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Created: Tuesday, 21-Feb-2006 11:08:05 GMT
Chris, Bedford
Whilst I applaud Channel 4 in bringing this subject to the masses, could you not have used someone other than the Detox 5 Unit. As an Ex-heroin user and now a substance misue worker, i feel that what these people offer is nothing more than street robbery. A lot of money is paid to do this, and then you are kicked out half way through a detox with no support other than a phone call. A Heroin detox lasts approx 10–14 days, and is only the beginning. These 3 people will need long term support to deal with the emotional baggage of 10+ years behind the brown. Where is the aftercare, the counselling the support on a day to day basis to deal with the reasons for using Heroin in the first place. What happens when they get back to their respective towns and all the triggers kick in, the phone box they called their dealers from, the people they scored and used with, etc. The reality is you can't/won't/don't pick up a phone and speak to a disembodied voice, you need someone you can physically go and see, someone who can talk you through the problems. Emotionally these 3 are going to be wrecks when they leave, do you realise how difficult it is giving up something that has been your brother, your sister, your mother and your lover for such a huge part of your life.
Created: Tuesday 21-Feb-2006 10:57:33 GMT
donna, Nottingham
i disagree with what Sarah said about the program. i think if it's going to help the next generation to stay off of heroin then i am all for it!! yes it is unpleasant to watch!! but the reality is there. addicts go through hell daily and this should be highlighted.
Created: Tuesday, 21-Feb-2006 10:23:22 GMT
Senga, Milton Keynes
I am watching this programme with interest and I pray for the three addicts concerned that they will succeed with this journey they have embarked to the other side of this awful drug. I lost my brother just over a year ago to heroin, like the people on the show he too went through detox, and i cannot tell you how wonderful it was to have the old brother back again looking great, handsome and so well... i cannot praise enough the clinic that treated him they were wonderful. We as a family supported Stuart 100% and he so wanted to live a "normal life". Tragically Stuart in a moment of weakness once again turned to the drug i believe he thought he could get away with just one more hit. sadly where his body was clean of drugs that one hit killed him instantly. We as a family are so devastated and life for us will never be the same without him. I pray for any family going through this hell and for the ones involved in the programme i admire the bravery they have shown going public with this addiction. God bless them all.
Created: Tuesday, 21-Feb-2006 10:50:54 GMT
CLARE, BEDFORDSHIRE
MY PARTNER IS 25 AND HAS BEEN ON AND OFF HERION (SMOKING) FOR ABOUT 5 YEARS. HE SMOKES ABOUT 10 POUNDS A DAY WHEN TAKING IT. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW HOW SEVERE THE COLD TURKEY WOULD BE COMING OFF THIS AMMOUNT. WOULD IT BE AS BAD AS THE PEOPLE IN THE REHAB? HE NORMALY GETS SWEATS, SNEEZING AND TWICHING AT NIGHT UNABLE TO SLEEP WITH LOOSE STOOLS. HOW LONG SHOULD THIS LAST? WILL I ALWAYS HAVE TO HIDE MY PRUSE UNDER MY PILLOW AT NIGHT?
Created: Tuesday, 21-Feb-2006 10:43:19 GMT
yvonne, nottinghamshire
the programme is called "cold turkey". as I only caught the end of the programme so I am not sure if I have got this right. I got the impression that 'Detox 5' was being used, therefore if this is correct the paticipants are not going 'cold turkey' and there is not going to be a realistic portrayal of a detox from heroin. If so you are misleding the general public who have no experience of this subject.
Created: Tuesday, 21-Feb-2006 10:42:34 GMT
sandra, hull
i have a son who sufferes from epilepsy, aged 27. He has been on and off heroin (injecting) for approx 10 yrs. He has been hospitalised as recently as 3 wks ago, having had a fit after injecting. He suffered respiratory failure, thought he was going to die. Being dissabled myself the sress on the whole family is terrible. I think the group you are taking care of are very brave. Although my son hasn't resorted to burglary or theft of any kind. Although i still love him to death is it fair to say he disgusts me. His father and i are prisoners in our own house, for fear he goes over. best regards to all.
Created: Tuesday, 21-Feb-2006 10:44:29 GMT
Robin, Berkshire
It appears that the clients featured in your programme undergoing detox are just sedated. Is any other medication to ease the symptoms of withdrawal such as lofexidine or buprenorphine used on these clients because they do seem to be suffering?
