Methadone treatment is a popular option to not only drug addiction combat, but other withdraw symptoms or struggles with prescription opiates. Since the 1940s, methadone opioid treatment programs have been an opportunity for people to wean themselves off heroin and other opioids and return to a sober lifestyle without the life-threatening effects of withdrawal. Even through decades of opioid abuse it has more than doubled in the past 10 years. OTP’s are currently located in every state in North America except North Dakota and Wyoming. The District of Columbia and the territories of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands also have OTP’s in operation.

What is methadone?

Methadone is a prescription narcotic that is primarily prescribed for pain. Methadone works by changing how the brain and nervous system respond to pain. It lessens the painful symptoms of opiate withdrawal and blocks the euphoric effects of opiate drugs such as heroin, morphine, and codeine, as well as semi-synthetic opioids like oxycodone and hydrocodone. Methadone is offered in many forms including pills, liquids and even wafers, and average daily doses usually last four to eight hours. In most cases methadone is prescribed as a treatment plan that includes counseling and other available services depending on the location of the treatment center.

The drug itself has addictive properties; therefore, medical professionals are hesitant to prescribe it for everyday pain—they also keep a close eye on their patients who are taking it. When it comes to addiction treatment, methadone is used to combat the side effects of withdrawal, especially for heroin and prescription opioids.

Background: Methadone and Opioid Addiction

Opioid addiction is not a new concept. It goes back as far as the Civil War, where soldiers were given opioids for battle wounds, stress, and other medical issues. By as early as 1900, an estimated 300,000 people were addicted to opioids in the United States. With heroin and other opioids becoming more and more prevalent in society, the federal government attempted several measures to combat the ever growing problem.

The Harrison Act of 1919 granted medical detox of opioids with morphine. It was not long until they noticed that morphine treatment was accelerating the problem because it is too similar to that of heroin and similar opioids. Soon after, congress established two treatment facilities. One in Fort Worth, Texas, and another in Lexington, Kentucky. These early rehabilitation centers worked with patients with opioid addiction that entered voluntarily. However, they did also serve as hospitals for prison inmates who had opioid addictions and were legally committed. Unfortunately, “Two major follow-up studies showed the program to be a failure. One reported a relapse rate of 93 percent in 1,881 former patients,” said NCBI.

Finally, in the 1960s the federal government began to study the effectiveness of Opioid Maintenance Therapy, or as it’s now known, Opioid Treatment Programs. A very large part of the effectiveness of this study was the development of methadone as treatment, rather than morphine or other short-acting opioids. After finding that this method seemed to create the best outcome of the previous tries, the federal government fought bills on regulating opioid treatment programs for another 20 years after.

Finally, in the 1980s the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration was created as the oversight of training and administration to the ever-expanding treatment centers. Ultimately the Federal government still oversees all Opioid Matenance Centers or Opioid Treatment Programs.

Methadone Treatment

A 2011 survey by SAMHSA found that 245,000 people were admitted into opiate treatment programs and over half of those required maintenance and detox services. Methadone was the primary medication given to those in treatment; the survey reported nearly 270,000 people receiving methadone in March 2011.

As mentioned previously, people seek out these treatment centers for a variety of reasons. The most obvious is relief from opiate abuse. There can also be social, medical, job-related, and legal matters that need to be addressed. Many go to their appointments as a requirement of treatment and some do relapse and seek methadone to manage cravings or withdrawal symptoms. However, before a patient is prescribed any kind of treatment they go through a fairly normal medical screening process. This consists of everything from the patient’s medical history and history of drug use, to medication interactions and overall physical condition. Once treatment options have been discussed and chosen, people often also see counselors and therapist to help aid in recovery.

Since everyone’s addiction must be handled differently, each opioid treatment program helps tailor all available options to each person. Methadone clinic treatment does not only focus on drug abuse alone. People with co-occurring disorders, such as psychological issues, need to have their addiction and disorders controlled together in order to have a healthier and more productive future.

These treatment centers are staffed by trained medical professionals who go through vigorous classes to be able to administer methadone and work among a variety of people and ailments. According to the American Addiction Centers, there are three primary means of treatment for those seeking an opioid treatment program.

  1. Medication-assisted treatment: This is methadone treatment that blocks how opioids affect the brain and even manage drug cravings. Recently introduced medications include buprenorphine, naltrexone, and an injectable form of naltrexone, known as Vivitrol, which is administered monthly rather than daily like most other opioid treatment drugs.
  2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: A majority of the time, addictions are not only associated with a set of behaviors, but also stem from them. This kind of therapy focuses on stress management and coping mechanisms along with therapy that deals with cravings. Councilors and therapy is usually available for those needing additional behavioral health assistance.
  3. Medical detox: This may be needed for more severe addiction cases. Withdrawal is associated with many serious physical reactions. Patients are closely monitored until withdrawal is over for their safety and comfort. Opiate withdrawal symptoms usually let up in about a week to ten days.

There are many options across the country when it comes to opioid treatment programs, as well as a slew of other addiction specific groups, classes and help networks. Opioid treatment programs are currently available everywhere in the United States except North Dakota and Wyoming.

Risks of Methadone to Combat Opioid Addiction

It’s necessary to really understand the potential benefits and risks of methadone use to combat opioid addiction. When methadone is taken as a maintenance treatment to control addiction, there are inherent risks involved. Often, doses must be suitable for each person, and adjustments are usually necessary. This process is known as induction and must be closely managed by medical staff. Methadone is a highly addictive substance that can lead to physical dependence which requires additional counseling, therapy and medical treatment to overcome. The withdrawal symptoms are similar to that of many other substances and include;

  • Clammy skin
  • Fever
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Sweating
  • Shaking
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Fatigue
  • Insomnia
  • Chills
  • Bone pain

Methadone withdrawal usually only lasts about 7-10 days, but may persist depending on how long the drug was taken as well as other factors related to each individual situation. While taking methadone, there can be potential interactions with other medications. In many studied cases these interactions deal with the heart, the active ingredients in other medications can remain in the body for longer than usual, triggering an overdose. However, methadone should always be taken in the prescribed dose and schedule with a doctor’s permission.

From a patient point of view some of the cons to attempting this kind of treatment are intimidating. First of all they are administered based on strict protocols which can make patients feel like they have no control. Some other inconveniences involve travel arrangements, especially if daily visits are needed. Also work constrictions and even simply the anxiety of having to go creates issues in consistency and recovery.

