7 Benefits of Taking Methadone for Addiction to Heroin

Heroin is a highly addictive opioid drug abused by 9.2 million people worldwide. When injected, heroin increases the risk for long-term viral infections such as HIV and hepatitis, and can lead to coma or death when used excessively.

Those addicted to heroin often face difficulties with quitting; however, a synthetic opioid drug called methadone has been proven effective at helping heroin addicts overcome their addictions. Keep reading to learn more about the many benefits associated with taking methadone for addiction to heroin.

If you or someone you know is currently researching treatment options for heroin or opiate addiction, call our helpline at 800-994-1867Who Answers? to learn more about methadone centers. We’re available 24/7 to answer your questions and guide you toward a healthy, successful recovery.

Here are 7 reasons methadone is effective at helping you overcome heroin and opiate addiction.

1. Methadone Has Helped Addicts for Decades

Methadone can lower your risk of health problems associated with heroin abuse.

Methadone has been used to treat heroin addiction since the 1960s, and is considered one of the most effective treatments for patients who don’t respond well to other treatments and medications, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Plus, those who use methadone for long-term maintenance have better recovery outcomes than those who use methadone short-term.

2. Methadone Doses are Closely Monitored

Methadone can stay in your system for up to 24 hours, meaning overlapping doses can trigger unwanted side effects and symptoms. For this reason, methadone doses are closely monitored, and usually administered once per day to lower the risk for overdose. Your physician will prescribe and administer the appropriate dose of methadone based on your current stage in the detox and recovery program.

3. Methadone Can Help Improve Your Health

The long-term effects of heroin use can increase your risk for health problems such as gum disease, weakened immune system, respiratory illness, memory loss, depression, insomnia, and muscle paralysis, among other conditions. However, methadone can lower your risk for these health problems by helping you overcome heroin addiction.

4. Methadone is Legal

Heroin is illegal in the United States, and considered a Schedule 1 substance under the Controlled Substances Act. However, methadone use is legal, as long as it’s been prescribed to you by a licensed physician to help you overcome opiate addiction.

5. Methadone Connects You With Supportive Individuals

The healthcare staff at methadone clinics are dedicated to helping you overcome heroin addiction by way of methadone. Every day, you’ll be connecting with caring staff members who can provide you with resources, therapy, and other treatments that can guide you toward a successful recovery. In this way, taking methadone can be therapeutic for those who need all the support they can get in the early stages of recovery.

Are the Benefits of Methadone Maintenance Treatment Worth the Risks?

With over 50 years of research and application data to draw from, methadone maintenance treatment has a proven track record …

6. Methadone is Safer Than Heroin for Pregnant Women

Pregnant women who take methadone to treat heroin addiction can improve their odds of experiencing a healthy pregnancy and giving birth to a healthy baby. Plus, methadone helps lower the risk for pregnancy complications, given opiate withdrawal symptoms can have adverse effects on the health of an unborn baby.

7. Methadone Reduces Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms

Addicts who stop taking heroin abruptly can experience intense withdrawal symptoms that increase the risk for relapse and serious health complications. On the other hand, detoxification through methadone is closely supervised by healthcare staff, and helps ensure that recovering addicts are less likely to experience relapse.

Recovering from heroin can be a long and arduous journey, but with the right help and support, you can combat and overcome your addiction successfully. If you or someone you love is struggling with heroin addiction, call our 24/7 hotline at 800-994-1867Who Answers? to learn more about the benefits of taking methadone for addiction to heroin. We’ll provide you with resources on methadone centers and available treatments that can help you or your loved one achieve a sober, drug-free life.