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

 

methadone pills

What to Expect from Addiction Treatment With Methadone Pills

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Opioids claim the lives of 115 Americans every single day. In fact, hundreds of thousands of families in the U.S. mourned the lives of 630,000 people who died from drug overdose between 1999 and 2016.

So, yes, the threat of opioid is real, and it’s as life-threatening as it can get.

Granted, achieving sobriety may seem impossible, especially to those who fear opiate withdrawal symptoms. But the possibility of a losing your life due to overdose is much scarier.

The good news is, you don’t have to become part of the statistics. Treatment through methadone pills can combat narc addiction and let you live a meaningful life once again.

What exactly are these pills though? What can you expect from methadone treatment?

We’ll address all these questions and more in this post, so, read on.

What is Methadone?

Methadone falls under the opiate or narcotic class of analgesic medications. Its roots trace back to the Second World War. Its introduction to the United States led to its wide use as a treatment for people suffering from extreme pain.

In terms of pain treatment, this drug works by altering the processes behind the brain’s and nervous’ system response to pain. To put things in perspective, 31 million Americans are suffering from back pain alone. As if that’s not enough, as much as a third of U.S. adults experience more pain than people from other countries.

No wonder methadone has become a go-to for millions of Americans with chronic pain. But that’s not all that the drug can do.

It now also sees use in the world of addiction treatment. It may sound counter intuitive, but studies confirm its benefits in people recovering from opiate addiction.

How Does Methadone Work?

So… How does methadone treatment help you become sober? First, let’s take a look at how someone feels when on this medication.

As mentioned above, methadone affects the brain’s and nervous system’s pain response processes. These changes then result in relief from pain. Note that the drug needs more time to take effect than more potent painkillers, such as morphine.

Contrary to popular belief, methadone doesn’t deliver “euphoric” effects. In fact, it has the opposite effect; it blocks these highs that codeine, morphine, and oxycodone are notorious for.

It does, however, give similar sensations. But what’s more important is its ability to prevent symptoms associated with opiate withdrawal.

In essence, methadone replaces the more dangerous opioids in a patient’s system with milder or reduced effects. In the world of addiction treatment, this is (or part of) “medication-assisted” or “opioid replacement therapy“.

How Opiate Treatment Works with Methadone Pills

Methadone is available in several forms, with the pill and liquid being the most common. You’ll also find this drug in wafer form.

In most cases, doctors instruct their patients to take the drug once a day. How long before the effects wear off depends on how high the dose is. In general, though, the pain-relieving effects last between four and eight hours.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recommends higher doses of methadone for patients with heroin addiction. According to the organization, higher doses can help them stick to their treatment programs.

Methadone maintenance treatment is more effective when administered as part of a more comprehensive treatment program. That said, it’s best that you also receive counseling and participate in other drug addiction support programs.

You can only receive methadone under physician supervision. This means you can only take the medicine in the presence of a doctor. But once your body has acclimatized to it, such as when you’ve shown consistent progress, you may receive permission for at-home methadone treatment.

Keep in mind that the law only authorizes SAMHSA-certified opioid treatment programs to dispense this drug.

How Long Does Methadone Treatment Last?

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to methadone treatment. You may need the treatment longer (or shorter) compared to other patients.

However, most doctors opt for a 12-month length of methadone treatment programs. There are even some who need to undergo the treatment for longer than one year.

What’s important is to avoid going cold turkey or suddenly going off the drug. Methadone is still a drug, so a sudden cease of its use can cause withdrawal symptoms. That would only defeat its main purpose.

As such, even if you feel fine and ready to stop treatment, talk to your doctor first. Methadone can pave the way for your opiate recovery, but only if you take it as instructed.

Potential Side Effects

Like with any other medication, methadone side effects can still arise. You should take these seriously, as some of they may warrant professional medical help.

Contact your doctor if you or someone you know on methadone exhibits the following:

  • Shallow breathing or breathing difficulties
  • Lightheadedness
  • Rashes or hives
  • Swelling affecting the throat, tongue, lips, or even the entire face
  • Chest pains
  • Racing or pounding heart
  • Confusion or hallucination

Although methadone is safe (doctors have prescribed it for many years now), some people may have adverse reactions to it. So, keep a lookout for these side effects of methadone and react promptly if you notice them.

A Promising Outlook

Without treatment, those who have an addiction to opioid has a 90 percent chance of relapse. Medication, such as methadone pills, cut this rate by half. However, methadone patients need to continue their medication as directed, or they also run the risk of relapsing.

As such, you need to prepare yourself for long-term treatment with methadone. It may take a year or more, but the benefits that you’ll enjoy are more than worth it.

If you’re ready to talk about your opiate addiction or know someone who needs intervention, don’t wait until it’s too late to get help. You should also check out our methadone blogs to find out more about methadone treatment.

