evidence based MMT

Evidence-Based Practice – Should You Treat Your Addiction With Methadone?

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When people require drug rehab for opioid addiction, it is important that they find a program that uses evidence-based practice, which has scientific backing. However, exactly what that means and how a treatment center can demonstrate this can be quite difficult to understand, particularly for those who are dealing with their own addiction or that of a loved one. Nevertheless, there are important questions to ask, focusing on the scientific research that underpins the treatment that is offered by the center and on its success rates.

For those who are dealing with drug dependency or addiction, it is important that they choose a treatment program that will work for them. This means that they need to search for something that can be proven through scientific research that is likely to be successful. One example of this is methadone maintenance treatment (MMT), which has been studied for many decades.

“Numerous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of MMT for reducing illicit opioid use, morbidity and mortality, risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, illegal activities, and improving overall functioning. Patients in MMT had a 1-year mortality rate of 1% compared with 8% among patients who discontinued treatment.”

Of course, being able to identify evidence-based practice for drug rehab is often harder than it looks. This is because the language used can be hard to understand and even harder to trust. Furthermore, few truly understand the difference between research-based and evidence-based practice. There are distinctions between the two and those distinctions affect the way treatment is offered. Hence, when evaluating drug rehab facilities, it is important to remember this in order to find the one that is most likely to lead to recovery.

Understanding Evidence-Based Practice

In very simple terms, evidence-based practice means that a treatment facility offers help based on the effects they were able to measure and observe in the past. A clear explanation is provided in the Nurse Researcher journal.

“When a program is based on the results that previous users of that program have had successful outcomes, this is evidence-based.”

However, even this journal acknowledges that it can be difficult to determine whether something is evidence-based or not. A good example of evidence-based practice is the 12 step program. Time and again, people have been able to become abstinent as a result and have achieved long-term recovery using that program. Thus, it can be said that 12 step programs offer evidence-based successful treatment.

Understanding Scientifically Sound Treatment

Any research that has been completed must be scientifically sound. This is perhaps best explained by the American Educational Research Association:

“The following definition of scientifically based research (SBR) was developed by an expert working group convened by the American Educational Research Association (AERA) in June 2008. The term “principles of scientific research” means the use of rigorous, systematic, and objective methodologies to obtain reliable and valid knowledge.”

Essentially, research must meet the following criteria as a minimum:

• The methods used to obtain knowledge must have been objective, systematic, and rigorous.
• Reasoning must be logical and evidence-based.
• The way the study has been designed must lead to reliable results.
• All studies should include experimental control, thereby guaranteeing there aren’t any unknown or other factors that influence the outcome.
• Scientific and accepted methods of data analysis must be used.
• The study should be peer-reviewed with the results being capable of being repeated and findings must lend themselves to further work.

If these processes have been followed in a research-based program, it can be said that their results are completely reliable and can be trusted.

Why Scientifically Sound Research Matters for Addiction Treatment

A lot of research continues to be conducted into addiction treatment, and particularly on MMT. This is because there have been numerous positive outcomes with MMT and it can, therefore, be classified as evidence-based practice with scientific backing. However, some patients failed to have positive outcomes. This must be further studied, therefore.

That said, research to date has revealed some very interesting results that have been driving the way opioid addiction is treated. For instance, it is now known that addiction is a chronic disease, just like diabetes. This conclusion has been demonstrated through scientific evidence. Thus, it is possible to treat addiction, but the condition is chronic and therefore has to be managed properly as well. The National Institute of Drug Addiction (NIDA) has properly described this.

“Addiction is a treatable disease. Research in the science of addiction and the treatment of substance use disorders has led to the development of evidence-based interventions that help people stop abusing drugs and resume productive lives.”

It is important to note that while NIDA agrees that addiction can be treated, it has also pointed out that it cannot always be cured. It has also recommended methods in which patients are most likely to become successful in managing their condition. This must start with detox, which should be medically assisted. In terms of methadone, this means a patient has to be empowered to choose between short-term methadone detox, or longer term MMT. It is now also known that methadone treatment alone is not sufficient to treat opiate addiction. Rather, behavioral therapies are also required, as is significant aftercare. This ensures the individual addict continues to receive the support they need to manage their condition.

