Question regarding Methadone vs. Methamphetamines?

[EnigmaXOXO]

Are they the same?

 

My daughter was enrolled in the Methadone program to help combat her Heroine addiction. Everyone (including myself) is so far under the impression that she has been doing well on the program for the past two years, and with exception of taking her Methadone prescription on a regular basis, has been able to avoid using other drugs.

 

However, four months ago she came for a visit and her right hand and wrist was covered in a dark red stain. She claimed: "she was gluing jewels to her telephone" and that’s were she got the stains. My Mommy hair-triggers went up, and although I wasn't exactly buying the story, it seemed such a silly thing that I decided to give her the benefit of the doubt and not question her further.

 

Curiously enough, a friend that works with my daughter came to visit two days ago…and happened to mention that my daughter's hands were stained with iodine (again). This time, my daughter gave the explanation that she had burned her hands on her electric blanket and she had used iodine to help sooth the pain.

 

Bare with me if I sound paranoid … but after doing some research, I discovered that iodine stains are one of the signs of a Meth user (or cooker). However, what's left of the optimist in me (or perhaps the part that wishes to remain in denial) can't reconcile why someone who already had access to legal Methadone would want to "cook it" … or make more (???)

 

Does anyone know if Meth and/or Methadone are the same things, or are they two completely different drugs?

 

Need an objective point of view (without all the Mommy heartstrings attached) … so any insight, knowledge and/or opinions would certainly be appreciated!

 

:confused:

[melodymatters]

They are COMPLETLY different drugs !!! methadone is an opiate ( downer) used, as you know to help with herion withdrawal.

 

methaphetemine is a form of speed, very dangerous as it uses all sorts of nasty chemicals . People "cook it up" in homemade labs.

 

usually people on methaphetimine get very skinny, paranoid, can't sleep and pick at their skin, any of these symptoms ?

 

even if not, maybe the methadone is taking the egde of the speed.

 

Good luck !!!!

 

Don't be afraid to talk to her about your concerns !!!

[EnigmaXOXO]

Thanks Melody!

 

That probably explains why I wasn't able to find any information pertaining to the comparison of the two online.

 

usually people on methaphetimine get very skinny, paranoid, can't sleep and pick at their skin, any of these symptoms ?

 

Not that I've noticed. She looked anorexic when she was abusing heroin, but to her distain (and my joy) she's plumped up quite a bit which is why I've allowed myself to become so comfortable and relaxed in spite of the odds of her staying clean. She's never been a needle user (always smoked or snorted) so track marks or soars were never an indicator.

 

I'm probably just a bit twitchy considering all we've been through so far, and the two peculiar incidents with the iodine stains set off the ol' alarms which by now have become so ingrained. I will find a way to question her without coming off as sounding accusatory (if that's even possible). The usual exchange is for her to either deny, deny, deny … or get royally p*ssed at me for even asking. But I assure you, the antennas are already up and I will be paying very close attention.

 

Thanks so much, again!

[norajane]

Iodine crystals are used to manufacture meth...iodine tincture (what you'd put on a cut or burn) can be used, but it has to be turned into crystal and it vaporizes into gas in the process, so you end up with stains on the walls. Have you been to her apartment?

 

If she's just using meth and not making it, there would be no iodine stains or anything, just the symptoms melody mentioned.

 

Frankly, most people leave the meth-making to others because it's pretty easy to do it wrong and blow everything up. She'd have to be pretty hardcore to be making it in her home, and if she were that hardcore, you'd have noticed the paranoia, twitchiness, scabs on her skin, etc.

[EnigmaXOXO]

Have you been to her apartment?

 

Well, that's one of the many obstacles her Daddy (the poster child for enablers) has placed in my path. He built her an apartment (secretly, illegally and without permits) on top of the business property that no one is supposed to know about. I've been told that visiting after "work hours" might give it away and result in them being fined … and ultimately having my ex and daughter so p*ssed at me that it would ultimately ruin whatever communication my daughter and I still have. During the day, she's downstairs in the business part of the building working in exchange for the shelter, food, vehicle, cash and the credit card accounts Daddy happily pays for (his family has more money than common sense). Out of respect for my ex's new wife (who spends a lot of time there too and still feels somewhat insecure around me) I don't feel comfortable popping in for visits or hanging out there.

 

I know … sounds like a bad soap opera … and that's just the "tip" of the iceberg. But my saving grace is knowing that I'm not alone, because the whole situation has frustrated and discouraged many more professional councilors than it ever has me.

 

I'm digging holes in the backyard in the event that my daughter finally succeeds in killing herself. I know a few enablers I intend to send with her. (Just KIDDING of course!)

[Guest]

BTW the bad one 'meth' or 'crystal meth' is methAMphetamine - you know, like amphetamine with meth in front. I don't think many people refer to methadone as 'meth'.