U.N. Owen
Disclaimer:What my title refers to is, I was in one of the 3 documentaries - all filmed roughly the same time, here in NYC - about junkies. I was in one (UNION SQUARE THE MOVIE), My best friend is in one ('Sebastian', in Dope, Sick, Love), and someone I know well - Michael, is in this documentary.While I'd never had the chance to see this documentary before, I'm just watching it now, and, right off the bat, I want to say: NOT ALL 'METHADONIANS' are as the people in this film appear.It IS true, that there are people in methadone programs (MMTP for short) who DO take benzo's (benzodiazapenes) in order to get a heroin-like high from the methadone.But, I NEVER did, and a lot of people I see at my program, and know, don't.I also want to say that as this film (as well as mine; UNION SQUARE THE MOVIE (and Sebastian's film, Dope, Sick, Love) were all filmed over 6 years ago, all three of us have progressed quite a lot form these times.In this film, Michael (who was shown with his dark glasses on, and nodding out at group) looks MUCH better. He's put on weight, he's got a home, and, he's cleaned up his act.I was happy to see that several other people who are on Methadone weren't 'ashamed' to hide it, and LOUDLY say not all methadonians are like these.That's what really annoyed me, as well.In ANY situation, there'll always be 'bad apples,' and as this film-maker thought - he could focus on these people (at that time) and make what seems to be a 'blanket-statement' about ALL methadonians, and Mr. Negroonte's belief that the Methadone makers sole purpose is to keep us hooked.I can tell you that is WRONG.ANother point, is that, a lot of people just starting on an MMTP are 'on-the-fence' - they've foot dangling in the 'junkie life,' and another dangling in the 'real' worldThat period can last a person months, or years.It all depends on when the person gets tired of the old ways, and WANTS a LIFE.So, as far as Michael goes - he was in that stage when this was made.But, he's not anymore, and, I'd bet that of the people in this film - or at methadone programs in general, a good percentage has passed onto living a higher quality of life.Trying to get off methadone IS more difficult (the reason being that, unlike heroin, methadone acts MUCH longer. Therefore, it's harder to get it out of the body.It's NOT part of a 'nefarious' plot to make people addicted. WE did that to OURSELVES).But, kicking methadone ISN'T the ONLY option.Someone once told me - and I agree - that, as a diabetic needs dialysis lifelong, so, does a methadone client. IF (that's 'I-F') they choose.As of now, that's what I choose.Because, for me - it makes me feel secure - from myself.I don't know yet (almost a decade on it) if I wouldn't run out and cop some dope.But, I also know that on methadone, I've my family back, I've a terrific home, and life.Same goes for Sebastian - and Steve in this film.I wish that Mr. Negroponte would have taken this film, and 'sat' on it for several years.Then, he could pick up the stories 5-or-so years later, and see what impact methadone had on these people's lives.I don't know the other people in this film, but, if Mr. Negropnte had done that, he'd see a 180 degree difference in Michael.Showing the POSITIVE would be great.
clayrogers
Keep in mind that this video is filmed in the Lower East side of NYC. I am a methadone patient also, living in Madison, WI. The people that attend my clinic are normal everyday people, they don't talk and look like the crazies in this film. While some of us might be abusing other drugs while maintaining ourselves on methadone, most of us are genuinely trying to change and start a new life. Opiate addiction is something that spans across many ages and lifestyles nowadays with the rising popularity of OxyContin as well as Heroin in the cities and suburbs of America. It is possible to be on methadone and live a completely normal life, I think methadone is the cure, not simply a stepping stone on the way to some ultimate "recovery" that is never going to happen for most of us unfortunately. I enjoyed this film however, even though i think it makes methadone patients look like complete losers and junkies. Just remember this only shows a very small portion of the methadone community and doesn't speak for all of us!
ford-jj21
Methadonia tells a sad and depressing story. It follows the life of a handful of methadone patients. All are in a state of despair, and I couldn't help but feeling sympathetic for them.The most charismatic and most lovable character, Steve, is truly the substance of the film and the reason why you keep watching.I also liked this documentary because it never veered too far politically. But in a way, I wish it had. Apparently methadone clinics are private industries and it pays to keep patients. I would have liked more investigation on this to bring this situation to light.This doesn't tell as good of a story as say "Hoop Dreams" or documentaries like that, but it does a worthy job of giving a glimpse into the part of American life that most people (fortunately) don't get to see.
John Seal
HBO seems to be--pardon the pun--addicted to producing documentaries about drugs and drug addiction. From the sensationalistic and not terribly enlightening Crank: Made In America to the remarkable Dope Sick Love, Home Box Office can't seem to get enough of America's love affair with narcotics and other controlled substances. Thankfully, Methadonia is more than just another example of the pornography of despair, and serves to enlighten viewers about the Methadone experience and how recently developed psychotropics interact with it. The film focuses on a half dozen New York junkies over an 18 month period and their struggles with coping with not only their addictions to heroin and mood elevators but with the detox from Methadone itself. You'll gain a new appreciation for the hardships these folks live through, and the courage it takes for them to try to reclaim a normal life. Moving and uplifting, Methadonia is essential viewing for documentary fans.
