Methadone
Methadone is an opioid painkiller that works by binding to receptors in the brain. It stays in the body for an extended period, blocking the euphoric effects of other opioid receptors and lessening the painful symptoms of withdrawal.
Methadone addiction starts when a person takes the drug excessively and becomes dependent. A person addicted to opioid drugs should seek opioid treatment from a healthcare professional skilled in methadone maintenance. Professional help is the best way to avoid further addiction.
A Note on Methadone and Alcohol
Methadone is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant. Therefore, methadone can interact with other drugs, including alcohol. When methadone and alcohol are mixed, the combination can lead to respiratory depression and dangerously affect the nervous system. In extreme cases, patients may even die from the risk of overdose. Methadone has become a highly addictive medication; it is essential to use it exactly as prescribed by a medical professional.
Many treatment programs are available to treat methadone addiction in our facility, The Haven Detox-New Jersey. Patients are monitored closely by our professionals to ensure safety and comfort throughout the recovery process. This prevents the patient from accidentally taking more methadone than they should. Thousands of patients feel relief once they get treatment from an authorized and organized facility. Call (856) 565-3102 for more information.
Treatment Services
Treatment is available for methadone addiction, including inpatient methadone treatment. Inpatient treatment involves 24-hour medical supervision. Treatment may also involve medical detoxification for methadone, which reduces the substance level in the body.
The goal of The Haven Detox-New Jersey is to restore a patient’s mental health and physical well-being. So, our methadone addiction and opioid treatment programs combine behavioral therapy and pharmaceutical therapy into treatment.
Treatments for different types of addiction are accessible at The Haven Detox, including a tapering-off period. Patients must be motivated to complete their rehabilitation and have a strong support system to remain sober. Patients who stop methadone treatment too soon are at risk of relapsing. Therefore, a medical professional should plan and supervise the tapering process through medical detox first. Learn more about treatment options by calling (856) 565-3102.
Symptoms of Methadone Addiction
Methadone withdrawal is different for each person. It can be more complicated if the patient has been taking the drug for a longer time or has increased the frequency of their dose. Once the patient has become dependent on the drug, they will experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms when the medication is suddenly discontinued. Some of the major withdrawal symptoms of methadone addiction include:
- Restlessness
- Dilated pupils
- Slow breathing
- Irregular heartbeat
In some severe cases, someone in methadone withdrawal may experience heart problems, seizures, or even death. You can consult with a professional physician if you experience the symptoms such as:
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Constipation
Symptoms may vary from person to person and can be caused by several factors. In most cases, withdrawal symptoms are physical and include shaking and a rapid heart rate. They may also have decreased respiration.
Withdrawal symptoms from methadone begin between 24 and 36 hours after the last dose. Methadone withdrawal symptoms may take four to six weeks. In severe cases, methadone withdrawal symptoms may last more than a month.
During the methadone treatment program, the dose of methadone is reduced gradually. Patients who want a controlled taper should tell their treatment provider before detox begins.
Withdrawal symptoms are most severe during the first week of methadone withdrawal. For some, the symptoms last for several months. However, for others, it may take as long as a year to kick the habit completely. The intensity of the symptoms peaks after three days and decreases over three weeks.
While withdrawal from methadone is less severe than withdrawal from other drugs, it can be a challenge. It is a good idea to undergo withdrawal gradually under the supervision of a medical professional through medical detox for methadone.
Patients need to follow the directions for methadone dosage. Individuals should take the medication as their doctor directed and never crush, chew, or snort the drug. If the symptoms recur, they should increase the dose by five to ten mg daily. However, the total daily amount should not exceed 40 mg.
Additionally, methadone should never be combined with any other medicine or substance, as other medications can interact with methadone, leading to a dangerous overdose.
Methadone addiction is a severe condition that affects the brain. It distorts thinking and causes a person to compulsive drug-seeking. It can affect both physical and mental health and a person’s career and personal life. You must seek treatment for this condition as soon as you think you may have a problem.