Overall, residential treatment programs have proven to be the most effective of all. It is here that people are able to fully detox from their chosen substance in a safe and supportive environment while accessing therapy at the same time. That said, intensive inpatient and outpatient programs are also beneficial, and particularly for people who choose long-term MMT.

Does methadone work as a treatment option? Absolutely! There is a lot of evidence available that shows it is incredibly beneficial. This evidence has been gathered over the past seven decades, which proves that it can help people addicted to opioids. But methadone is not the only treatment option available, nor is it the best for everybody. Rather, each individual is different, each addiction story is different, and every treatment option is different as well. Reach out to (855) 976-2092 for more information.

 

Sources

[1] Methadone | SAMHSA – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2015, 28). Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/medication-assisted-treatment/treatment/methadone

[2] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (n.d.). Treatment and Recovery. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/treatment-recovery

 

 

prevention of opioid abuse

How to Prevent Opioid Addiction

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To understand drug abuse and how to prevent opioid addiction we must first learn what the definition of addiction is. An addiction can include both substances and activities, can lead to substantial harm, repeated involvement with the substance regardless to harm, and continues because it’s pleasurable.

Opioids are drugs made from the opium poppy plant or man-made drugs that have similar effects. Some of these include oxycodone, tramadol, and even heroin. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid prescribed to cancer patients who are tolerant to other pain medicine.

Opiates work by reducing the perception of pain by binding to opioid receptors in the brain. In addition to these effects, many people often experience feelings of euphoria and sedation or sleepiness.

Risk Factors for Opioid Abuse

Some people may be at a higher risk than others for opioid addiction. If you have current or previous addictions, including those to cigarettes and alcohol, your risk may be elevated.

Psychiatric illness and previous trauma can play a role in addiction, as well as being a woman. According to the CDC, a woman goes to the emergency department for misusing opioids,  every 3 minutes. Having someone in your family with addictions also raises your chances of developing some sort of substance abuse issue, as this problem has been shown to be genetic.

Another issue with pain medication that even without developing an addiction to it, a physical dependency is still possible. When suddenly stopping opioid medications, you can experience vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea.

How the 3 P’s Can Prevent Opioid Addiction:

Prescribers

Doctors are in the unique position to be able to identify opioid addiction or substance abuse issues through regular contact with their patients. This can be done by using a drug abuse screening test that takes a look at the non-medical use of prescription drugs during regular office visits.

A doctor may want to reconsider jumping to prescribe opioids by looking into less addictive options and medications that are non-narcotic. Sometimes, less is more and a lower dose or more mild pain treatment can be successfully used. If the mild treatment doesn’t work, a doctor can re-evaluate and go to the next highest treatment available.

Patients

As a patient, you have a responsibility to yourself and to your doctor to take your medication appropriately and as prescribed. Always ask your doctor for either a non-narcotic medication or the mildest form of treatment.

In addition, take your prescription as directed and don’t mix anything with alcohol. Be honest with your doctor about what other medications you take as well as your alcohol consumption. Inquire about any possible drug interactions with your pharmacist or doctor.

Don’t change your dosage or abruptly stop it without permission and supervision from your provider, and never give your prescription away or take someone else’s as it is meant for the person prescribed and illegal to do so.

Pharmacists

Pharmacists can team with doctors in preventing opioid abuse, misuse, and addiction. A primary purpose of a pharmacist is ensuring patients know how to properly take their medication and watch for falsified documents. They can also phone other pharmacies to alert them of fraudulent behavior.

Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs) are state-run databases used to track the dispensing of controlled substances like opiates. Pharmacists can ensure they use these tools for identifying misuse of prescriptions.

Pain Management Options

Chronic pain is the number one reason for the use of opioids, seeking care, disability, and driver of healthcare costs according to the Institute of Medicine and the National Pain Strategy. Preventing chronic pain and opioid dependence may be the key to reducing the number of people with addiction.

Pain in the back, face, neck, and head may have begun with an injury but persist due to your lifestyle, poor posture, stress, or other things. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are opiate alternatives that have been proven effective in treating many injuries.

Anti-seizure medication (like Lyrica) and anti-depressants (think Cymbalta) have been shown to help reduce chronic pain without the nasty side effects that can come from opiates. Going medication free may be an option over time as well, with the use of yoga, meditation, and chiropractic care.

