methadone side effects

5 Methadone Side Effects to Watch (and How to Treat Them)

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Opioid addiction is a serious public health problem in the United States. Did you know over 115 people die every day from an accidental opioid overdose?

That’s a grim statistic. If you are suffering from substance abuse, it’s also a potentially personal outcome. This scenario, however, doesn’t have to be your fate.

Consider methadone treatment as part of your recovery process. It’s both safe and effective.

Like any medication, though, methadone has side effects, some of which are mild and some possibly severe. Below we’ll go over the 5 most common methadone side effects to watch out for. You’ll also learn how to treat them.

Read on for more information!

Facts About Methadone

Before discussing methadone side effects, let’s go over some general information on methadone treatment for opioid dependence. We’ll also see why it’s an effective treatment option for opioid withdrawal.

What Is Methadone?

Methadone was invented by German scientists during World War II. The Germans used it for pain relief when they were running out of morphine.

By 1947, methadone was being used in the United States. At first, it was seen as an all-purpose pain medication. It wasn’t until 1971 that methadone was approved as a treatment option for heroin and other opiate abuse.

How Methadone Helps Recovery

Today, methadone is one of the ways addicts can successfully gain recovery from opiate addiction. It blocks receptors in the brain affected by opioids. In this way, methadone improves withdrawal symptoms. It will also reduce or eliminate cravings.

The dread of withdrawal symptoms is a major reason why addicts are often afraid to enter rehab. By lessening or eliminating these symptoms, it also takes away a lot of the fear of recovery. The reduction of cravings is also a key component of methadone’s efficacy.

Like any drug, though, methadone side effects do occur. Let’s look below at the 5 most common ones.

1. Constipation From Methadone

First of all, take note: do not be embarrassed by this side effect. It’s common. Doctors administering your methadone treatment won’t be surprised one bit by your reports of problems in the bathroom.

Now, on to the facts.

All opioid medications, including methadone, cause constipation. It’s possible, then, that rehab patients had constipation before starting treatment. Poor diet or alcohol abuse may have masked this problem.

Alternatively, constipation can come with the methadone treatment itself. If that’s the case, this unpleasant side effect may be mild. Or, it may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks after beginning treatment.

Of course, if the constipation is severe, consult your doctor or healthcare provider. You may have an underlying condition that needs treatment.

Is there anything you can do to alleviate your methadone-induced constipation? Drinking plenty of water, eating fiber-rich foods, and getting regular exercise can help. In addition, mild constipation may be relieved by an over-the-counter (OTC) medication. These include products like:

  • stool softeners
  • fiber products
  • enemas
  • suppositories

Be careful about taking a laxative during methadone treatment, though. Mixing laxatives and methadone together can cause an imbalance in your electrolyte levels. You could end up having problems with your heart’s rhythm.

As always, consult your doctor before beginning any medication during your methadone treatment.

2. Dizziness, Lightheadedness, Drowsiness

Feeling dizzy or lightheaded is common while taking methadone. This symptom often occurs as you rise from lying down. So, be careful when getting up! Rising more slowly may help you feel better.

Also, if you’re feeling extra tired, dizzy, or lightheaded in general, take the time to lie down and rest. That may help you feel better.

Please note, however: general dizziness or lightheadedness is a normal side-effect of methadone. If you experience extreme dizziness along with chest pain and fast or pounding heartbeats, call your doctor right away. These symptoms, on the other hand, could indicate a life-threatening heart rhythm disorder.

Serious methadone side effects are more likely in patients who are weaker or malnourished.

3. Nausea or Vomiting

Nausea is a common side-effect of methadone treatment. It’s also a normal part of the withdrawal process. Just because it’s expected, though, doesn’t make it any easier!

Always take your methadone dose with food. Whatever you do, don’t take it on an empty stomach.

If you feel nauseous immediately after taking your methadone, try sucking on a mint. Again, this symptom may go away after a few days or even weeks. If not, talk to your doctor about your methadone dosage. You’ll also want to make sure your upset stomach isn’t the result of a different condition, such as a peptic ulcer.

4. Increased Sweating or Perspiration

All opiates cause increased perspiration. Methadone is no exception and may be the worst of the bunch. About half of all methadone patients report increased sweating.

But, excessive sweating is also a symptom of opiate withdrawal. Make sure you talk to your doctor if you’re experiencing other withdrawal symptoms, such as:

  • body aches
  • nausea
  • stomach cramps
  • a runny nose

Your doctor may need to adjust your methadone dose if the sweating is dramatic. If it’s soaking through your clothes, for example, make sure to report that symptom. Your doctor needs to check for an alternative underlying medical condition, such as an overactive thyroid.

Common-sense measures can help mitigate profuse sweating. These include things like:

  • keeping your house cool
  • wearing loose clothing
  • losing weight

In fact, consistent exercise helps some people. Talcum powder and antiperspirants can also be applied, especially before bedtime. These tools may prevent the sweating from waking you up at night.

5. Headaches From Medication

Having a headache is another regular one of methadone side effects. Again, it should go away with time. But, if your headache becomes severe, you need to alert your doctor.

Wrapping Up on Methadone Side Effects

None of these methadone side effects seem fun. It’s true. They don’t, however, last forever, and, in the end, they’re much better than continuing down the dark road of opioid addiction.

Under proper medical supervision, methadone can make the withdrawal process much easier. It will also improve your chances of a complete recovery. That way, you can begin your new life.