Created: Tuesday 21-Feb-2006 10:36:55 GMT
Donna, Nottingham
Hi i have been watching the program with interest tinged with sadness. i am a mum of a 19 year old daughter who is addicted to amphetamines. she injects amphetamines. it would be good if there was some sort of detox program for amphetmaine users as i have heard that there is no program for amphetamine users. if anyone has any advice it would be gratefully appreciated. it's not been easy as she is always at my door wanting money or food and she is turning to crime to fund her habit as she hasn't got it together to go and sign on so she loses her claim. I am at my wits end with her and i have another child to bring up who is only 6 years old. i hate having to tell my younger child that her sister is not feeling well. it's getting really hard to hide it from my younger child as well. she is picking up on it. i have called helplines in my area who give advice. always telling me not to give my daughter money as it is going on amphetamines. but when she's at my door going on and on and on what else can i do? i get a lot of verbal abuse from her if i refuse to give her money. it is really hurtful and nasty too. If anyone has any advice or even practial help it would be gratefully receieved. my daughter does not live with me – she has her own flat up the road just some 10 minutes walk away so i see her daily. it is not pleasant to watch your child go downhill and lose weight like she is doing. i fear she will end up with a lot of health problems as there are heart problems on both sides of our families. Is addiction genetic? as her father was an intravenous amphetamine user some years ago. if there is anyone out there that can help me i would be most pleased to hear from anyone.
Created: Tuesday, 21-Feb-2006 10:34:39 GMT
Lisa, Essex
I would like to express my sheer admiration of all involved in the programme "Going Cold Turkey". I feel that it exhibits empathic understanding, courage and above all the truth regarding this issue. It is now time to face its harsh reality and enable the public to at first grasp the substance and the addiction and all that entails concerning recovery. Such honest and brutal awareness may banish all negative fears/anxiety held by many and through your show you are swiftly achieving this. Thank you.
Created: Tuesday, 21-Feb-2006 10:20:51 GMT
louise, essex
i'd just like to say well done to them all. i think they're very brave to do this and to do it on tv is even braver. keep it up and look to the future.
Created: Tuesday, 21-Feb-2006 10:15:23 GMT
liz, glasgow
my sister is on heroin, and has been since my mum died. i'm looking after her 2 kids, and at the moment don't know where my sister is. the last time a seen my sister was the 15/12/05 on her daughter's birthday. a wish they would highlight more programmes like this, in glasgow and all over the world, and for the goverment to pay to help these people. i do know it's not anyone's fault that my sister chose to go down that evil road, if people got more help and support from the goverment then a do believe we as family would help and support our relatives and loved ones get back to living in this real world. good luck to these 3 special people taking part in this programme and to their families and everyone involved.
Created: Tuesday, 21-Feb-2006 10:12:52 GMT
Jane, Exmouth
I have a daughter who is 32, she has been an addict for 12 yrs or so. She had a son 7 years ago, to be able to keep him she had to go to a rehab and get clean, which she did. Her partner did the same. I was so proud of her. She went on to have two more boys. He lost his job because of DVT following years of abuse. There then followed a downward spiral back into addiction. The three boys are now being cared for by other family memebers, the partner has almost lost his life. Meanwhile, my daughter has gone missing and I have no idea if she is dead or alive. My family are distraught. Heroin has left a trail of destruction on us all, and I pray that my story does not become another family's story.
Created: Tuesday, 21-Feb-2006 10:12:18 GMT
Frances, The Highlands of Scotland
Please include information about the Naltrexone implant. It is not easy to get in this country but is a life saver especially for the long term addict. Remember too the recovering addict needs to have good aftercare and be able to speak to a therapist regularly. It is obviously best not to be around the company who still use and to get a job – any job for your own well being and self worth. Our family used Detox 5 when our addict had been using 10 to 15 years and I was ready to bury him he was in such dangerous company. I have never seen a more thorough medical and evaluation as at Harrogate and we need such a facility in every major city. The money wasted on creating methadone addicts might be better spent on detox and the Natrexone implant.
Created: Tuesday, 21-Feb-2006 10:07:08 GMT
debbie, glasgow
my husband had been a user for 22 yrs. he was taking 10 bags of heroin, 60 blues and cannabis, £700 a week habit. we got him to a rehab in glasgow and on admission he wasn't given a choice of being sedated. he was given subutex. 2 hours into his admission he was going through withdrawals. what i saw him going through broke my heart but he was doing the right thing. wouldn't it be better for an addict to go through withdrawals and feel every ache and pain rather than being sedated, and at the end of their program when they have came through it all they will remember every pain they went through and would think twice about going on it again. i'm glad to say that after 10 days in the rehab i finally got my husband back, and i'm so very proud of him.