Downfalls to Recreational Usage

Recreational usage of opiates leading to opioid addiction can have A LOT of unpleasant side effects. Some are mild, some are major. And the best tool for prevention is knowledge.

Some downfalls to opiate misuse can include constipation, nausea, liver damage, brain damage, and respiratory depression. Not too bad, right? Except… it does get worse with long-term use.

If you find yourself with an opioid addiction, you may resort to heroin, which is often used by injection. Unless you buy new needles, you cannot guarantee that you are not spreading Hepatitis C or HIV.

Respiratory depression was mentioned earlier. Slower breathing, right? Too slow and you die. HIV, if left untreated can also kill you. So, long story short, DEATH is a side effect of recreational use or misuse of opiate drugs.

Acting On This

Though you might not be responsible for the chemicals that are involved in manufacturing medicine, you can certainly advocate for research on safer alternatives to opioid drugs and development of non-addictive medications.

If you’re a parent, you can talk to your kids about proper use and misuse of prescription drugs and the very real consequences of opioid addiction. Also, be informed of what opiate abuse and addiction looks like:

  • Loss of interest in activities
  • Skipping school
  • Slipping grades
  • Changes in appearance

Opioid addiction is nothing to be ashamed about, as most start with the intention of taking a prescription to get better and aid in pain management. These drugs are very addictive and taking them should be done correctly.

If you find yourself in the grasp of addiction or in needing information about this epidemic, please reach out. There are many resources available to you. Talk to family and friends about this topic, you never know who may be suffering.

Addiction knows no bounds, no race, no creed or religion. Everyone can be affected by this ailment. If you need more resources on opioid addiction, give us a call at (855)976-2092 to speak to someone directly about your situation or browse our website, here.

Sources

[1] Definition of Addiction. (2018). Retrieved from https://www.mentalhelp.net/articles/definition-of-addiction/

[2] Prescription Painkiller Overdoses. (2019, February 11). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/PrescriptionPainkillerOverdoses/index.html

[3] NIDA. (2018, December 13). Misuse of Prescription Drugs. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/misuse-prescription-drugs on 2019, February 18

drug addiction recovery tips

10 Tips to Help With Recovering From Addiction

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Drug addiction is a mental illness.

Science has proven that addiction and the brain of people recovering from addiction have been physically altered. The symptoms of these alterations are similar to those seen in other mental illnesses.

These changes in the brain reduce the ability to control urges and impulses. They are what make recovering from addiction so hard to do.

For those seeking to help someone recovering from addiction, or looking to help themselves, we’ve compiled a list of ten top tips. These can help make a difference in the struggle to beat addiction.

Read on and find out ten ways to try to keep on the road to recovery.

1. Avoid Relapse Triggers

A big challenge for people recovering from addiction is avoiding triggers.

Triggers are situations, people or places that make you want to return to your addictive behavior. It might be a friend you used to take drugs with or a bar you used to hang out in. You know what they are.

A major step in recovery is recognizing those triggers and finding ways to avoid them. In other words, putting yourself out of harm’s way.

2. Manageable Goals in Recovery

Let’s face it, you’re not going to beat addiction overnight.

Setting yourself manageable and achievable goals is really important. It means you can see the progress you’re making as each goal is achieved. Or where you’re going wrong if they’re not.

Start small and build up when you get more confident. A simple goal for anyone recovering from addiction will be to make it through the day. Then the next. Then the next.

Don’t forget to reward yourself when you reach a target.

3. Use Effective Drug Addiction Treatment

Beating addiction is a battle against your own brain. The symptoms of this battle can be very hard to deal with.

Thankfully there are products out there that can help. Methadone treatment programs can help to reduce the intense symptoms of opiate addiction. It won’t beat your addiction overnight and it won’t beat it by itself, but it can be one of the most valuable tools in your arsenal.

There are other natural remedies for opioid addiction that can also be helpful. Try to find something that works for you.

4. Exercise Therapy for Addiction

As we already learned, addiction is a mental illness.

Exercise for mental health is widely accepted as being a simple and effective way to combat the symptoms of mental illness. It can improve your mood, helps to fight other health problems, and can increase your confidence.

It’s a way for you to fight back against the symptoms of addiction, and what’s more activities such as walking and running can be done for free.

