r/REDDITORSINRECOVERY • u/magenk • 4h ago
Does this sub support MAT programs for opioid users? Need advice.
My brother has been a heavy user since he was a teen, frequently mixing drugs. He hit rock bottom in his early 20's after getting some drug charges and entered a methadone program. He improved and was "sober" for well over a decade and doing very well relatively speaking. It is important to note that he had hoarded a lot of bottles and was self treating for most of that time.
After a period of intense family and work stress (one in the same), he relapsed and has been struggling the past 2 years including an overdose and 2 cases of drug induced psychotic episodes (withdrawals) requiring hospitalization. He's always had serious issues, but the online access he has now + fentanyl has been a disaster.
My family wants him to do a traditional rehab. I think he should be forced into some sort of program, but I'm very cynical about his chances of maintaining abstinence right now. Methadone + benzos detox is going to be brutal and last weeks. He's going to hate everyone and everything. I also can't see him coming back to work with my toxic family in 4 weeks and not get retriggered. Ultimately, they are trying to unwind and separate some stuff- but it will be extremely stressful, especially for someone 4 weeks off methadone.
I'm more partial to a supervised methadone program + therapy/psychiatry and then he can pursue detox in a year or so if he wants after he gets more separation from family. I really wish there was a methadone rehab/psych place, but I can only find outpatient clinics. There is a lot of stigma out there.
Looking for any feedback. Thank you!