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

Sources

[1] Understanding the Epidemic | Drug Overdose | CDC Injury Center. (2018, December 19). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/epidemic/index.html
[2] Back Pain Facts and Statistics. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.acatoday.org/Patients/Health-Wellness-Information/Back-Pain-Facts-and-Statistics
[3] Khazan, O. (2017, December 20). Why Americans Have More Pain Than People in Other Countries. Retrieved from https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2017/12/america-experiences-more-pain-than-other-countries/548822/
[4] Bart G. (2012). Maintenance medication for opiate addiction: the foundation of recovery. Journal of addictive diseases, 31(3), 207-25. Retrieved From https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3411273/
[5] Methadone | SAMHSA – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2015, 28). Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/medication-assisted-treatment/treatment/methadone
stress relief in sobriety

8 Sober Techniques for Stress Relief Without Opioids

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For those who use drugs or drink alcohol, stress relief is a no-brainer. Crack a bottle of beer, light a joint, or pop a pill. Of course, as addiction to intoxicating substances takes hold, the individual’s stress level rises as they scramble to find and pay for their drug of choice, keep their habits hidden from family and friends, and watch their life crumbling before them. It’s a textbook example of a vicious cycle, and sooner or later people with opioid addiction will hit a bottom.

Once you have achieved sobriety, you may struggle to deal with everyday problems. Unless you have learned about sober techniques to keep stress in check, the risk of relapse is high.

Here are some good alternatives to drugs and alcohol that can help you banish stress and remain sober.

8 Sober Techniques for Dealing with Stress As an Addict

Which of these techniques works best for you depends on your interests, and it may take some trial-and-error before you find the most effective way to cope with stress. Keep an open mind and give all of these a try before you dismiss them!

Focus on the Moment with Meditation

Although the practice of meditation is ancient, in the Western world it has been soaring in popularity over the last few years.

Meditation and mindfulness emphasize living in the present moment, as well as accepting whatever feelings you are experiencing. This can be particularly difficult for recovering addicts and alcoholics who are accustomed to doing anything it takes to avoid their emotions. However, that’s exactly what makes meditation so valuable and effective as a sober technique for stress relief.

There are many meditation apps available. Check out Headspace and Stop, Breathe, Think. However, you don’t even have to use an app to harness the power of mindfulness or meditation as a stress buster. Simply sit still, close your eyes, deepen your breathing, and try to empty your mind. When thoughts arise, acknowledge them and bring your attention back to the breath.

From “Oh No” to “Ohhhmmm”

Yoga is a form of exercise that can run the gamut from gentle stretching to a vigorous workout. It is similar to meditation in that it asks the practitioner to focus on their breath. Yet yoga does much more than tone the physical body. It can be a truly transformative emotional and even spiritual practice.

Best of all, even a few minutes’ worth of yoga goes a long way. Once you learn some of the basic poses, you may find yourself doing them at intervals throughout the day, whenever you need a mini-break. Try some of the beginner videos offered by Yoga with Adriene, a popular YouTube channel.

Sweat the Small Stuff — Literally

If yoga and meditation aren’t your thing, how about a good, old-fashioned sweat session? Go for a run, lace up some skates, or hit the elliptical trainer. Working out is a wonderful way to recommit to your physical health in the early days of sobriety and managing stress levels.

Need a little help getting to the gym? Enlist a workout buddy who will motivate you to get regular exercise. And when your stress spikes or you’re dealing with addiction triggers, get your sweat on for immediate relief.

Take To the Natural World

Spending time in nature can be incredibly restorative for your mind, body and soul. Find a serene spot near the water or in the woods where you can retreat when your tension threatens to get the better of you.

You don’t need to backpack to Walden Pond to reap the benefits of the Great Outdoors, either; take a ten-minute walk and feel the sun on your face, or sit in a park and listen to the birds singing.

Tap Into Your Creative Spirit

Remember how it felt to be a kid, to open a fresh 64-pack of crayons and spend hours coloring or doodling? Guess what? That feeling is still available to you. Adult coloring is all the rage, largely because of how soothing and stress-relieving it is. So treat yourself to a set of colored pencils or markers and let your inner artist come out to play!

Many addicts find that bullet journals in recovery is a great way to track their mental and physical states and unleash their creativity. Of course, regular journaling is also immensely helpful as a relaxation technique. Writing and/or drawing your thoughts and emotions is one of the best ways to combat stress.

Give Back to Your Community

Find yourself with a lot of spare time on your hands? It’s a common occurrence for newly sober people; acquiring and taking drugs is surprisingly time-consuming. Why not put your time to good use by volunteering it?

