Does Methadone Treatment Help People with Lortab Addiction?

Lortab is a brand name medication that contains acetaminophen and hydrocodone. It is similar to Vicodin. Like other opioid medications, it can be habit-forming and a person could become highly addicted to it. When attempting to recover from Lortab addiction, you might choose methadone treatment. This can be very beneficial under certain circumstances.

Methadone Treatment

People who are addicted to highly dangerous, illicit opioids like heroin and prescription opioids like Lortab often choose methadone treatment. Methadone treatment can be received at many outpatient facilities which makes it easier for those going through recovery to work on their lives while cutting down their addictions slowly and avoiding stronger withdrawal symptoms. A study by the NIH states that “all opiate-dependent persons under legal supervision should have access to methadone maintenance therapy.”

Methadone treatment makes withdrawal less severe, helps a person taper down his or her drug use gradually, and aids in preventing the risk of relapse. It also “does not cause euphoria or intoxication itself (with stable dosing), thus allowing a person to work and participate normally in society” (CDC).

Lortab Addiction

Lortab is an addictive drug because of the presence of hydrocodone. Withdrawal from Lortab can be severe depending on the length of time the person has been abusing the drug and the amount being taken. When a person becomes addicted to Lortab, it can be very difficult to fight back alone. Treatment centers, therapy, and medically-assisted detox are very important for helping someone off of the drug.

When is Methadone Treatment Helpful for Lortab Addiction?

If you are struggling with an addiction to Lortab you should consider methadone maintenance therapy.

Many people believe methadone treatment is merely for individuals who are addicted to illicit opioids, but prescription drugs can be just as difficult to stop if the habit is very strong. Heroin is a Schedule I substance which means it is among the most addictive drugs with no medical benefits. Hydrocodone alone is listed as a Schedule II substance, making it very addictive as well with some medical benefits.

But why take methadone to treat Lortab addiction? It is very important that a person knows the reasons why he or she is taking methadone and does not become side-tracked. These are examples of people with Lortab addictions who could could benefit from methadone treatment:

• A person who has been abusing Lortab or who has been addicted to Lortab for a very long time
• A person who cannot function without Lortab but needs to continue to live his or her life while going through withdrawal and recovery (ex. someone with children)
• A person who has tried other forms of detox and recovery from Lortab addiction in the past and has not succeeded
• A person who is very serious about getting off Lortab

Methadone clinics will also have requirements that they expect patients to follow in order to benefit from and receive the methadone treatment. There are regular therapy sessions, doctor’s visits, and drug screenings that help patients through their addictions while taking methadone.

If you believe that these therapies would be beneficial to you, visit a methadone treatment facility or discuss your recovery with a doctor. Methadone treatment, when necessary, can help you work through your Lortab addiction.