The debate on this site is now closed. We have received over 800 comments from you.
Created: Friday, 24-Feb-2006 00:00:04 GMT
Linda, Scotland
My daughter is an addict for the past 10 yrs of heroin. I tried everything with her and got her clear 3 times... I wish I could have sent her to a clinic like this one as I think this would have helped a lot....I ended up a physical wreck due to this problem.... at first I thought No. I wont watch it but I am glad I did...addicts aren’t scum, they just are people caught up in this terrible world with little hope.....I don’t see my daughter now as I had to put her out but I think of her all the time and hope my daughter is clean and well.... good luck to all who are trying to kick this terrible habit...
Created: Friday, 24-Feb-2006 00:03:15 GMT
Chris, Manchester
I found this series to be highly voyeuristic and irresponsible. What annoyed me the most was the lack of time spent on looking at ways of staying clean after leaving. There seemed to be no talk of mental side of the illness of addiction and how to deal with this!
Created: Friday, 24-Feb-2006 00:05:31 GMT
Ian, Swansea
I thought the programme was good to enlighten people who don’t understand, how powerful this drug is, how it grips and controls you. The only thing I thought could have been highlighted more is the different types of detox available, the one shown seemed to be the total sedation detox. The detox I done was a totally different one, mine lasted ten days approached with alternative medication. Well done to all who have done this but I also found that the aftercare was not there once detox was done and that is the hardest time, when you have to totally start a new life. But it can and should be done. Nice one channel 4 for bringing real life home.
Created: Friday, 24-Feb-2006 00:06:28 GMT
Louisa, Cowling
I watched most of your programme and after 16 years of seeing my brother going "cold turkey" it was nothing compared to the real thing. If every addict had a hand full of doctors to look after them whilst doing detox then yes maybe yes they could do it but not in reality. I hope you have successfully reached your target volume viewing figures but tell this to my poor mother who didn't see this easy picture you painted. Fair enough it brought know how to those who have their eye's wide shut on the subject but it hit hard in my house. After having a niece born an addict 3 months ago then this really hit home. How would you console you mum.
Created: Friday, 24-Feb-2006 00:09:01 GMT
Sophie, Coventry
I agree with Dawn about addicts doing detox and hitting the dealers less than a week later my daughter did detox she was in for two weeks when released she was on 120mls methadone anti depressants and sleepers all that and 3 children to care for!!!! As soon as she had money in her pocket she was straight back on it. Now through her stupidness and the lack of support her children have been put in my care. I don’t agree that the families should give never ending support. Anyone who has seen going cold turkey {and I forced myself to watch it so maybe I could understand} would realise that unless you want to kick the habit you never will be free from it. The blame lies with the addict, not the families, not the environment or their personal circumstances.
Created: Friday, 24-Feb-2006 00:10:19 GMT
Teresa, Hitchin
I know can be hard from someone who lived with a user for years. There is the not sleeping and sometimes addicts tend to jump from drugs to drink 90 per cent of the time as they want or need something to replace the missing opiate. I hope this does not happen to these three people but it can be known to happen. Sadly I lost my partner but unbelievably not to the drugs in a car crash and he was still using crack and heroin. I think this programme has been long coming for other people in this world to open up their eyes and see around that this is happening in every town and street. I always said I would turn my back on any addict who came my way but it is easier said than done. I am now a drug counsellor for people who have been involved with addicts live with them or family/friends and I feel like I have helped people re begin their lives and it gives me great satisfaction to see people I have counseled in the town or streets to come up to me and say hello and most of them have stayed clean with determination a lot of help and support.
Created: Friday, 24-Feb-2006 00:12:06 GMT
Sonia, Belfast
I myself am in a 12 step recovery program and am concerned about help being made known for the relatives i.e.: Nar-Anon as they will need support as well. Watching the program I was also concerned about them being asked questions as to what they are going to do to keep their loved ones away from heroin. It is not their responsibility. Plus you can't watch someone 24/7 Sometimes the person living with the problem can become sicker than the addict. Sobriety can bring a lot of changes which the relatives need help in dealing with.
