So, after seeing my psychiatrist last week I'm now taking 180mg twice daily..
Apparently for working out equivalencies they take the MST dose and divide by six, I read on the 'release' (Page 19 Here) *PDF*
website that it's actually more like dividing by eight though.
This means I'm taking the equivalent of between 45-60mg/mls methadone, which is a pretty standard dose I guess...
I really don't want to go too high, I'm just making it more difficult for myself to get off!
MST withdrawal isn't very nice apparently, but it can't be any worse than Methadone or Subutex! And I've done both...
I've also discovered 'SMART Recovery' - Taken from they're website...
Our purpose is to help individuals seeking abstinence from addictive behaviours to gain independence, achieve recovery and lead meaningful and satisfying lives.
The approach is secular and science based; using motivational, behavioral and cognitive methods. We view substance/activity dependence as a dysfunctional habit, while recognising that it is possible that certain people have a predisposition towards addictive behaviour.
Our self empowering, 4-point recovery programme consists of:
· Point 1: Enhancing and Maintaining Motivation to Abstain
· Point 2: Coping with Urges
· Point 3: Problem Solving (Managing thoughts, feelings and behaviours)
· Point 4: Lifestyle Balance (Balancing momentary and enduring satisfactions)
It was started in the U.S as an alternative/adjunct to NA/AA.
It's based on a similar group therapy model, BUT... (and this is the important bit to me) there is no 'finding your higher power' involved, it was set up by a group of addiction specialists, counsellors, CBT practitioners and the theory is to use a bunch of 'tools' to help a person attain abstinence.
Another fundamental difference to NA is that the group meetings are run with the aid of a 'facilitator', trained to oversee the meeting.
The movement is growing in the UK, there are a few face to face meetings around the country but they also offer online web chat style meetings weekly.
I intend to get involved, I always found NA to be unwelcoming, judgmental, cliquey and hypocritical.
I never felt welcome as a newcomer, and was made to feel bad for taking methadone/sub/mst/ibogaine.
There always seems to be a pecking order, junkies below alcoholics, alcoholics below coke-heads etc...
Silly really, but I guess that's humans for ya!...