We can help you search for safe and effective treatment options for your addiction. Please contact us at (855) 976-2092 today to find the best clinic for you. Please also check out our website for more information on methadone treatment for opioids.

 

Sources 

[1] Opioid Overdose Crisis – NIDA. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/opioids/opioid-overdose-crisis

[2] Payte, J. T. (1991). A brief history of methadone in the treatment of opioid dependence: a personal perspective. – PubMed – NCBI. Retrieved February 15, 2019, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1765883

[3] Kosten, T. R., & George, T. P. (2002). The neurobiology of opioid dependence: implications for treatment. Science & practice perspectives, 1(1), 13–20. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2851054/

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

 

Withdrawing from opiates at home

10 Natural Home Remedies for Opiate Withdrawal

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Opiate withdrawals can do a serious number on the mind and body. Some people experience minor symptoms nausea and headaches when they’re trying to stop using opiates, while others go through more intense things like vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive sweating.

These are just a few of the many symptoms of opiate withdrawal. Thankfully, there are plenty of home remedies for opiate withdrawal that you or your loved one can use to overcome this period of the addiction recovery process.

Here are 10 of the best resources a person can use when going through the stages of withdrawing from opiates at home.

1. Hydration

Proper hydration is essential to everyone, but it’s particularly important for addicts who are experiencing withdrawals.

Hydration helps keep the body in homeostasis. It supports healthy blood flow, good energy levels, and emotional stability – all of which may be affected during the withdrawal process.

When the body is trying to “shut down” because of its addiction to opiates, water is one of the best things that will keep a person going.

2. Healthy Eating

Drinking plenty of water and healthy eating go hand in hand.

It’s smart to eat bland, easy to digest foods like:

  • bananas
  • oatmeal
  • rice
  • pasta
  • saltine crackers

Note that many bland foods are carb-heavy. It’s smart to pair them with lean proteins and good fats in order for the body to get all the nutrients it needs.

3. Hot Baths

The next home remedy that does wonders for the struggles of opiate withdrawal is a hot bath. However, it’s good to note that this works better for some symptoms than others.

A hot bath doesn’t pair well with feelings of nausea or diarrhea. For things like headaches, muscle aches, restlessness, and/or goose bumps, taking a hot bath may be exactly what does the trick.

4. Exercise

If a person is particularly restless, they need to do something about all the energy rushing through them. Going for a run, a bike ride, or hitting the gym is the best option.

This gives the body a release of energy while supporting healthy changes and helping the mind unwind. Just a half-hour or a full 60 minutes of exercise can offer many benefits to a person’s opiate withdrawal process.

5. Meditation

Another home remedy worth trying when dealing with opiate withdrawals is to meditate. Meditation is good for the mind, body, and soul.

It takes a person’s mind off all the symptoms they’re dealing with and it helps calm some of those symptoms, too. Meditation can ease the sense of restlessness a person may be feeling, but it also has the potential to boost their energy a bit if they’re dealing with a big sense of fatigue.

6. Sleep

When fatigue gets to be too much, the best thing to do is just sleep.

Sleep helps boost a person’s energy levels and it supports muscle relaxation, too. It’s a good way to escape from the symptoms of opiate withdrawal for a while in a way that’s healthy and progressive. Not to mention, a person is more likely to start feeling like themselves and be in a good mood when they wake up from their sleep.

7. Acupuncture

This “home remedy” is one that an individual may need to call a specialist for. But, many acupuncturists are willing to do house calls, which adds to the overall comfort available with this experience.

Acupuncture is an ancient medicine that’s meant to help the body unwind and let go of mental struggles it’s been holding onto. This practice can ease the physical symptoms a person feels when going through opiate withdrawal, and it can boost their mental state as well.

8. A Smart Distraction

Sometimes, the best thing to do about opiate withdrawals is anything that will get the mind to think about something else. That “anything” should be a healthy distraction, of course.

Some of these include:

  • drawing/painting
  • cooking
  • journaling
  • going for a walk
  • playing a game
  • watching a movie

These are what most people do in their free time. But, they’re activities that some addicts have to push themselves to engage in after being so caught up in shooting up. Such distractions ease the withdrawal process, while also replacing old habits with new, better activities.

9. A New Daily Schedule

Speaking of new activities, a good thing to prioritize during the withdrawal process is a new daily schedule. Addicts in recovery need structure. They need to find ways to occupy their mind and body in order to speed the recovery process along, but more importantly, to reduce the chance of relapse.

When a person is busy gardening, exercising, or cooking, they’re not as focused on trying to entertain their addiction. Instead, they’re taking big steps in the right direction just by changing how they spend their time each day.

10. The Support of Others

The final remedy is that addicts in recovery need support from others.

Whether it’s your brother, mother, or best friend going through the withdrawal process, make an effort to be there for them. If you’re the one dealing with it, don’t hesitate to reach out to your loved ones.

The more support a person has during their recovery, the better their chances of getting sober and staying that way.

The One Thing That Tops All Home Remedies for Opiate Withdrawal

Keep in mind that as great as these home remedies for opiate withdrawal are, the best resource a person can have is medical help.

This does much more for an addict than any of these tricks can. It provides them with the attention and guidance they need to reach the other side of the opiate withdrawal process.

Medical personnel can easily identify exactly what a person needs to soothe their symptoms. They make the stages of withdrawal as comfortable as they can possibly be, and they help an addict jump right into the rest of their recovery process.

