The use of methadone treatment in the management of severe opioids withdrawal symptoms has been around since the 1960s. Other than treating addiction to opioids, methadone can also ease withdrawal from prescription painkillers and heroin.
Methadone is an opiate; hence it can be addictive. However, its addiction is not as dangerous when compared to illicit drugs like heroin. Furthermore, you’re less likely to get addicted to methadone if you follow the doctor’s instructions or take medicine under a doctor’s supervision. TruHealing Reidsville – Reidsville provides individuals struggling with substance use disorder a clean, comfortable setting where they can get respectful, professional treatment.
What Is Methadone Treatment?
Methadone belongs to the schedule two classified drugs, which means that although it’s legal to use the drug for medical purposes, addiction can still occur. Therefore, a doctor’s prescription is mandatory. Furthermore, not all doctors can prescribe methadone; its administration requires an exclusive license, making it a highly controlled substance.
Methadone is a synthetic opioid that mental health experts use to manage severe pain and ease critical opioids withdrawal symptoms. Moreover, it can also prevent drug cravings. Nevertheless, if you’re using this kind of treatment, you have high chances of abusing methadone and developing a dependency, since you’re already an opiate addict.
Understanding methadone treatment should start with learning about the basics of the drug.
How Do You Administer Methadone?
According to the law, you can only access methadone via an Opioid Treatment Program (OTP) like our medication-assisted treatment programs. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA) certifies appropriate OTPs. Therefore, you can only use methadone legally when under a doctor’s supervision in a setting such as a drug detox facility, medical clinic, or hospital.
Methadone medication is available in pill or liquid form. However, this kind of treatment is not merely a matter of having a licensed doctor’s permission to obtain and take the drug. Your doctor has to combine the drug with other treatment programs for desired results. Methadone is not a treatment by itself, but an aid to treatment.
Understanding methadone treatment calls for the realization that the drug is useful when combined with other treatment therapies, such as:
- Group counseling therapy
- Matrix model
- Family therapy
- Dialectical behavioral therapy
- Experiential therapy
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
The Use of Methadone as a Painkiller
There is an emerging trend whereby doctors are prescribing methadone treatment as a substitute for other painkillers, such as Vicodin and Oxycontin. As a painkiller, methadone is more affordable than many other opioid analgesics. Therefore, your insurance plan is more likely to cover methadone than other more expensive painkillers.
When you’re using methadone as a painkiller, close physician supervision is needed to prevent an overdose, which can lead to dangerous consequences. However, methadone might be a less effective painkiller.
The Side Effects of Methadone
If you’re using it for opioid treatment or pain relief, methadone produces some side effects that can range from mild to severe. Common side effects of methadone include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Anxiety and restlessness
- Constipation and diarrhea
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Hallucinations and confusion
- Fainting or coma
- Rapid heartbeat
The severe side effects of methadone use can be lethal if you don’t seek emergency medical attention.
The Takeaway
Opioids are dangerous substances that can cause severe damage to your body organs if you use them for prolonged periods as you risk developing tolerance and addiction. Talk to a mental health expert or a medical doctor if you’re struggling with a substance use disorder
Fortunately, professional help is readily available at rehab centers. Methadone treatment is one of the opioid treatment options that can offer relief for your condition. However, methadone is an addictive substance that can have severe effects if you take it without a doctor’s prescription or if you overdose. Contact TruHealing Reidsville – Reidsville at [Direct] for professional help.