Unfortunately, methadone overdoses are becoming more common along with the availability. The entire reason for methadone was to have something similar to opioids but not nearly as strong in order to wean patients off the drugs. Yet some have tried to compensate the high with higher doses of methadone, resulting in accidental overdoses. In 2014 alone, 14,000 people died from prescription opioid overdoses from medications such as methadone. Because of this, medical professionals outline a few precautions while taking the medication.

  • Avoid alcohol consumption.
  • Be careful when driving or operating machinery.
  • Store the medication at room temperature.
  • Keep methadone away from light sources.
  • Contact emergency services in case of an overdose

Benefits of Methadone to Combat Opioid Addiction

The primary benefit to taking methadone to combat opioid addiction is that this drug is medically monitored and controlled. It helps curb severe cravings and allow the person to ease off drugs slowly with less chance of relapse. Furthermore, if a person gains tolerance to the medication, dosages can be increased under medical supervision to relieve withdrawal symptoms.

A second benefit, according to the National Alliance of Advocates for Buprenorphine Treatment, is that opioid treatment programs typically cost less than other treatment options. Pricing may be calculated based on the patient’s income. Methadone clinics are not restricted by patient volume, so they usually don’t turn people away if they want help.

Then finally, another aid many may not think of nor understand is that women who are pregnant or breastfeeding can safely take methadone. When withdrawal from an abused drug happens to a pregnant woman, it can potentially cause a miscarriage or premature birth. Methadone has the ability to prevent withdrawal symptoms even in pregnant women and helps reduce risks to both mother and child. Contrary to popular belief, methadone treatment while pregnant will not cause birth defects; however, some babies do run the risk of withdrawal after birth.

Overall, the benefits and risks of methadone to combat opioid addiction is apparent. It’s ultimately up to the user to be brave enough to seek help. Just remember there is plenty of opportunities, outlets and people who want to help all around all you have to do is ask.

diversion of methadone

Why You Should Never Divert Your Methadone

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It’s wonderful what methadone treatment can do for people, but as with any healthcare plan or treatment, it needs to be taken seriously and very carefully. On that note – One should never divert methadone dosages. While in many cases patients are successful in their journey toward sobriety with methadone, sometimes others may abuse this substance, leading to less than ideal circumstances.

It’s important to understand that methadone is an opiate that’s mainly used for opioid maintenance therapy or methadone treatment, and there is a minor risk of addiction if people overuse or abuse methadone. When people abuse their methadone, they take too much of it too frequently, disregarding their doctor’s orders and specific doses. Any healthcare professional who administers methadone is expected to be very careful and accurate when measuring and prescribing doses, so as to minimize the risk of anyone becoming addicted. Another aspect of methadone abuse is diversion, which is when people give their medication to others who don’t have a prescription for it. Diversion is something that should definitely be avoided in order to protect patients and lower the risk of addiction to methadone.

Why You Shouldn’t Do It

The points are clear as to why people should never abuse methadone or give their dose to other people. Every doctor carefully prescribes methadone so as to best protect patients and ensure they are given just enough to keep the painful withdrawal symptoms at bay without leading to dependence. It’s absolutely essential that patients follow their doctor’s instructions so that they remain on a healthy and happy path, rather than getting stuck in the very difficult cycle of addiction that can prove so challenging to break.

Generally speaking, every dose of methadone should be able to hold you for 24 hours until your next dose. If a patient feels that they are tempted to use drugs again, then their dose may not be working, and they may need to speak to their counselor about the situation. It’s important to keep in mind that the objective of methadone treatment is to allow people to gradually get off their drug of choice by minimizing the cravings and triggers.

Methadone treatment is most commonly used for heroin addiction, as it helps addicts come down from their addiction and make it through the unpleasant withdrawal symptoms with fewer cravings that could lead to relapse. At the same time, everybody is different, and some people will require a higher, stronger dose while others may need less. Patients should not be deciding on their doses themselves, but rather having open and honest conversations with their medical team and counselors to ensure proper treatment.

Specialists at methadone clinics warn that patients who don’t take methadone on a daily basis are at a very high risk of overdose. Only licensed staff should be measuring methadone amounts, as this can be very hard to do particularly with liquid doses. Running out of methadone when it’s required to help during the recovery process is not fun, but it’s definitely a possibility for people who abuse or diver their prescribed methadone dose. Then, of course, there’s the possibility of overdosing, which can lead to serious health problems and force a person to start all over in their journey to recovery and rehabilitation.

What Will Happen if You Do?

Patients at clinics specializing in methadone near me should always be careful and aware of their methadone dose. Methadone abuse and diversion are a slippery slope that can lead to dire consequences. Those who abuse methadone, either by taking too much themselves or giving their dose to others, will lose their clinic privileges. This includes take-home privileges, which are doses that the most committed and best-behaved patients will earn to take home with them. Then there’s the fact that patients who abuse methadone will likely run out of it, which will open up the doors for further drug abuse. When people don’t have enough methadone, they may end up resorting to using illicit, illegal drugs again, which will increase the likelihood of an overdose.

With more than 100,000 Americans using methadone treatment in a bid to get clean for good, there are so many positives associated with this treatment, but at the same time, there are rules and guidelines that need to be followed in order to protect patients and their loved ones. Diverting medication to others can lead to fatal overdoses, so this really needs to be taken seriously and patients who feel tempted to abuse their methadone doses or give it to others should consult their counselors right away.

 What You Should Do If You Feel Tempted to Abuse Your Methadone

Although it would be amazing if it did, addiction, unfortunately, does not go away overnight. Even once people manage to make it back to sobriety, they will face a lifelong challenge to stay clean and avoid falling back into their old habits. People in recovery truly need to be patient with themselves, and they need to do a lot of self-reflecting in order to determine what they want from their lives, and how they can get there.

If you or someone you know is struggling with methadone treatment, and you’re feeling tempted to abuse your medication, honesty is always the best policy. This will allow you to communicate truthfully with your counselor so that they can help you find a better solution. The sooner the situation is addressed, the better, no matter what their consequences may be. Sometimes, temptations to abuse are a sign that more treatment is necessary. As long as you stay dedicated to your recovery journey and keep your head up high, you have a good chance of making it out on the other side. There’s a bigger and brighter future awaiting you, reach out for help you need and deserve today (855) 976-2092.

Sources

[1] Products – Data Briefs – Number 329 – November 2018. (2018, November 29). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db329.htm

[2] Harvard Health Publishing. (2017, February 8). Treating opiate addiction, Part I: Detoxification and maintenance – Harvard Health. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/treating-opiate-addiction-part-i-detoxification-and-maintenance

[3] https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/medications-to-treat-opioid-addiction/what-treatment-need-versus-diversion-risk-opioid-use-disorder-treatment

methadone detox

What to Expect: Symptoms of Methadone Withdrawal You’ll Encounter in Detox

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Are you or a loved one thinking about quitting your methadone treatments cold turkey? Do you wonder about the symptoms of methadone withdrawal?