Whether it’s walking dogs at the local shelter, mentoring at-risk teenagers, helping sort donations at a food pantry, or building houses for veterans, volunteering will do your heart good. Find an organization that needs a helping hand, and pitch in.

Lose Yourself in a Fictional World

Have you ever gotten so engrossed in a book that you’ve lost all track of time? Reading can transport you out of your own life and into another world — which is sometimes just what the doctor ordered.

If television or movies are more your speed, start working your way through that Netflix queue! Or try a podcast or audiobook to leave your hands free while you journal or take a walk. No matter what the genre, entertainment can be a godsend when you’re trying to take your mind off your own problems or chill out after a stressful day.

Spend Time with Sober Friends

Sobriety isn’t easy, and it’s nearly impossible if you are isolated and alone. Seek out the company of fellow recovering addicts, who will understand what you’re going through. By surrounding yourself with caring, supportive, and sober people, you increase the odds of staying clean even in your most stressful moments.

Support groups are a good way to find friends, of course. But don’t limit your social life to meetings. Meet a pal for coffee, make plans to go for a bike ride or a hike together, or invite friends over for a sober poker night.

A Few Final Thoughts

Stress is a fact of life, but by developing some good habits and learning what sober techniques for stress relief are most helpful, you will be able to ride out even the toughest times.

How do you like to relax and destress? Have we left any essential techniques off our list? Let us know your thoughts by commenting below! If you need help with an addiction to opioids, please reach out at (855) 976-2092.

Sources

[1] Yoga With Adriene | Free Yoga Videos & Online Yoga Classes. (2019). Retrieved from https://yogawithadriene.com/

[2] Harvard Health Publishing. (2018, July 13). Exercising to relax – Harvard Health. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/exercising-to-relax

[3] Bullet Journaling in Recovery. (2017). Retrieved from https://www.recovery.org/forums/discussion/8935/bullet-journaling-in-recovery

[4] VolunteerMatch – Where Volunteering Begins. (2019). Retrieved from https://www.volunteermatch.org/

methadone myths and facts

5 Methadone Myths We Still Believe to Be True

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As an opioid by definition, Methadone has quite a reputation. It is both prescribed by doctors and abused by addicts. Yet there are many myths circulating about this drug.

Similar to morphine, it comes in many forms, including powders, liquids, and tablets. Although it is considered to be safer than other narcotics on the market–legal and not–it can become addictive.

However, methadone diversion abuse and misuse of this drug have led to many misconceptions about its addictive qualities.

5 Major Methadone Myths Debunked

There are many myths surrounding this opioid. We’ve gathered 5 of the most common misconceptions to help clarify what this drug really is as well as its capabilities and limitations.

1. Methadone is a Legal Substitute for Heroin

False. Methadone is not a substitute, but a closely monitored form of treatment. This long-acting drug is very different from heroin’s short high. This opioid is generally given out in a single dose per day.

This process includes careful weaning off the drug once this phase of treatment is complete. Because of this and because the withdrawal symptoms are not a sudden onset, it is far less likely for patients who follow the correct procedure to have a problem coming off them.

Problems with methadone arise when the drug is improperly administered and abused.

2. Methadone Use Leads to Bone Rot and Weight Gain

Methadone is quite safe to use when done so properly and under medical supervision. Like any medication, it may have its share of side effects if coupled with other opioids.

However, these side effects are usually far milder than bone rot. Patients may report:

  • An increase in sweating
  • Constipation
  • Flushing of the skin
  • Drowsiness
  • Possible skin rashes or fevers due to an allergic reaction
  • Retaining water
  • Dizzy spells, particularly when lying down for an extended period
  • Erectile Dysfunction
  • Dry mouth

However, nothing detrimental. Methadone should not have any impact on oral health. While dry mouth may limit the production of saliva which protects your teeth, individuals with good oral hygiene should not see any negative impact.

Most patients on methadone note bone and teeth rot after coming off of their heroin use. This decay began before their treatment, but they may not have been aware of it because of their state of mind during their addiction.

Weight gain also commonly follows methadone treatment because the appetite that was once suppressed by drug use has now returned. It is not the drug itself, but rather your body’s craving for food and nourishment that leads to an increase in weight.

In many patients, this weight gain is a healthy sign during their recovery process.

3. Methadone is Harder to Quit Than Heroin

This assumption is also false. Many people believe methadone is more addictive simply because the withdrawal symptoms are longer. This isn’t due to its level of addiction, but rather the length of the opioids half-life.

Because methadone’s effects kick in slower and last longer, so do the withdrawal symptoms. This is why following the proper procedure is important. When a patient’s use is medically supervised, they are given a gradual decrease of the drug in order to minimize these symptoms.

Most patients who undergo methadone treatment experience very little pain and discomfort.