There are various reasons someone may need to seek treatment for methadone addiction. This prescription drug is a powerful pain reliever and is very effective at treating opioid addiction. The drug works in the brain by affecting how it responds to pain. It also prevents addicts from experiencing withdrawal symptoms.
If you cannot stop using methadone alone, you should consider enrolling in a rehab center to get a treatment program. These programs follow guidelines and federal and state laws. Contact The Haven Detox-New Jersey for methadone help at (856) 565-3102.
If you’ve discovered that a loved one is struggling with methadone addiction, it’s time to seek help. Fortunately, there are many options available. In addition to seeking treatment, you can encourage the individual to find recovery support from friends and family. This is especially helpful in the early stages of recovery. Support groups and therapy sessions will help you and your loved one stay healthy.
One of the best ways to help your loved one is to call The Haven Detox-New Jersey and speak to our trained professionals at (856) 565-3102. Our staff will help you identify the best treatment option for your loved one and give you the answers you need to make the best care plan.
Causes of Methadone Addiction
Methadone is prescribed to treat addiction and withdrawal symptoms caused by heroin or other narcotics. It is also used to treat pain due to certain medical conditions. It should be taken only under a doctor’s supervision and is only intended for the treatment of chronic, severe pain. Methadone should not be used by people with severe respiratory problems, asthma, or blockages in the stomach or intestines.
Methadone is a powerful opioid used to treat addiction to opiates, but it is also sometimes diverted for illicit use. If you or a loved one is using methadone, you should know about the causes of Methadone addiction, including when this medication risks illicit drug use.
Methadone is a widely available opioid medication that is sometimes abused. The drug has caused thousands of deaths, mostly from overdoses. It is deadly when combined with other drugs and is also dangerous when taken against a doctor’s orders. The number of deaths associated with methadone abuse has increased in the United States since the late 1990s.
The reasons why methadone is diverted for illicit use vary widely. A 2005 survey of prescription opioid abusers found that 86 percent of the participants obtained the drug from a dealer, friend, or relative. Another 25 percent received the medicine through a prescription from a healthcare provider. In addition, 13 percent diverted the drugs from an emergency room or theft.
Using methadone against the instructions of your physician can result in methadone addiction. Methadone misuse can look like mixing methadone with alcohol or other drugs, taking more than the prescribed dose, or using it for longer than advised. All of these actions increase the risk of dependence and addiction.
When a person becomes addicted to a particular substance, getting help immediately is essential. There are several options for methadone addiction treatment. In some cases, a doctor may prescribe methadone replacement therapy. This is a treatment that gradually weans a person off the drug. This therapy can help a person overcome the addiction and lead a drug-free life. Call The Haven Detox-New Jersey to learn more at (856) 565-3102.
Effects of Methadone
Addiction causes significant changes to the person involved, negatively impacting their safety and relationships. People addicted to methadone often neglect their needs and prioritize their addiction over other important things, including their jobs and relationships. They become less trustworthy and may lie to others, making communication more difficult. During a relapse, their partner can feel strained and lose faith in them.
Drug and alcohol addiction can also have significant effects on relationships. Family members may question their abilities to protect their loved ones, feel angry or blame themselves, or even feel fearful for their safety. In some cases, the addicted person may start avoiding the family and withdraw into their own world, ignoring all communication.
Methadone can increase risky behaviors. In extreme cases, methadone can cause hallucinations. These hallucinations can make it difficult for someone to determine what is real life and what is a dream. This can lead them to behaviors that are uncharacteristic of them, with little regard for their mortality.
It is dangerous to drive a car when you are under the influence of substances like methadone. You may have to face road accidents or other severe incidents and may lose your life or have a severe injury.