To get the professional support that you or a loved one need right now contact (855) 976-2092.

 

Sources

[1] Rachel Nall, RN, BSN, CCRN. (2018, July 19). Can you treat opiate withdrawal symptoms at home? Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322521.php

[2] Melemis S. M. (2015). Relapse Prevention and the Five Rules of Recovery. The Yale journal of biology and medicine, 88(3), 325-32. Retrieved From: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4553654/

methadone success

What Is the Success Rate for Methadone Treatment?

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Methadone has been used since the 1960s to help control addiction to opioids. It mainly helps manage treatment for heroin and opioid addicted individuals.

While methadone remains controversial, the methadone success rate is actually fairly high. However, due to myths and rumors surrounding the medication, many people have failed to get the help they need.

In this article, we’ll go over what methadone actually is and discuss the success rate for the medication.

Read on to see if this medication might be right for you in your journey to sobriety.

What is Methadone?

The formal name for the medical is methadone hydrochloride. It is a synthetic opioid that was discovered worked well to help treat those addicted to heroin in 1960s New York when the problem was emerging.

Those who are trying to curb a heroin addiction take methadone at regular intervals to avoid the “craving” they would get without using it.

For many people, this has helped save their lives and get them back on track.

With methadone, they have been able to stay clean, rebuild their lives and examine why they were using heroin in the first place. Methadone allows a heroin addict to do all of these things while learning to live a sober lifestyle.

How Long Do I Use Methadone?

If your doctor has decided methadone will help your addiction, the time you’ll be on the medication will vary. Most people take methadone for around a year. However, there are individuals who take it for years. Some even take methadone for their entire lives.

A doctor must prescribe you methadone and you must be under a physician’s care to take it. Without this, you cannot continue your prescription.

Because methadone is a synthetic opioid, there are individuals that will buy and sell methadone illegally. Although methadone won’t harm your body’s internal organs or system no matter how long you stay on it, using it without a doctor can still be dangerous. If you’re not under a doctor’s supervision, you could take an incorrect amount and run the risk of arrest.

Where Do I Take the Methadone?

When you’re first prescribed methadone, you can only take it at a rehab clinic. You must take it in front of a member of staff. This is to prove you are taking the medication and are not stealing it to sell on the street.

Once you prove trustworthy, you may start to take the medication at home. However, you will still have to report back to the clinic every few days or weeks, depending on how long you’ve taken the medication. This is to monitor you and ensure things are going according to plan.

What is the Methadone Success Rate?

The methadone success rate is 60% to 90%. It should be noted that what people define as success is variable. Some define it as keeping clean, while others may define it as being off all types of drugs entirely. Methadone also has been shown to decrease mortality rates in it’s users from overdose.

Detoxing and not taking any medication to help you on your sobriety journey only has a success rate of 5% to 10%.

Why is Methadone Controversial?

Some programs believe that in order to be “clean” you must not be taking any medication. This would even include taking methadone or similar pills that can help curb the cravings.

There are some programs and rehab centers that not only discourage the use of medication but ban it from their programs. They believe it fosters a dependence on the medication and that you’re replacing one addiction for another.

Methadone has shown to dramatically decrease the risk of drug users relapsing, contracting Hepatitis C and AIDS, using while pregnant, reduces arrests, and improves the chances of the user to be employed or enroll in continuing education.

Still, the stigma that medication is just a “Band-Aid fix” abounds.

Using Methadone Can Also Curb Fatal Relapses

If a patient takes methadone and relapses, it may not necessarily be fatal. Often, a patient who has been clean for a while will relapse on their drug of choice. They might default to an old dose, which is much too high for them now that they’re detoxed. As a result, their “go-to dose” is actually fatal.

Instead, if someone on methadone relapses, their opioid tolerance remains incredibly high. If they do take the same amount of heroin or another drug that they did when they were actively using, they won’t face the same consequences. Instead, they won’t overdose but will be able to tolerate the heroin.

This is actually a lifesaver for individuals who relapse.

Busting the Stigma

Many people on methadone feel that there is an unfair stigma surrounding the drug and they’re not wrong. Many friends and family members also see it as a “Band-Aid” fix or question why they would need to be on the medication for so long.

But, many doctors look at drug addiction as an actual disease. When looking at it this way, it makes sense that someone would need medication to control their disease.

Wrapping Up

The methadone success rate is very high compared to going “cold turkey” or managing without medication. But due to the stigma and some people’s own reticence about pharmaceuticals, they may not want to try a methadone treatment.

If you believe methadone might be the right choice for yourself or a loved one who is suffering from addiction, discuss it with your doctor as soon as possible.

If you’re looking for more quality information on methadone treatment, visit our blog.

You can also give us a call at (855) 976- 2092!

Sources

[1] Is Methadone Treatment for Life? | CRC Health Group. (2018). Retrieved from https://www.crchealth.com/addiction/heroin-addiction-treatment/heroin-detox/methadone_life/

[2] Gossop M , et al. (1989). Lapse, relapse and survival among opiate addicts after treatment. A prospective follow-up study. – PubMed – NCBI. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2597836

[3] Langendam, M., Et al. (2001) The Impact of Harm-Reduction-Based Methadone Treatment on Mortality Among
Heroin Users. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1446673/pdf/11344886.pdf

how to get sober

How To Get Sober: 11 Ways to Finally Conquer Addiction

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Over 23 million people in the United States struggle with drug and alcohol addiction.

