What is Methadone Drug Treatment?

For individuals that need to overcome an addiction to opioid type drugs, the recommended option is usually methadone drug treatment. Methadone is an approved FDA medication that has been proven effective in treating people that are suffering from heroin addiction, or other opiates. Methadone treatment is used to help individuals undergoing drug detox to avoid some of the painful symptoms associated with opiate withdrawal.

Methadone occupies the same receptors in the brain as other opiate drugs, but works to relieve the symptoms that are associated with withdrawal. It can block the euphoric effect that the opiate drug has so the individual cannot get high. By blocking the effects of the opiate drug and prevent withdrawal, the individual is less likely to relapse and use heroin or other similar drug again. This makes it better for them to start the recovery process.

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, methadone has been used as a successful pharmacologic intervention for the treatment of heroin dependence and acute and chronic pain. This treatment is effective for opiate addiction, reducing morbidity and mortality associated with heroin use.

What to Expect from Methadone Drug Treatment

Methadone is a medication treatment for opiate addiction.

Methadone treatment can be very effective in helping individuals through the process of detox, and with ongoing treatment for opiate drug abuse. Compared to other drug treatment options, methadone has had the best results. It can help individuals being treated to avoid relapse, it can allow them to function daily and take care of their responsibilities, and highly improves the chances for long-term recovery from heroin, or other opiate type drugs. Here is an idea for what to expect during treatment:

• Inpatient treatment: If treatment is to be received at an inpatient drug facility, the process can involve detox, the administration of methadone under medical supervision, counseling and other services according to the needs of the person.
• Outpatient care: Treatment may be given as an outpatient service. Attending scheduled appointments to receive the methadone dose can be expected, counseling may take place at another facility. Depending on a person’s addiction level, they may be able to function fine and still go to work or school, and tend to their daily routine.
• Methadone clinic: Some individuals may be able to get their dosage from a clinic that is licensed to dispense methadone dosages to patients. This may mean daily visits or weekly. In some cases, depending on the progress the individual is making, a doctor may prescribe methadone dosage to take home. Although for the latter, certain requirements must be met.

Methadone drug treatment is an effective method to help individuals addicted to heroin, or other opiate type drugs to stop the use and start on the road to recovery. It helps prevent withdrawal and reduce cravings. This helps to avoid an opiate addicted individual from returning to drug use simply to avoid the pains of withdrawal. It greatly improves the chances for a person to become healthier and live a better life.

Getting Treatment for Opiate Addiction

If you or a loved one are using heroin or other type of opiate drugs, getting treatment as soon as possible is vital. Heroin, like other opiate type drugs can destroy lives. It can cause serious health complications, and continued use can tear personal relationships apart.

Addiction can lead to job loss, debt, permanent health damage physically and/or mentally. No one should allow drugs to control their lives, the quicker methadone drug treatment is sought, the higher the chances to improve your overall health or that of a loved one.