4. Methadone’s Brand Name Was Inspired by Adolf Hitler

It’s an odd myth, but one that obviously brings a sense of discomfort. Adolf Hitler is a historical villain, and the idea of taking a drug with his name attached to it can cause patients to feel uneasy.

However, the only thing methadone and Hitler have in common is Germany. Methadone was first invented in Germany before it was brought to the United States.

Its brand name, Dolophine, stems from one of the physicians who originally began marketing the drug to his patients. His name is Vincent Dole. Thus, the “dolph” sound within the name has nothing to do with Germany’s former Fuhrur during the era of Nazi Germany.

5. Methadone Shouldn’t Be Used By Pregnant Women

While there are multiple drugs that should be avoided by women while pregnant, methadone is not one of them. This opioid has never shown proof of causing abnormalities that influence their childhood or adult lives.

The only side effect shown is neonatal abstinence syndrome, but this is typically easy to treat. It happens if the mother is one methadone approximately a week before the child’s delivery. Simply put, the child experiences withdrawal symptoms, which are treated as the drug leaves his or her system.

The True Purpose and Effects of Methadone

In essence, methadone is a very strong pain reliever. By altering your brain’s reaction to pain, this releasing drug has a longer half-life than other opioids, meaning it lasts longer.

Methadone is often used to help wean addicts off of heroin. This treatment is closely monitored by medical professionals, from its prescription to weaning the patient’s off of it completely.

The short-term effects of this drug include relaxation of the body and pain relief, as well as euphoria and sleepiness.

This drug is not taken long-term unless it is considered entirely necessary, such as patients with conditions that lead to chronic pain. Patients who are on methadone to wean them off of heroin use it as a short-term method to help patients recover with the least amount of pain possible.

However, those who are prescribed methadone long-term are carefully monitored by their doctors. It is the responsibility of the patient to follow doctor’s orders for their prescriptions and not abuse the drug.

Abuse is where problems arise. Beyond physical dependence, those who abuse this drug for an extended period of time experience cardiovascular and respiratory issues, as well as impaired judgment, learning, and memory.

Methadone should never be taken without a prescription and without the proper regulation of licensed doctors and nurses.

Learn More About Methadone Treatment

There is a reason why methadone is only prescribed under the careful monitoring of a licensed medical professional. Unfortunately, even with methadone’s positive traits, there are still individuals who become addicted to opioids.

Visit our page to learn more on the drug as an option to opiate addiction, methadone treatment and recovery. Our breakdown includes an easy-to-read infographic that breaks down everything you need to know about the methadone treatment process and its effectiveness. For more information or how to get help reach out to us at (855) 976-2092.

Sources 

[1] Opioid Drugs: Dosage, Side Effects, and More. (2012, July 19). Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/guide/narcotic-pain-medications

[2] Neonatal abstinence syndrome: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. (2019, January). Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007313.htm

 

methadone clinic information

Methadone Clinics | 10 Things They Don’t Tell You About Treatment

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If you or a loved one struggle with opioid addiction, methadone treatment may be the right option for you.

Methadone treatments have a very high success rate (60-90 percent). This is especially significant when compared to other, non-drug treatment modalities, which have only a 5-10 percent success rate.

Before you start looking for methadone clinics near you, it’s important to fully understand what it entails. Many people don’t do their research beforehand and have a harder time sticking to the program because they didn’t know what to expect going in.

To increase your chances of success, read on to learn about some of the most important (but under-shared) things you need to know about methadone clinics and methadone treatment.

What is Methadone Treatment?

Before getting into specifics about methadone treatment clinics, it’s important to understand exactly what methadone treatment is.

Methadone is a drug that has been used for years to help fight opioid addiction.

Methadone is a narcotic, but it has a different effect on the brain than other addictive drugs.

Methadone actually “unplugs” the opioid receptors. As a result, it stops symptoms of withdrawal and helps recovering addicts resist cravings.

This drug is highly effective when it is used under a licensed physician’s supervision. In fact, there are more than 100,000 Americans who use methadone to help them maintain their sobriety.

What You Need to Know About Methadone Treatment

There are a lot of things that people don’t understand about methadone and methadone treatment. Listed below are ten important facts to know before you seek out this type of treatment or recommend it to a loved one who’s struggling with addiction.

1. Clinics Offer Comprehensive Treatment

Many people don’t realize how comprehensive methadone clinics are. It’s not just about prescribing someone a drug and leaving them to their own devices.

Clinics offer a variety of additional rehabilitation treatments, including:

  • Counseling, both in individual and group settings
  • Vocational counseling
  • Resocialization opportunities
  • Medical treatment
  • Additional counseling for specific mental health disorders
  • Education and housing help
  • Aftercare transitional assistance
  • HIV care and prevention

Clinics offer a well-rounded approach to help addicts enter recovery and get on track to start improving their lives for good.

