Overcoming an Addiction to Heroin is More Difficult Than Most People Think

Heroin addiction is ravaging the nation. People who thought that they could dabble with the drug become helplessly addicted to the substance and will do anything to get their fix. Addiction is a disease that isn’t easy to overcome, especially when it is an addiction to heroin.

In 2017, more than 15,480 people died from a heroin-related overdose in the United States alone. Those who suffer from addiction will steal from anyone that they can just so that they can finance their drug addiction. This often leads to a criminal record developing, which can make it even more difficult for them to get the help that they need. The following guide provides essential information about heroin addiction and the recovery options that are available.

Professional Assistance Will be Needed to Overcome an Addiction to Heroin

The withdrawal symptoms that occur when someone tries to overcome an addiction to heroin are so severe that people often cave and relapse because they simply do not want to experience the heroin withdrawals any longer. There are clinics available that addicts can go to when they want to get help to overcome their addiction.

You Don’t Have to Experience the Entirety of Withdrawal Symptoms

Having to go through the withdrawal symptoms can deter many addicts from even trying to get clean. At the clinics, methadone can be prescribed to help diminish the symptoms that the addicts experience. Methadone is a medication that causes the body to feel sedated and relaxed so that the addicts do not feel the intense physical symptoms they would feel when their body is withdrawing from the heroin addiction.

Methadone Must be Prescribed

Just like any other medication on the market, methadone can be abused. Taking more than one needs can lead to a new addiction or to an accidental overdose and death. It’s important for methadone to be prescribed by a medical professional so that it can be taken in a controlled setting and the results monitored. The professional will be able to make sure that the patient is being given the right amount based on their size and needs.

Methadone is Often Prescribed Daily

When someone is addicted to any drug, it can be hard for them to be responsible when it comes to taking methadone. Medical professionals will not prescribe a large dose of methadone for one to take home because there is a good chance that the person suffering from addiction will not take them in a responsible way. Many methadone treatment clinics require addicts to come to get their methadone treatment every day if they are not participating in an in-house recovery program. For people addicted to heroin, an inpatient treatment program paired with methadone treatment will yield the best chances at recovery.

How Long the Methadone Will Last Can Vary

The length of time that the methadone will last varies from person to person. There are some methadone treatments that only last a few hours, while others can last a day or more. The doctor will be able to tell which option is best for each patient and prescribe the amount based on the individual needs of the person. It’s important to only take the prescribed amount of methadone, as any more can lead to an overdose.

Methadone Treatment Takes Time

When someone is overcoming an addiction to heroin, it is important for them and their family to know that the addiction will not be cured in a matter of a few days. It will take time. Many people suffering from addiction will need to enroll into a methadone clinic offering inpatient care in order to be able to start the recovery process.

The patient will start with a high dose of methadone when they are trying to stop using the heroin. During this period, the drug will cause the person to have impaired judgment, which could lead them to doing things that they should not be doing. This is often the period when inpatient care is needed to ensure that the person can be monitored regularly so that they do not get themselves into trouble or hurt themselves or someone else.

Once the physical withdrawal symptoms subside, the dose of methadone is often lowered, and the person can start to function better on a day to day basis. At this point, the person may be able to go live with family members who can help them stay on track with their recovery. They will still need to take methadone for quite a while until they are able to break the mental hold that the drug has on them.

Methadone Needs to be Taken on Its Own

When someone has an addiction, there are often times when they think that they can do other substances during their recovery period without worrying that it could lead to an overdose or new addiction. That is not the case at all though. Methadone is a medication that is designed to be taken on its own.

Patients taking methadone should not drink or do drugs while they are on it. If someone gets a headache or feels ill, they need to contact the medical provider that prescribed them the medication to let them know what the situation is. The doctor will then be able to tell if the person is safe to take anything else for their symptoms or if they simply need to tough it out.

Mental Help May be Needed During Recovery

One major issue that arises when people start to recover from heroin addiction is the shame and anguish they feel over the things that they did. Many in recovery need to see a mental health professional to get therapy for their addiction once they start to recover. A mental health professional can help the person determine why they started to take drugs in the first place and create steps to help them avoid taking them again in the future.

There are many times when people have underlying mental conditions that have never been diagnosed and are discovered during counseling after a drug addiction. Being diagnosed with any mental condition can help people in recovery be able to better understand what led them to use drugs and establish better ways to handle their condition that are more productive and safer.

Ongoing Help Is Needed When Overcoming an Addiction to Heroin

Once someone overcomes the physical ties that they have to heroin, they need to create a support system that can help them overcome the mental addiction that they have. There are many times when being around others who have recovered from an addiction to drugs and alcohol can help an addict stay on the right track and lead the most productive life that they can.

There are Narcotics Anonymous meetings that addicts can use to meet people who have been through similar things to them. When an addict feels the draw to do drugs again, they can contact someone from the group to get advice about what they need to do to avoid using again. This can be a very valuable tool because getting advice from someone who has been in the same situation will have more of an impact on an addict than advice given by someone who has never lived the same struggle.

Forgiveness and Apologies Will be Needed

In order for someone to be able to move on with their life after an addiction to heroin, they need to be able to admit their mistakes, apologize to those that they hurt along the way, and accept the forgiveness that is bestowed upon them. The only way to truly overcome addiction is to be able to let go of the past and move on to lead as productive of a life as they can.

Recovery Starts with the Addict Wanting Help

In order for any changes to be made in an addicted person’s life, they have to want to make the changes. Someone with a heroin addiction can go to a methadone clinic to get the help that they need to overcome their addiction. The addicted individual may not be able to pay for treatment, but their family may be able to help or there may be grants in place that can pay for the treatment that the person needs.

Overcoming a heroin addiction is a long road that will be filled with many bumps along the way. It takes the average heroin addict many attempts at recovery before they are actually able to overcome the addiction. Roughly 90 percent of people who try to recover from addiction will relapse at least one time during their journey to recovery. It is important for someone to know that they may need to try over and over again before they are able to beat their addiction, but the struggle will be worth it in the end.

methadone therapy facts

Just the Facts: Benefits and Risks of Methadone Therapy

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Every day in the United States, over 130 people die from an opioid overdose. Opioid addiction in the United States also costs the American people more than $78.5 billion every year.

Clearly, opioid addiction is a serious issue in this country. If you’re struggling with addiction right now, there is good news. There are treatment options available that can help you overcome your addiction. One of the best treatment options is methadone therapy.

Read on to learn more about the benefits and risks of methadone therapy.

What Is Methadone Therapy?

Methadone therapy is a comprehensive treatment program. It involves the long-term prescription and use of the drug, methadone, by a licensed physician.

Methadone is an opioid agonist. It is often prescribed as a treatment tool for individuals who suffer from opioid addiction.

Methadone helps to suppress cravings for opioids and minimizes the withdrawal symptoms one experiences when they stop consuming opioid drugs.

When it’s consumed in the proper dose, methadone does not induce intoxication — it does not sedate the user or cause feelings of euphoria.

Benefits of Methadone Therapy

There are a number of benefits that come from using methadone to manage opioid addiction. Some of the greatest benefits of this therapy include:

Safety and Efficacy

As long as it’s taken in the proper dose and prescribed by a licensed physician, methadone is considered to be a safe drug for individuals attempting to overcome opioid addiction.

Methadone has also been shown to do a great job at keeping opiate addicts from returning to the use of heroin and other opioids.

Methadone does a great job of providing relief from withdrawal symptoms and makes it easier for addicts to get clean and move on with their lives.

Affordability

Methadone treatment is certainly not the only treatment option out there available for people who suffer from opioid addiction. However, it is one of the most affordable options.