Methadone is a synthetic medication that is designed to help people withdraw from heroin. Doctors recommend that you stay on it for at least one year, and never try to quit suddenly.

If you need more information about methadone, this article’s for you. We’ll share the ins and outs of methadone detox and get you connected to a rehab center.

Is Methadone an Opioid?

Every year, more than 65,000 people overdose on drugs. Surprisingly, about two-thirds of all drug overdoses involve opioids.

Opioids are man-made chemicals that were over-prescribed starting in the late 1990s. Drug manufacturers promised doctors that their patients wouldn’t get addicted.

Flash forward 20 years and there are about 2 million Americans struggling with opioid addiction. Opioids include methadone, codeine, hydrocodone, and Demerol.

Opioids are also referred to as “narcotics.” They are strictly controlled by pharmacies and are never sold over the counter.

The scary thing about opioid addiction is how easy it is to get these drugs. Instead of having to find opioids on the street, patients can simply fill their prescriptions.

Methadone is an “opiate agonist,” which means that it combats the highs associated with opiates. It has the potential to be abused, however, and methadone withdrawal can be brutal.

Signs of Opioid Addiction

If you’re wondering how to tell if your loved one is taking methadone, there are some telltale signs.

The most important thing to keep an eye on is your loved one’s weight. Most drug addiction will cause weight loss, but how much is too much?

In general, you’re looking for rapid, unexplained weight loss. Your loved one may have lost the desire to eat, or they may only eat at certain times of day.

This could be an indication that they’re waiting to “come down” from their high.

Another sign of opioid addiction is increased blood flow to the face. Opioids make addicts appear to be blushing, though the redness could spread to the entire face.

Methadone users might also have dramatic personality changes. They could become overly sensitive to light and noise.

They might also become angry after a few days if they don’t have access to their drugs.

If you suspect that your loved one is addicted to prescription painkillers, you might want to look into rehab options. Often, insurance will cover the majority of the program.

Rehabilitation facilities allow your loved one to detox at their own pace. They can relax, get some sleep, and create a new future for themselves.

Common Symptoms of Methadone Withdrawal

Supervised rehab is much better than going through methadone withdrawal cold turkey. While the first week is the roughest, withdrawal symptoms can extend for weeks.

The first thing that happens during methadone detox is a feeling of restlessness and anxiety. These symptoms can last up to three days.

At first, your loved one might also perspire more than usual and be unable to sleep.

Once they make it past the three-day mark, their methadone symptoms may be more intense. They may have uncontrolled cravings for opioids, severe diarrhea, and extended periods of vomiting.

Those are the most common symptoms in the first week. Once your loved one has fully detoxed, they are much more vulnerable to an accidental overdose.

They might try to take a large dosage but not have that kind of tolerance built up.

Benefits of Supervised Rehabilitation

In general, it’s better to undergo supervised rehab instead of quitting on their own.

That way, your loved one is in a safe environment where they’re able to access therapy and the proper medication.

If the plan is to slowly decrease the methadone dosage, you should know that the tapering process takes about 12 weeks. Again, it’s best to consult a doctor.

If you’ve been prescribed an opioid for pain management, you might want to avoid taking it. There are other options for people with chronic pain, and the cost of addiction is too high.

Getting addicted to prescription medication can happen to anyone. If it’s your family member, you might be shocked at first.

It’s natural to be surprised at your loved one’s drug abuse, but don’t let them tell you they’ll quit on their own. They’re going to need a supportive environment to get better.

Risks of Long-Term Opioid Addiction

It’s never too late to get started on treatment for opioid addiction. Even if your loved one has been abusing prescription medication for years, it’s still possible to get treatment.

There are doctors and treatment facilities that would rather help patients remain on methadone. They may not discuss the option to detox from methadone.

If detoxing is the goal, make sure you speak with your doctor.

Overdosing in methadone is a very real possibility, and it’s a bad idea to mix the drug with alcohol. Pregnant women can cause damage to their fetuses by withdrawing from the drug, resulting in miscarriage or death.

If a woman uses methadone during her pregnancy, she also runs the risk of having a baby with an addiction.

More risks of long-term opioid abuse include learning disabilities, memory problems, and attention issues. Opioid abuse can also impact the lungs and heart.

How to Avoid Relapsing on Opioids

Once you get past all of the uncomfortable symptoms of methadone withdrawal, it’s time to plan the rest of your life. If you’ve been having a problem with prescription medication, let this article be your intervention.

Again, you might be surprised at the services your insurance will cover. Time is of the essence when you’re talking about opioids, especially since the next dose could be fatal.

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, take a few minutes and have a look at our blog. We have comprehensive information about methadone and can help you find a rehab facility in your local area.

If you’ve got questions, send us a quick email online or cal us at 855-976-2092. We’re happy to help you in your journey to recovery.

Sources

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

[2] Genetics Home Reference. (2017, November). Opioid addiction. Retrieved from https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/opioid-addiction

[3] Possible Harmful Effects From Prolonged Use Of Methadone. (2011, March 24). Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/220086.php

[4] What Is Methadone: Side Effects, Uses, Risks. (2017, August 30). Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/what-is-methadone#1

 

methadone taper

7 Things You Need to Know About Tapering Off Methadone

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Over 2 million people in the U.S. abuse opioids. Methadone is used as a prescription drug to fight opioid addiction.

Methadone relieves pain and prevents opioid withdrawal symptoms. Most methadone treatment programs keep patients on the drug longterm. This is because research shows that patients on methadone are less likely to relapse.

But what if you’re ready for complete recovery?

Here are 7 things you need to know about tapering off methadone.

Process of Addiction

Pharmaceutical companies convinced doctors that addiction to opioid pain relievers was uncommon. This occurred in the 1990s. This led doctors to prescribe pain medication at greater rates than before.

This caused an uptick in the number of people using opioid medications. Unfortunately, patients with pain often become tolerant to normal doses of medication. They need higher doses of medication to stop the pain.

When their prescription runs out, many patients turn to illegal opioids for self-medication.

Opioids bind to receptors in the brain blocking pain and causing a dopamine rush. The dopamine rush is addictive because it causes pleasure and relaxation. Over time, brain chemistry alters and becomes damaged.

