Help with a child in methadone program?

Question

My stepson is in the 4th month of a methadone program. I just realized that once again he is using pain killers&, other drugs. Do they normally test at these programs? What should I do? I can't even call there cuz they will not discuss anyone's care with any person, unless previously ok'd. Should I stay the hell out of it?

Answer 1

When you say a "child", how old is this young person? Any responsibile administration of a methadone programme especially for young people should include regular as well as randon drug testing for other substances, such as stimulants, other opiated, benzodiazepines (tranquillisers) etc. Without knowing anything about his treatment history, current overal treatment compliance (does he miss his appointments?), his history of use (what, how long, how often), this is a hard question to answer. It could be that whilst he is still using, from the perspective of the key worker, counsellor or therapist he may have made great progress. People do no become tea-total from one day to the next, and particularly when working with young people it is essential to have realistic and achievable goals and continue to engage the young person in treatment rather than put so much pressure on them that they disengage from the process and feel a failure. Have you asked him about what he is taking? It could be that you're jumping to comclusions and what he is taking is possibly prescribed to assist him in his therapy (such as tranquillisers to help him sleep). Honesty and open communication is the key here I think. Have you asked him whether he may be ok with you discussing his progress with his counsellor? If he says yes, then you can do so legitimately. The counsellor will not be allowed to discuss the case with you without his agreement due to confidentiality rights, but I'm sure they will still take your concerns on board.

Having said all that, if he was using other downers on top of his script it would indeed be a cause for concern. However, the most common cause of accidental overdoses by young people in methadone programmes is when they drink large amounts of alcohol on top of their methadone.

Answer 2

What an awful situation you must be in. I know they cannot share information with you, but they surely can hear what you have to say. I am not sure about testing but in the UK they do and you get thrown off the program if you are not keeping your commitment up.

If they refuse to speak to you write to them, but before any of that do you feel that you can talk to your stepson? Or ask his parent to? He is failing and that is the bottom line, he either needs more support, or he needs a short sharp push. Something you and your partner have to decide.

Good luck with it all and I hope he can manage to keep on track.

Answer 3

No. He may die. Try to contact his counselor, physciatrist, doctor etc. Methadone programs do not work! They only transfer one addcition to another. By taking Methadone ( a strong pain killer) and mixing it with other drugs, he may go into respiratory arrest, have an MI (heart attack) have bowels shut down, etc many conditions which, may be lethal. Pain relievers slow down the systems. Try to get him into an inpatient treatemnt center, where he can be monitored for drug use & compliance. Best of health to him, do not give up on him or he will end up dead.