If you cannot afford an in-patient treatment center or another treatment program, methadone treatment can be a more cost-effective approach that will still help you experience the benefits you need.

Improved Health

Methadone treatment gives you an opportunity to improve your overall health. As you probably know, opioid abuse can wreak havoc on an individual’s physical health.

Some of the health risks associated with long-term opioid abuse include:

  • Low blood pressure
  • Respiratory issues
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Seizures
  • Heart problems
  • Acid reflux and gastrointestinal disorders
  • Organ Damage

When you use methadone to help you stop using opioids, you can restore your health and will likely find that you feel a lot better than you did before.

Legality

Methadone is totally legal to use as long as you have a prescription from a licensed physician. You have every right to use methadone to control your symptoms and help yourself get clean.

Access to Other Resources

When you seek out treatment from a methadone clinic, you will also have access to other resources that will help you get clean and stay clean.

Employees at these clinics can help you to find affordable counseling, support groups, and a variety of other helpful resources.

Risks of Methadone Therapy

Of course, there are also some risks that come with methadone therapy. Some of the risks include:

Addiction Potential

Methadone does not have the same effects as opioid drugs.

It does not cause feelings of euphoria or sedate the user, as long as it’s being consumed in the proper dose. At the same time, though, because it is an opioid agonist, it can be habit-forming and it does have the potential to be abused.

It’s important to make sure you’re following your doctor’s guidelines carefully when you take methadone in order to avoid its habit-forming side effects.

Withdrawal

Because methadone is habit-forming, you may experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop using it.

The withdrawal symptoms associated with methadone are not as severe as the withdrawal symptoms associated with heroin and other opioids. They can be serious, though, and negatively affect the quality of your life.

What to Expect from Methadone Therapy

If you are considering using methadone therapy to overcome opioid addiction, you might be wondering what the therapy will be like. It’s different for every person, but it usually goes something like this:

  • Methadone is administered by a team of medical professionals
  • Care is tailored to each individual’s unique needs
  • Every methadone treatment protocol lasts for a unique length of time depending on the severity of the individual’s addiction and other needs
  • Methadone therapy includes other treatment options, including help finding therapy and help to find a job
  • Your doctor will adjust your methadone prescription on a regular basis to help you taper off of it safely

While you are undergoing methadone therapy, it’s important to avoid consuming alcohol. You should also use caution when you are driving or operating heavy machinery.

Choosing a Methadone Clinic

If you’re interested in using methadone to help you overcome your opioid addiction, these tips can help you find the right one:

  • Get recommendations from friends or family members
  • Read online reviews for clinics in your area
  • Talk to your insurance provider to see if they will help cover the cost of your treatment
  • Find a facility that you feel comfortable visiting
  • Make sure you feel comfortable interacting with the staff members
  • Look for a facility that is clean and appears to be well-maintained

You may also be able to find a clinic that specializes in catering to addicts who are part of a specific demographic. Some clinics cater to specific genders or those who belong to a certain religion.

Find a Methadone Program Today

Now that you know more about the benefits and risks of methadone therapy, are you interested in giving it a try?

Methadone therapy can be a very powerful tool for individuals struggling with an addiction to opioids.

In order to experience the benefits, though, you need to make sure you choose the right program. Keep these guidelines in mind so you can find the best program for your needs.

If you need help finding a methadone program, we have lots of resources available to you on our website. No matter where you live, we can help you find a program in your state.

Check out our other methadone treatment articles, too. You’ll find lots of other helpful information here that you can use to find the best treatment for your needs.

methadone

Methadone Stigma – Hurting & Shaming Those Who Are Trying to Recover

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Overcoming a drug addiction is certainly a difficult task. There are many addicts who attempt to detox from an addiction to heroin or other opiates and fail because they cannot handle the withdrawal symptoms that they experience. Methadone is a treatment option that has been used for many years to make overcoming addiction easier. Methadone blocks pain receptors in the brain to not only minimize the detox symptoms one experiences when they detox, but also to help with any physical pain they may be feeling from an accident or injury. Methadone also helps to keep someone from feeling high when they do take heroin or opiates so that they lose the desire to use.

Methadone is available at many rehab facilities through outpatient treatment. It can be taken as a pill, in liquid form or as a powder. The exact amount that you take is determined by a medical professional – and then your treatment is closely monitored. Methadone can either be used for a short period of time, or sometimes for a longer period of time depending  to help you overcome your addictions and help you get your life back on track.

What Is the Stigma Surrounding Methadone Users?

It’s important to know that just because you get clean and sober, it doesn’t mean that everyone in the world will look at you as a productive member of society. There is a lot of stigmas that surround methadone users, unfortunately. People who have never suffered from addiction before don’t realize how strong of a hold the drugs can have on you. They often view people who use methadone to overcome their addiction as being weak. They assume that if they had enough willpower, any addict should have been able to get over their addiction on their own. This isn’t the case for everyone though. The hold of drugs can often be both physical and mental. Being able to overcome addiction often takes more than just sheer force and willpower.

Some people also assume that methadone users are lazy, unreliable and untrustworthy. They assume that the people using methadone have no moral compass because they started using drugs in the first place. This isn’t the case, though. There are many people who become addicted to opiates after an injury or accident that left them in massive amounts of pain that needed some form of pain management.

Since the average person doesn’t understand what methadone is or what it does, they assume that methadone users are always high, as well. People think that methadone gets you high the same way that heroin or opiates do, but that isn’t the case at all.

How Does It Affect Methadone Users?

The stigma that is attached with methadone can often squelch someone’s desire to better themselves. Many users become very depressed when their loved ones or people in society look down on them because they are trying their best and feel like they will never be able to get ahead. Some methadone users end up relapsing because they cannot handle the stresses that come from the constant belittling they experience from those around them.

No Matter What They Say, Methadone Is Effective

Regardless of what ill-informed people say about methadone, it does work and has helped numerous people get clean from an addiction and rebuild their lives so that they can become productive members of society. Methadone, when taken properly, helps people to regain control of their life, to realize their value and the many great things they have to offer to the world. Methadone doesn’t hamper someone’s ability to thrive or succeed in life and can be a great tool to use to get clean and live the life any addict was destined to live.

Methadone isn’t a form of treatment that needs to be broadcast to the world. You should never feel like you have to hide the fact that you are taking methadone or feel ashamed that you are taking it. It is a form of treatment that allows you to function seamlessly in your daily life so that you don’t have to divulge that you are taking it unless you want to. There are no laws in place that state you have to let your employer know you are on methadone. You can take it anywhere, at any time so that you can get the treatment you need when you need it.

What to Do if You Are Experiencing Stigma

Experiencing stigma when you are trying to better yourself can be hard. It’s important to lift yourself up and do whatever you need to do to stay on the right path and stay clean from drugs. Many people find that going to addiction support groups helps them to be able to surround themselves with uplifting people who want nothing but the best for them and are willing to stand by them through thick and thin. It provides addicts with the ability to talk to other people who understand what they are going through and who can offer advice that has helped others to succeed in the past.

It’s also important to learn how to take what others say with a grain of salt. No one is perfect in the world. Everyone has their stumbles throughout life and trying to put others down often makes some people feel better about themselves. It’s best to address how you are feeling and let others know that you are proud of your success and are going to keep pushing forward regardless of what they think and feel.

When it comes to addiction, the only way to have true success is to figure out what makes you feel proud, confident and happy in life. You are the only person who can truly judge what you have done in life and you have to be happy with yourself at the end of the day. Methadone is a legal, helpful tool that you can use to reach your end goal of getting clean from a drug addiction and start living the life you really want to live.

Want to learn more about methadone treatment?

Give us a call today at (855) 976-2092 and let one of treatment locator specialists help you find a methadone treatment center near you.