When it comes to weaning from the opioids, methadone is the drug of choice. It prevents withdrawal symptoms because its effects are slower than other painkillers. Weaning from methadone isn’t easy since it’s also an opioid.

Freedom of Choice

Many treatment programs never mention methadone weaning. They prefer indefinite treatment with methadone so patients avoid relapse. This means patients have no choice when it comes to their treatment plans.

That’s unfortunate since long-term methadone use has potential unhealthy side effects. Methadone is also sometimes fatal with thousands of deaths each year from an overdose.

In studies, methadone side effects show that it can affect both memory and learning. In rats, there were brain cell changes even after the methadone was no longer in the body. Attention spans were also shortened.

Tapering Off Methadone

If you’re ready to taper off methadone, what’s the best way?

Never stop methadone treatment cold turkey. Always taper under the supervision of a doctor.

Although methadone eases withdrawal symptoms from other opiates, it also has withdrawal symptoms.

Methadone withdrawal symptoms include:

  • Depression
  • Difficulty sleeping and insomnia
  • Agitation
  • Anxiety
  • Profuse sweating
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach cramps
  • Shivering
  • Rhinorrhea (a runny nose)

Methadone withdrawal symptoms sometimes last longer than opioid withdrawal symptoms.

1. Find a Counselor

You’ll need a counselor or therapist. Many therapists specialize in addiction treatment. Meet with the counselor on a regular basis. If you don’t have the means for a counselor, get into an appropriate 12-step program.

You’ll need a good support system. Sometimes family members aren’t the best support and can even undermine your attempts at detox. Surround yourself with people who won’t sabotage your efforts.

2. Address Life Issues First

Reduce your stress before tapering.

Focus on life basics such as a job, a place to live, and marriage issues first. Work on healthy habits. Work through emotional triggers such as losses caused by opioid use.

Many drug abusers lose everything before getting off drugs and onto methadone maintenance. If these issues aren’t addressed first, opioid relapse is more likely after tapering.

Address the spiritual and emotional problems caused by drug addiction. Get your finances in order.

3. Healthy Lifestyle Changes

Make healthy lifestyle changes. Increase your exercise. Adopt a healthy eating plan with lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein.

Stay hydrated by drinking at least half your body weight in water daily. If you weight 150 pounds, drink 75 ounces of water per day.

Take a multivitamin.

4. Be Patient

It could take a year or more when implementing healthy lifestyle changes. Be patient. Don’t begin tapering off methadone until you’re ready. Don’t rush the tapering process itself either.

Tapering off methadone takes about three months. To taper means cutting the dose down every week or every other week.

Overall, tapering from methadone has a success rate between 25-50%. The more prepared you are the more likely you’ll succeed.

If you’re taking 10 mg of methadone once per day, your dose is lowered to 8 mg at the end of week two of tapering. At the end of week four, the dosage is lowered to 6 mg.

The dose is lowered to 4 mg, then 2 mg, and then stopped. Most methadone tapers reduce the drug by about 20% every two weeks.

Research shows that slow tapering is more successful than tapering too fast. Remember that methadone stays in the body for as much as two weeks after the last dose.

The process of tapering may take a few months. But the process of being drug-free lasts a lifetime. Be patient with yourself.

5. Use an Experienced Doctor

Use a doctor with experience in addiction and drug withdrawal. You need a doctor who understands the treatment of withdrawal symptoms.

The doctor can prescribe other medications that help ease withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor may prescribe anti-anxiety medications.

If you’re having nausea and vomiting, the doctor can prescribe anti-emetics. These drugs relieve nausea.

6. Decide Where You’ll Detox

You can detox at home or in a treatment center. There are benefits and risks with both options. The familiarity of home is nice.

But quick access to experienced doctors and nurses in a treatment center is a plus.

Talk to your counselor and doctor about what the best option is for you and your situation.

7. Consider Alternative Adjunct Treatments

Some withdrawal symptoms cause problems of their own. Some patients have trouble sleeping during or after methadone withdrawal.

Sleep deprivation causes its own set of problems. It also sets you up for a drug relapse.

If you’re having trouble with symptoms such as sleeplessness, consider alternatives to drugs. Meditation, prayers, and acupuncture are non-drug alternatives that work well for many patients.

In The End, You Must Persevere!

Detoxing from drugs is difficult. There are no easy solutions or magic pills. Coming off methadone is a process. Set yourself up for success before you start tapering.

Get a good addiction counselor. Address your most difficult life issues and triggers and adopt healthy lifestyle changes. Consider alternative treatments for issues that present during the tapering process.

Now that you’re drug-free, enjoy your life’s journey! Looking for more information about drug addiction and detox? Find more information about opioid addiction here.

Sources

[1] American Psychiatric Association. (2017, January). What Is Addiction? Retrieved from American Psychiatric Association: https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/addiction/what-is-addiction

[2] Medical News Today. (2011, March 24). Possible Harmful Effects From Prolonged Use of Methadone. Retrieved from Medical News Today: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/220086.php

[3] U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (2019, January 22). What Is The U.S. Opioid Epidemic? Retrieved from U.S. Department of Health & Human Services: https://www.hhs.gov/opioids/about-the-epidemic/index.html

is methadone addictive?

Can You Become Addicted to Methadone?

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Are you or a loved one thinking of trying methadone to combat a drug addiction?

If so, you may be worried about if you’ll end up getting addicted to methadone and the potential problems that can come with taking the medication.

Methadone, when used to combat drug use like heroin, the methadone success rate is around 60% to 90% for keeping former addicts clean in the long run. However, methadone is still an opioid and a Schedule II substance. Because of this, many people wonder, “Is methadone addictive?”

In this article, we’ll go over some of your concerns about possible methadone addiction.

What is Methadone?

Methadone is a synthetic opioid that has been used since the 1960s for controlling the addiction to heroin and other opiates.

It has been found that most addicts fare better in the long run if they take a medication that can help mitigate their desire for drugs. If you’re addicted to drugs, after a while, the craving is not only mental but also physical.

This is why methadone plays an important role in recovery.

Taking methadone can literally save people’s lives. If a heroin user relapses after going off of drugs “cold turkey,” he or she may not remember what it was like before he or she developed a tolerance. As a result, he or she might take a dose of heroin that their body no longer can tolerate.

Methadone curbs this problem, by keeping opiates in the body. Some people accidentally overdose by relapsing. But if you’re on methadone, the large dose of heroin won’t kill you.

People may also be prescribed methadone for physical ailments, most commonly as a painkiller.

How Long Does a Former Addict Take Methadone?