5. Distraction Coping Mechanism

When you’re recovering from addiction it’s very easy to dwell on the cravings that your addiction is giving you.

A simple and effective way to stop these thoughts is to find a distraction. That could be meeting up with friends, doing an activity you enjoy, or just finding something that takes all your focus, such as a puzzle.

And if there’s nothing that seems to work, there’s always tip number six.

6. Try out a New Hobby

A new hobby is a great way to provide a distraction as well as helping to boost your mood.

Taking up a new sport will tick off three of our top ten list in one go. Creative activities such as music or cooking can occupy your mind to a huge extent. The social aspect of joining in with others in a new club or class can also have a positive impact on your mood.

And who knows you might even end up finding your calling.

7. Be Positive Every Day

It’s easy to say, but much harder to do.

Keeping a positive attitude is a challenge at the best of times, but especially so when recovering from addiction. A major step in succeeding is being able to notice when your thoughts are turning negative. If you can catch yourself in the act, you can then try to put a more positive spin on your situation.

And remember you don’t have to do this alone. Surround yourself with positive people and you will find it hard for that positivity not to rub off on you.

8. Treat Your Body Right

You’re already in a fight with your brain. You don’t want to be fighting your body too.

Taking care of your body doesn’t have to be hard. Eat healthily, make sure you get enough sleep and get some exercise. All of these will improve your mood as well as helping to undo some of the damage that drugs can inflict on your body.

If your body feels good, you will too.

9. Connect with People in Recovery

Sometimes it is inevitable that things will seem overwhelming. This is when talking to someone can make all the difference.

Maybe you have friends and family who want to help you through this hard time. If you don’t tell them when you’re struggling, you’re robbing them of that chance to be there for you.

Sometimes it’s useful to talk to other people who are recovering from addiction. Recovery groups are a great way to get support from people who are going through the exact same problems that you are facing.

10. Be Realistic

It’s estimated that 40-60% of people in recovery from addiction will relapse at some point. If it was easy, it wouldn’t be an addiction.

But relapse doesn’t have to mean failure. Take it on the chin, look at what went wrong for you, and learn from it. Vow not to make the same mistake again.

Treat every setback as a lesson, put it behind you and move on.

Don’t Suffer in Silence

Overcoming addiction is hard. You’re literally fighting against the desires of your own brain. It’s a tough challenge, but it’s one that many people overcome.

These ten tips will get you headed in the right direction, but there is more help to be found out there. Thankfully, if you’re reading this you’ve found somewhere that can give you that help. If you’re in need of more assistance, please contact (855) 976-2092.

Sources

[1] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (n.d.). Comorbidity: Substance Use Disorders and Other Mental Illnesses. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/comorbidity-addiction-other-mental-disorders

[2] Depression and anxiety: Exercise eases symptoms. (2017, September 27). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/depression-and-exercise/art-20046495

[3] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (n.d.). Treatment and Recovery. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/treatment-recovery

methadone maintenance treatment duration

How Long is Methadone Maintenance

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66% of overdoses in The US are from opioids, making it the leading cause of accidental deaths in the states.

A staggering 115 people overdose from opioids every single day in The US.

Methadone was created to help with this fatal epidemic. And since then it has helped many and saved countless lives.

But unfortunately, there’s still a stigma around it. It’s still considered a controversial method to treat opioid addiction by some.

However, that stigma is unfounded. And the methadone maintenance program is proven to be safe and effective.

If you’re using methadone to detox from opioids, you should be prepared for the process. Continue reading to learn more about the methadone treatment program.

What is Methadone Maintenance?

Methadone is a synthetic opioid prescribed to people suffering from opioid addiction. This is generally heroin addicts or people addicted to pain pills.

And sometimes it’s prescribed for chronic pain.

It’s typically consumed in a drink, mixed with juice. But there are methadone pills and wafers – depending on where you receive treatment.

It’s taken once a day and diminishes withdrawals and cravings. So patients can function normally, without having to use street drugs.

The methadone treatment program is more than a clinic that dispenses methadone. Clinics that dispense methadone also assist their patients in other ways.

Methadone Maintenance Treatment Clinics Offer:

  • Drug testing
  • Hep C and HIV testing
  • Yearly medical tests and assessments
  • Counseling

It’s imperative that patients on the methadone program have frequent drug testing. This helps to hold you accountable.