Created: Tuesday 21-Feb-2006 10:15:33 GMT
Dennis, portsmouth
in 1998 or 1999 (my memory isn't what it used to be) i was introduced to heroin by a 'friend' of mine. it took all my worries/fears and loneliness away while i was on it which was at the time needed because i had been through a messy split with my partner. unbeknowing to me it would rule the next 4-5 years of my life and put me in situations that i would never have thought i could get into. within weeks it was apparent to me that i was somewhere i didn't want to be but by this time i was physiclaly addicted and starting to get stuck in a cycle of being ill then scoring then not being ill. i denied to myself for the next year or so that i was in trouble. it was then that i realised that i was everything i hated when i was young – a 'junkie'. i went through the normal channels of the situation doctors, helplines and drop-in centres and was lucky i found a doctor that was understanding and willing to help me which he did. it wasn't untill april 2003 that i finaly had enough and got myself admitted to a detox centre. i did my detox and stayed clean from illegal substances (except smoking skunk) but unfortunately i had a small accident at work which meant that i had to have pain relief prescribed by a doctor this doctor with all my records available prescribed me with codiene phosphate upto 240mg a day in 4 equal doses. i was soon on a downhill ride which has bought me to today 48 hours till i go back into detox. although i never went back to the illegal side of opiates i still ended up on 240mg dihydrocodeine twice a day and it's this that i am going into detox for on 23/2/2006. i feel for those people on your addiction week programme and hope with all my heart that when they get out they have the strength to stay clean and make a better life for themselves and the people around them. my story in those 4years that i was a 'junkie' is not a pretty picture and it's one i never want to paint again. life is a gift don't turn it down.
Created: Tuesday 21-Feb-2006 10:18:28 GMT
Leanne, Birmingham
PLEASE READ I've been interested in your show as im a heroin addict myself. i'm just like Darren i take it to feel normal as the drug dosen't give me any buzz anymore. I really need help myself i've been on the drug 6 years now and want to stop it for myself and my (1st)baby 4months. i love him to bits. i'll have him taken off me if not and if that's the case. i have nothing to else to live for. I really do hate the drug but so scared to do my rattle on my own as of bad experience it takes 3 days for meth to come out of your system so Amanda yours will soon come that's why she isn't so bad.
Created: Tuesday, 21-Feb-2006 10:16:37 GMT
Tim, Thetford
I'm a recovering heroin addict and recovering alcoholic. I used heroin for about 7 years. I'm on 80ml Methadone/day. I'm doing a "home detox". I've been getting the help from my local Drug Advisory Service as well as my GP. I have been clean of heroin for over six months now and I'm on what they call a "maintenance dose" of methadone. My instructions are to reduce the dose of Meth as and when I feel comfortable to do so but at a sensible rate. I now feel very positive about my detox programme and, although it is a long process, feel that it won't be too long now before I'm totally opiate free. I'll always have to be aware that I'm an addict but I'm determined to remain CLEAN! I'd like to give my congratulations to the three in the clinic and wish them luck and happiness for their futures. They are all VERY BRAVE!
Created: Tuesday, 21-Feb-2006 09:57:50 GMT
keith, liverpool
i have done two rehabs and one detox and now live life part sucessfully on methodone only using when i have my own money. but i know i have just swapped one addiction for another, they are quite happy for me to stay on it the rest of my life, and suggested this! even though i am desperate to get clean it seems to me they're quick to get you a script, and take the pressure off the g.p. but very slow to help me come off meth, i hate meth it's just legal scoring.
Created: Tuesday, 21-Feb-2006 10:00:57 GMT
Mel, Birmingham
Having grown up in an area with a high number of heroin users including some family members, i am glad that you have come up with this programme. Having seen the abuse and judgements set upon them for using i hope now people will understand that for many people this is a way of life and can not just be changed at the drop of a hat.
Created: Tuesday, 21-Feb-2006 10:08:38 GMT
andrea, ireland
I'm addicted to heroin for 10 years and am on methadone 70mls daily for the last 3years but have still used 60–70euro of heroin a day on top of the methadone. i now want to get clean but can't get put on a higher dose. is my only option to go total cold turkey of both? p.s. yous are doing a great job, if it saves 1 person it is worth while.
