Sky,

I have to agree with you that some people carry a bias against those who take Methadone as they automatically assume that the person is a recovering Heroin addict. I learned the hard way. I had reconstructive surgery on my foot and the nurse refused me the ordered pain meds post-op because as she said "you can take your Methadone".

Actually, studies show that few chronic pain patients become addicted to their pain meds as long as they are not abused. Actually, it was found that the pain patients were less likely to abuse prescribed narcotics than if they were self medicating. In addition, Methadone can be very safe too take when the patient communicates closely with their Pain Management Specialist.

Now that Suboxone is out, the docs are switching to it. Unfortunately for some, it is so expensive that they can not afford treatment where Methadone is quite affordable. Hopefully, their doctors will work with them.

Another plus for the phsyician is that prescribing Suboxone will help keep the Feds away because the doctor will not be prescribing a Class II narcotic so often.

By the way, Demerol isn't used so often because it's half-life is only 2 hours requiring more frequent dosing. This, too, makes it more addictive.

I hope I haven't offended you. I have just been a chronic pain patient for many years.

Be Blessed,
Peacemaker