An incentive to stay clean and on the program is the ability to take your doses home with you. If you provide clean urine tests over a certain amount of time you earn ”carries”. Also known as “take-home doses”.

When you begin treatment, you must come in and be monitored for each dose. Working towards take-home doses gives the patients something to look forward too and a sense of freedom.

And once you reach each milestone, it’s far more likely you’ll have the desire to keep going.

How Do the Different Stages of the Process Work?

When entering methadone maintenance program, there are various stages you go through. From the moment you walk in the door, until your very last dose after you’ve completed the program.

Intake/Starting Out

As a new patient in a methadone clinic, they’ll need to find the right dose for you. Many factors come into play when deciding your accurate dose.

But to begin, everyone starts at approximately 20-30 milligrams. Then it’ll be increased by 5-15mg increments.

It’ll take at least a few weeks to get used to the dosage increases. So you may still feel withdrawal symptoms in the first few weeks.

Methadone Maintenance Phase

The goal is to get you to a comfortable dose where you can go about your day normally. You should not feel drowsy or sleepy. You should also not be feeling any withdrawals at this point.

Once a balance has been restored in your life and you’re feeling good – you know you’re at the right dose.

Depending on various factors like weight-gain or building a tolerance, you may need to increase your dosage at some point.

Weaning Off the Program

Everybody varies when it comes to the time it takes them to taper off methadone. However, they say it should be no less than 12 months before you attempt to wean off.

Some patients will need many years, 10 years, or will be on it for the rest of their life. Ultimately that’s not the goal. But it’s not recommended to rush the process.

When someone tapers off methadone maintenance too early, they’re at high-risk of using their drug of choice again.

Always consult a doctor before tapering off your methadone. Never attempt to go cold turkey or do it at home. It’s potentially extremely dangerous.

What Are the Benefits of the Methadone Program?

The methadone maintenance treatment program can be a life-saver if you’re knee deep in addiction to opioids or heroin.

You may be skeptical to begin this journey. But it beats the alternative!

Not to mention the benefits of the methadone program are endless.

Key Benefits Of a Methadone Program:

  • No more withdrawals
  • Controlled cravings
  • Prevents death (if you were still using)
  • You receive access to counseling
  • It blocks any effects of other opioids
  • You’re able to live a normal life again

As you can see, there are loads of benefits you’ll reap once you’re on this treatment program. Despite some opinions, methadone is a safe and effective treatment.

How Long Will You Be in the Treatment Program?

As we discussed, you should stay on the methadone maintenance program for at least a year. Some require years before they’re ready. But for others about a year is sufficient.

It takes your body a while to find the right dosage, so you won’t technically ”start” until you’ve been consuming it daily for at least a few weeks. If not a month or two.

The main thing is to not get caught up on a timeline. If you’re concentrating on the timeline – you’re not being fully focused on your recovery.

Signs Your Ready to Begin Weaning:

  • You have a long history of clean urine tests
  • Cravings are a thing of the past
  • You’ve met with a counselor and gotten to the root of your issues
  • You don’t associate with people who use drugs anymore
  • You’re living a stable and healthy lifestyle

Take advantage of everything the methadone maintenance program has to offer, and when you’re ready to begin tapering off – you’ll know it.

Final Thoughts

Taking the leap into a long-term program like this can be a daunting task to initially start. You may have doubts, or even put it off.

But once you do begin methadone maintenance, your life that seemed so dark and pointless, becomes a life full of purpose again.

With the whopping amount of people overdosing every year in the US – it’s a gamble with your life. Not one you should be taking.

Are you or a loved one suffering from an opioid addiction? If so reach out for help as soon as possible and contact us at (855) 976-2092.

What has been the most challenging aspect? Let us know below in the comment section!

Sources

[1] Understanding the Epidemic | Drug Overdose | CDC Injury Center. (2018, December 19). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/epidemic/index.html

[2] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (n.d.). Messages from the Director | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/about-nida/directors-page/messages-director/2008/08/methadone-appropriate-use-provides-valuable-treatment-pain-addiction

[3] Methadone | SAMHSA – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2015, 28). Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/medication-assisted-treatment/treatment/methadone

 

 

Methadone Stories: Life After Methadone

How Methadone Changes Lives

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We’re staring down the barrel of an opioid epidemic that’s destroying an entire generation. Far too many people are struggling with the use of drugs like heroin and prescription painkillers. This doesn’t always start with the use of illicit drugs, it can start with a legitimate prescription. If you’re looking for a solution, methadone recovery stories are real.