Created: Tuesday, 21-Feb-2006 09:33:34 GMT
Alison, Plymouth
I am a senior drug worker and have been working in this field for nearly 14 years. I was appalled by the misinformation that was given out on last night's show. For example, nowhere in the BNF does it say that a therapuetic dose of diazepam is 30–80mgs. In fact it does not recommend anything over 30mg. I would like to know what BNF your 'expert' consultant uses. It was the most incompetent assessment and drug history taking that i have ever witnessed, although appreciate we may only have seen an 'out of context' snapshot. I also thought it was funny when it was stated that one of the patients had been "7 hours without her last fix of methadone", as methadone has a long half life and acts over 24hours, she should be ok for another 17 hours then!
Created: Tuesday, 21-Feb-2006 10:05:01 GMT
joyce, kings lynn
My granddaughter has been to detox 5, and was impressed with the care she received, they also followed up with enquiries, but once she had relapsed that all stopped. she was clean for about 1 month, we took her everywhere for help, as most of her problems are deep seated, stemming from her childhood, interference from Social Services, who told her she could leave home at 16 yrs old and actually helped her to leave a secure happy home. I had fostered her for various reasons, and she had lived with me since her birth, with aunts and cousins and a mother who all love her. She has many problems that need to be sorted out in her mind. She is currently on an assessment order from the courts, as they are considering a custodial sentence. I have tried everything I know to get her help, she is now nearly 26 years old and has a marvellous talent with animals. She can groom dogs and handles horses with expertise, she has been trained by Newmarker Racing Stables. What a waste of these young lives, mainly because of lack of funds to help them. It will cost far more in medication and prison, and probation officers than it would for realistic help.
Created: Tuesday 21-Feb-2006 10:15:01 GMT
Mandy, Harlow
I had a methadone addiction for over 10 years and so know from experience that the girl coming off meth could go at least 3 days before feeling any withdrawals as it stays in the system so much longer than heroin so no wonder she felt ok after only being drug free for 1 day. surely 5 days isn't long enough for her. what do you think?
Created: Tuesday, 21-Feb-2006 10:10:08 GMT
jean-phillippe, deal
I've been a drug user since the age of 12. I've been on heroin since my early twenties. I gave up heroin in the late nineties thanx to the support of my family. Around the millenium new year i was seriously attacked and almost killed. This has left me with a disability and returned me to using heroin. Since the attack, though, i have only smoked the heroin wheras before the attack i was an intravenous user. I do take methadone now and i don't do heroin every day but i will always be a heroin addict. I don't believe that these three people will stay off heroin because you have made giving up too easy for them.
Created: Tuesday, 21-Feb-2006 10:21:12 GMT
ellie, stratford-upon-avon
my brother is an ex heroin user and your show is real bad it is not identifying anything. You need to think properly before you start a show, find out about heroin first!
Created: Tuesday, 21-Feb-2006 10:19:07 GMT
Sarah, Derry City, N.Ireland
I think this is a great show. It allows the British and Irish public to see the reailty of what drugs can do. I am a social work student and i want to work with those who suffer from drug addiction, is there anything i need to take into consideration when i come to deal with long term addicts?
Created: Tuesday 21-Feb-2006 10:19:14 GMT
Martin, Harlow
I had a 20 year heroin addiction and 5 years ago I went thru detox 5. unfortunately I am now in the grip of addiction yet again and have been for at least 2 years. the detox 5 program I did was paid for by NHS and initially it did work but I also had a naltrexzone implant and my body rejected it causing irrepairable damage to my liver. I know I was the unlucky one but 5 days is just not long enough. maybe another week to get over the detox would help. I remember the journey home from the clinic. I was only semi-concious as you are still pumped full of drugs to sedate you. Anyhow I'm now going to start a subutex program so fingers crossed this time.
Created: Tuesday, 21-Feb-2006 09:56:49 GMT
Linz, Scotland
Thanks for raising this horrendous problem that is Heroin addiction. I have been treated at the clinic you are filming at the moment and it was not easy. I do think it's a great idea to highlight their detox but don't think you are showing the true horrors of cold turkey. The patients as I was myself, are heavily sedated. If you were to show people the "real" horrifying honest account of cold turkey, I really think it would have a far bigger impression on people than what's been shown at "detox g". I've done both and have to say that detox "g" was a walk in the park compared with the "real" cold turkey. I wish all three of these people every success in their futures, getting clean is the easy bit, staying clean is the really hard bit. Thanks C4 for highlighting this evil drug. It's like a cancer, it's everywhere and has ruined my life! I pray it helps many more addicts get their lives back as I continue to fight for one day at a time. My very best wishes to all three (ex)addicts featured on your show.