That number is horrifying in that it reveals the massive scope of the problems Americans face when it comes to physical and emotional battles with addictive substances. The number is also comforting, particularly for those who struggle with addiction, in that it lets them know they’re not alone

If you’re struggling with addiction and are reading this article, you’re at a critical point. Chances are, your struggles have you scared or at very least have you yearning to take control of your life again.

Our team is committed to helping you achieve that end.

Below, we’ve compiled a quick list of 11 tips on how to get sober. Our hope is that at least a handful of our suggestions will resonate and help you get your life back to where it’s meant to be.

1. Focus on Today

Many times an addicted person’s stress comes from lamenting on the failures of yesterday. They think about why they made poor decisions, what they’ve lost, and how their life could have been.

Retrospective thoughts like that are counterproductive to becoming everything you can be today.

Get your head out of the past and start focusing on improving your future.

2. Be Transparent with Family and Friends

There are few how to get sober strategies that are better than having family and friends support you.

Don’t ever be ashamed of your addiction in front of the ones you love.

Sit down with them and let them know what you’re struggling with and how you’re working to change it. Let them be proactive in helping you meet your goals.

3. Don’t Make Relapse Easy

If you’re addicted to heroin, alcohol or any other harmful substance, it’s important that you make access to those substances as difficult as possible.

Remove them from your home. Don’t walk by places where you know you can get your fix on your way to work or school.

The more distance you can put between you and addictive substances, the better your chances will be of getting sober.

4. Meditate

Meditation is a fabulous way of unpacking your thoughts and learning how to forgive yourself. It’s also excellent at helping you calm your mind which can assist in your sleeping better and reducing impulsive behaviors.

Learn more about mindfulness meditation practice and partake in free guided sessions today!

5. Develop Healthy Addictions

A lot of people learn how to get sober by getting their addiction fix from a more healthy source. Activities like exercise, being social, and more can all be fun habits you can train your body to crave and start devoting more time to!

6. Find a Better Circle of Friends

Most people who are struggling with addiction have a group of friends who also have addiction issues or at very least enable addictive behaviors. If you want to give yourself a real chance at sobriety, the best thing you can do is dump those friends and find new ones.

There’s a popular saying that says you’re only as good as your least successful friend. Make sure your “least successful friend” is somebody you can aspire to be.

7. Take on a New Responsibility

Beating addiction for many people can be about finding a new way to occupy their time. So, what are some ways you can start keeping busy?

We recommend finding a good job, taking on a side-hustle or adopting a pet.

Anyone of those things can help you develop great new skills and will make finding time for destructive behaviors difficult.

8. Get Away from Triggers

Do you know what triggers you to want to use? For many, discovering triggers is a long journey that requires lots of introspective thought and therapy.

If you’re aware of at least one or two your triggers though, you can be proactive in avoiding them.

For example, does stress make you want to use? If so, when a stressful situation is arising, don’t be afraid to walk away from it.

One day you’ll have the skills you need to face stress and other triggers without needing to walk away or feeling the need to use. Until that day comes though, walking away is the best option.

9. Set Goals for Yourself

Figuring on how to get sober is a long journey people take day by day. Sometimes, when you’re hyper-focused on today though, it can be difficult to see where you’re going.

To make sure you’re making consistent progress towards the life of your dreams, set goals and do your best to always move towards them! Goals are a great way to keep you on the right path and away from relapse.

10. Don’t Worry About Statistics

It’s all too common that we hear of people who don’t want to try and recover because of the negative statistics they’ve read in regard to relapse and failure.

Let us be clear about this… You are not a statistic. You are a person.

Numbers have no power over you or your actions, only you do.

Ignore statistics and focus on being the best version of yourself every day.

11. Seek Professional Help

As you can see, there are a tremendous amount of ways you and the people around you can help stomp out addiction. Still, to make your sobriety come easier and be more durable, we recommend finding a high-quality rehabilitation program.

Rehabilitation programs provide those seeking sobriety with professional addiction help they need to get well medically and emotionally.

Wrapping Up How To Get Sober: 11 Ways to Finally Conquer Addiction

There you have it! 11 ways we believe you can help yourself conquer addiction.

Our recommendation if you’re wondering how to get sober is to incorporate as many of the above suggestions into your daily life as possible. We’re confident that by changing the way you think and the activities you partake in, you’ll start to move your life in a positive direction and leave your addiction behind you!

Do you struggle with an addiction to harmful opiates? If so, our team is here to help.

At Methadone Near Me, our aim is to provide those looking for solutions to their addiction with all of the information they need to find the relief they deserve.

Click here to learn more about methadone and find the help you need. Or contact us for help finding resources and treatment at (855) 976-2092. 

Sources

[1] Open Society Foundation. (2018, November 12). Defining The Addiction Treatment Gap. Retrieved February 15, 2019, from https://www.opensocietyfoundations.org/sites/default/files/data-summary-20101123.pdf

[2] UCLA Health. (n.d.). Guided Meditations – UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center – Los Angeles, CA. Retrieved February 15, 2019, from https://www.uclahealth.org/marc/mindful-meditations

10 Healthy Foods That Help With Opiate Withdrawal

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Detoxing from opiates is a difficult process, and it can be very uncomfortable. It’s important to be as kind to your body as possible during withdrawal, and that includes nourishing your body with healthy foods.

Although detox is different for everyone, eating well can help you feel more comfortable and aid your body in bouncing back after drug use. You want to do everything possible to give yourself the best chance for a healthy recovery.

