10 Reasons to Choose Methadone Maintenance
Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT) can help those who are abusing heroin, prescription painkillers and other opiates to get on the right path to recovery and to achieve sobriety that may otherwise be difficult without medical help. While many people find the use of a medication assisted treatment for addiction to be controversial at best, the benefits of this means of treatment are all but overlooked by those who have found that MMT can help them lead a semi-normal life following a time that was plagued by addiction. There are many reasons to choose Methadone Maintenance Treatment but these are the most common:
1. Blocks Effects of Opiates
According to the CDC, Methadone blocks the effects that opiates have on a user rendering the use of such drugs no longer as fun, euphoric or otherwise exciting. While Methadone can produce similar effects when taken in excessive doses, most users find that the lowered dose is enough to prevent such cravings from occurring.
2. Relieves Symptoms of Withdrawal
People who take methadone can comfortably detox from other opiates such as Oxycodone, hydrocodone or heroin with less risk of withdrawal symptoms interfering with their recovery and shifting their focus.
3. Does Not Cause Intoxication
According to PubMed, “methadone maintenance has been found to be medically safe and nonsedating.” When methadone is taken at the prescribed dose it has very little risk of causing intoxication.
4. Can Be Taken Once Daily
Methadone is prescribed as an oral supplement medication that is taken once per day rather than multiple times. It is a time release substance that will remain within the system for up to 24 hours allowing the user to cut back on time spent dosing.
5. Eliminates Drug Seeking Behavior
Because methadone is prescribed to the patient, there is no longer drug seeking behavior.
6. Reduces Risk of Infection
People who abuse opiates such as heroin intravenously are at an increased risk of a wide array of infections and STDs. Methadone Maintenance Treatment reduces the risk of infection by eliminating the use of intravenous drugs among those who take this medication.
7. Reduces Criminal Activity
According to the CDC, methadone has the ability to reduce the level of criminal activity that takes place by those in search of ways to get high. This can reduce the economic impact that such drug use has on society as a whole.
8. Improves Economic Stability
People who are under the influence of methadone can get their lives back on track. Because methadone maintenance treatment reduces drug seeking behavior, restores stability and eliminates withdrawal symptoms, patients can virtually act normal when they are taking this medication versus using other opiates.
9. Reduces Risk to Unborn Fetus
Studies have found that methadone maintenance treatment can reduce the risk of opiate intoxication on an unborn fetus when the medication is properly used. Women are safer taking methadone than they are using other opiates on the streets without medical supervision.
10. Reduces Risk of Overdose
Excessive use of opiates increases the risk of overdose. MMT reduces the risk of opiate overdose by delivering a specific daily dose to users and eliminating the perceived need for additional drug use.