2. Methadone Treatment Does Not Cause Euphoria

Because it is a narcotic, some people believe that methadone is no different from other habit-forming drugs. This simply is not the case, though.

It’s important to note that methadone does not cause a feeling of euphoria when it’s taken in therapeutic doses.

Methadone is dispensed at a clinic in a very controlled amount at the beginning, so there’s virtually no risk of an individual receiving too much of it.

Methadone allows individuals to participate normally in society without any kind of “high” feeling.

3. Dosages are Individualized

It’s important to work with a clinic when using methadone to stop taking opioids. One reason for this is that, at most clinics, each person receives an individualized dosage that is right for their needs.

That dosage is calculated based on several factors, including how high their dose was when they were abusing drugs and the specific dosage that allows them to see the best results.

4. Methadone Treatment is Very Cost-Effective

The opioid addiction in the United States costs$1 trillion, and that cost is only expected to go up.

Methadone treatment is an economical solution — both for patients and the country as a whole — that will help reduce costs across the board.

5. Methadone Treatment is Long-Lasting

On average, a methadone dosage lasts between 24 and 36 hours. This helps individuals who are taking it maintain some semblance of normalcy since they’re able to go longer stretches without having to visit a clinic for their next dose.

6. Methadone is Safe for Pregnant Women

Methadone treatment has been deemed safe for pregnant women. It also improves pregnancy outcomes. Babies who are born dependent on the drug are usually able to grow without permanent side effects when they’re monitored by a qualified physician.

7. Methadone Has Been Used for Almost 70 Years

Methadone has been around for a long time. The drug was first introduced in the 1960s, and it has helped millions of people change their lives for the better.

8. Methadone Reduces the Risk of a Fatal Overdose

For many people, relapse is part of the recovery process. Methadone helps addicts who relapse avoid fatal overdoses. In fact, the risk of accidental overdose due to drug poisoning mortality goes down significantly in people who use methadone.

This is because methadone helps people maintain their tolerance to other opioids. This is helpful because, in the event that they do relapse, they receive less of a shock than they would if they had gone cold turkey.

9. Methadone Treatment is Not the Same as Addiction

Some people believe that methadone treatment isn’t an addiction treatment at all. This is because they see the use of methadone as simply trading one addiction for another.

This belief stems, in part, from the fact that some people have to stay on methadone for years or even the duration of their life.

In reality, though, methadone treatment is not the same as an addiction.

When methadone is taken in proper doses, it does not cause harmful consequences that are the same as those brought on by addiction. People who receive treatment are able to live their lives normally and contribute to society.

10. Methadone Clinics Can Improve Family Stability

Finally, working with a clinic and starting methadone treatment can be instrumental in helping families and friends reconnect.

Addiction can be incredibly isolating, but having the support of loved ones makes a major difference in a person’s chances of recovery.

Since clinics often offer family and group therapy options, addicts and their loved ones can make amends and develop new and healthier relationships.

Want to Learn More?

Do you want more information on methadone clinics and methadone treatment? Are you still on the fence about whether or not this is the right approach for you?

If so, check out our blog posts today or call us at (855) 976-2092 for more resources to help you make an informed decision about how to navigate the recovery process.

Sources

[1] 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

[2] Cost Of U.S. Opioid Epidemic Since 2001 Is $1 Trillion And Climbing. (2018, February 13). Retrieved from https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2018/02/13/585199746/cost-of-u-s-opioid-epidemic-since-2001-is-1-trillion-and-climbing

[3]  Opioid Overdose | Medline Plus U.S. National Library of Medicine (n.d.). Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/opioidoverdose.html

 

 

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

 

statistics on recovery from drug addiction

The Opiate Addiction Recovery Statistics You Need to See

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Everyone knows someone in or recovering from an addiction of some sort. Addiction has a wide range of types,  stretching from gambling, shopping, sex, opiates, to alcohol. If you don’t think you know anyone, take a harder look.

We will take a look at opiate addiction recovery statistics, what programs seem to work best, and even the amount of federal dollars involved. Keep reading for information on statistics and rates of opioid abuse.

The statistics on the addiction epidemic are almost unreal, very scary, and can be eye-opening. As previously mentioned, addiction doesn’t have to be completely illegal. The things used to get high actually be completely legal but how it affects the user becomes the detriment.

The wild thing about substance abuse is that it’s generally hidden from the untrained eye. Addicts go to crazy lengths to not get caught and hide their addiction.

Onset of Drug Abuse

Opioid addiction always starts somewhere. Most often, it begins with a prescription to painkillers and the brain’s need to continue on them. It can also be linked to mental illnesses such as depression.

To give you some idea of the magnitude of the problem, the United States only makes up about 5% of the world’s population. It is responsible for 80% of opioid consumption. Furthermore, 21% of people with a mental diagnosis are addicted to painkillers.