Eating some specific foods will give your body the vital nutrients it needs during the detox process. Here are 10 foods that help with opiate withdrawal.

Foods That Help With Opiate Withdrawal

If you have been engaging in opioid misuse and abuse for a while, your liver needs some TLC. Your liver is key in the withdrawal process.

It must process the remnants of any opiates in your body and flush them from your system. Eating certain foods can assist the liver in this process.

Drink Lots of Water

Water isn’t food, but it’s so important during opiate withdrawal. Hydration is critical for your recovery.

Drinking nine to 12 glasses a day helps your liver and kidneys get rid of toxins and will ease your discomfort. Some people will experience diarrhea, sweating, and vomiting during withdrawal.

This can result in dehydration and only make things worse. Proper hydration should be a top priority as you go through detox.

Citrus Fruits

Citrus Fruits like lemons, limes, and oranges help cleanse the liver to flush toxins from the body. These fruits have powerful cleansing potential, so it’s good to eat them in the morning and anytime throughout the day.

All fruit is healthy, and some other good fruits for detox include pears, raspberries, strawberries, figs, and bananas. These fruits are good sources of fiber, and sweetness which can help you stay away from sugary processed sweets.

Colorful Vegetables

People with drug addictions are often undernourished and vitamin deficient. Vegetables are full of vitamins essential for good health.

Any type of vegetable is good, but leafy greens, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, cabbage, and kale are great for your liver and contain lots of fiber. Some people recovering from an opiate addiction experience digestive problems, and high fiber vegetables are helpful in combating these issues.

Add Some Protein

Often, opiate users do not get enough protein in their diet. Protein is vital for good health and assists the body in repairing cells, tissue, and muscle.

Avoid fatty red meat, and, instead, opt for healthy proteins such as chicken, fish, eggs, and nuts. Protein powder and protein shakes are good choices if you are having trouble eating solid foods.

Whole Grains

Carbohydrates are necessary for energy and good health. Whole grains are full of fiber which can help with digestive issues during withdrawal.

Steer clear of refined foods like white bread and packaged snack foods. Better options include whole grain bread, whole wheat pasta, and brown rice.

Drinking Tea

Drinking plenty of water is important during opiate withdrawal and recovery, and drinking certain teas is helpful as well. In addition to providing hydration, white and green tea enhance liver function.

This helps your liver as it works to rid your body of toxins. Ginger tea is helpful too.

It contains gingerol which stimulates sweating. Sweating helps you get rid of the toxins left in the body following opiate use.

Organic Food

Whenever possible, choose organic fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. If you are detoxing from opiates, your liver has the task of ridding your body of residual toxins.

If there are toxins in the food you eat, that’s just more work for your liver. Choosing clean, organic foods is better for your body anyway, and this is especially true if you are in recovery from addiction.

Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seed are easy to eat and digest. During detox, nuts and seeds can provide a healthy protein your body needs.

You can use them in recipes or add them to smoothies if you are having trouble eating solid foods. Some good choices include almonds, walnuts, flax seeds, and pumpkin seeds.

Natural peanut butter or almond butter is a great choice for an easy, healthy meal or snack.

Omega 3 Oils

Cook with healthy oils like olive oil and coconut oil. These healthy oils help the body fight off toxins and lubricate intestinal walls.

Healthy fat is vital for proper brain function and a healthy liver. This is especially important for someone detoxing from opiates.

Foods rich in omega 3 can boost your energy level and improve the appearance of your hair, skin, and nails. Salmon, avocado, and peanut butter are good choices and are rich in healthy fat.

Garlic

Adding garlic to recipes is beneficial for someone who is detoxing. Garlic helps filter out toxins in the body and stimulates liver function.

You can slice or grate garlic in a variety of dishes such as soups, pasta dishes, or pizza, or you can take a garlic capsule on a regular basis.

Foods to Avoid

What you don’t eat is as important as what you do eat. If you are detoxing from opiates, avoid eating foods high in saturated fat.

Snack foods and fast foods may seem an easy solution for a quick bite, but they are hard for your body to process. Processed foods are not good for your liver, so try to stick with natural foods as much as possible.

Nurture Yourself

Nutrition is critical for someone detoxing from opiates. Going through this process is never easy, but there are foods that help with opiate withdrawal.

Drink plenty of water and stock up on a few foods that you like and that are good for you too. This can help give your body the strength and endurance for detox and the road ahead.

It’s time to put your wellbeing first and look forward to a bright and healthy future.

For more helpful blogs and information about treatment for addiction, search our website or call (855) 976-2092.

 

Sources

[1] Medline Plus. (n.d.). Substance use recovery and diet: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. Retrieved February 14, 2019, from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002149.htm

[2] NIDA. (2018, December 13). Misuse of Prescription Drugs. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/misuse-prescription-drugs on 2019, February 14

[3] Mayo Clinic Staff. (2018, January 10). What to do when it’s time to stop opioids. Retrieved February 14, 2019, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prescription-drug-abuse/in-depth/tapering-off-opioids-when-and-how/art-20386036

 

heroin vs methadone

What’s the Difference Between Methadone and Heroin?

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Heroin addiction is a serious problem that is sweeping the nation and destroying lives and families along the way.

Are you or a loved one struggling with heroin addiction but don’t know how to treat the addiction? Many people are considering methadone treatment for their heroin addiction, but the thought of treating drugs with other drugs can seem controversial to some people.

