The mental side of withdrawal

People are always talking about withdrawal, it is a popular subject. At my clinic as of late, there have been many new clients that are just getting started with a methadone maintenance program, and, after a few days there they are already planning what they want there max dose to be, and when they want to stop the methadone. They are so worried about something that is in the future that they are not focusing on the here and now and loosing sight of what is important, that they are sober and the methadone is helping. I hear so many people on tv shows, clients at the clinic, people that aren't even on methadone talking about how horrible withdrawal from ALL opiates can be. Well yes, withdrawal is no fun and I hate it myself, but I also believe that there is a mental component to withdrawal from any substance. If, in my head, I create a large amount of anxiety and expectations that withdrawal will be the worst thing in the world, then it will be exactly that. Having a positive mindset is always helpful. Just like stress can make us sick, the opposite holds true as well. It is just too bad that there is so much talk about how bad methadone is on shows like Dr. Drew Celebrity Rehab and shows like that because it sends the wrong message to everyone, not just the people that aren't on methadone or people who already have a negative view of MMT. Clients that are just starting their recovery and their methadone program are hearing this message, and as a result they are not giving the methadone the chance it deserves. Worrying about the potential withdrawals, whenever that may be, is utterly useless and serves no purpose in a solid recovery program. If you think the worst, then that is exactly what you will get. Have a nice day, peace.