Created: Tuesday, 21-Feb-2006 10:03:19 GMT
andy, glasgow
If anybody dares to criticise your programme for being "reality tv gone mad", maybe they do not realise it is the best deterrent for Heroin I have ever seen and if you persuade one person to stop it is a success. thanks
Created: Tuesday, 21-Feb-2006 10:01:54 GMT
Claire, Tyne and Wear
Going cold turkey is only the start of the battle of heroin addiction. It is after the 5 days when the addicts need the help. Many addicts can get off heroin, but staying off it is the hard part. It is about time the Government did something about this.
Created: Tuesday 21-Feb-2006 09:56:14 GMT
Julie, Stourbridge
I lost my daughter's father 19 years ago. she was 4 months old. he hadn't used for 4 years then someone gave him a hit for a xmas present. It killed him. Although I have never used, living with him and seeing the things I saw made me a victim too.
Created: Tuesday, 21-Feb-2006 10:01:28 GMT
C, warwickshire
I would just like to say that I really hope that they complete the course and stick at it. I started using heroin when I ws 15. I have been on methadone for over 2 years now and haven't used any drugs for 26 months, I hit rock bottom when I was raped by drug dealers for a debt me and my ex-parter had built up. I had to go to court and then realised I couldn't go on like this. I am reducing my methadone and with the help of my partner (who has never touched drugs) and our 9 month old baby, I know I will never be in the grasps of heroin again. My heart breaks when i watch the video tapes of the girl trying to get a vein, that was me and I have the scars to show on both arms which I am hoping I can get plactic surgery for. I wish them all the luck in the world – cos they will need it.
Created: Tuesday, 21-Feb-2006 10:00:56 GMT
Mike, Aldershot
I was a heroin addict for 12 years. I am now clean with a young baby and one on the way. I would just like to say that since I've become clean the whole world is a new place and i now feel inspired to follow my dreams instead of the drug. It's not easy and the demon will always be there but i now control him and he doesn't control me. As i like to put it I keep him in his box. Also I'd like to wish your addicts the best of luck because it is definitely worth it. If they can stay off the gear they will have a whole new life and world ahead of them.
Created: Tuesday, 21-Feb-2006 09:58:18 GMT
GARY, STIRLING
Watching the show with great interest as i have been a heroin addict for 7 years. but i don't think the program serves any useful purpose as the treatment on the show isn't available or affordable to 95% of addicts. we are just given methadone, then left to die slowly. i think if you asked most addicts if they wanted to go through this type of programme, they would jump at it. i hope the "contestants" realise how lucky they are & wish them every success.
Created: Tuesday, 21-Feb-2006 09:55:53 GMT
James, London
This is media pandering of the worst kind. The patients involved were in no fit state, as active users, to give informed consent to this and although the perception might be that making a public commitment to addiction recovery is an added incentive to stick it out, it inevitably will have the reverse affect. I am appalled that the medical personnel involved at all levels consented to this, and indeed persuaded their patients to consent. Recovery is based in facing reality, not reality television.
Created: Tuesday, 21-Feb-2006 09:56:02 GMT
monique, plymouth
I've turned my life around, from being on the game to being at university now, but I cannot seem to give up my using once a week. I am using 8 milligram of subutex now daily, and 25 mls of diazipam. I keep trying and trying & I know that it hurts all around me when I use but I just cannot seem to sever all ties with the drug, please help. and give me some advice. My drug worker is easy to blag, and because it's not a daily thing, some people do not see it as a problem. I do! and I want sooo much to give it up completly, and live normaly. many thxs for reading this, and would appreciate any help. now I'm drinking daily, it's one that seems to have replaced the other.
Created: Tuesday, 21-Feb-2006 09:59:27 GMT
elva, stockton on tees
my brother is an heroin addict. he has been on heroin for 5 years. he gets clean for a few weeks then he's back on it. there isn't that much help here in the northeast. is there any thing help u can offer him to finally get him clean for good. this is tearing my family apart. i'm worried for my mam, i don't think she can take any more of this.
Created: Tuesday, 21-Feb-2006 09:59:37 GMT
Daniel, stoke-on-trent
i have a brother who has been using for 10 years and is currently using methadone. what advice can you give him on overcoming the addiction and staying away from the addiction in future?
