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Methadone Helps More Than it Hurts

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

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

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

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

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

How Does Methadone Maintenance Work?

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Need for Methadone in the U.S

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

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

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

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

Making Methadone More Prevalent

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Brief History of Methadone

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

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

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

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

Methadone Maintenance Therapy

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

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

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

Sources

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

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

 

 

going through opiate detox

How to Survive Opiate Withdrawal

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As a consequence of America’s deadly Opioid Crisis, more than 115 Americans die from an overdose in a single day.

In fact, nearly 66% of drug overdoses happen with drugs that can be classified as opioids.

The takeaway here?

The Opioid Crisis is not only still in full force within the United States, it may actually be getting even more severe.

Luckily, help is available for those who want to break the cycle of addiction and get clean and sober. While many addicts fear the potential social consequences of life without opioids, many also worry that they won’t be able to handle the process of opiate withdrawal.

Looking for advice on how to make it through the difficult, but incredibly rewarding, opiate withdrawal period?

If so, then read on.

A Brief Timeline

To overcome opiate withdrawal, it’s important that you first know what to expect. It is true that, while this class of drugs is one of the hardest to overcome an addiction to, it also has shorter physical effects than the withdrawal periods of other drugs.

However, the mental impact of withdrawal is often severe.

In the first three days of withdrawal, you’re the most likely to relapse.

You may find that you’re overly aggressive, experience serious mood swings, and perhaps even want to become violent.

You’ll also experience the physical symptoms of opiate withdrawal.

These include headaches, sweating, insomnia and nausea, issues with digestion, and aches and pains. Many people may also experience high anxiety and panic attacks.

After you make it through the first three days, you’re well on your way to beating withdrawal without relapse.

You likely still deal with a feeling of the shakes, you may not be very hungry, and you’ll probably deal with exhaustion.

After about a week, it will be time to focus on your long-term recovery process and, most importantly, your overall mental health.

Advice For Overcoming Opiate Withdrawal

Now that you have a better understanding of the timeline associated with withdrawal, let’s take a quick look at the best methods of survival if you’re one of the victims of the Opioid Crisis.

1. Detox In A Treatment Center

The reality is that detoxing and going through the symptoms of withdrawal without professional support and medical supervision can be incredibly dangerous.

No matter how strong you think you are, the truth is that you’re much more likely to relapse, or perhaps even face serious setbacks or death if you try to detox on your own.

If possible, enter a detox and rehabilitation center to make it easier.

Plus, doing so will also increase your chances of staying clean and sober in the long-term.

2. Fuel Your Body

If you’ve been struggling with opioid addiction, then chances are you haven’t been giving your body the nutrition it needs for quite some time.

We mentioned above that you’ll likely deal with a loss of appetite in the first few days of your withdrawal.

However, once you’re ready to start eating again, you need to begin to pay attention to the foods you put inside your body.

Above anything else, make it a point to drink as much water as you’re able to keep down during the detox process. If you become dehydrated, you put yourself at serious risk — and the opiate withdrawal process will only become more uncomfortable.

When you’re ready to take on solid food, make it a point to avoid anything that’s processed and unhealthy. Reach for vegetables, lean proteins, and a few fruits.

This will help to fuel your body without overwhelming your already weak system.

Try things like nuts, olive oil, kale, and other leafy greens, and even salmon.

If you want to take natural vitamins and supplements throughout the process, first, talk to your doctor.

3. Pay Attention To Bathroom Habits

It may not be pleasant to think about, but when you’re going through opiate withdrawal, you may struggle to go to the bathroom.

While some may struggle with diarrhea, others may find that they’re faced with severe constipation. If you experience the latter, then we suggest taking a mild laxative to help get things moving.

Also, be aware that some of the medication you’re given during the detox process may cause you to need a bathroom a little more frequently than you’re used to. This is normal but can be severe for some patients.

4. Sleep, Sleep And Sleep Some More

Our final piece of advice when it comes to surviving opiate withdrawal?

Make sure you’re getting as much sleep as you can. Aim for a minimum of eight hours every night.

In some cases, once you’ve made it past the first three days of withdrawal, you may still experience trouble with sleeping. If this happens, you can speak to medical professionals about potentially using a sleeping medication.

However, you shouldn’t expect to get a completely normal sleeping schedule back until about six months after you’ve stopped using.

Do You Or Someone You Love Struggle With Opiate Addiction?

We know that the thought of going through opiate withdrawal is intimidating.

However, we can guarantee that it’s worth it if it means you’ll live the rest of your life clean and sober.

Remember, during the detox process, get plenty of rest, fluids, and healthy, unprocessed foods. Also, if at all possible, seek the help of a professional medical team or rehabilitation center.

Methadone treatment works and it has been especially helpful in combatting an addiction to opioids.

Looking to learn more about whether methadone is right for you? Ready to find a clinic in your area?

If so, spend some time on our website to set yourself on the road to recovery or give us a call at (855)976-2092. We would love to help you get on the path to recovery. You deserve a better life!

Sources

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

[2] Inside a Killer Drug Epidemic: A Look at America’s Opioid Crisis. (2018, January 20). Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/06/us/opioid-crisis-epidemic.html

[3] Library, C. (2019, January 17). Opioid Crisis Fast Facts. Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/2017/09/18/health/opioid-crisis-fast-facts/index.html

common signs of addiction

The Tell-Tale Signs of Opiate Addiction

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America’s facing a serious issue. The opioid crisis is now stronger and more dangerous than it’s ever been. In fact, if something doesn’t change, opioid mortality rates are expected to kill approximately 500,000 people over the next decade.

