Most people have heard of the term methadone clinic at some point or another. However, despite the steep rise in opioid abuse across the country, many are still unsure of what methadone is and how a methadone clinic operates. Those who choose to use methadone to help combat their addiction must consult with a physician experienced in substance use disorders. Typically, professionals administer the drug at a methadone clinic or drug detox center. If you are wondering if methadone treatment may work for you, please call Lotus Recovery Centers today at 833.922.1615 for more information.
What Is Methadone?
Methadone is an analgesic opioid drug that is often used in the treatment of opioid use disorder. The diminished potential for risk is especially true when received in a clinical setting. Available forms of methadone include tablets, oral solutions, wafers, and injections. Methadone alleviates the pain of withdrawal while effectively blocking the euphoric “high” produced by other drugs. Methadone is still considered the most successful medication-based treatment for heroin abuse. Despite its efficacy and proven value in opioid abuse treatment, there are always risks to consider. While there are some common side effects of methadone, taking doses exactly as prescribed and communicating with your treatment team can help your experience be as comfortable as possible.
Like most medications, there are dangers associated with deviating from a dosing schedule. Taking more than recommended can lead to overdose, and skipping doses can lead to the withdrawal symptoms of quitting opioids cold turkey; therefore is not advised. After three missed doses, contact your doctor as soon as possible to see what the next course of action should be.
Substance Use Disorder Treatment in a Methadone Clinic
Commonly seen drugs of addiction in the opioid category include heroin, morphine, oxycodone, and fentanyl. A methadone clinic will administer methadone as part of a larger treatment plan for individuals suffering from an addiction to this class of drug. The specially certified clinics utilize methadone in replacement therapy, essentially replacing a more harmful opioid with methadone. This reduces the symptoms and cravings typically experienced when stopping another opioid. Methadone blocks the euphoric effect of other opioids while lessening the pain of withdrawal. This is an ideal combination to speed and ease recovery.
Benefits of Methadone
Benefits of this approach include:
- Methadone is more manageable to quit than other more commonly abused opioids.
Patients will taper off methadone gradually to achieve the end goal of complete recovery. - Clinics that treat their patients with methadone are regulated and certified federally and by their state.
- Treatment plans and dosages will differ according to every patient’s individual needs.
- Methadone treatment plans also involve a behavioral or group therapy component
Some patients have a severe, long-standing pattern of addiction requiring closer monitoring and more strict regulations. For others, the hold of addiction over their life is less severe, so with methadone replacement therapy, they’ll only be required to check in weekly with a doctor. Behavioral therapy can also patients deal with the mental aspects of addiction. Addressing the mental issues of addiction can ease the transition into sobriety and stave off potential relapses.
The ongoing struggle with opioid addiction is physically and emotionally taxing on the patient and exhausting for those trying to care for them. Once addicted, denying the craving for opioids is seemingly impossible. These cravings, along with overdose risk and painful withdrawal symptoms, make methadone clinics an attractive option to families. Given their proven track record of rehabilitation through replacement therapy, they are often the best chance at recovery.
Learn More About the Methadone Treatment Plan at Lotus Recovery Centers
Methadone could be an effective and safe option for you as you work to overcome opioid addiction. Please contact Lotus Recovery Centers today at 833.922.1615 for an individual plan that fits your specific recovery needs.
