ones I am sure they won't be saying that anymore. Robby was the funniest, most loving and best brother in the whole world. He had problems with his back but he was staying strong and living his life. He didn't deserve to die because of a doctor's stupidity. I miss him so much and I wish he was here. I LOVE YOU ROBBY !!, Your sister, CACHET
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August 15, 1981 - June 11, 2006 Murdered by Methadone & a Doctor!!!!
June 11, 2006, where has a year gone. I will never get over losing you and my heart will never mend. I hope you feel the love I send you every minute of every day. You are my Angel in Heaven. Love Mom, Cachet & Travis
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Date: Jun 17, 2007 5:37 PM
Subject My James, my heart, I miss you so
Body:
Today June 17,2004 I hugged my son James and told him I'll see you in the morning for breakfast. He hugged me back and said see you in the morning I love you mom. I said I love you too and I went home.
June 18,2004 I was cooking breakfast and the phone rang. A phone call that I will never forget as long as I live. My son was gone. My James was dead.
After those words I don't remember what happened, I don't remember going to his house, all I remember after the call was holding James in my arms, kissing him and running my fingers though his hair begging him to come back to me. Please don't leave me and I told him how much I loved him.
3 years ago tonight I never thought that the next time I would see my son would be laying on his bed with no life in his body.
Please hug your babies and love them every day.
James died from one (1) Methadone pill,
Donna Williams
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June 3, 2007
I remember hearing that methadone mixed with Lexapro were involved in the death of Anna Nicole Smith's son. Do you know if this is dangerous? I have a friend who falls asleep while driving and sleepwalks- falling into things. This ended with her slashing her face. She went on suboxone, but due to many severe back problems/ pains, she now takes the prescription pill, not the clinic liquid. She claims she feels great, but the other night, she had cut a xanax into 1/4 and wound up sleep walking again. I told her about this site, and even though she's scared again, she just said she shouldn't have taken the bit of nerve pill. Don't you believe the Lexapro is at fault? I'd appreciate any thoughts you have.
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July 7, 2007
Nancy:
Thanks for your post to our blog and I am saddened to read the story of your son's death. Hopefully, your efforts to educate consumers of healthcare will reduce the likelihood of such senseless tragedies in the future!
Keep up the good fight! Dan
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July 20, 2007
Feel free to let us know what we can do to help we have been fighting this system for 6 years after the over dosing and death of our only daughter watch the news report http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=13141949
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July 31, 2007
My life changed on April 6, 2004. It was a normal Tuesday (I thought) when I received a phone call at work telling me my 26 year old son was dead. Dead? At 26? A healthy and athletic boy dead? A father of 2 girls dead? Yes in a blink of an eye my son died and a piece of me died with him. You see the night before he had gone to a boy’s house to stay with him and his parents so he could go and help them with a roofing job to earn extra money for his oldest girl’s birthday. Apparently he was having a bad night and took xanex and methadone went to sleep and never woke up. When I arrived at that house it was roped off and the investigators were doing their thing. The boy who lived there was so messed up – he was on methadone. He walked around all day so high around the police and investigators and nothing was done. You see he had been to a methadone clinic earlier that morning to get him off the stronger stuff (HA). It is just a legal high if you ask me and a free one also. The investigator lead me to believe that I could go in the house and see my son and hold him one last time after he was finished with the investigation. Lies – never seen my son again until he was laying in his casket. The investigator said when the toxicology report came back he would call me and go over with me in case I had any questions because at the time I had no idea what was going on. Lies – the funeral home called about 2 months later and asked if I wanted the cause of death on all the death certificates or just half. I said I don’t know what did my son die of???? You mean you don’t know , oh, I can’t tell you. I waited 2 months and now she could not tell me due to a privacy act. She did finally agreed to let me come by the funeral home and read the death certificate that’s when I saw it. Died of a combination of xanex and methadone. At the time I thought methadone was just in clinics, did a little research and boy was I wrong! We buried my son on April 10, 2004 the day before Easter Sunday and the day before his oldest girl’s third birthday. My son( I found out after the fact) a few years prior to his death had trouble with oxycottons and went to a methadone clinic. If the truth were known that is probably where he got hooked on methadone.
I want everyone to know I am not ashamed of my son, I don’t consider him a drug addict and I don’t want anyone to judge him. Like 2pac said only “God can Judge me” I just want you to know that in a blink of eye you can lose your life, parents you can lose your child and life can be a living hell!!!!!!
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August 7, 2007
My son Brandon has recently passed away from the combination of Methadone and Zoloft. He had been on street Methadone that he was getting from a "friend" for 3 years because he didn`t have insurance. He got insurance, went to detox and thought he had kicked the Methadone, got on Zoloft for about a few weeks precribed by a doctor even though he had only been off Methadone for maybe three months and one more ten milligram of methadone combined and he was dead. The thing is is that I went to the doctors with him and his wife and I told the doctor that he had been taking Methadone so it was in his records. His doctor quit practicing and so he went to another local doctor to get diagnosed and treated once he went to detox. This doctor must not have looked at his records. Whether he did or not, Medical doctors are not psychologists are they? Should they be prescribing Zoloft without a Psychological evaluation first? I would like to sue these guys. Can you give me your opinion as to whether or not you think we could win a case like this?? Sincerely Brandons mom
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August 21, 2007
I just went to a childhood friends memorial due to her death of methadone. She was 27 years young and a whole life to live. Its not fair that this happens. She left behind 3 children, and she died on her 3rd childs 1st birthday while he sleept on her chest.... It tore this family and her friends apart. And I know this isnt the first story like this there are so many more. I hate this drug why dont the government do something I cant believe they can take other drugs off for causing heartattacks but heaven forbid someone dies from methadone they must be a drug attack so that doesnt count I guess.....
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My sister died on September 10, 2004. She was 47. She was an alcoholic and also addicted to painkillers, specifically to vicodin. And was also the sweetest person in the world and my best friend in all the world. We were caring for our father, who was 90 at the time. When he began "sundowning" and we reported the confusion to his doctor, the doctor surmised that the vicodin might be responsible and changed Dad's painkiller prescription to methadone. I should have had sense enough to realize that Lynn was taking most of Dad's vicodin, so it couldn't have been responsible for his evening "fades," but I didn't think of it. Worse, having no experience with pharmaceuticals, I didn't know about the dangers of methadone and somewhat hoped that having the vicodin taken away from her might cure Lynn's painkiller addiction. One week after Dr. Leon changed the prescription, she was dead. She didn't know any more about methadone than I did, and she promptly took 15 milligrams of it, lay down for a nap and never woke up.
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August 23, 2007
My Son Brandon died of methadone overdose. 2 pills killed. He had nothing else in his blood. He died 6/13/04 he was 20 years old. I can't believe I found this site, Thank you so much. I am a very angry and devistated mother. I have lost my son to something that should not be given to any human or animal, yet its everywhere and doctors and government officials are doing little or nothing about it. I had to get that off my chest... Thank you for this site. I will be back more often.. Shelley
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