Sources 

[1] ‘Don’t Judge a Book by Its Cover?: A Qualitative Study of Methadone Patients? Experiences of Stigma. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5398333/

[2] Hadland, S. E., Park, T. W., & Bagley, S. M. (2018). Stigma associated with medication treatment for young adults with opioid use disorder: a case series. Addiction science & clinical practice, 13(1), 15. doi:10.1186/s13722-018-0116-2 Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5937046/

[3] NIDA International Program. (n.d.). Methadone Research Web Guide – 20 questions and answers regarding methadone maintenance treatment research. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/partb.pdf

herbs for opiate withdrawal

How to Use Herbs for Opiate Withdrawal

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Do you have a friend or loved one who is struggling with substance abuse issues? Are you wondering about how to use herbs for opiate withdrawal? Every day, more than 100 people are subject to opioid overdose deaths related to drugs like prescription painkillers, heroin, and fentanyl.

If you’re wondering how you can help, this article is for you. You might be surprised to find that traditional herbal medicine can help people detox from drug addiction.

Chinese doctors have been using herbs for opiate withdrawal symptoms for centuries. We’ll cover some of the most popular herbs for opiate withdrawal.

What Are the Signs of an Opiate Addiction?

If your loved one has been taking higher and higher doses of their pain medication, they might be in the throes of opioid addiction. If they’re “drug-seeking,” going to different doctors for new pain prescriptions, they could have an addiction. If you think you or a loved one has a problem, there are signs of opiate addiction to look out for.

Do they have violent mood swings? Do they seem like a totally different person before and after their pills? Are they buying street drugs like heroin? Have they stopped sleeping?

Ideally, people would immediately seek treatment for addiction. Realistically, you may find yourself trying to convince your friend or loved one that they have a problem. Or you may have noticed that your own opiate use has gone past a safe point. There are herbs for opiate withdrawal and options like regular methadone treatment.

1. Kava Kava

Kava kava is a plant that comes from the Pacific islands near Polynesia. The word itself means “bitter,” and that’s what you can expect when you brew kava tea. Drinking kava tea is popular in the South Pacific islands, where it’s used for everything from stomachaches to seizures.

There have been a few studies done on kava root and they’re promising. There is some evidence that kava-kava, taken in liquid or pill form, can combat cancer. It’s also useful for relieving anxiety associated with withdrawals from opioids and benzodiazepines.

About one-third of all overdoses occur when people start mixing opioids and benzodiazepines: Xanax, Klonopin, and Valium. If you or a loved one is struggling with a benzodiazepine addiction, you might want to try kava. It’s available in most health food stores and easily available online.

2. CBD

If you’re unfamiliar with CBD, you should know that it’s derived from the cannabis plant. Taking CBD in liquid, pill, or oil form has been proven to reduce opioid withdrawal symptoms, and it’s not illegal. THC is the part of the cannabis plant that delivers a “high,” and CBD is the part that relaxes and soothes pain.

CBD is legal in all 50 states and is available online. There are studies available that suggest that CBD can help people develop new thought patterns. Research also inquires about how CDB oil for addiction helps treatment success rates.   The herb is also used for relief from nausea and diarrhea, typical symptoms of opioid withdrawal.

To get started with CBD, you can get a wide range of products called “edibles.” There are CBD-infused gummy bears, CBD pills and tablets, and CBD oil. You can experiment with the dose until you find out what works best for you or your loved one. Keep going with methadone treatments, but work with the CBD on your free time.

3. Ginger

Ginger is a popular remedy for stomach discomfort, and it’s easy to find in tea or pill form. You can take ginger before you go to bed, and it will help ease the stomach pain that can come with withdrawal. Ginger is one of the best Chinese herbs for opiate withdrawal and has been used for centuries as a digestive aid and tonic.

If you’re not fond of the taste of ginger, you can take it with a bit of sugar. You can also find crystallized ginger chews, which are sweet and easy to digest. Chamomile tea and licorice are also used to help people who are withdrawing from opioids.

In general, you may have to experiment to find the best natural herbs for opiate withdrawal. Ginger is very popular, along with asafetida and ginseng. You might find that you prefer to take your ginger tea with a little bit of food. Eat if you can, and try to sleep at least four hours every night during the withdrawal process.

4. Valerian Root

Valerian root is one of the best natural herbs for opiate withdrawal. It’s been used for centuries: the ancient Romans used it to lessen anxiety and to improve sleep. Valerian is available in most health food stores and online.

When you or a loved one is withdrawing from opioids, there can be a tremendous pull to go back and start using again. If you’re not getting enough sleep or if you’re too nauseous to eat, it could stress you out to the point where relapse becomes a serious possibility.

Valerian root as a sleep aid helps those detoxing to minimize symptoms of insomnia. It can also be made into a tea or taken as a tincture. It seems to work best when you take it every day. If you’re going to be taking it for more than a few weeks, though, you should talk to your doctor. Watch your dosage, you don’t want to be sleepy during the day.

Additional Herbs for Opiate Withdrawal

In addition to the four herbs that we discussed in this article, there are several more herbs for opiate withdrawal. If you can, brew a tea with them instead of taking them in pill form: you’ll feel the effects more quickly.

Passionflower or St. John’s Wort can help you get relief from depression. You can also use essential oils like peppermint and lavender to relax and reduce anxiety. Opiate withdrawal can take weeks, depending upon how long you’ve been using, so be patient and keep drinking herbal tea.

You can also use essential oils in the bathtub as a way to calm down. Make sure to keep a bit of natural fat in your diet to calm your stomach, and try to eat small meals throughout the day. You’re trying to return your system to a balanced state, but that could take a little while.

We’ve got a wealth of information on detox, methadone, and opioid addiction. Check out our articles or contact us at (855) 976-2092 to find help in your home state.

 

Sources

[1] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2018, March). Benzodiazepines and Opioids . Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/opioids/benzodiazepines-opioids

[2] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2018, March 26). Non-psychoactive cannabinoid may enable drug addiction recovery. Retrieved from National Institute on Drug Abuse: https://www.drugabuse.gov/news-events/news-releases/2018/03/non-psychoactive-cannabinoid-may-enable-drug-addiction-recovery

[3] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2019, January). Opioid Overdose Crisis. Retrieved from National Institute on Drug Abuse: https://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/opioids/opioid-overdose-crisis

 

Guide to methadone therapy

The Ultimate Guide to Methadone Maintenance Therapy

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As of 2016, there are approximately 948,000 Americans addicted to heroin. If you or someone you love currently uses heroin, you may be considering methadone maintenance therapy.

This type of long-term treatment has been the subject of debate over the years. How can treating an opioid addict with opioids work?

There is more to it than that. A methadone maintenance therapy plan can give addicts a long-term solution to conquering their addiction.


If you’re after more information on methadone maintenance therapy, you’re in the right place. Keep reading for how the treatment began, its goals, and success rate.

The reasoning for Methadone Maintenance Therapy

The history of methadone maintenance therapy is a heroin treatment option born from a study in the 1960s. The study showed that long-term heroin use resulted in the body having a permanent metabolic deficiency.

The way to treat heroin addiction then is to treat the deficiency with opioids. The treating opioid would have a long half-life instead of fasting acting like heroin.

This treating opioid would then release over the next 24 hours. The client then maintains a leveled out status throughout the day.

The treatment of methadone then acts as replacement therapy. The hope is that long-term maintenance therapy reduces the risk of relapse.

Methadone Maintenance Treatment Goals

The goal of a methadone maintenance treatment plan is to reduce drug use, improve quality of life, and reduce crime. The hope is that by reducing withdrawal symptoms, the drive to engage in risky behavior is also reduced.

