Introducing myself

I’m David. I’m 41 years old and have experienced problems with drugs and alcohol for over twenty years. Heroin addiction and alcoholism were my life for over a decade, until I started a methadone maintenance programme nearly six years ago. I’d had enough of my lifestyle, and methadone helped me to move away from it.

Although methadone was a great help, I did have some problems. I continued to experience withdrawal even when my dosage was increased. After hospital tests, doctors found that my body metabolised methadone unusually quickly. Eventually the Home Office gave permission for me to be prescribed the highest dose of methadone. I was maintained on 250 ml daily, for many years, whilst I waited for a diamorphine script.

My life became more stable and I enjoyed training as a user advocate with The Alliance. I’ve been working as a user advocate in South Wales for a few years now. I regularly write for Wired In and DDN to share my experiences with others. I also produce a free newsletter 'The Heroin Herald' for substance users and practitioners.

After years waiting for diamorphine I realised it was not going to happen in the near future. I’d been struggling with unpleasant side effects from the methadone, which was making my hepatitis C symptoms worse.

During the last year I made the decision to come off methadone. I have since detoxed completely and am writing about my experiences. I’m now thinking about what to do with the next stage of my life!