A former addict might turn to long-term methadone use. The drug can be taken for a few months, a few years or the rest of his or her life. If his or her heroin use was severe, it may become a lifetime commitment.

Although there is a severe stigma of methadone treatment and around using drugs to help drug addiction, many people find it very helpful in their recovery.

Who Can Take Methadone?

You must be prescribed methadone by your doctor in order to take it. Although people sell methadone on “the street,” it isn’t legal to do so. Taking it from your doctor is safer, as he or she knows your history and can help you find the correct dosage.

How Do You Take Methadone?

Methadone is typically distributed at a methadone clinic. You’ll take the methadone at the clinic in front of a staff member. This is because some people may abuse methadone and sell it for money.

Once you’ve proven trustworthy, you may take the methadone home and monitor your prescription yourself.

You will still have to check in with your doctor in order to monitor your progress. He or she may make regular visits a condition of fulfilling the medication.

You take methadone orally, as most of the time it comes in pill form.

Is Methadone Addictive?

As methadone is an opiate, unfortunately, it is addictive.

It was originally created as an alternative to heroin, and is meant to be less addictive and have fewer side effects than heroin. While most people report that their side effects are fewer than street drugs, they can still become addicted to the “high” methadone offers.

Those who take methadone for reasons other than managing heroin addiction may find that they become addicted to methadone, as well.

Can You Overdose on Methadone?

Yes, you can overdose on methadone, just as you can any medication.

If you take methadone as prescribed by your doctor, you will not overdose on the medication. This is especially the case if you’re still visiting a methadone clinic to take your daily dose.

However, if you’re taking methadone at home, or using methadone that you have procured illegally, there is a risk of overdose.

Signs of overdose/toxicity may include:

  • low blood pressure
  • difficulty breathing or shallow breathing
  • small pupils
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • constipation
  • stomach spasms
  • clammy skin
  • blue lips or fingernails
  • weakness
  • muscle spasms
  • dizziness
  • fatigue
  • confusion
  • disorientation

If you suspect someone you know has overdosed on methadone, call 911 right away. The individual will need immediate medical attention.

Getting Treatment for a Methadone Addiction

Treatment for a methadone addiction is similar to treatment for other opiate addictions. It may involve a period of withdrawal, that may be managed medically. Some people report that coming down and withdrawing from methadone can be almost as bad, if not worse, than withdrawing from heroin.

Many rehab facilities and clinics will work with you to help you get to the root of your problem when it comes to your methadone addiction. They can help you assess your issues, as well as help you on the path to recovery. They will not turn you away “just” because your addiction is to methadone and not a “harder” drug in comparison.

Addiction and Methadone

Methadone itself has a stigma around it due to people feeling that using methadone as a way to manage heroin addiction is somehow “cheating.” This is not the case, and the medication is safe is taken as directed by a doctor.

But, is methadone addictive? Unfortunately, the answer is yes.

If you or someone you love is worried they are addicted to methadone, speak to your doctor or therapist. There is help available. Although it isn’t easy to overcome an opioid addiction, it can be done.

For more information on methadone, detox, and its uses in recovery, click here or give us a call at (855) 976- 2092!

Sources

[1] California Society of Addiction Medicine. (2019). Retrieved from https://csam-asam.org/404.aspx?404;www.csam-asam.org:80/methadone-treatment-issues

[2] Methadone overdose: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. (2019). Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002679.htm

 

suboxone or methadone

Methadone vs Suboxone: Important Differences to Know

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Statistics report that 1.9 million Americans are addicted to opioid drugs. While the medical industry offers no magic cure, they do offer a variety of treatment options. The main treatments for opioid addiction include Methadone and Suboxone.

Addiction sufferers take Methadone and Suboxone to combat harmful opiates such as heroin and prescription opioids such as OxyContin.

Individuals take these two drugs to stop chemical dependency on these dangerous habit-forming drugs.

Methadone and Suboxone have helped people gain a better quality of life they may have once had before getting addicted to heroin and prescription opioids.

Methadone and Suboxone help fight withdrawal symptoms and can manage to avoid relapse.

But there sometimes lies a problem. Although Suboxone and Methadone have been successful when not taken as prescribed, some users who attempt to detox on their own have formed an addiction to these drugs as well and abused them.

In fact, many skeptics view the use of exchanging these drugs for opioids or heroin as a replacement for one addictive drug over another. That’s why it’s important to take these drugs under medical supervision.

When taken as directed, Methadone and Suboxone have helped people who battle opioid abuse.

But there lies a difference between the two drugs.

This article will discuss these differences.

Methadone Vs Suboxone: Essential Differences To Know

Here’s what you need to know.

1. The History: Old Vs. New

Methadone became available to the American market in the 1960s. However, it was used to treat addiction in Germany in the late 1930s. Methadone has been used in medical facilities to fight heroin addiction since this time.

On the other hand, Suboxone is a newer treatment. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gave the drug the green light in the year 2002 for opioid dependency treatment.

2. How Does Methadone Work?

During detox, methadone minimizes and eliminates uncomfortable and painful withdrawal symptoms. The treatment actually alters the manner in which pain affects the nervous system and brain.

Methadone comes in three forms: by tablet, liquid or in Diskets.

Tablets are swallowed and taken with water. Methadone Diskets need to be dissolved in a liquid before people ingest them. Methadone comes in liquid form as well. Individuals can drink it or dissolve it in a glass of water or a beverage.

3. How Does Suboxone Work?

Suboxone comes in two forms: a tablet form or a film that’s placed beneath the tongue. dissolves in the mouth and enters the body. Suboxone is combined with two drugs: buprenorphine, a synthetic opioid and naloxone.

The drug does produce euphoric effects, however, they are not as strong as the euphoric effects of Methadone.

Similar to Methadone, Suboxone helps individuals by reducing, or possibly even eliminating withdrawal symptoms.

Another benefit occurs when using a buprenorphine-based drug (Suboxone) because the risk of overdosing is lower compared to using Methadone.

However, when injected, the naloxone contained in Suboxone can cause extremely unpleasant withdrawal effects. This makes people want to stop using Suboxone.

4. The Benefit of Medicated-Assisted Treatment

Although people believe Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is substituting one habit-forming drug for another, the treatment of Methadone and Suboxone has been successful.

When taken under the supervision of a doctor and with the combination of behavioral therapies.

Individuals can function in daily life and end criminal and sexually promiscuous behaviors. MAT also minimizes the risk of contracting HIV through the use of infected needles.

5. How To Access Methadone or Suboxone

Methadone can only be prescribed by a physician and must be taken under the physician’s care. Methadone is given at opioid treatment programs.