Decrease Drug Use

By substituting the illicit drug with a medical treatment plan the addiction gets managed in a responsible way. Studies show that total abstinence is not an attainable goal for long-term users.

This treatment addresses that by replacing the opioid in the body. The difference is that the levels are lower and regulated to a certain level.

This reduces the body’s drive to seek out opioids. It also reduces or eliminates withdrawal symptoms. Without withdrawal symptoms, it is easier for the addict to abstain.

Decrease Risk of HIV

HIV gets spread throughout the opioid user’s community. This risk gets greatly reduced as addicts no longer seek out heroin use through needles on the street.

This is due to the decreased rate of sharing needles. It is also due to increased awareness and education on the risks of sharing needles.

Better Physical Health

It is common for illicit drug users to have infectious diseases. As exposure reduces, the illnesses can get cured or managed.

The most common diseases contracted are hepatitis B, C, and D, and HIV. Other nutritional issues can also get addressed. These include problems such as nutrition, dental care, and menstrual complications.

Other injuries can also get addressed that is a cause of being under the influence of illicit substances. These could include accidents such as falling.

Better Mental Health

Without an illicit drug affecting mood and personality, those in treatment can get back to being themselves. Often these users suffer from a range of psychological problems. Without the influence of opiates, they can get their disorder diagnosed and treated.

Decrease Crime

Often criminal activity and illicit drug use go hand in hand. While reduced criminal behavior shouldn’t be a drug treatment goal, it can be a benefit.

Methadone Success Rate

Compared to those users who went untreated, those in treatment had a reduced risk of dying. Those in methadone therapy treatment had a death rate of less than one percent. Whereas, those who left treatment had a death rate of 2.8 percent.

According to a study done in New York, those in MMT were less likely to have HIV from intravenous drug use complications over those who were not in treatment.

Success with a Methadone Maintenance Program

The success of an MMT plan depends on the combination of dose, formulation, distribution, and duration. The most influential being determining the correct dose.

Dose

Most doses range from 50-120 milligrams. This range tends to be more successful at preventing illicit opioid use than lower dosages at 20-40 milligrams.

Doses in the 50-120 range tend to block withdrawal symptoms from stopped use and euphoria from continued illicit use. There is no evidence that higher doses are more successful.

Formulation

The most common methods of formulation are tablets, syrup, or mixed with orange juice. Diversion is a risk with tablets and syrup. Both of these versions can get injected.

Distribution

This creates a risk of diversion. The most common reason for diversion is to supplement an illicit opioid addiction when the illicit drug is not available.

The risk of diversion can be addressed by requiring dosing to be at a pharmacy. Someone in treatment would then visit a clinic daily for treatment.

Duration

Clients who begin a treatment plan can experience the benefits on the first day. This is because the methadone begins to act within the body upon dosing.

It will take the body about three months to adjust and stabilize to the treatment. Those around the client will notice definite changes in behavior and physical appearance.

It can take up to two to three years for the full advantages to take effect. At this point, the greatest behavioral effect will have taken place.

Methadone Maintenance Treatment That Works for You

A methadone maintenance therapy plan takes the approach of addressing the metabolic deficiency. The theory being that long-term illicit opioid use creates a deficiency within the body.

An MMT plan reduces the risk of replacing by using an opioid with a long half-life. This reduces withdrawal symptoms and the euphoria of continued illicit use.

Those who enter an MMT plan have reduced the risk of infectious diseases and STDs. They can experience better physical and mental health.

The key to successful treatment is proper dosing. Clients will experience benefits on day one of treatment, but continued treatment is needed for the benefits of the plan to continue.

For more information contact (855) 976-2092 or check out our blog post on the effects of methadone on the body for more information.

 

Sources

[1] NIDA. (2018, June 8). Heroin. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/heroin  on 2019, February 14

[2] CRC Health Group. (n.d.). Soldiers, Hippies and Richard Nixon – An American History of Methadone. Retrieved February 14, 2019, from https://www.crchealth.com/addiction/heroin-addiction-treatment/heroin-detox/history_methadone/

[3] FRANCES ROWE GEARING, MORTON D. SCHWEITZER; AN EPIDEMIOLOGIC EVALUATION OF LONG-TERM METHADONE MAINTENANCE TREATMENT FOR HEROIN ADDICTION, American Journal of Epidemiology, Volume 100, Issue 2, 1 August 1974, Pages 101–112, https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordjournals.aje.a112012

[4] Des Jarlais DC, Friedman SR, Novick DM, et al. HIV-1 Infection Among Intravenous Drug Users in Manhattan, New York City, From 1977 Through 1987. JAMA. 1989;261(7):1008–1012. doi:10.1001/jama.1989.03420070058030

[5] SAMHSA. (2018) Methadone. Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/medication-assisted-treatment/treatment/methadone on 2019, February 14

 

Physical effects of methadone use

The Effects of Methadone on the Body

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In the US, the government is always battling with opioid overdose crisis. So, how many die from opioids each year? According to NIDA, about 130 people die every day due to this problem.

That’s serious, right?

The misuse of opioids affects the public health and economic welfare of the country. One of the opiates that people commonly misuse is methadone. This drug is available in different brands, including Methadose, Diskets, and Dolophine.

It’s used in the treatment of moderate to severe pain. Doctors can also prescribe it to treat narcotic addiction.

Sadly, some patients misuse their methadone prescription for a variety of reasons. This affects them and their health in different ways. For that reason. This post is going to cover the possible effects of methadone.

What’s Methadone?

Methadone is prescription medication use in the medication-assisted treatment (MAT) program to help patients with opiate addiction. The dose usually starts at 10 or 20 mg and adjusted in 10-mg increments.

German doctors created this medication during World War II. When it finally arrived in the US, doctors used it to treat patients with severe pain. Today, patients can use it to manage addiction to heroin and narcotic painkillers.

When taken as prescribed by your doctor, use of methadone medication is safe and effective. For patients with addiction, it works effectively if used together with comprehensive medication-assisted treatment (MAT) program, which includes social support and counseling.

How Does it Work?

Doctors say this drug works like morphine, but its effects of methadone on the body are slower. Patients can take it as a tablet, powder or liquid.

It works by changing how the brain and nervous system respond to pain. This makes you feel relief. Methadone blocks the euphoric effects of opiate drugs, such as codeine and heroin. It also lessens the withdrawal symptoms of opiate.

The pain relief from this drug lasts for about eight to 12 hours. Studies have shown that methadone is effective in higher doses, particularly for those patients with heroin addiction.

How Patients Misuse Methadone

Methadone is an effective treatment for suppressing cravings and reducing pain. That’s the factor that makes it risky. This makes it an agonist.

First, it’s has a long-term treatment period, usually a year or more. This makes it easier for patients to become dependent on it. Its highly addictive nature makes patients ignore other treatment options in favor of it.

Some people take it illegally. For example, some HIV patients can inject it into their body.

What Are the Effects of Methadone?

The effects are wide and varied as they depend on the individual’s body.

Those who are taking methadone as a prescription can experience side-effects, especially during the first phase of their methadone treatment.

  • Constipation
  • Vomiting
  • Lightheadedness
  • Irregular sweating
  • Dry mouth
  • Dependency
  • Fluctuating weight
  • Sleep problems
  • Cognitive changes
  • Harmful drug interactions
  • Fatigue

It is also important to note that these side-effects are less likely if methadone is taken as prescribed – at a therapeutic dose.

Allergic Reactions

Allergic reaction to methadone is rare. However, patients are encouraged to see a doctor if they experience symptoms of allergy such as:

  • Rash
  • Itching and swelling
  • Severe dizziness
  • Trouble breathing

If you notice any of these symptoms in your loved one, be sure to get medical attention.