My Story

Methadone - My StoryThis was how I was first introduced to prescription painkillers. I was working as a CNA in a hospital when I experienced a herniated disk in my lower back. The pain was unreal, and it gave way to symptoms of sciatica.

If you’ve ever experienced this type of pain, then you can understand how all-encompassing it can be. I ended up in the emergency room, and after receiving an injection of Demerol I experienced immediate relief—and a euphoria that I’d never experienced before.

I left the hospital with a prescription for Vicodin and a referral to a specialist. Being a larger guy, I had a higher dosage. They couldn’t operate due to my weight and continued to prescribe me painkillers month after month.

Every time that the doctor suggested that I wean myself off the narcotics, I’d find another excuse to keep taking them like clockwork. I knew that I was addicted on some level, but I justified it by convincing myself that I had a legitimate injury.

My doctor knew that I was addicted before I was ready to admit it and tried to cut back on my dosage. By this time, I was physically addicted and psychologically hooked. I had no desire to stop using, and I started to go from doctor to doctor in an effort to get more painkillers.

How Addiction Changed My Life

I wasn’t able to keep up with my habit, and I started to take whatever I could get my hands on. I stole pills from friends and family, asked others to get prescriptions for me, and then started buying prescription pills off the street. It seemed like it was everywhere.

It changed me. My drug use changed the way that I saw myself, and I just kept justifying it with my old injury. Long after the physical pain was gone, I still needed the drugs.

The first time I injected heroin, I was in my 30s. That’s all it took for me to be hopelessly addicted. That rush and then the afterglow that came with the introduction of the drug into my body. After developing a tolerance, I needed more and more.

Methadone: Changing Lives

I stopped using to get high and just started to keep from feeling the withdrawals. I needed help, and I got it after my family staged an intervention. With methadone recovery from my addiction became real. Now, I’ve been free from the use of illegal drugs for almost 2-years. I take methadone but have reduced the dosage to nearly nothing.

Looking for Methadone Maintenance Treatment? Call (855) 976-2092

What is Methadone Used For?

Methadone is a maintenance medication used to stop addicts from experiencing opiate withdrawals. It can help us to stop using illegal drugs and some doctors use methadone as a short-term detox drug. Methadone itself is a narcotic, but it works in a different way than many of the illicit drugs that addicts become hooked on.

It’s very important to work with a licensed clinic when obtaining any type of maintenance medication. Most states facilitate these programs and carefully monitor them. For people like us to get these types of medications, we need to commit to a rehab program and arrive at a designated destination each day for our medication.

This is just another way to get high. Many of us who become extremely addicted to opioids like heroin or prescription painkillers will keep using just to avoid the withdrawal symptoms.

Methadone stops these withdrawal symptoms and prevents further drug use from having the same euphoric effect it once did.

Methadone for Opioid WithdrawalsMaintenance medication programs are only used under very specific circumstances. You’ll need to go through a rehab program and be approved for this type of treatment. It’s important to trust your doctors and your rehab support staff. Be completely honest with them, and don’t be afraid to take that next step.

How Does It Work?

Once you’re approved for medication-assisted treatment programs, you’ll need to get in touch with a locally licensed facility. These aren’t necessarily available everywhere, and you may need to see a private psychiatrist to start your medication regimen.

For the most part, these facilities will issue you a single dose of methadone each day. This is usually enough to stave off withdrawal symptoms and to help you reduce and resist drug cravings.

People who remain on methadone for longer than two weeks have an 80 percent chance of staying with their methadone maintenance treatment for six months or longer. And those who utilize methadone maintenance on a long-term basis have favorable outcomes than those on a short-term basis. In fact, it is recommended by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) to be on a methadone maintenance treatment program for a minimum of one year for best outcomes.

Methadone MaintenanceI’ve discovered that I don’t feel high when I take this medication, but it does help me to stop thinking about using drugs like heroin or prescription painkillers all the time. It allows you to be free of the all-consuming addiction that ran your life for so long.

