Methadone Abuse and Recovery

by Sam Walton Sr. Business Analyst

Many Americans struggle with an opioid use disorder involving heroin, methadone, and other prescription opiates.

Methadone is a synthetic opioid medication that produces effects similar to prescription pain relievers like morphine, hydrocodone, fentanyl, and oxycodone. Methadone is prescribed by doctors to treat severe pain and to treat withdrawal symptoms in people with opioid dependence. Yet, the drug has a high addiction potential if the drug is taken in ways other than how it has been prescribed. In most cases, methadone addiction treatment requires help at an addiction rehab center.

Methadone Addiction

Methadone use disorder, or Methadone addiction refers to the opioid’s abuse. Those who abuse the drug either dissolve the tablet to make it act faster, and smoke or inject it. Signs of addiction include obtaining and using the drug by any means, despite harmful consequences.

The user also needs a larger amount of methadone to feel the same high. Some people mix the drug with alcohol, heroin or other drugs to get an even higher high. This would worsen the substance use disorder and further increases the chances of an overdose.

Another sign of addiction is experiencing withdrawal if the opioid use is suddenly stopped. These withdrawal symptoms occur because opioids affect the brain and change the way you feel pain or pleasure. After some time, only the drug seems can make you feel good. However, detox and addiction treatment can restore normal brain function and help the person live a drug-free life.

Methadone Detox

Medical detox can help individuals safely withdraw from methadone or other drugs. Withdrawal symptoms may include –

anxiety
aches and pains
rapid heartbeat
intense cravings
nausea or vomiting

Medical detox center offers a safe environment and access to medical professionals who can help you safely manage withdrawal symptoms. Doctors may prescribe non-addictive medication to taper off the drug and reduce drug cravings.

Methadone Treatment

Methadone addiction treatment begins with a thorough assessment of the patient’s condition – the type of addiction, severity and duration of addiction, overall health, presence or absence of mental health disorder etc.

The treatment generally includes –

medical detoxification at a medical detox center for withdrawal management and to rid the body of the drug
residential treatment at an inpatient rehab which includes individual and group counseling, psychotherapy, behavioral therapy, life skills training and more.
Dual diagnosis treatment for patients who are also suffering from a mental health disorder
outpatient treatment for relapse prevention and ongoing care

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, seek help at a detox and addiction treatment center right away.

To learn more, call one of the most trusted drug detox and alcohol addiction treatment centers in San Diego, call Pacific Bay Recovery at 858-263-9700 Today. Pacific Bay Recovery offers both inpatient and intensive outpatient treatment in San Diego.