Created: Friday, 24-Feb-2006 05:45:00 GMT
Jamie, London
I had been an addict for thirty eight years I started on speed and my addition grew. Five years ago I went through my own personal hell of going cold turkey. Why? It was a crazy idea I had one Christmas and I have been clean ever since but I do understand some of the reasons why I became an addict. I now write a blog called jamiesbig voice. I work voluntary for Crisis the homeless charity. What I want to know is why there are not more rehabs when we know more youngsters are becoming drug addicts and why we still let doctors prescribe methadone when we know the damage it causes? We all know we have a drug culture and yet I still think the government is unwilling to spend the billions needed to help with the cure.
Created: Friday, 24-Feb-2006 06:20:51 GMT
Senga, Kilwinning
I am the partner of an addict I have been with him for 14 years. He has been an addict for 7 years. I have 2 children and a full time job. I am all for helping him get clean. I also have attended meetings and feel for each and every one of them. I went for support at AA but couldn’t keep it up as I had no time. I did feel they were helping but i'm not a judgmental person anyway. I end up resenting him as I have to work full time just to pay the bills and all he does is get further into debt. Everyone says I should let go and he will sort himself out as all I’m doing is enabling him to keep going by helping him. Can anyone assist in what would be best or have you been there? I don’t want to end up hating him. Good luck to everyone who is trying to get off any mind altering substance .And don’t forget about the poor parents and partners who go through hell for something that others are doing to themselves.
Created: Friday, 24-Feb-2006 09:27:07 GMT
Angie, Cowfold, West Sussex
I e-mailed this programme on Monday and have continued to watch it throughout the last 5 days. I have worked in the field of substance misuse for 25 years. I have been puzzled by the fact that two of the clients have been discharged only after 4 days when they will still be feeling the effects of withdrawal, maybe not so severe with the vomiting etc but they will continue to have cramps, pains in their bones and restlessness, but most of all they will have real sleeping problems. I am assuming that they were given Voltarol and Buscopan whilst in Detox 5 - have they returned home with these medications? Also what care plan has been made for their relapse prevention? Why was this not organised prior to their admission? As a worker in this field I am aware of clients having to wait for treatment especially if they are drug free. I am quite appalled that this was not done before detox. and a care plan and follow-up not put in place. I am somewhat puzzled also that the doctor insisted that Amanda was suffering from benzodiazepine withdrawals when it was not made clear that she was addicted rather than bingeing on benzos. Also I am not aware that naltrexone attaches itself to the same receptors as those of opiates. it seems clear to me that every time she takes the naltrexone she is put back into withdrawal - this is a short acting antagonist and methadone is a long acting opiate and her withdrawal will consequently take much longer and been very uncomfortable. The protocols for benzo withdrawal indicate slow withdrawal due to the chance of fitting. I feel that the public may have been misled by these issues!!
Created: Friday, 24-Feb-2006 09:43:32 GMT
Lucy, Menorca/ Spain
What I would like to know is this - what happens to these people afterwards?? do they get in to a program or do you just release them back into society to use again......Just detoxing does not keep you clean and sober......
Created: Friday, 24-Feb-2006 09:56:08 GMT
Alan, Manchester
A brilliant programme. I hope that Channel 4 seriously consider producing a short DVD/Video including highlights of the programme. I am a serving Police Officer working in schools, these resources would be a useful addition in any drug awareness programme.
Created: Friday, 24-Feb-2006 09:57:13 GMT
Simon, Durham
I think that your programme has been a success. It has shown many people who have no idea what an addiction to heroin can be like and may prevent other people even trying the drug in the future. I was an addict for many years and have completed the detox 5 programmed at the Harrogate clinic. I followed the regime set by the Dr and had the counseling sessions, it does work. I have been clean for 5 years now and have rebuilt my life. The detoxification is only the start, it took me about 2 years until I felt normal again and my body started to function how it once did. I took up going to the gym to take my mind away from the drug and burning the new found energy I once used to get the drug. I wish all the participants the very best for the future. Life is so much better when you are clean
Created: Friday, 24-Feb-2006 10:20:55 GMT
Andrea, Newquay
As someone who is coming off diazepam after 36 years with no help at all, I think that this programme highlights the help there is for street drug users and how little help there is for those of us who have been made addicts by doctors. I would love to be able to go into somewhere to be helped with the dreadful journey that I am going through. My withdrawal has been going on for two years and people who have taken benzodiazepines take years to heal after they are off it. It would be good if the problems relating to those addicted by prescription were shown. There are thousands upon thousands of us all over the world and the doctors are still prescribing way over the two to four weeks that is the time they should be given for. I personally think it is glorifying heroin addiction.