There is a large difference in methadone vs heroin, and methadone for the treatment of heroin addiction has been proven to have effective results.

We are here to tell you everything you need to know about methadone vs heroin, and to make this decision about addiction treatment as easy as possible for you and your family.

What is Methadone?

Methadone is a synthetic drug that is part of the opioid family, and it works similar to morphine. It was originally created during World War II by a German doctor. When methadone made its way to the United States, doctors used it as a way to treat pain. However, today it is often used to treat heroin and narcotic addictions.

How Does Methadone Work?

Methadone affects the brain and the nervous system and alters the way the body reacts to pain. Unlike strong painkillers and narcotics such as codeine, heroin, hydrocodone, morphine, and oxycodone, methadone purposely omits the chemicals that cause a euphoric high.

Replacement Therapy

Methadone can also be used to help treat heroin addicts by training their bodies to function without the euphoric high sensation. Methadone replacement therapy also helps to eliminate dependency from heroin. By replacing heroin with methadone, doctors can eliminate the withdrawal symptoms that patients undergo, which can be intense and cause relapses.

It should be noted that methadone replacement therapy is only beneficial when administered in a medical facility by medical professionals. Methadone replacement therapy is not a substitute for support groups, therapy or lifestyle changes.

While methadone is not a cure for opioid addiction, it is used as part of a treatment plan. These treatment plans change for different patients. While no concrete time duration is set for methadone replacement therapy, doctors suggest that patients implement the therapy technique for at least a year.

When the patient is ready to stop their methadone replacement therapy, their doctor will slowly start to lower their dosage in order to prevent more withdrawal symptoms.

Risks of Methadone

Much like any other drug, there are some risks that come along with methadone if it is not taken properly. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), methadone is one of the most common drugs to cause prescription opioid overdose deaths.

One reason for this is that methadone is a slow-release drug that can stay in the body for up to 59 hours. If someone assumes that taking more methadone than prescribed will result in an opiate high, they can easily overdose.

Another reason that methadone causes so many overdoses is that taking it with other opioids, alcohol, sedatives, amphetamines or antidepressants can also result in an overdose.

What is Heroin?

Heroin is an opioid drug that is illegal and has no medical use in the United States. It is often injected into the body using a needle, but people also sniff, snort or smoke heroin. Heroin provides similar effects as narcotic pain relievers.

How Does Heroin Work?

Heroin quickly enters the brain and binds to the opioid receptors. These receptors are located in many different areas of the brain including the areas that affect sleeping, breathing, pain, pleasure, and heart rate.

Once heroin attaches to the receptors, it floods the brain with dopamine, which is what causes the euphoric high. Many heroin users describe this sensation as a surge of pleasure or a “rush”.

Heroin also depresses the central nervous system, which can cause people to become drowsy, fall asleep or even become sedated.

Risks of Heroin

Heroin affects the brains reward system, which makes the drug highly addictive. In fact, only one use of heroin can have permanent effects on the brain.

Overdoses are a fatal risk of using heroin, and the overdose numbers are extremely high. When someone overdoses on heroin, their breathing slows down immensely or even stops altogether.

The result of decreased oxygen to the brain can cause hypoxia. Hypoxia can affect the nervous system and cause the body to go into a coma or can even result in permanent brain damage.

More than 115 people die every day from overdosing on opioids and roughly five times as many Americans are using heroin than a decade ago.

Methadone vs Heroin

Methadone is administered in a medical facility with proper dosage and clean supplies. Next, patients at the methadone clinic are then watched closely to ensure that their vitals are stable. Methadone is used to treat addiction while heroin is what causes the addiction.

Heroin is taken at home without the supervision of a medical professional, and the tools and needles are often dirty. This can lead to a variety of other diseases including addiction.

The withdrawal symptoms of heroin can be so intense and uncomfortable that it can easily cause an addict to relapse. However, this is where methadone comes into play.

Methadone is used to ease the withdrawal symptoms so addicts can slowly ease themselves off of heroin as opposed to stopping cold turkey, which has poor results with heroin users.

The Main Takeaway

Methadone and heroin are similar in the sense that they are both in the opioid family. However, when used correctly, methadone can help treat heroin addiction due to the fact that it is long-lasting and does not provide a euphoric high. Methadone replacement therapy is highly effective for heroin addicts, but it may not be for everyone.

If you have any other questions on methadone vs heroin, contact us at (855) 976-2092. Or visit methadone treatment, our page that covers everything you need to know about methadone treatment.

<h3 style=”font-size: 20px;”>Sources:</h3>

[1] Brown, R., Kraus, C., Fleming, M., & Reddy, S. (2004). Methadone: applied pharmacology and use as adjunctive treatment in chronic pain. Postgraduate medical journal, 80(949), 654-9. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1743125/

[2] Health.gov.au. (n.d.). Department of Health | 4 The principles of methadone maintenance therapy. Retrieved from http://www.health.gov.au/internet/publications/publishing.nsf/Content/drugtreat-pubs-methrev-toc~drugtreat-pubs-methrev-4

[3] Center for Disease Control. (2018, December 19). Prescription Opioid Data | Drug Overdose | CDC Injury Center. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/data/prescribing.html

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

pain pills and alcohol

Are Your Parents Addicted to Pain Pills and Alcohol? Here’s a Guide For What to Do

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Addicts are young homeless people who shoot up in back alleys with criminals, right?