To round things out, it has been noted that about 2.1 million people in the U.S. have reported a full-blown opiate addiction. This number is probably higher due to the fact many don’t want to report their substance abuse out of fear or shame.

An opiate addiction can also begin with more socially accepted drugs like alcohol or marijuana, or come from another cross-addiction. This means it isn’t unheard of or uncommon for someone to stop using one drug in order to clean up their lives, only to pick up a different one.

Statistics are quick to point out that those addicted to prescription painkillers are 40 times more likely to become heroin-addicted. Also, it should be considered that 80 percent of heroin users started with opioid painkillers.

The Problem With Fixing It

As mentioned above, many opiate abusers and addicts are likely to become addicted to heroin. There are a couple of reasons for this.

The first reason one might progress from opiate painkillers to heroin is cost. Generally, the amount spent on painkillers is about $1 per milligram and the cost of heroin is about a tenth of that cost.

Science has also tried to help fix the problem with few results. Pharmaceutical companies made certain drugs harder to crush to snort or shoot up. This worked for a short time but people went to heroin to get their fix.

Another major issue is that it seems that doctors over-prescribe these medications, either giving too many pills at once or bypassing other lower-dose options. This gives way to addiction and obtaining medications illegally or moving to other substances.

Overall, addictions are expensive. They’re expensive for the user, for their families, and for the nation. According to The New York Times, people in power have allocated $45 billion to state spending on opioid treatment, and it still might not be enough!

Opiate Addiction Recovery Statistics

Recovery from opiate addiction isn’t an easy road. Without help, there is little success. Inpatient treatment can get expensive, and relapse becomes a common threat.

There is always a chance of relapse when trying to recover from drug abuse. The statistics show that 91% of people in recovery will experience at least one relapse. It can absolutely be devastating, but if used as a stepping stone and something to learn from, growth will be seen.

It is not recommended to quit opiates cold turkey. The withdrawal process is difficult and uncomfortable. It can also be dangerous without a doctor’s supervision.

If rehab has been a part of your story, you’re likely familiar with 12-step programs. These are fantastic programs that incorporate spirituality into your everyday life. Some users simply attend meetings to find the support and understanding they’re looking for.

In the same breath, 12-step meetings don’t work for everyone.

The statistics on 12-step programs are difficult to come by, as most are anonymous, but many attendees boast success. One program in particular claims that people stay drug-free on average of 8.3 years.

Again, 12-step programs don’t appeal or apply to everyone, and many people prefer treating their medical problem with a medical solution. Many turn to medication-assisted treatment and seek the benefits of methadone maintenance programs.

Medication-assisted treatments can be seen as controversial by some, but in fact, they work similarly to any other medically supervised treatments. You’re prescribed an amount of methadone, take the dose given, and follow doctor’s orders.

Methadone treatment has a success rate ranging from 60-90%. It also maintains an addicts’ tolerance. While this may sound odd, it actually reduces the risk of overdose in the event of a relapse.

 

Life After Addiction

The statistics of opiate abuse may seem dark and even frightening. Luckily, emerging opiate addiction recovery statistics prove that there is life after addiction.

Every option can seem scary or like it will be life-long. The truth is, medical treatment with methadone isn’t. It might last a year or longer, but it’s not forever.

Treatment with methadone fosters a major link between opiate abuse and mental health. Often, clinics have resources and can refer clients to counselors or social workers that best fit their case.

Allowing patients to process and identify their triggers is a huge component of relapse prevention.

Once you’re finished with the treatment program, you have the option to go on with your life, build something great, and never look back.

No matter how you decide to handle addiction, help is within reach. If you or a loved one is in active addiction and ready to live life, consider your options. We offer many educational resources and information about methadone treatment centers for addiction and medication-assisted treatment.

If you or someone you love is struggling with heroin addiction and want to find options for methadone treatment near you, give us a call at (855) 976- 2092.

Sources

[1] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (n.d.). Prescription opioid use is a risk factor for heroin use. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/relationship-between-prescription-drug-heroin-abuse/prescription-opioid-use-risk-factor-heroin-use

[2] Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN Chief Medical Correspondent. (2016, June 2). Unintended consequences: Why painkiller addicts turn to heroin. Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/2014/08/29/health/gupta-unintended-consequences/index.html

[3] $45 Billion to Fight Opioid Abuse? That’s Much Too Little, Experts Say. (2017, December 22). Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/30/health/drug-treatment-opioid-abuse-heroin-medicaid.html

Fundamentals of Methadone Maintenance

The Basic Principles of a Methadone Maintenance Program

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With the number of people who fall prey to Opioid addiction rates still climbing, there’s a good chance that you know someone who has had their life turned upside-down by these dangerous drugs.