Drug Interactions

You’re likely to experience certain effects of the medicine and possibly even methadone interactions with other drugs. During your medical appointment, your doctor will want to know all the drugs (prescription and non-prescription) and supplements you are currently using.

Interactions can change the action of one or both drugs. Common symptoms include drowsiness and stomach aches.

Effects of an Overdose

Some patients may take more of their medication to get quicker results or maintain the relief the medication offers. This could result in an overdose. When you overdose, the possible symptoms include:

  • Twitching muscles
  • Cyanosis (bluish fingernails and lips)
  • Coma
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Low blood pressure
  • Difficulty breathing

Methadone Addiction

If you use the drug without any medical supervision or guidance, you’re likely to develop an addiction to methadone. This is viewed as a severe psychiatric disorder, and you’re likely to experience moderate to severe symptoms.

Addiction can lead to several physical effects such as poor self-care and hygiene. Addicts will share needs when injecting methadone and other drugs, which increases the chances of contracting a blood-borne disease like hepatitis or HIV.

Those who combine methadone addiction with other illicit drugs risk suffering from organ damage and long-term health issues. These can be brain damage, cardiovascular system damage, hypertension, and liver damage.

Withdrawal Treatment

If you’re suffering from methadone addiction, you don’t need to give it to the temptations and its relief. Withdrawal and addiction treatment can help you regain control of your health and improve your lifestyle.

Treatment usually involves reducing your daily dose. If your dose is 40 mg, you can start dropping it down by 3 mg. When you get to 20, drop it by 2 mg. Continue this until you get to 5 mg a day.

These steps ensure a slow but comfortable withdrawal process without resulting in severe withdrawal symptoms. Of course, you’ll experience some symptoms after withdrawing.

Effects of Methadone – The Takeaway

Methadone is an opiate medication for people who have developed opiate use disorders. Fortunately, when methadone program requirements are followed and medication is taken as prescribed, it can be a huge help in recovering your life after addiction.

If you’re short on time and looking for help contact (855) 976-2092.

Do you have any questions or thoughts about the effects and risks of methadone addiction? Free to share them with us in the comments section below.

Sources

[1] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2019, January 22). Opioid Overdose Crisis. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/opioids/opioid-overdose-crisis

[2] Methadone: MedlinePlus Drug Information. (2018, March 15). Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682134.html

[3] Hilke Jungen, Hilke Andresen-Streichert, Alexander Müller, Stefanie Iwersen-Bergmann; Monitoring Intravenous Abuse of Methadone or Buprenorphine in Opiate Maintenance Treatment (OMT): A Simple and Fast LC–MS-MS Method for the Detection of Disaccharides in Urine Samples, Journal of Analytical Toxicology, Volume 41, Issue 1, 1 January 2017, Pages 22–31, https://doi.org/10.1093/jat/bkw099
What is a methadone clinic?

What Are Methadone Clinics and How Can They Help?

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If you’re struggling with opiate abuse, you aren’t alone. It’s estimated that over 2 million people in the United States are living with opiate or heroin addiction.

If you’re looking for a way to kick your habit for good, you might be wondering what are methadone clinics? Overcoming addiction with methadone could be the answer to your treatment problems.

Want to learn more about how getting treated at a methadone clinic can help your addiction problems? We’ll tell you everything you need to know.

 

What Are Methadone Clinics?

Methadone has been used to treat opiate addictions for decades. Methadone treatment programs help people with opiate and opioid addictions under the supervision of medical professionals.

View these clinics as a type of replacement therapy. Instead of taking the drugs you usually would, you’re given methadone, an opioid analgesic, in its place. It can be administered in a pill, wafer, or liquid.

Methadone works by blocking the effects of opiates and opioids. It reduces the usual feelings of euphoria people would typically feel after doing drugs and helps reduce typical cravings.

Benefits Of Methadone Treatment

There are a variety of ways people choose to stop using drugs. Many people use methadone clinics as a supplement to other forms of treatment and opioid detox methods.

Seeing a therapist or attending a support group in addition to going to methadone clinics can be an excellent way to stop using opiates.

There are a variety of benefits to other forms of therapy, but for now, we’re going to focus on the benefits of getting treated at a methadone clinic.

Good For High-Levels Of Addiction

Some people with opiate problems have been struggling with addiction on and off for years. They may be used to taking large amounts of the drug and may worry about the intensity of withdrawal.

Methadone is a very effective drug for easing the physical cravings for opiates. This can help with other symptoms like anxiety, nausea, and body aches.

People at all levels of opiate addiction can benefit from getting treatment at a methadone clinic. But people concerned about the intensity of withdrawals should look into this kind of treatment.

Treatment Flexibility

Some people find that inpatient drug rehab is the best treatment option for themselves. But there are also people that want to stop using drugs but aren’t in a position where they can go for an extended visit inpatient rehab.

You may be the only person with the ability to earn income in your family, and you don’t want to miss work and put them in a bad position.

You can have other important responsibilities that would be disrupted by extended inpatient treatment.

If you get treated at a methadone clinic, you just need to make time to get your daily doses of medication. Many clinics offer flexible hours so people can attend around their daily schedule.

You should still make time to visit doctors and go to therapy on your own, but this can be much easier to manage than being away from work and other responsibilities for a few weeks.

Controlled Treatment

Many people know that methadone can be used to treat opiate addiction, but they make the mistake of assuming they can get the drug on their own and treat their addiction themselves.

This method can be dangerous and could lead to overdoses and other potential problems.

Methadone can be an extremely effective treatment when it’s administered under the supervision of a doctor.

They can help adjust doses of methadone to ensure that you’re only taking as much as you need. They can evaluate your health and see if there are other treatments that may be helpful.

Have Options

When some people think about going to methadone clinics, they worry that they won’t be able to choose where they go.

The availability of methadone treatment has improved over the years, and people will find that they have a variety of options at hand on where to get treatment.

There are both public and private clinics you can choose to get treatment at.

Some public clinics can have long wait lists for new patients, but they tend to be a more affordable option for people. Private clinics tend to have a much shorter wait time, but they can cost more money.

Some methadone clinics can have relationships with other treatment centers and can help recommend other places for you to go.

Be sure to ask about other treatment options you can use while you’re being treated. They may be able to help recommend a good therapist, group therapy meeting, or nutritionist.

Reduce Depression

Some opiate addicts are worried about stopping because they use it to self-medicate their depression.

It’s important to note that you should speak to a doctor if you think you’re suffering from symptoms of depression. They can help properly medicate you and get you the treatment that you need.

There’s research that shows that methadone may be a good treatment option for addicts with co-occurring disorders. Some addicts that choose methadone treatment find that it helps them manage their depression better when they’re detoxing.

Improve Your Quality Of Life

Addictions of all kinds can have negative impacts on peoples lives. Addiction can cause problems with families, marriages, jobs, and personal health.

Being addicted to heroin or a different kind of opiate could put your loved ones, health, and professional life in danger. If your addiction gets out of control you can cause serious damage to yourself and others around you.

People that use methadone to treat their addictions report having a better quality of life. Because they’re able to stop abusing drugs, they start to see other areas of their life improve.

Learn More

Now that you know what methadone clinics are and how they can help treat heroin and opiate addiction, you may want to learn more.

Read our post on evidence-based practices for addiction that show how helpful methadone treatment can really be. After that, check out our collection of statistics on heroin abuse.

If you know someone that’s struggling with addiction, be sure to share our content so you can help someone else in need. If you’re looking to get someone into treatment or seeking more information contact (855) 976-2092.