Wrong. In fact, addicts come in all shapes and sizes. They can be your next door neighbor. Perhaps they are the soccer mom down the street. They can even be our parents, no matter how old they might be.

In fact, the elderly is a growing demographic in terms of addiction. And while they might not necessarily be more apt to shooting heroin or snorting cocaine, they’ve got other drugs of choice.

More specifically, pain pills and alcohol.

Think about it: as you get older, it’s more likely that physical ailments will set in. Back backs, aching joints, crippling arthritis. The list can go on and on.

And many seniors who experience pain are typically prescribed pain pills, including opioids, Percocet and morphine, which are super addictive.

What’s worse is that painkillers mixed with alcohol can have even more catastrophic effects. Mixing the two can have serious and sometimes even fatal consequences.

Do you suspect that your parents are addicted to pain pills and alcohol? Read on to find out how to handle the situation and help with parental opioid addiction.

Spotting Addiction to Pain Pills and Alcohol in the Elderly

Here are a few telltale signs to tell if your parents are suffering from an addiction.

Slurred Speech

An obvious sign that your parents might be drinking too much and topping it up with pain pills is slurred speech. Alcohol has a certain effect on a person’s brain, especially when drinking in excess.

Smell

Another obvious sign of excessive drinking is the smell of alcohol on the breath.

A decline in Personal Hygiene

If your parents are normally on top of their personal hygiene and you suddenly notice a decline in this area, there may be a problem.

Loss of Appetite

It’s common for addicts to suffer from a loss of appetite, which then leads to inevitable weight loss. A loss of appetite also causes a decrease in energy levels as well.

Defensiveness

People who are addicted to drugs or alcohol are usually quite defensive when people question them about their behavior or activity. They may be in denial about their addiction as well and even go so far as to blame others for their problems.

Faking Pain or Illness

In order to get their hands on more painkillers, addicts will embellish their symptoms to get a prescription from their doctors.

Excessive sleep

Because of a lack of energy and less effective metabolism in seniors, excessive sleep is common.

Emotional Instability

Even the most emotionally stable people can suddenly become angry or aggressive for no apparent reason.

Unsteadiness

Seniors are already susceptible to being physically unstable and even falling as a result. But this issue becomes worse when a person has been taking too many prescription medications or drinking too much.

Loss of Memory

Memory issues tend to be a growing problem with people as they age. But throwing addiction into the mix can make the situation even worse.

Dangers of Mixing Pain Pills and Alcohol

Both painkillers and alcohol can cause some serious side effects on their own, especially in the elderly. But when you combine the two together the effects can be disastrous.

Potential effects of mixing the two include the following:

Possible Synergistic Effects

Pain pills depress the central nervous system functions, which is how they are able to reduce feelings of pain in the user. Alcohol does the same sort of thing.

When you mix the two together, their effects on depressing the central nervous system can become powerful and cause a much more severe depressive effect than either one taken individually.

Enhanced Sedation

Drinking alcohol and taking pain pills can increase the sedative effect.

Potential for Overdose

Overdose on painkillers like opioids have been on the rise over the recent past. In fact, overdose deaths have become an epidemic across the nation. On their own, painkillers can cause an overdose. But when you introduce alcohol as well, much less of the drug is needed to overdose.

In addition to the above-mentioned effects of mixing pain pills and alcohol, the body can experience any one of the following:

  • Brain damage
  • Love failure
  • Cardiovascular events
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Dizziness
  • Slowed breathing
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Hallucinations

What Can You Do If Your Parents Are Suffering from Addiction?

One of the best things you can do is recognize the potential for addiction. Without recognizing the signs, getting your parents’ help will likely never happen.

If all the signs are pointing to an addiction to pain pills and alcohol, then your parents certainly need some intervention. As an adult child, you might feel helpless and powerless in the situation. But take heart, because there are some things you can do to get your parents the help they need.

When addiction is identified, it’s important to seek out an addiction treatment center that is specifically experienced with working with the elderly who are addicted to drugs or alcohol.

More specifically, look into programs that specialize in addiction to painkillers and alcohol in those over the age of 65 years. Try to find centers that also provide case management services, since people in the older demographic usually don’t have the same type of social support that is necessary throughout recovery.

These types of specialized services offer seniors access to necessary medical, social, and psychiatric resources that can ensure that the elderly enjoy a healthy, addiction-free lifestyle that can be continued well after treatment has been successfully completed.

There are plenty of resources available that can help guide you and point you in the right direction. Just one phone call can put you and your parents on the right path to finding the ideal type of program needed to help your folks beat their addiction.

Find out More About Addictive Drugs

Whether your parents are suffering from addiction to pain pills and alcohol, or someone else you know is, the time to get help is now. And while you’re at it, it’s helpful to find out as much as you can about the types of drugs that can cause addiction and what you can do to alleviate symptoms.

To find out more about addictive drugs and what you can do to combat opiate addiction,  For a quicker way to get information, call us at (855) 976-2092 and talk with someone who can actually help.

 

Sources

https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2018/p0919-cdc-opiod-battle-funding.html

https://www.cnn.com/2016/05/05/health/what-is-percocet-opioid-painkiller/index.html

what causes heroin use

Why Do People Do Heroin? (8 Things You Should Know)

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Nearly one million people reported using heroin in 2016, in the U.S. That number only rose in the two years since.