Opioids are prescription painkillers that have gained popularity as a recreational drug. Unfortunately, due to their powerful addictive qualities, recreational use quickly turns into a serious drug problem.

A person with a dependency may be able to conceal the issue in the early stages. Eventually, they’ll start to show more apparent signs of opioid addiction.

If you suspect a loved one has a problem, it helps to educate yourself so you can spot the problem and get them the assistance they need.

To help you out, we’re going over some details about opioids and the tell-tale signs of addiction.

Becoming Addicted to Opioids

Doctors prescribe opioids for pain related to an injury, illness, or after a surgery. The drug produces artificial endorphins in the brain that block pain and create a feeling of euphoria.

If a person uses opioids for too long, their brain gets used to the endorphins and begins to rely on them. Once this happens, the brain stops producing its own natural endorphins. Therefore, the user becomes dependent on those endorphins created by opioids.

Dependence is a normal part of taking any drug for an extended period of time. However, addiction occurs when a person’s body and mind cannot function properly without the use of a drug.

At this point, the addict requires treatment to get over an addiction. In the case of opioids, this is overcoming addiction by use of methadone maintenance treatment.

Signs of Opiate Addiction

If you suspect a loved one has an addiction, it helps to know if they’ve ever needed a prescription for an opioid drug. They may have needed a painkiller for a medical condition and became addicted while taking it.

Some of the more common opioids include:

  • Hydrocodone
  • Oxycodone
  • Fentanyl
  • Morphine
  • OxyContin
  • Meperidine

Any of these opioids have the potential for serious addiction. Even if a person no longer has a prescription, they can find them illegally.

Once dependency reaches the addiction stage, the user will start to show both physical and behavioral signs of opioid abuse and addiction.

Physical Signs of Addiction

There are many physical symptoms of opiate abuse you’ll need to look out for. These symptoms mean that a dependency has turned to addiction and the person’s body needs the drug in order to feel normal and function day to day.

Euphoria

If you notice that a loved one is sometimes euphoric for no apparent reason, this could mean they’ve recently taken an opioid.

Do they seem tired and withdrawn one minute and happy and outgoing thirty minutes later? This is a result of the drug creating a “feel-good” effect by binding to opioid receptors in the brain.

Sedation or Fatigue

A general slowing of reaction time is one of the very common signs of opioid addiction. An addict’s breathing may slow down and their movements may become lethargic. They may even pass out.

They may also frequently seem tired and unmotivated. This is a result of either a strong opiate high or withdrawal-related depression.

Stomach Issues

Opiate addiction sometimes causes the user to experience nausea or vomiting. This is often associated with too much of the drug in their system.

They may also have frequent constipation. This is a side-effect of all opioids as well as heroin.

Changes in Appearance

There are a number of temporary and permanent changes to a person’s appearance that could be signs of opioid addiction. Some could indicate that they’re currently on an opiate or that they’ve been using them for an extended period of time.

Their skin may get flushed from time to time. You may also notice splotches of red where they’ve scratched – opiates tend to make some people itchy.

If you notice constricted pupils, they may currently be on drugs.

Finally, opioid addiction could cause a person to either gain or lose weight. Opiate addicts tend to crave sugary foods, which may cause them to gain weight quickly. They may also lose their appetite altogether.

Behavioral Signs of Addiction

Sometimes the physical signs of opioid addiction are a little easier to spot than changes to a person’s personality. In most cases, an addict will take measures to hide their addiction, knowing the people closest to them will notice a change.

However, if a person is heavily addicted, they’ll eventually start to show behavioral symptoms. If you’ve known them for a long time, these signs should be easy to spot.

Social Withdrawal

If a friend or family member starts to gradually withdraw from social circles, this is a red flag. Opiate use causes a person to alter their routine to fit their addiction. This means more time alone and forming new connections with other users or dealers.

They may also start to withdraw from activities they were previously passionate about. You may notice that when they actually do participate in things, it seems forced.

Nervousness or Irritability

They may start showing signs of anxious behavior. They could also seem self-conscious or secretive around family or friends. This could be a result of the knowledge that their addiction is out of control.

Anger or irritability are also common signs. These outbursts may come out of nowhere.

Criminal Behavior

It’s common for addicts to look for other means of obtaining drugs or money. If a loved one starts engaging in criminal acts such as theft, their addiction has gotten out of control.

As an addiction progresses, the user must take more and more of a drug in order to get high. This means a much bigger need for money. It also means they may take desperate measures to support their habit.

Seek Treatment Sooner Than Later

If you have a family member or friend who you think has an opioid problem, look for the sings discussed above. They most likely won’t show all of them, but any one of these symptoms are indications of addiction.

Opiate addiction is potentially fatal. An addict must seek treatment as soon as possible so the road to recovery can begin now.

For more information on treating opioid addiction, check out our methadone blogs or give us a call at (855) 976- 2092.

Sources

[1] STAT forecast: Opioids could kill nearly 500,000 in U.S. in next decade. (2018, April 12). Retrieved from https://www.statnews.com/2017/06/27/opioid-deaths-forecast/

[2] How opioid drugs activate receptors. (2018). Retrieved from https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/how-opioid-drugs-activate-receptors

[3] Painkiller Addictions are the Easiest to Hide? (2017, June 2). Retrieved from https://tonic.vice.com/en_us/article/3kzn49/painkiller-addictions-are-the-easiest-to-hide