Who Should Use Methadone?

Methadone is a medication that should only be used under very specific circumstances. Not everyone can safely use methadone without abusing it or returning to their drug of choice. Only a person who’s actively engaged in rehab and who truly wants to seek sobriety should take advantage of these programs.

For many of us, it’s very easy to fall back into our old ways. If you aren’t ready to stop using drugs, then don’t put yourself in a position to keep using things like methadone. It’s also important that you remain extremely honest with the person who’s administering the drug.

If you feel like the dose is too high and it has an adverse effect, then you need to tell them immediately. Getting this right can be the difference between a relapse and long-term sobriety.

Looking for Methadone Maintenance Treatment? Call (855) 976-2092

Understanding the Dangers of Opioid Addiction

Opioids kill more people each year than any other cause of accidental death. This is a serious number and one we need to start paying attention to. If you’ve ever experienced addiction, then you understand just how deep this rabbit hole goes. It’s very easy to fall into a habit and to continually justify it to yourself.

We all deserve a chance at a better life. It’s just a matter of whether you’re prepared to reach out and take it. So, reach out at (855) 976-2092 and talk to a professional today.

 

References

The National Institute on Drug Abuse Blog Team. (). Prescription Pain Medications (Opioids). Retrieved from https://teens.drugabuse.gov/drug-facts/prescription-pain-medications-opioids on February 13, 2019.

National Institute on Drug Abuse. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.drugabuse.gov

Shiller, & Mechanic. (2018, October 27). Opioid, Overdose. Retrieved from pubmed.gov: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=Schiller%20EY%5BAuthor%5D&cauthor=true&cauthor_uid=29262202

Methadone Helps More Than it Hurts

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Opiate addiction affects every single aspect of a person’s life, from their career to personal relationships and everything in between, so why can’t methadone help?. I have witnessed this firsthand, just like many other grieving friends and family who have watched drugs devastate some of the people they love the most. Having seen it firsthand has led me to believe that methadone helps a lot more than it hurts.

I have watched friends as their entire lives were derailed by their deadly habit, with drugs eventually taking over all that once mattered to them. Seeing several of my friends, all high-achievers in education and the workforce, was absolutely awful. Years of accomplishments went wasted down the drain, all in the blink of an eye, as my friends turned all their attention to drugs.

Thankfully, not all hope is lost when someone becomes addicted to drugs. I always knew how dangerous drugs could be, but I never realized or really understood how methadone can change someone’s life entirely.

Until one of my friends was addicted to opiates, and I observed how the benefits of methadone maintenance treatment worked in a major way. The methadone maintenance treatment program that has been used for many years to help recovering addicts kick their addiction to the curb.

After witnessing my friend’s remarkable recovery, I believe options such as methadone maintenance for opiate addiction is vital, especially in this day and age where drugs are killing people every single day.

How Does Methadone Maintenance Work?

My friend went through methadone maintenance where doctors use methadone, an opioid and painkiller with less addictive qualities, to wean a person off heroin or another opiate. This way, they are still receiving some form of an opioid to satisfy their craving, but they aren’t ingesting dangerous, even deadly quantities of heroin or prescription pills.

A qualified medical team will set up a treatment plan that includes the proper dosage of methadone and directions for each individual case. Every person is different and will respond to methadone maintenance differently, but it is important to give them the support they need to succeed.

Methadone should only be administered by certified medical staff, and as the treatment continues, the dosage will get smaller and smaller. My friend felt safe and secure with his medical staff, which I think helped him recover and stay off drugs.

Many doctors prefer methadone maintenance as it decreases the chances of a relapse and ups the possibility for rehabilitation with a successful recovery. Although some critics argue that using an opioid to treat addiction to another opioid is counterproductive and opens the doors for an even worse addiction, others believe it is one of the best ways to make the withdrawal process as comfortable as possible. I support this treatment method as a preventive measure to relapse, and I think the benefits far outweigh the potential negatives.

It is vital that no matter how strong you think you are, the truth is that you’re much more likely to relapse, or perhaps even death if you try to detox on your own. If possible, enter a detox and rehabilitation center to make it easier. Plus, doing so will also increase your chances of staying clean and sober in the long-term.