This sharp rise in drug use is called the opioid epidemic. It claimed 15,500 lives in 2016 and lawmakers recently began making efforts to control it. Yet, it’ll take time for changes to take effect.

Most new laws target pharmaceutical companies. In the 1990s, they convinced medical professionals to over-prescribe their pain medication.

After that, overdose deaths began to rise and so did substance abuse rates.

It can be hard not to ask, “why do people do heroin in the first place?” Surely, with so much risk around it, people wouldn’t want to pick up a needle.

There are many reasons why people do drugs. Keep reading to learn a few.

1. Curiosity and Exploration

There is a lot of media coverage on opioids and drugs in general. It is only natural to want to be curious about them. However, it is different to take the next step and actually try them.

People disregard the dangers associated with hard drug use. The highs they provide seem more valuable than the harm they could cause.

People may also be looking to get in touch with themselves. Drugs provide an altered state of mind. That means people wanting to explore their personality may use drugs to get more insight into their identities.

There are healthier ways to do both those things, however. Simply reading up on drug use provides a clear picture of what it is like. A simple conversation with friends can reveal a lot about one’s own identity as well.

2. To Feel Better About Themselves

Drugs, in general, attract people who feel dissatisfied with their lives. Without something or someone to work for, people may turn to other kinds of fulfillment.

People often think that what they’re looking for can be found in drugs. Since drugs provide the reprieve they’re looking for; people think they are the solution. They confuse short-term satisfaction with the long-term stability they’re looking for.

The truth is that drugs make the problem worse, though. While using heroin may make things feel better for a night, there is always the next morning. People wake up with the same unsolved problems and turn back to drugs to escape them.

3. Biological Necessity

Addiction is a biological condition. The brain can become dependent on the chemicals people use. This dependency results in compulsive behavior.

It means addicted people will seek out drugs regardless of the negative consequences. The drug actually becomes a part of the person’s normal brain chemistry. Escaping that is not easy.

Luckily, there are treatments which alleviate that dependency. Methadone treatment is one of these treatments. It gives people a similar chemical to heroin, but in moderated dosages.

These dosages gradually decrease until the brain learns to compensate without them.

4. Peer Pressure

Drug users often have drug user friends. It is not uncommon for drug users to find themselves at parties or with other people using drugs.

To fit in people will use drugs to fit in with the people around them. People are wired to want to fit in with the crowd. If that means using drugs, people will do so.

It can be hard to escape crowds like this, too. Leaving them means abandoning deeply held friendships. Drug users tend to go through a lot together, and their bonds are tight.

The only way to pull someone out of that crowd is to be a better friend than their other ones. It doesn’t mean all hope is lost, though.

5. To Feel Better About Their Lives

Most drug users aren’t fulfilled in their lives. They turn to drugs to fill a hole left by their career or issues with their family. Whatever the reason, people usually use drugs to compensate for something else.

The silver lining here is that these issues are solvable through things other than drugs. All it takes is work, and usually, someone to lend a helping hand. Once the problem that led them to drug use is solved, so will their drug habits.

6. To Feel Happy

Sometimes, people use drugs and heroin just to feel happy. One in four people will have a mental disorder at some point in their lives. It’s always best to talk to a professional if someone is mentally distressed. Sometimes though, people choose to self-medicate.

Drugs and heroin, in particular, give a sense of euphoria. The high comes quickly and is incredibly intense. It’s described as something that makes life worthwhile and peaceful.

Unfortunately, this is not true happiness. True happiness does not come from a needle – it comes from work finding and maintaining it.

7. Because Drug Abuse Runs in the Family

Many people pick up the habits of their families. If drug abuse is prevalent in someone’s home growing up, then it will be common when they are grown. It normalizes, which makes it especially dangerous.

The full consequences of drug abuse aren’t fully understood in situations like these. It’s just another part of life, like eating dinner or going to work. The only way to break the habit is to understand it isn’t normal, and it certainly isn’t healthy.

8. To Feel Less Lonely

Finally, sometimes people are driven to drug use to feel less lonely. Despite the dangers of drug use, there is still a community around it. Users have to get to know dealers, and sometimes they mistake their dealers as their friends.

To help people who use drugs to combat loneliness is to just be there for them. It may not be evident at first, but consistently having their back gives them a reason to stop using. It tells them that they aren’t alone.

There is No Simple Question to Why Do People Do Heroin

No two people are the same. People can turn to drugs for a variety of reasons, including the ones listed here.

The best way to find out why someone uses drugs is just to ask them. Asking them why they use heroin can help open an honest conversation. That is the first step towards recovery.

The next time you’re wondering, “Why do people do heroin?” remember that the reasons vary widely. The drugs themselves are seldom ever the reason, though.

If you need any more information on why people use heroin, we have covered addiction articles you can read.

And if you’re a user who thinks they’re ready to recover, some people want to help. Reach out to someone, and they will help.

Want to learn more about methadone treatment? Give us a call at (855) 976- 2092!

Sources

[1] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (n.d.). What is the scope of heroin use in the United States? Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/heroin/scope-heroin-use-in-united-states

[2] Heroin Overdose Data | Drug Overdose | CDC Injury Center. (2018, December 19). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/data/heroin.html

[3] What is the U.S. Opioid Epidemic? (2017, December 4). Retrieved from https://www.hhs.gov/opioids/about-the-epidemic/index.html

[4] WHO | Mental disorders affect one in four people. (2o18). Retrieved from https://www.who.int/whr/2001/media_centre/press_release/en/
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