The programs must be certified by SAMHSA, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The facility needs to register with the Drug Enforcement Administration.

The facility must also hold a license and meet the DEA methadone regulations. Since Methadone is a schedule II drug, the Methadone treatment needs to be held in a SAMHSA-certified clinic.

Unlike the distribution of Methadone, Suboxone can be prescribed in a doctors office. Physicians can also prescribe it to patients in hospitals, prisons, and health departments.

6. How Long Do People Need To Take Methadone Or Suboxone?

SAMHSA recommends individuals to take Methadone for at least one year. But some patients take the drug for years. This is decided between a doctor and a patient on a case-by-case basis.

When individuals wish to end treatment, they will gradually decrease the drug consumption. But this should be done under the supervision of a doctor.

Patients taking Suboxone may not need to take it for one year. The amount of time they take the drug depends on the decision between the treatment facility and the patient’s medical history.

7. Can Pregnant Women Take Methadone And Suboxone?

Expectant mothers have taken Methadone while pregnant. Although risks can be present, the advantages of Methadone can outweigh the disadvantages of heroin and opioids.

Methadone use and birth defects have not been severe, although some newborns may have brief withdrawal symptoms immediately following the birth.

Buprenorphine has not delivered severe effects during pregnancy according to SAMHSA. But there have not been many studies conducted.

8. Which Drug Is Safer: Methadone or Suboxone?

People can get addicted to Methadone. This occurs because when it is distributed on the black market. People also take Methadone for pain management and deaths have been reported.

To add, Methadone lasts longer and its effects can build up its effects in the body. The CDC reported that Methadone accounted for 30% of painkiller deaths. That’s double the number of overdoses caused by other painkillers.

Suboxone is not altogether safe from overdoses either, however they are smaller in number.

In a six-year study comparing Methadone to Buprenorphine overdoses with subjects in England and Wales, researchers concluded Suboxone was 6x safer than Methadone.

They reported 52 deaths caused by Buprenorphine and 2,366 as a result of Methadone.

Methadone vs Suboxone: The Conclusion

Now you know more information about the differences between Methadone and Suboxone. Both treatment drugs offer benefits to fight addiction and have their unique effects.

Whichever treatment you choose, the most important thing is to be treated under medical supervision.

Our website provides educational articles and referrals to Methadone treatment for addiction sufferers and their families. Visit our blog today or call us at  855-976-2092 and learn how you can begin the journey of recovery.

Sources

[1] Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs | SAMHSA – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2019, 30). Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/atod

[2] Drug Scheduling. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.dea.gov/drug-scheduling

[3] The relative risk of fatal poisoning by methadone or buprenorphine within the wider population of England and Wales. (2015, May 1). Retrieved from https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/5/5/e007629.full

 

symptoms of methadone withdrawal

5 Methadone Withdrawal Symptoms You Need to Know About

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Did you know that methadone is commonly used to treat opioid addiction?

Methadone is a synthetic drug that is similar to morphine in terms of the effects but has proven to be longer lasting. Prescribed by a doctor, it is used as a substitute drug in the treatment of opioid addiction.

Using methadone to come down from an opioid addiction is a safe method of detoxing. It functions by replacing the opioids in an addict’s system with similar yet milder effects.

While methadone has proven effective for addicts, coming off of methadone has its own set of symptoms. If you or someone you love is suffering from opioid addiction, you’re going to want to learn about methadone.

Here is our guide to methadone and the five most common withdrawal symptoms.

1. Opioid Cravings

The most common and anticipated withdrawal symptom from methadone is the craving to continue using. As with any addiction, the body and brain’s functionality begins to rely on the drug. Once the body is no longer receiving the drug, it becomes disoriented and craves the drug.

This is why treatment programs slowly wean users off of methadone rather than quitting cold turkey.

If an addict decides to quit methadone without slowly easing the dosage, the withdrawal symptoms will be more intense. This is often the case when users consider deciding to detox at home rather than at a treatment center.

Because the body is no longer receiving the methadone it was used to, the cravings are more extreme and difficult to resist.

When slowly reducing the methadone intake (often with the help of a program) the cravings are less sudden and less intense. With this method, the doctor will track your body’s response to the methadone and slowly adjust the intake.

As with most drugs, cravings can recur months and even years after finally getting clean. Learn more here to help survive going through withdrawal and overcome cravings.

2. Flu-Like Symptoms

Those suffering from methadone withdrawal will often compare the symptoms to flu-like symptoms. This is usually characterized by feeling on the brink of the flu or stomach virus and becomes more intense as the days go on. This can be characterized by symptoms such as:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Chills

Of course, the extremity of these symptoms is dependent on the usage levels of the addict and their methods of quitting. If the addict was suffering from heavy opioid use and suddenly quits cold turkey, the symptoms will be more sudden an intense.

3. Muscle Aches and Pains

After the last dosage of methadone, one of the most prevalent symptoms includes muscle aches and pain. Because the muscles are so used to feeling numb, they forget what it’s like to suddenly experience feeling.

Similar to flu-like symptoms, the user is likely to experience various physical aches and pains. The body may feel continuously exhausted, weak and incapable of daily activities.

The user may also find they experience sudden and very intense body temperature changes. One minute the may be sweating while the next minute their body is overcome by coldness and chill.

This can be characterized by the sudden need to be free of any clothing and next feel the need to have a hot shower.

4. Shakes

Tremors are one of the most common early symptoms of withdrawal for any drug.

While shakes and tremors may be immediate symptoms, they become most prevalent after the first few days of withdrawal. This is usually after nausea and physical pains begin to diminish.

This can be characterized by a decrease in fine motor skills and noticeable shaking in the body. most notably, the tremors occur in the hands and fingers which can make it difficult to hold objects and perform small tasks. The body may also experience sudden muscle spasms.

For physical symptoms such as tremors, the expected length of methadone withdrawal symptoms is up to a few weeks. As time goes on, the physical symptoms will become less intense and less noticeable.

5. Anxiety and Irritability

Unfortunately for users, the symptoms of withdrawal are not limited to physical vulnerabilities. The most challenging and emotionally exhausting toll withdrawal takes on a user is on one’s mental health and well-being.

Withdrawal occurs when the body has to learn how to function without the drug. When this occurs, the body is undergoing a significant change that has an extreme influence on one’s mental health.

This can be characterized by extremely low moods and irritability as well as paranoia and unease. With extreme instances, this can even lead to panic attacks.

For these reasons, treatment programs are always recommended. This help users cope with their mental state and receive support and medical treatment.