 

Sources

American Society of Addiction Medicine. (2016). Opioid Addiction 2016 Facts & Figures. Retrieved From: https://www.asam.org/docs/default-source/advocacy/opioid-addiction-disease-facts-figures.pdf

Clinical Guidelines for Withdrawal Management and Treatment of Drug Dependence in Closed Settings. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2009. 6, Methadone maintenance treatment. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK310658/

Parvaresh, N., Masoudi, A., Majidi-Tabrizi, S., & Mazhari, S. (2012). The Correlation between Methadone Dosage and Comorbid Psychiatric Disorders in Patients on Methadone Maintenance Treatment. Addiction & health, 4(1-2), 1-8. Retrieved From: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3905553/

exposing methadone myths and treatment

7 Myths About Methadone Treatment Debunked

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Have you heard people in the recovery community tell you just how bad methadone is and why you SHOULDN’T be on it? Well, this is because there are many myths about methadone and it’s use for opioid addiction treatment.

The truth is, some of these people might be misinformed. While their journey to a narcotic-free lifestyle is a great one, it isn’t for all people struggling with addiction.

Sometimes the temptation is too great. Others don’t feel that abstinence-based or twelve step-based programs work for them. Regardless of your reasoning, if you and your doctor come to the conclusion that taking methadone for addictions is the best option, you should at least look into it.

Of course, you don’t want to make yourself worse off in your addiction than what you already are. But upon doing some research, you may find that this is the safest way to become drug-free.

Read on for seven misconceptions and myths about methadone treatment.

1. Swapping Addictions

It is true that on a stable dose of methadone, your body becomes physically dependent on it. However, it does not fall under the same category as a true addiction.

The truth is, even if your body is “addicted” to it, it is medically guided and closely observed. You also know exactly what you’re getting and how much is in each dose every time you take it.

2. Methadone Will Make You High

When taking the proper dose under close medical supervision, methadone treatment does not make you high. Nor does it produce any of the euphoric effects felt by other opiates.

There may be some drowsiness and other symptoms associated with methadone treatment. However, when taken properly and as prescribed, these side effects are minimal. Actually, to get high on this medicine, you’d need a very high dose and you’d have to take it more frequently than ordered.

3. Suboxone Vs. Methadone Treatment

Both of these drugs have the potential for misuse and the risk of withdrawal symptoms. They can also help with opioid detox symptoms. And most importantly, each one can help you in your fight to recovery.

If you are in chronic pain, methadone will likely be the course of treatment for you. It is the only drug approved to treat this symptom.

To obtain methadone, you must go to a certified opioid treatment program every day. You will be observed while you take your medicine and eventually your treatment team will allow you to take doses home once you are stable.

With Suboxone, your doctor can just give you a prescription. You will probably be monitored closely, but you can take your doses at home. Though this freedom is great, there is also a wider window for misuse.

4. You’ll Be on Methadone Forever

While some patients end up experiencing long term methadone use, many can taper off the medication over a year or several months.

Every case is different and yours will be decided on by you and your doctor. The biggest idea is to get you clean from opiates so you can begin focusing on why you turned to them in the first place.

Participation in an Intensive Outpatient (IOP,) group therapy, or an individual counseling program will help modify addictive behaviors that lead to opioid dependence.

5. It’s Damaging to Your Health

There’s a lot of misinformation out there about how methadone will damage your health, rot your teeth, get into your bones, or hurt your organs.

None of this is true. There isn’t any science behind these claims.

The fact is, while using opiates (especially intravenously), you are putting yourself at risk for infections like HIV and Hepatitis.

When you’re getting high, often times personal hygiene falls by the wayside. Teeth aren’t brushed, and showers aren’t taken. These two parts of taking care of yourself will do far more damage to your health than following your doctor’s orders while prescribed methadone.

6. Methadone and Pregnancy

A mother never wants to hurt her baby. Yet, while pregnant, many addicts will still use.

This is difficult because the withdrawal symptoms from quitting cold-turkey can be dangerous for the mom-to-be. But continuing to use is just as bad–if not worse.

Heroin use during pregnancy can cause the uterus to contract, bringing on premature delivery or miscarriage. Also, the use of unclean needles is a route to infection for both mom and baby.

Methadone while pregnant is a safer alternative to using opioids. This treatment program will help mom come off opiates safely and while keeping the baby healthy and happy.

7. Methadone and Cross-Addiction

Cross-addiction is when you trade one addiction for another. The thing about addiction is that regardless of the high from one substance to another, it all acts the same on the brain.

A feel-good substance can be anything from heroin and opiates to marijuana, alcohol, sex, gambling, or even food. It is very common to replace one addiction with another because you feel like you can control it.

The problem is that when you begin to cross your addictions, you eventually relapse and fall back on your “drug” of choice. Keep in mind that when you relapse, you often pick up right where you left off.

With all of this said, a methadone program will not make you find a cross-addiction–not physically, anyway.

Myths About Methadone: Final Thoughts

We hope to have debunked some of the myths surrounding methadone, as this is a medication that can be looked at as an “oldie but goodie” with documented success.

Of course, when dealing with addiction, self-restraint is needed. There’s a need for counseling or intensive outpatient therapy. You can’t just come off of heroin or another strong opiate of abuse and expect that methadone will fix your problems. If you do, you will fail.

Getting clean is the chance of a lifetime. You can mend relationships, find a new job and place to live, and maybe have the chance to live a few of your dreams.

There are many paths to your goal, and none of them will be easy. But choosing methadone maintenance treatment may make the walk just a bit easier. For more information contact us at (855) 976-2092.

 

Sources 

Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. (2015, June 18). 42 CFR § 8.12 – Federal Opioid Treatment Standards. Retrieved from Legal Information Institute: https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/42/8.12

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2015, September 28). Certification of Opioid Treatment Programs (OTP) . Retrieved from www.samhsa.gov: https://www.samhsa.gov/medication-assisted-treatment/opioid-treatment-programs

Youth.gov. (2019). Methadone Maintenance Treatment. Retrieved from youth.gov: https://youth.gov/content/methadone-maintenance-treatment

Shiu, J. R., & Ensom, M. H. (2012). Dosing and monitoring of methadone in pregnancy: literature review. The Canadian journal of hospital pharmacy, 65(5), 380-6. Retrieved From: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3477836/

inpatient versus outpatient drug treatment

Inpatient Vs. Outpatient Drug Rehab: Which is Right For You?

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If you or a loved one is looking to change your life around and overcome addiction, choosing inpatient vs outpatient for the right rehab to meet your needs is paramount.

Essentially, there are two forms of rehabilitation which each have their own set of benefits and drawbacks. What’s important is choosing from the best types of addiction treatment to suit your recovery.

Inpatient and outpatient drug rehab are your two basic options for recovery. Both are tailored to suit all forms and severity of addictions.

If you’re looking to learn more about these two rehabilitation categories, find everything you need to know in this blog…

What You Need to Know About Inpatient vs Outpatient Drug Rehab

Making an informed decision on which type of rehab will best suit your recovery is the first step in changing your life for the better.

But first, what are the signs and symptoms of addiction and should you or a loved one seek treatment?

Symptoms of Addiction

  • Trying to hide or persistently deny drug or alcohol use from friends and family.
  • An increase in self-doubt, questioning whether your substance abuse is a problem.
  • Your personal health, mental and emotional well-being is suffering.
  • Your professional life is falling apart i.e. failing to hold down a consistent job.
  • You’re becoming increasingly withdrawn from friends and family.
  • Disrupted sleeping patterns.
  • Increased feelings of guilt or shame.
  • Reckless behavior – doing things out-of-character, without self-control.

If you or a loved one display any of these symptoms, addiction could be a reality and a family intervention service may be needed.

In order to choose the best treatment plan, here’s what you need to know about inpatient and outpatient drug rehab programs:

Inpatient Rehabilitation

Inpatient rehabilitation is the ideal option for those who are looking to move away from a destructive way of life or circle of enablers.