Perhaps it’s you yourself that is currently struggling with an Opioid addiction.

When you’re ready to take control of your life again, you need to make sure that you detox the right — and safe — way. Quitting cold turkey can have serious health risks, and may even cost you your life.

What’s the solution?

For many, it’s a methadone maintenance program.

But what is methadone maintenance, and how does the program work?

Read on to learn more about what you can expect out of a methadone maintenance program, and to decide whether or not it’s the right choice for you.

What is Methadone Maintenance?

Methadone maintenance, which is sometimes known as replacement therapy, is a form of drug therapy and rehabilitation for those with addictions to opioids.

Those who seek it out are given methadone in a pill or a liquid form over the course of their treatment.

Methadone works to stop the effects of opioids and prescription pain medication. This means that, over the course of your treatment, your body will begin to crave these opioids less and less.

You’ll also deal with far less severe symptoms of withdrawal than you would quitting cold turkey, or in some cases, even in a more traditional rehab center.

Usually, those who try methadone therapy are people who have not been successful with a more standard detox process in the past.

It’s also given to those who are about to enter into a rehab center and need help getting over the worst of their withdrawal. A maintenance program will help you to keep your sobriety, and also lower your chances of contracting HIV as a result.

It’s essential that you only try methadone maintenance at a licensed clinic. This is because it is possible to overdose on methadone if you’re not given the right amount, or if you’re given too high of a dosage within a certain time period.

So, how do you find the right dosage for you?

Usually, that depends on your height and weight, as well as the kind of opioid you’ve been taking. How much of the drugs you have been using is also a factor in the amount of methadone that you’ll need.

Fast Facts About Methadone Therapy

Now that you understand the more basic principles of methadone, let’s make sure you have all the information that you need.

One of the reasons why this treatment is so popular is because of the high methadone success rate. In fact, anywhere between 60-90% of those facing opioid addiction have been able to come off the drugs thanks to methadone.

Whether or not they’ve been able to keep their sobriety is up to the individual addict, of course. However, a methadone maintenance program has been proven to help addicts jump-start their overall rehabilitation process.

You should also be aware that methadone will be able to stay in your system for over 50 hours. This means that you won’t need to take methadone several times over the course of a day.

However, you need to be aware that a methadone maintenance program isn’t something you can complete in a week.

For many, you’ll get the methadone treatment that you need over the course of a few years. In general, you’ll check in about every 60-90 days to see how your body is responding.

Remember that methadone treatment doesn’t help you to “cure” your addiction. It’s not meant to be a replacement for traditional rehab and therapy. Instead, view it as a way to safely complete the detox part of your treatment program.

Are There Side Effects to Methadone Therapy?

While we hope that we’ve illustrated just a few of the many benefits of methadone, we also need to make you aware of the potential side effects.

Some users report that they have side effects that are a bit similar to those associated with standard withdrawal from drugs.

This means that you may have a little trouble falling and staying asleep. You may also experience a slight uptick in your anxiety levels, and notice that you’re a bit jittery throughout the day.

In some cases, those enrolled in methadone therapy have experienced a loss of appetite and a lowered sex drive.

You may also experience vomiting and diarrhea.

You should let the professionals at your treatment program know you if you begin to have trouble breathing, or if you experience fainting spells and general feelings of lightheadedness.

Remember that the intensity and types of side effects that you experience while in a methadone treatment program will vary from person to person.

In general, you can expect the majority of these side effects to begin to fade or lessen after about two weeks in treatment.

So, the benefits of methadone certainly outweigh these potential side effects.

Interested in Finding a Methadone Maintenance Program?

We hope that this post has helped to educate you about whether or not a methadone maintenance program is a right choice for you.

Remember, while methadone will help with the initial symptoms of withdrawal, a maintenance program is meant to be a long-term solution to help you keep your sobriety.

You should expect to enroll in a maintenance program for a minimum of one year.

Looking to learn more about methadone therapy? Want to find the treatment program that’s right for you?

We can help. Contact us for resources and guidance at (855) 976-2092. Or you can spend some time on our website and blog to further understand how to take control back over your life.

 

Sources

[1] Kounang, N. (2017, June 30). Opioid addiction rates continue to skyrocket. Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/2017/06/29/health/opioid-addiction-rates-increase-500/index.html

[2] Quitting Opioids Cold Turkey Made Me Want to Die. (2017, November 28). Retrieved from https://tonic.vice.com/en_us/article/xwan5n/quitting-opioids-cold-turkey-made-me-want-to-die

 

triggers in recovery

6 Opioid Addiction Triggers to Avoid During Rehab and Recovery

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The current opioid crisis in the United States takes 115 lives every day from overdoses alone.