For those that are suffering from extreme cases of anxiety, doctors may prescribe additional medication to elevate mood and ease anxiety. This allows the addict to transition more easily through the withdrawal process and increase their chances of overcoming the addiction.

Combatting Methadone Withdrawal Symptoms

If you have been using opioids, you should expect to begin experiencing methadone withdrawal symptoms 12 hours after your last dosage.

A type of opiate substitution therapy, methadone helps to treat addiction by the use of medication-assisted treatment. The methadone allows the body to achieve a similar stimulation as opioids but with more mild effects. At the same time, it helps to curb opioid withdrawal and eliminate the pain of coming off of opioids.

It is important to note that withdrawal symptoms also occur in using methadone. Understanding these symptoms and being prepared to fight them is the best way to overcome your addiction.

There’s no denying that overcoming an addiction has its challenges. But with the right treatment and medication, it’s always possible.

If you’re interested in learning more about the significance of methadone and fighting addition, be sure to explore our website or give us a call at (855) 976- 2092!

Sources

[1] Opiate and opioid withdrawal. (2019, March 22). Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000949.htm

[2] The methadone fix. (2008, March). Retrieved from https://www.who.int/bulletin/volumes/86/3/08-010308/en/

methadone beneficial effects

What are the Benefits of Methadone for Opioid Addiction?

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What if you had a better way to treat an opioid addiction?

For many, this is a great struggle, and it’s hard to find their way through it. However, the benefits of methadone offer a way to recover from addiction and get your old life back again.

Keep reading to discover the different benefits of methadone when it comes to treating opioid addiction.

Better Alternative

One of the best reasons to try methadone is that it provides a safer alternative to many different treatments. For instance, your body may not respond well to morphine or to other treatments.

By contrast, methadone can function around the clock, providing your body with a number of benefits. And it is often part of medication-assisted treatment, allowing it to be safely implemented into any existing course of treatment.

Morphine and other substances, however, can be more harmful if they are used as often as you use might methadone. Therefore, one of the best benefits of methadone is getting the treatment you need in a safer and more controlled way.

Very Effective

When you have a specific problem, then it’s worth finding the right tool for the job. And when it comes to opioid addiction, the effectiveness of methadone treatment is absolutely the best tool.

Various studies have shown that methadone is the best way to help opioid addicts move away from harmful substances like heroin or even opioid medications. And you get complete and utter relief from the symptoms of withdrawal, helping your mind and body recover from harmful addiction.

Ultimately, methadone takes away your pain while also removing the desire to abuse opioids. That makes it a powerful first step on your road to recovery.

What Your Body Needs

In order to appreciate the benefits of methadone, you must understand how addiction works. Your body becomes chemically dependent on a particular substance. In short, you “need” that substance, and you suffer painful withdrawal when you don’t have it.

Methadone essentially tricks your body by making it think that you have that substance inside you. You get your need for opiates fulfilled but without the dangerous high that would threaten your recovery.

On top of this, methadone stays in your body between three and ten times longer than something like heroin does. This helps wean you off the practice of getting a regular fix.

It’s Very Versatile

One of the other main benefits of methadone is that it is so versatile. There are many different applications that have a variety of short-term and long-term benefits.

In the short-term, methadone is great for helping detox your body. By decreasing use as needed, you and your doctor can free your body from the drugs it relies on.

Methadone can also be used as pain relief, and this can be for a short- or a long-term that ranges from weeks to years. Finally, it can be used for regular maintenance of your health as directed by your doctor, meaning that you would typically take it for a minimum of one year.

Saves Money

When it comes to the benefits of methadone, you may be worried about how much it costs. Prepare to be surprised, though: it is surprisingly affordable!

Methadone treatment is typically far cheaper than other opioid treatment programs, offering twenty-four hours (or more) of relief for the cost of a few coffees. To be blunt, this treatment is far cheaper than the cost of illegal drugs, meaning that treatment can immediately start saving addicts money from week to week.

The Bridge to Better

Part of the struggle of overcoming opioid addiction is the struggle to make yourself better. It’s not just physical treatment: you want to emerge emotionally and psychologically stronger as well.

As we mentioned, methadone stays in your system for far, far longer than drugs such as heroin. And once you break the cycle of needing a regular fix, you may experience a number of psychological benefits.

You will be free of pain and stress, allowing you to concentrate on the things that are important to you. Once you begin methadone treatment, you build a bridge to a better you even as you start re-building bridges you may have burned with your closest family and friends.

Legal and Safe

While it may seem simple, one of the big benefits of methadone treatment is that it is legal and safe. This is important because many people try to break the cycle of opioid addiction by turning to other illegal substances.

This can put you in serious legal danger. And on top of that, there’s the very real risk of simply trading one addiction for another.

However, methadone is completely legal and can be taken at any time when you are enrolled in a maintenance treatment program. This allows you to recover without fear of bodily harm, addiction, or arrest!

Possible Dangers

Unfortunately, there is no opioid treatment that is perfect. There are some potential dangers to using methadone that you should be aware of before taking it.

First, it can be dangerous (and even fatal) when combined with alcohol. Second, it can slow your respiratory rate. There are also a number of small, potential side effects that range from dry mouth to trouble sleeping.

Additionally, some patients may become addicted to methadone. This is why it is important to only take it under the direction of a doctor’s orders or a treatment program.

Benefits of Methadone: The Bottom Line

If you’re reading this, then you’re interested in learning more about how methadone can help with opioid addiction. However, you may not know where to start when it comes to finding the information that you need.

That’s where we come in. Our guides to methadone can help you discover whether it is the right treatment that you are looking for. We can help you discover the benefits of methadone as well as the potential drawbacks.

Ultimately, we are standing in your corner and supporting you on your road to wellness. Tomorrow will be a brighter day, and if you ever doubt that, we’re here to help you find the light.

Call us today at 855-976-2092 for more information or help finding a methadone clinic near you.

Sources

[1] Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) | SAMHSA – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2018, 7). Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/medication-assisted-treatment

[2] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2018, June 7). Prescription Opioids. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/prescription-opioids

[3] Premila Devi, J., Azriani, A. R., Zahiruddin, W. M., Mohd Ariff, M. N., & Noor Hashimah, A. (2012). The Effectiveness of Methadone Maintenance Therapy Among Opiate – Dependants Registered with Hospital Raja Perempuan Zainab II Kota Bharu, Kelantan. The Malaysian journal of medical sciences : MJMS, 19(4), 17-22. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3629676/

[4] Part B: 20 Questions and Answers Regarding Methadone Maintenance Treatment Research Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/partb.pdf

methadone treatment issues

Problems With Methadone Treatment To Be Aware Of

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Methadone Success Rate

During the 1960s, scientists, researchers, psychologists, and medical professionals first started to look at the potential of methadone as a treatment for addiction to narcotics. Fast forward by around 50 years and methadone is now recognized as one of the most effective forms of treatment for opiate addictions. Significant research has taken place into the success rate of different treatment modalities. Research results claim that methadone seems to be the most successful of all.