Looking for Methadone Maintenance Treatment? Call (855) 976-2092

The Need for Methadone in the U.S

It’s no secret that opioid addiction is are a major problem, not only in the United States but also across the world, with thousands of lives lost every year to the preventable yet powerful vices of illegal substances.

To me, some of the most heartbreaking stories are those of devastated families, grieving the loss of their children who succumbed to opioid addiction when they had such promising futures.

Sadly, the problem is growing, with overdose deaths climbing and drug smuggling fueling violence that terrifies both big cities and small towns. U.S. President Donald Trump has gone so far as to declare the opioid epidemic a “public health crisis” in a speech from October 2017. “We are currently dealing with the worst drug crisis in American history,” Trump said, according to NPR. “It’s just been so long in the making. Addressing it will require all of our efforts. We can be the generation that ends the opioid epidemic.”

In that same address, Trump also noted how drugs wreak havoc on people’s lives, causing devastation that ruins relationships and tears families apart.

Making Methadone More Prevalent

I believe greater public awareness can make a positive impact, as can outreach about prevention and treatment such as methadone maintenance. This is especially important as opioid addiction takes over more and more lives, with addictions to heroin and prescription pills.

I think, now more than ever, it is essential to have honest, open discussions about the challenges of opioid addiction.

When people feel the need to hide their addiction, their lives can quickly spiral out of control, and they won’t have access to the support and resources they need. In my personal experience, I have seen how the support of caring family and friends have ultimately pushed drug addicts on a path to recovery.

Common substances include Vicodin and Oxycontin, two readily-available prescription drugs that are often administered for a variety of pain, from routine surgeries to flare-ups and sore backs. I myself have been prescribed these opioids after surgery, and I was very careful to only take them when I really needed to.

While many patients do need help managing their pain, it is extremely easy to become hooked on the painkillers. My mom is a nurse, and she has told me stories of patients abusing their medication and trying to find anywhere to get their hands on pills. Drug addiction extends far beyond impoverished communities now.

People of all ages and backgrounds are susceptible to addiction. It can be difficult to identify a person with a drug problem, but changes in appearance such as flushed skin, scratch marks, weight gain or loss, and constricted pupils may point to opiate use.

It is also important to recognize that drug users often take steps to conceal their activity and hide their addiction. That’s what happened to one of my friends. I always knew him as a happy, outgoing person, but when he became withdrawn and secretive, I knew something was up.

Once you acknowledge an addiction, whether it’s you personally or a close friend or family member, it’s important to embrace the help of medical professionals. That’s when methadone maintenance therapy can come into play, and it could help you just as it’s changed the lives of many others before you.

Brief History of Methadone

Methadone maintenance treatment was first introduced in the 1970s, and since then, it’s been used to treat millions of patients struggling with the detox process. In 2009, there were over 100,000 recovering heroin addicts on methadone treatment plans according to Harvard Medical School’s Harvard Health Publications.

Commonly referred to as a substitution therapy, methadone maintenance helps to control cravings and difficult withdrawal symptoms with a safer opiate. Methadone is a full opiate agonist, which eliminates the high associated with other similar substances, such as heroin, according to the UCLA Dual Diagnosis Program.

While some skeptics say it’s a double-edged sword to treat opiate addiction with another opioid, I agree that methadone is much safer than heroin or other opiates.

These characteristics make methadone a popular treatment method for many doctors who understand that the more comfortable the patient is, the less likely they are to relapse and fall back into the cycle of drug addiction.

Methadone Maintenance Therapy

If you or a loved one is suffering from opiate addiction, now is the time to seek help before it’s too late. Getting on the path to recovery is the only way to achieve a healthier, happier lifestyle, not only for yourself but for those who love you and want to see you safe and content.

It is important to seek professional help as soon as possible to ensure a successful recovery. I am so proud of my friends who have recovered from this huge hurdle and are now living happy, healthy and sober lives.

Looking for Methadone Maintenance Treatment? Call (855) 976-2092

Sources

[1] Methadone | SAMHSA – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2015, 28). Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/medication-assisted-treatment/treatment/methadone

[2] FAQ About Substitution Therapy | Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior. (2019). Retrieved from https://www.semel.ucla.edu/dual-diagnosis-program/News_and_Resources/FAQ_Substitution_Therapy_CS