Created: Friday, 24-Feb-2006 10:46:36 GMT
Penny , London
All addicts lie and cheat to get what they want. It is part of the illness. You either accept a person or you don't. There should be limits to the behaviour you tolerate from a loved one who is an addict, otherwise you become their enabler, but always remember that in there somewhere is the person you love, who is imprisoned by the illness of addiction, and still hope that one day they might shine through the guilt and shame and remorse are stupendous, and often so overwhelming that the only option seems to go back to the anaesthetic you have relied upon for so long. The illness is characterised by remissions and relapses, and an addict has to get clean and relapse many times before the necessary lessons are learned, and taken on board. Finally, the addict has to want to stop for ever, and this can take many years of catastrophic social, emotional and physical experience. it should be pointed out also that methadone withdrawal takes much, much longer than heroin, and Amanda will only just beginning her cluck when the others are going home. subutex was a totally life changing drug for me, and the first drug that almost totally removed the distressing symptoms of withdrawal and enabled me to function for the first time in years, I then stopped the subutex gradually and have now been clean two years, with no desire to ever return to that life. I still struggle to come to terms with all the wasted years and the abuse and degradation I suffered while an addict. I remain vigilant, but drugs never even enter my thoughts these days. I now have two children, which I could never have done while an addict.
Created: Friday, 24-Feb-2006 10:53:35 GMT
Matthew, Burton On Trent
I watched the show and was happy to see that you showed it like it is and not blindfold people about the truth, but as a user myself for over 7 years now I would like to get the chance like they did and get off the stuff, but how can I get on a similar sort of program, and will I have to sell a kidney to fund it? Thank you for your help. Matthew Dolman
Created: Friday, 24-Feb-2006 11:31:02 GMT
Suzie , Middlesex
What a fantastic programme! This should be shown in every school across the country. "Children, this is what will happen to you if you take drugs!" it is about time that children and parents were introduced to the reality of drug abuse. If you experiment with drugs, there is a good change that you will become addicted to them.
Created: Friday, 24-Feb-2006 11:55:33 GMT
Beth, Kidderminster
I had a friend who went into DETOX5 a few times. She managed to stay clean for a while but sadly overdosed in a pub toilet and died. I think what the programme lacked greatly was the issue of aftercare. When you get through a detox the most important part then is to remain opiate free, which is where many addicts fall. As an ex-user myself, now working in drug service, I empathise fully with the three patients and wish them well for the future. It’s a shame that there isn’t a fairy to wave a magic wand for them on their long road to recovery.
Created: Friday, 24-Feb-2006 11:59:09 GMT
Rachael, Workington
These people know what the affects of taking heroin are before they take it. They obviously want to do this to themselves
Created: Friday, 24-Feb-2006 12:29:27 GMT
Angela, Essex
My ex died of a heroin overdose a year ago, I admire the 3 patients who have the strength to not only become clean but to show the nation what it involves, hopefully this will deter those who may want to dabble and show other addicts it’s not impossible if the will and determination is there to come clean. I would now like to wish Darren, Alison and Amanda every success for their future, I will be looking out for the updates on how they get on :)< /p>
Created: Friday, 24-Feb-2006 12:34:17 GMT
Gwendolyn, London
As somebody who is the sister of a heroin addict in recovery who is still active in the family support network I am absolutely appalled by this programme. Drug abuse is still one of the most misunderstood illnesses of our times and your programme has actively encouraged society's wrong views about it. I had hoped that apart from sensationally showing the suffering of the three brave patients, I had really hoped that this programme would at least be informative. Where were references to alternative treatment centres, AA, NA and so on? What about family support groups? The list goes on and on... You had a chance to inform society about an illness of which most people have an opinion but no understanding. In my view you have truly missed the point!