“Substance disorders can be treated most cost-effectively in outpatient drug-free settings. Savings from transitioning to the most cost-effective treatment modality may free resources. These resources could be reinvested to improve access to substance abuse treatment for a larger number of individuals in need of such treatment.”

Some research suggests that those who detox or take part in a completely drug-free modality can expect a success rate of between 5% and 10%. In contrast, treatment, particularly methadone maintenance programs, have a success rate of 60% to 90%. The longer patients remain under treatment, the more successful they become in getting rehabilitated.

Problems with Methadone Treatment

Various studies have been conducted on the impact of heroin addiction among prisoners in particular. Unfortunately, it seems that prisoners, who theoretically should not have access to addictive substances while incarcerated, are at the greatest risk of overdose following incarceration release.

“Former inmates return to environments that strongly trigger relapse to drug use and put them at risk for overdose. Interventions to prevent overdose after release from prison may benefit from including structured treatment with a gradual transition to the community, enhanced protective factors, and reductions of environmental triggers to use drugs.”

One of the key reasons for this seems to be the fact that very few inmates are offered the opportunity to undergo methadone maintenance treatment, either during incarceration or afterward. According to some researchers, this is because the focus is too strong on drug-free modalities. The prison system is cited as a clear example of why this attitude fails because the reality is that inmates are able to access addictive substances while in prison.

California has been an example of best practice to a certain degree as they mentioned methadone maintenance in Proposition 36 – the Substance Abuse and Crime Prevention Act.

“This initiative allows first and second time non-violent, simple drug possession offenders the opportunity to receive substance abuse treatment instead of incarceration.”

Unfortunately, it also seems that the state has struggled to incorporate methadone into their treatment options. There appears to be a strong bias against the synthetic opiate. This is believed to be directly responsible for the failure of treatment for many heroin addicts. Unfortunately, this also renders drug courts less effective and leads to wastage of vital resources

Buprenorphine vs Methadone

It is believed that the reason why some people are against methadone is a lack of understanding of tolerance. Essentially, people who use methadone as a form of treatment no longer experience a euphoric effect. If properly administered, methadone treatment does not make the patient high. Furthermore, there is a significant lack of understanding of the impact of chronic opiate exposure to brain chemistry. Thankfully, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) is making an effort to increase understanding of what tolerance is and how the brain is affected by both short and long term opioid addiction.

“Tolerance to drugs can be produced by several different mechanisms, but in the case of morphine or heroin, tolerance develops at the level of the cellular targets.”

Until there is a better understanding of the continued changes in brain chemistry as a result of opiate addiction, even after detoxification, it is likely that opiate addicts who do not receive methadone treatment will continue to experience very high relapse rates.

Fortunately, there are alternatives to methadone treatment, one of which is buprenorphine.

“Buprenorphine is a semi-synthetic opioid derived from thebaine, an alkaloid of the poppy Papaver somniferum. Buprenorphine is an opioid partial agonist. This means that, although Buprenorphine is an opioid, and thus can produce typical opioid effects and side effects such as euphoria and respiratory depression, its maximal effects are less than those of full agonists like heroin and methadone.”

This medication, which has the same effectiveness rates as methadone, is currently available but only outside of the methadone system. This either-or approach means that those who opt for buprenorphine often do not receive other forms of addiction care such as counseling. It is vital, therefore, that changes are made.

Studies on Outcomes of Drug Treatment

One of the most significant pieces of research ever conducted into the outcomes of drug treatment was the Drug Treatment Outcomes Research Study (DTORS) in the 1980s, ordered by Governor Wilson.

“Taking all costs and outcomes together, the authors’ preferred analysis suggests that the mean net benefit associated with structured treatment is positive. At the level of the individual, the probability that structured drug treatment is cost-effective is 81 per cent.”

Specifically, the report showed that for every $1 that was spent on drug treatment, a total of $12 was saved. Unfortunately, there has always been difficulty in getting those addicted to opiates to become interested in the treatment options. As a result, the consequences have affected overall community safety and public health. In a study by the UCLA, it was noted that deaths due to violence, infections, and accidents, as well as many repeated incarcerations, could have been avoided had methadone been used in a more aggressive manner.

Methadone treatment works. Several studies have demonstrated that the treatment,  long term, has fantastic positive effects. It increases the quality of life of patients and rebuilds family relationships. Methadone also increases the possibility of becoming productive community members, saves the legal and public health system money. This type of treatment reduces criminality or risky behaviors. Unfortunately, those in the legislature, in particular, must still be educated on the fact that narcotic addictions are a medical condition that requires treatment rather than punishment. One way to achieve that is by demonstrating the effectiveness of methadone treatment, and by continuing to show that investing in treatment leads to considerable financial savings to the taxpayer. Perhaps then, a difference can finally be made.

If you have more questions about Methadone Treatment, please give us a call at  855-976-2092 or check out our website.

Sources

[1] Mojtabai, R., & Zivin, J. G. (2003). Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of four treatment modalities for substance disorders: a propensity score analysis. Health services research, 38(1 Pt 1), 233-59. Retrieved From: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1360883/

[2] Binswanger, I. A., Nowels, C., Corsi, K. F., Glanz, J., Long, J., Booth, R. E., & Steiner, J. F. (2012). Return to drug use and overdose after release from prison: a qualitative study of risk and protective factors. Addiction science & clinical practice, 7(1), 3. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3414824/

[3] California Society of Addiction Medicine. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://csam-asam.org/404.aspx?404;www.csam-asam.org:80/proposition-36-revisited

[4] NIDA. (2007, January 2). The Neurobiology of Drug Addiction. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/neurobiology-drug-addiction on 2019, February 20

[5] What exactly is Buprenorphine? (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.naabt.org/faq_answers.cfm?ID=2

[6] Davies, L., Jones, A., Vamvakas, G., Dubourg, R., & Donmall, M. (2009, December). The Drug Treatment Outcomes Research Study (DTORS) Cost-effective Analysis 2nd Edition. Retrieved from https://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20110218141228/http://rds.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs09/horr25c.pdf