What is an enabler? This is the type of person who encourages, fuels or adds to your addiction in a negative way.

Inpatient rehab allows you to escape from negative influences in your life and completely focus on your recovery.

Key Features of Inpatient Rehab Importance:

  • A medical detoxification which is supervised by professionals.
  • 24-hour care and support.
  • Appropriate administration of medication where necessary.
  • Group therapy, family therapy, individual therapy.
  • Yoga and meditation.
  • Exercise classes and more.

While most inpatient rehab programs offer the same support, there are three variations of inpatient drug treatment programs.

  1. Residential: this is the most basic of inpatient centers. Here you live on-site, receive group and individual therapy and medical care.
  2. Luxury: catered to those with the budget and generally set in an idyllic setting. Here you have access to other amenities such as a spa, fine dining, and private suites.
  3. Executive: generally offers the same amenities as the luxury option. However, it includes special features such as workspaces, Wi-Fi and more.

Benefits of Inpatient Rehab

Here you can devote all your time and energy to overcoming opioid addiction and turning your life around to sobriety.

Most inpatient rehab programs require you to live at the facility, full-time, for 30 – 90 days. You are free to choose the length of time which best suits you.

Some other advantages include:

  • A healthy, positive and temptation-free environment to focus on recovery.
  • Constant support – medically, mentally and emotionally.
  • You are provided with skills training and education on how to live a sober life.
  • You are offered ongoing support, even once treatment is completed.

However, this being said, inpatient rehab also has its downsides, which include:

  • Lengthy time away from work and family life.
  • Higher costs.
  • Not all health insurance cover rehab.
  • A highly controlled environment which dictates your schedule.
  • You are not bound to the property for most of the duration of your treatment.

Despite these negative aspects, it’s important to note that most inpatient rehab centers carry an incredibly high success rate.

What is Outpatient Rehab Like?

Outpatient drug rehab programs are generally not as stringent as inpatient rehab. However, a very strong support network is important.

If you choose to go the outpatient route, you will need to ensure your family and friends are 100% supportive of your journey to sobriety.

Outpatient drug rehab takes commitment, strong will, and regular meetings for treatment at a rehab facility.

These meetings typically consist of counseling sessions which can be one-on-one or in a group.

Outpatient drug rehab focuses closely on different forms of therapy to help set those with addiction on the right path to full recovery.

What are the Main Types of Therapy?

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy: getting to the route of your addiction and recognizing unhealthy behaviors.
  • Motivational interviewing: helping to identify and overcome any reluctance to turn your life around towards sobriety.
  • Contingency management: positive reinforcement therapy to encourage you to stay committed to recovery.
  • Family therapy: helping you to overcome issues with family communication, abuse and improve family functioning.
  • Matrix Model: A combination of all of the above to reinforce abstinence.

Aside from these intensive therapies, you also have access to more personalized, one-on-one sessions.

Benefits of Outpatient Rehabilitation

While staying the route of outpatient drug rehab takes commitment and a positive support network, there are a number of benefits:

  • You’re able to live at home, in your comfort zone and work on your recovery.
  • Minimal disruption to work, school or family life.
  • You can remain close to a strong, supportive family and friends network.
  • It’s far more affordable.
  • You learn the skills required to live a sober life through consistent therapy.

Some of the negative aspects of outpatient drug rehab include being exposed to temptation and easy access to drugs, alcohol, and enablers.

For this reason, outpatient drug rehab works best for those with early development or less severe addictions.

Looking to Overcome an Addiction?

If you or a loved one is addicted to any form of opiates, drug detoxification is an important stepping stone on the road to recovery.

Learn more about Methadone treatment methods and contact us at (855) 976-2092 for help turning your life around, today.

 

References

NIDA. (2018, January 17). Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide (Third Edition). Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/principles-drug-addiction-treatment-research-based-guide-third-edition on 2019, February 14

Mayo Clinic. (2017, July 20). Intervention: Help a loved one overcome addiction. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mental-illness/in-depth/intervention/art-20047451

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Mental health and substance abuse health coverage options. Retrieved from https://www.healthcare.gov/coverage/mental-health-substance-abuse-coverage/

NIDA. (2018, January 17). Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide (Third Edition). Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/principles-drug-addiction-treatment-research-based-guide-third-edition on 2019, February 19

 

Understanding Methadone Treatment Programs

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Addiction is a disease that impacts those of us affected on a physical and psychological level. It’s not a sign of weakness, or simply a matter of self-control.

For those of us who are genetically and socially predisposed to drug use, prolonged use of any substance creates serious changes within our brain chemistry. For this reason, it’s only logical to understand methadone treatment and how it works.

These changes cause some of us to become reliant on drugs in order to maintain normal chemical levels within our brains. Opioids like heroin and prescription narcotics are particularly addictive and use of these drugs has risen to epidemic proportions.

The opioid epidemic has led to an increase in the use of maintenance medications like methadone. Methadone has been used for years in the fight against opioid addiction. It’s narcotic, but unlike more addictive drugs it works on our brains in a slightly different way.

Methadone works by plugging into our opioid receptors, stopping withdrawals, and it’s helped me to fight my drug cravings. When used correctly and under the supervision of a licensed physician, methadone has the potential to help us achieve a level of sobriety that we couldn’t otherwise reach.

What is Maintenance Medication?

Maintenance medications are medications that we take at precise intervals in order to help us maintain a certain level of comfort or health. When dealing with addiction, maintenance medications include things like methadone that help those of us suffering from addiction to achieve long-term sobriety.

Many of us suffering from opioid addiction will end up taking opiate maintenance medications for a period of over 12 months. It takes the brain a long time to recover from that level chemical dependency.

During this time the dosage of methadone may be decreased or increased to help us maintain a certain level of comfort. This has helped me to avoid withdrawal symptoms, and to cope with my stress without using illicit drugs.

Drug addiction can become a lifestyle when we’re constantly in pursuit of illegal substances and people to use them with. This is why it’s important that any type of maintenance medication accompanies a dedicated treatment program.

Taking something like methadone is only one part of the entire process. We have to want to be sober and seek help prior to any of these treatment methods becoming effective.

Ultimately, there is no magic cure for drug addiction. The only way that we can overcome the disease and achieve sobriety is through hard work and personal dedication along with the help of treatment professionals.

Who Needs Methadone?

For those of us feeling the effects of the heroin epidemic and opioid addiction, regular treatment methods may not be as effective. This is because of the chemical changes that we’ve made to our brains, and the addictive nature of these drugs.

Opioids also have the highest relapse rate of any other substance. Almost 90 percent of people who are long-term heroin users will relapse at least one after they’ve completed some sort of treatment program.

Many of us report that this is because of the extreme withdrawal symptoms that we experience when going through the detox process. Some of us are also unprepared to deal with the stresses of everyday life without seeking some outside substance to cope.

The way to combat this is a mixture of treatments combined with maintenance medications. We need to have active and ongoing therapy when trying to stop using drugs. Methadone can help some of us to avoid withdrawal symptoms that often drive us back into the arms of our drug of choice.

Methadone isn’t for everyone, but for those of us dedicated to long-term sobriety it offers a viable option. Maintenance medications can be abused when taken in excess or when sought out illegally. It’s very important that we only take these medications under the direct care of a medication-assisted treatment program run by a licensed physician.

What are Methadone Treatment Programs?

When some of us who are addicted to opioids attempt to stop using the drugs we may experience withdrawal symptoms or severe drug cravings. Withdrawals only last until the brain is able to compensate for the chemical imbalance.

Unfortunately, this can take a prolonged period of time for those of us who have been longtime drug users. Drug cravings can continue to strike even years after the actual drug abuse is stopped.