Created: Friday, 24-Feb-2006 13:07:16 GMT
Casey, London
I am fuming from some of the things people have been saying about addiction. Not all drug addicts steal, not all addicts are horrible people, most actually work during the week to pay for their habits. I think people are very ignorant to addiction problems. it is a mental illness like any other, it does not 'make' people steal but when ur suffering withdrawals and have no support the only thing u can do is make yourself feel better. It is good that detox5 have come on the TV but that is representing a very quick detox. Most addicts stay within the community, and if they are lucky to get scripted most can drop their meds week by week in their own homes, if they have one. When a relative gets cancer or any other serious illness, sympathy and help if thrown at the victims but victims of a cruel disease like addiction are treated like scum even if they are genuinely suffering. I think people should be more open minded, it is the ignorance of people to this subject that make living, hell for drug addicts.
Created: Friday, 24-Feb-2006 13:13:39 GMT
Keith , Edinburgh
At age 19, I hold a particularly well respected job and earn significant more money than any one else I know my age. I’m not your average alcoholic or drug mis-user. I began becoming involved in drugs when I was 14 not long after I was raped and sexually assaulted by an older man. It was a coping mechanism. I’ve never touched the 'hard' drugs - my main 'drug' was initially the odd spliff then constant smoking of joints. I was also using Valium (Diazepam) which I was prescribed for anxiety and started to abuse them. Then came along alcohol; particularly spirits. At age 17 I was clinically dependant on alcohol and was hospitalised for detox. To make matters worse, the cannabis I used a few years ago seems to have 'triggered' a diagnosis of Bipolar Affective Disorder amongst other mental health problems. I have been in and out of psychiatric hospitals since I was 14 for various reasons; self harm, suicide attempts, alcohol detox, acute psychosis and mania. I can't say that it's all down to cannabis, because there is history of mental ill health in my family however can safely say that cannabis certainly made my life hell for a good few years. And I’m only 19... I now drink as much as the 'average' person does and can manage to stop after one; something which I would never have thought that I could have done. So far as drugs are concerned, I’ve not touched anything for more than a year and have no intention of doing so. I am prescribed Diazepam along with various anti-psychotics and mood stabilizers which help my mood stay 'level' and also helps curb the urges to resort to abusing substances. I’m lucky to have the support around me. But more importantly, I’m willing to accept the help I am offered. My heart goes out to those who are detoxing at the moment - despite what drugs they may be. Keep your chin up. You'll get there if you try, and you accept the help that is being offered. Trust me, I know it's much easier said than done.
Created: Friday, 24-Feb-2006 13:17:21 GMT
Emily, London
I was saved from going to detox5. It is a scary process to be sedated and withdraw and then be released in 5 days. 95% of addicts re-use within 3months. They are a good service, I do not doubt that but if more addicts were trusted by their doctors and given unsupervised monthly methadone prescriptions they could have 'normal' working lives and come off the prescription slowly without having to go to any detox or rehab. plus a lot of people feel the basis of a lot of rehabs 'the 12 steps' is too 'hitlerized', once an addict always an addict etc. etc. thank you for airing the program it has shown many of the ignorant a true insight to the harsh world of addiction, which is misunderstood by many.
Created: Friday, 24-Feb-2006 17:34:30 GMT
Alicia, Barnsley
Well done for letting the nation see Darren, Amanda and Alison in their darkest hours, I have found it must see TV. I have seen many people who I have known become hooked on heroin and seen their lives spiral out of control but saying that I have on a few occasions took it myself but made a decision to stay away from it after my long term partner and soul mate died from an overdose, this was 4 years ago but the pain is still there and I only wish I could turn the clock back. Thank you channel 4 for bringing this to us all, we need to get serious about this issue before more lives are ruined and lost.