There are various warning signals that a partner’s methadone use is hurting the relationship. Numerous disagreements could occur, including issues connected to behaviors, such as financial difficulties, staying out late, and neglecting household duties. The cognitive behavioral therapy at The Haven Detox-New Jersey can help you rebuild trust with your partner.
Children of addicted parents may exhibit post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, and trouble trusting adults. They may also develop substance use disorders. Because of the damaging effects of substance abuse, society must no longer ignore the negative effects of this devastating condition.
Methadone, drug, and alcohol use costs American companies and organizations $81 billion in lost income annually. Contrary to popular belief, not all people with substance use disorders (SUDs) lack a home, a job to go to, or friends. In fact, employment rates for substance use disorder sufferers exceed 70%.
Even when they continue to work, people with SUDs are not necessarily excellent performers at their jobs. Forty-two percent of people with substance use disorder who work report a decline in productivity due to their addiction. Employers lose out on an estimated $25.5 billion in productivity every year. Not all of the problems caused by an addicted workforce are financial. The list of issues at work brought on by addiction is extensive and hurts everyone involved.
Methadone addiction can harm one’s medical and mental health. When taking methadone, people suffer different health problems, like hallucinations. It may cause you to experience delusions or sleep difficulties. Suicidal thoughts and mental health conditions, including sadness and anxiety, are some of the methadone side effects that some people experience.
Treatment
When administered correctly by using the advice of a professional, methadone may benefit those with opioid use disorders or chronic pain. According to research, using methadone as a heroin addiction replacement medication has beneficial outcomes. Treatment services for methadone addiction include methadone detox and methadone residential treatment.
A discussion of the patient’s goals for treatment is also important. This may range from surviving as long as possible to a specific quality of life. Our professional team can help lead this conversation and identify potential barriers the family may face. A respectful discussion can help the patient and family members reach the best decision for them. You can see your life towards recovery and sobriety once you start treatment at The Haven Detox.
Medical detox for methadone is a treatment option for people with methadone use disorder. During withdrawal from methadone, the body experiences physical and psychological symptoms called withdrawal symptoms. After long-term drug use, these symptoms can be life-threatening. Fortunately, medical detox facilities offer 24-hour medical supervision and support. Here, detoxification can help patients safely stop using methadone and begin a new life.
The first step in medical methadone detox is finding a facility that offers scientific support and determining whether your insurance will cover the treatment costs. The facility should be able to work with your insurance provider to make sure you’re covered. In addition, make sure the facility offers referral services for further treatment. The Haven Detox is one of the best facilities in New Jersey with practical treatment for methadone use.
A team of doctors and nurses at The Haven Detox will guide you through the entire process of methadone detoxification. In addition, they can intervene if anything goes wrong during the detox process. Medical detox also reduces the risks of serious medical complications that can occur during withdrawal. Call (856) 565-3102 to verify your insurance and learn more.
The duration of a medical detox will depend on the severity of your withdrawal symptoms. Some withdrawal symptoms may be felt as soon as two hours after your last dose of methadone, while others may not be felt for two weeks. The intensity of the symptoms depends on the person and their body chemistry. If you also have an alcohol use disorder, you may have to undergo medical detox for more time, depending on your needs.
Once detox is completed, the patient can go on to enter a residential treatment program for methadone. Residential treatment centers provide adults with a structured environment that encourages continued healing. They often include behavioral health therapy, as well as mental health therapy. Some facilities also offer family therapy. We add aftercare through support groups and referrals to outpatient services. With our supportive environment, residential treatment for methadone at The Haven Detox uses proven methods for many people suffering from methadone abuse.
Residential methadone rehab facilities also provide peers who have gone through the same experience as the person seeking help. This group of peers will provide support throughout and after the program, allowing them to process their experiences. As a result, these peers form a close bond and community of strong recovery.
Adjunct therapies to treat addiction can help patients regain their health and quality of life. These therapies combine medications with other treatment options to help patients recover from their methadone addiction. Combining these therapies can improve treatment outcomes and reduce overdose risks.