These are often in response to a stressful situation. Some of us may turn to drugs as a coping mechanism when we’re unsure of how to deal with the situation in our lives.

Those of us who actively and appropriately taking maintenance medications will be able to stop these uncomfortable opiate withdrawals from occurring and be able to fight the drug cravings more effectively. This is because the methadone works by filling some of the opioid receptors within our brains.

As the medication is metabolized, it emulates our naturally occurring feel-good chemicals. At the same time, it’s filling the receptors that would naturally absorb these chemicals, returning the body to a feeling of normalcy.

This results in an elevated level of these chemicals in our brains that are present for a longer period of time. This allows us to feel normal without experiencing the euphoria of drug use.

Methadone provides a safer alternative than illicit drugs and does so at a controlled rate.

What is a Medication Assisted Treatment Program?

A medication-assisted treatment program is a regime that’s overseen by the government and a group of licensed physicians. These programs are dedicated to providing these types of maintenance medications to those of us who are fighting addiction.

These programs have to be carefully monitored in order to make sure that all of us are receiving only our required dose each day. It is possible to abuse maintenance medications, and this has led to a need for extended supervision.

After a certain period of time in which we’ve successfully taken these medications, a physician might give us a prescription to take home on a short-term basis. Most of us will not be given these medications to take in their home unless they are being administered by a trusted family member and kept under lock and key.

Is Methadone Right for You?

Methadone has been used with great success in the fight against the opioid epidemic. It’s important to remember that each and every one of us experiences addiction in a very different way. Not all of us will need the same combination of treatments and methods to achieve sobriety.

If you or a loved one are experiencing an addiction to opioids, contact (855) 976-2092. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help. There are options out there that can help you to start living your life again.

 

Sources

NIDA. (2018, June 8). Medications to Treat Opioid Use Disorder. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/medications-to-treat-opioid-use-disorder on 2019, February 14

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2015, September 28). Methadone. Retrieved from samhsa.gov: https://www.samhsa.gov/medication-assisted-treatment/treatment/methadone

The New York Times. (2019). Opioid Epidemic. Retrieved from nytimes.com: https://www.nytimes.com/spotlight/opioid-epidemic

 

methadone treatment works

Methadone Treatment – Yes Or No?

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Since methadone treatment was introduced, it has become one of the most popular forms of addiction care available. It is particularly good at helping people to manage opiate withdrawal symptoms, thereby allowing patients to avoid relapse.

How Methadone Treatment Works

On paper, methadone sounds like a wonder drug. However, there are some significant disadvantages to it as well. Some of these are so significant, in fact, that many people choose not to make use of this treatment.

It is important to take a fair and unbiased view and thereby be more empowered to make a decision in terms of which treatment is most appropriate for each individual. After all, one of the principles of effective treatment is that every person’s addiction needs to be considered and addressed as unique.

“No single treatment is right for everyone.”

Key Benefits of Methadone Replacement Therapy

Most people who suffer from an addiction to an opiate, particularly heroin, will be offered methadone as a form of treatment. While almost everybody has heard of the synthetic drug, few people truly understand how it works. Very simply put, it is capable of reducing heroin dependency, thereby decreasing usage of the drug, making patients more receptive to other elements of treatment.

“Methadone works by changing how the brain and nervous system respond to pain. It lessens the painful symptoms of opiate withdrawal and blocks the euphoric effects of opiate drugs.”

Heroin and methadone are both opioids, meaning they affect the same brain receptors. However, methadone does not lead to a euphoric high, which is what people are aiming for when they use heroin. Instead, it stabilizes them, returning them to a sense of “normalcy”.

Methadone is usually administered orally in a drink that does not work if injected intravenously. Those who have used heroin for long periods of time are believed to have a metabolic deficiency, which can be corrected through continued use of synthetic opioids, such as methadone.

If methadone is administered properly, and that is the key, it can be effective for 24 hours, meaning those who are addicted to opioids will not experience the need to seek more heroin, so that they can engage instead in rehabilitation.

The Functions of Methadone

It is undeniable that methadone can be hugely beneficial in terms of getting people into therapy. Indeed, it has three key functions:

1. It replaces heroin and its actions, thereby avoiding heroin’s withdrawal effects. This can be done in a controlled environment, during which time patients can be encouraged to seek further help.

2. It stabilizes those who want help. Because they no longer need to seek out heroin or face intense cravings, they can focus instead on learning new coping strategies, allowing them to enter the road to recovery. Indeed, various studies have shown a link between methadone treatment and successful outcomes.

“With regard to methadone, research has shown that it is useful in increasing retention in treatment, physical and mental health levels, functioning and quality of life, and in decreasing the use of illicit drugs and HIV risk behaviors. In fact, in 2009, the World Health Organization Guidelines recommended methadone and buprenorphine as first line agents for agonist maintenance treatment.”

3. It reduces drug use. There are two schools of thought when it comes to methadone. One advocates it for short term detox, meaning it is used for no longer than a week. Others prefer maintenance programs, in which people can continue to use methadone for years. As it is a legally available drug on prescription, it is possible to continue this type of treatment safely for a long time as long as the patient is properly monitored.

Methadone Treatment Has a Potential Drawback

Nothing in the world is perfect and everything has its pros and cons. The same is true for methadone treatment. Methadone is an opiate, albeit a synthetic one, and that means it can be addictive. Anything that is addictive can lead to withdrawal symptoms.

Most patients who are addicted to opiates use drugs because they want to experience a “high”, and they want to avoid the withdrawal symptoms and this is what has led to them having a full dependency in the first place.

There are other significant drawbacks to consider in relation to methadone treatment, including the fact that:

• It does not give the patients control over their treatment and recovery.
• It means patients must attend methadone clinics on a daily basis, which can prevent them from being productive members of society.
• It does not stop patients from using other opioids and drugs.
• It can lead to a drug overdose, particularly when abused.

“Overdose from methadone is a major concern and continues to be problematic. Mixing methadone with other substances that slow the body like alcohol and benzodiazepines increases the risk of breathing problems and death.”

• It shows up during drug tests, thereby potentially preventing patients from accessing education or employment.
• Many patients feel ashamed about using it, something that is often not properly addressed in treatment. Indeed, many users try to keep their methadone treatment a secret.
• Patients receiving methadone treatment are still addicted, which can be noticed when a dosage is missed, for instance.

The reality is that there are downsides associated with methadone treatment. These can affect the psychological, emotional, and physical well-being of patients. It is also for this reason that methadone must be dispensed under strict controls and only while a patient is monitored by a physician.

Replacing Replacement Therapy

If you are currently in the grips of opiate addiction, it is likely that methadone replacement therapy will be offered to you. It is very important that you consider the pros and cons as described above before deciding whether or not it is right for you. There are other options available as well.

One of them is short term methadone detox, as described earlier. Other options include going cold turkey, which is rarely recommended; medically assisted detox; long term inpatient rehabilitation; intensive outpatient rehabilitation; and more.

It is vital to see addiction for what it is, which is a multi-faceted disease that requires a multi-faceted treatment approach rather than a one size fits all solution. To get more information or find help near you contact (855) 976-2092.

 

Sources

NIDA. (2019, January 17). Treatment Approaches for Drug Addiction. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/treatment-approaches-drug-addiction on 2019, February 14

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2015, September 28). Methadone. Retrieved from samhsa.gov: https://www.samhsa.gov/medication-assisted-treatment/treatment/methadone

Garcia-Portilla, M. P., Bobes-Bascaran, M. T., Bascaran, M. T., Saiz, P. A., & Bobes, J. (2014). Long term outcomes of pharmacological treatments for opioid dependence: does methadone still lead the pack?. British journal of clinical pharmacology, 77(2), 272-84. Retrieved From: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4014027/