Created: Thursday, 23-Feb-2006 07:38:17 GMT
Karen Purves, Kirkcaldy, Fife
Although I am finding the programme interesting, I think, having previously worked as a 1-1 rehabilitation worker (Substance Misuse), that the public should be made aware of the lack of opportunities for heroin/methadone addicts to have such residential 'cold turkey' detox. I also believe the carefully selected 3 individuals have indeed got the best chance of such detox working, due to the 'sorted' life and support back home. I wouldn't want the general public to think 'well why don't all the addicts just go and do this?’ it's not possible for most (due to funding and availability) and for a great many it simply wouldn't work, due to then coming out to the same life, often without family and real friendship support, criminal records, homelessness, no job opportunities.....the list is endless. However, well done for beginning to inform and educate the general community on the issue.
Created: Thursday, 23-Feb-2006 08:06:17 GMT
Simone, Birmingham
I have been watching `Going Cold Turkey` on an evening and I just wanted to say well done to Darren & the girls. They are doing really well and I really hope they succeed. I have never been in that situation and so I can’t imagine what they are going through, but I think knowing that they have support by friends and family (and viewers) can only help them. Again welcome, don’t give up for no-one. Also the nursing staff are doing a marvellous job and without people like them, there wouldn’t be such clinics.
Created: Thursday, 23-Feb-2006 08:20:14 GMT
Linda, Borehamwood Hertfordshire
I have detoxed several times from alcohol, only on my own because of limited funds. Watching the people withdrawing from heroin, I realise it is almost identical to alcohol withdrawal, in fact mine was worse because I had no help or sedatives. But a word to the wise. if people relapse they must try again. People say, oh here we go again, another slip, blah blah. But you do get there in the end. So any addicts out there. Never give up trying to stop.
Created: Thursday, 23-Feb-2006 08:35:39 GMT
Andrea, Chorley
I have just completed a methadone dettox.I haven’t used drugs since last year. The meth is a lot worse to come off. The withdrawals are intense and last along time. I haven’t slept in a week and my legs av been aching for weeks. Any advice 4 me? meth shud not be prescribed it is worse than heroin.
Created: Thursday, 23-Feb-2006 08:38:26 GMT
Kelly, Manchester
Talk about Addiction - I’m addicted to this programme totally. I think this programme is absolutely fantastic! I can see why many other members of the public may find this show offensive as they have probably never known much about addiction just like me and they don’t want to either. It was the first time I’ve ever seen how the heroin is used, what it looks like, what it does to the brain and how quickly the addiction takes place. If the people that are complaining are anything like me who has spent most of my life calling these people dirty, smack head scum bags, then I can understand that, but for the very first time in my life, I actually know something about it now. My father was a heroin addict for about 18years and as far as I know has now been on methadone for 9 years. He and his girlfriend (who has the same profile) had a baby 9 years ago born partially blind and with cerebral palsy. I have had full contact with her from day one and take care of her on weekends to give her adoptive parents a break. My dad and partner had two opportunities in rehab to get clean in an attempt to get their little girl back and didn't succeed-this is the kind of action I can't tolerate. However, in the case of Darren, Amanda and Alison, they have been given a chance and if they don't take it fully then my opinion of them with be the same as it is for my father-scum. But I really really hope and pray that they can do this and hope they never in their life come across the devastating affects of a baby being born 13weeks early and severely addicted to heroin because that's a withdrawal of a different kind. To all the people who are disgusted by this show-if it stops ONE teenage child that was contemplating giving it a go this weekend from going ahead, then C4 have achieved at least that. Chris Moyles on Radio1 this morning was saying how he thought it was very low of C4 to put this show on and then completely turned a corner and said that he was watching it and that it had changed his opinion on the whole subject and that he felt very sorry for the 3 people featured in the show-point proven! It’s opening eyes. My only concern is that as far as I’m aware the show is only following the first few days of getting clean and for me it's the rest of the year that's important too???