As scary as that statistic is, it doesn’t even touch on the thousands of people whose lives are threatened and mangled by addiction.

If you or a loved one is among them, here’s the good news: there’s hope for recovery. Now that the opioid crisis is well-known, it’s been studied and publicized to build support for those who are struggling with addiction.

If you’re in recovery, one of the most important ways to stay clean is to avoid or manage potential addiction triggers. Knowing what stumbling blocks you may encounter and having a plan can mean the difference between a win or a relapse. To help you manage your recovery, check out the most common triggers below.

Addiction Triggers to Avoid During Opioid Recovery

While you may not be able to avoid challenging situations forever, it’s a helpful way to stay clean in the earlier or more fragile parts of your recovery. Here are some of the most common ones to look for:

HALT

HALT is a common acronym used in recovery. It stands for hungry, angry, lonely, and tired. All of these situations can make you vulnerable to a relapse because your basic needs aren’t being met.

Obviously, you can’t avoid ever feeling any of these emotions. You can, however, get better about recognizing these risky points. If you’re feeling the need to use opiates, ask yourself if you’re actually hungry, angry, lonely, or tired. Instead of using, take action to fix the real problem.

It’s also a good idea to prepare yourself for these instances.

Start having snacks available when you need them. Learn some anger management techniques. Build a network of supportive friends (even if they’re just online), and indulge in a nap if you need one.

Major Life Changes

Stress is one of the most common addiction triggers, both initiating original addictive behaviors and triggering relapses.

Major life changes, even those that seem positive, can be massive causes of stress. Avoid starting new romantic relationships in the early stages of your recovery. You should also try to avoid moves and stressful job changes if possible, too.

While there’s no hard and fast schedule for how long opiate addiction takes, new relationships and other major life changes should usually be avoided for your first year of sobriety.

People Who Use Drugs

By far, one of the most common tips for addiction recovery is to stop associating with the people who used to use drugs with you. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the hardest tips to follow because these are often people you genuinely love.

Remember that if these people truly love you and want you to recover, they’ll understand why you need some space. In fact, it may motivate them to get clean as well.

In this same vein, you should also avoid the places and situations in which you used to use opiates. Look for new places to hang out or new friends to surround yourself with who will support you in your recovery.

Non-Supportive Friends & Family

Addiction recovery isn’t something a person goes through on his/her own. It’s a journey for everyone who loves you, too, and some cope with it better than others.

Sometimes this takes the form of outright anger or contempt, perhaps because they’re struggling with addiction themselves or because they miss your attention. In other cases, the lack of support is trickier. The person truly loves you and cares for you, but is overly accepting of your behavior and becomes an enabler.

If you have friends or family members who aren’t fully supportive of your recovery, they may not be the best people to spend time with during your early sobriety.

Keep in mind that you can help your friends and family support your addiction recovery. There are support groups, books, and counseling options available specifically for their experience.

Mental or Physical Illness

Clearly, you can’t 100% prevent mental or physical illnesses during your opioid recovery. But for a large number of people who became addicted to opioids by misusing prescription pain pills, falling ill is one of their worst fears.

During your recovery, take steps to protect your health by eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise. This is also a helpful hobby to have to distract you from your cravings.

One of the most important ways to protect your mental and physical health, though, is to seek help if you start to notice a problem. If possible, see a psychologist or other mental health professional on a regular basis and stay open to his/her suggestions.

In the same way, get medical attention if you notice a physical health issue, too. Whether it’s an injury or a potential illness, letting it go without treatment often causes it to get worse. This can add up to a more serious health issue that’s difficult to treat without pain medication, or to a relapse simply from the discomfort and stress of it.

Over-Confidence

There’s a delicate balance you need to strike with your internal narrative while recovering from addiction. You have to believe in yourself and empower yourself to stay strong. But at the same time, you can’t become overly confident in your sobriety.

If you take your sobriety for granted, you’re likely to get into situations that leave you vulnerable to a relapse. At that point, the moment you let your guard down, you’re set up for a huge risk. Remind yourself that while its entirely within your power to stay clean, it’s never a given so you need to stay vigilant.

Getting Help for Your Opioid Addiction

Addiction recovery always has its ups and downs. Some days you’ll feel empowered and dedicated to a more fulfilling life. Other days you’ll doubt every choice you’ve made. It’s important to use those strong times to set up safeguards for the weaker times.

The tips above can help you avoid addiction triggers to lower your risk for relapse and get you on the road to a clean, sober, and meaningful life. If you need some additional help or you’re in the earlier stages of your recovery, learn more about methadone treatment here or call us at (855) 976-2092.

Sources

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

Melemis S. M. (2015). Relapse Prevention and the Five Rules of Recovery. The Yale journal of biology and medicine, 88(3), 325–332. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4553654/

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/