Created: Thursday, 23-Feb-2006 00:32:57 GMT
Anne, Glasgow
I work closely with addicts on street level. through your programme I now admire and have a different perspective on just what is involved with detox and a fresh understanding as to why some run from it
Created: Thursday, 23-Feb-2006 00:51:40 GMT
Mohammad, Dukinfield/cheshire
HI I would like to say good luck to the three patients, the main things is I have been an heroin addict for 6 years and have tried to go cold turkey twice but the case is after being clean is to fill the time that I used to smoke the heroin and the things that remind me like I love watching the soaps so when ever the soaps come on TV it reminded me of having a smoke as I used to do for 5 years so I am wondering the patients would have the same probs but I am going abroad to do my rip again and hope to get married and sort my life out that I have lost for 6 years I wish the three strong people you have there can do the same after they have to face the big hard drug filled streets out there. Another thing Alison on one of the first programs went out in her pj to buy a bag of heroin so me that says she has to walk out of her door and its there for her. I wish you could do something to help her or advise her to move away from where she is living or from my experience she will be doing it by hiding it from her loved one. I would like to say thank you to the team who decided to screen this as it will show the small minded people out their who thing you can switch of an heroin addiction by a click of a finger.
Created: Thursday, 23-Feb-2006 01:07:50 GMT
Kathryn, Newport
To All 3 of You, Giving up heroin is not easy as we have seen over the last 3 days so far. You have all courageously walked away from something that has been a safety blanket for you for so many years; but on the other hand was destroying you all. I commend you all on your efforts and have seen a great improvement in only these 3 days. Now take your family in your hands and use them as your safety as I did when I kicked the habit in 1992. I was hooked on Amphetamines for 3 years so I can empathise with what you are going through. It was the love of my family and my children that got me through. Tell Alison I can see the real her shining through and the dark shadows under her eyes have lifted, she is beautiful and deserves to be treated like the lady she is. All of you keep up the good work, keep positive and take all the support that is offered to you. I wish you all well and hope you stay clean now forever. Do it for yourselves, you are worth so much more. Good Luck to you all and God Bless the medical staff for looking after you so well. Love Kathy south Wales. x x x
Created: Thursday, 23-Feb-2006 02:14:53 GMT
Martin, Northumberland
20 months ago I had major emergency surgery to save my life. I was put on OXYCODONE medication (a strain of the oxynorm medication) a strong opiate pain killer. I used this for several months to combat the pain on leaving hospital. After I didn't need such a strong pain killer I tried to come off them unaware that they were extremely addictive. I was found to have very bad HEP C and am awaiting treatment for this, the specialist wanted to start this treatment ASAP to give me a good chance for the treatment to work, but cant start the treatment until I am clear of these opiates. I have found that I am unable to come off these pain killers alone. I tried gradual reduction but keep slipping as I can't handle the withdrawals at all. I have tried every kind of possible action to get a funding for a detox to get off these pills but it seems that as I am using a prescription drug and not buying off the street that I must not be a priority and the doors just keep closing. They have destroyed my life. I am unable to return to work, I am unable to socialize, I find it hard to get any motivation to do anything even get out of bed as I am constantly either withdrawing or feeling drowsy. This has obviously brought on major depression as my once active life is now an absolute nightmare surrounding this drug. It seems I can't get help unless me and my life are completely ruined. Why can’t I get help before this happens and too many years have gone by? Why should I have to be in such a state maybe even hitting harder drugs eventually before anyone will help? This was not a high or an escape I was looking for. I needed life saving surgery and have come out the other side with an addiction I don't deserve and am at a point when I wonder if it was worth it. Do I need to have needles sticking out of my veins before I can get some recognition or help?
Created: Thursday, 23-Feb-2006 00:00:07 GMT
Anthony, Brighton
Many of my friends have been or are opiate addicts, me myself have been an addict for 17 years, my life has been stunted badly but I still managed to go to college and become a carpenter. I have never stole to fund my habit I pay 400 pound a week for heroin, why is there no real help from the NHS? DETOX 5 costs thousands of pounds, My NHS doctor told me to go and do a cold turkey with no medication and refused to give me SUBUTEX, I lasted 6 days before relapsing .The stigma makes it a secret illness and the hostility you receive when you go come out makes stopping that much harder.