Methadone Treatments: Are They for You?

The Office of National Drug Control Policy estimates that more than 160,000 heroin addicts receive methadone maintenance treatment (MMT). Methadone is also used to treat other opiate addictions – but is it for you?

What is methadone?

Methadone is an opioid painkiller that is used in the treatment of such diseases as cancer; it is also becoming increasingly common in the treatment of addictions to opiates and opioids such as heroin, Oxycontin, and Vicodin. As a time-released drug, a single dose may provide controlled relief for an addict’s opiate cravings for an entire day though a physician should modify the plan according to the patient’s needs. Methadone blocks the brain’s opiate receptors, which means that if the addict were to relapse on the original addictive opiate after taking methadone, they would most likely not experience the same type of “high.”

By replacing the original opiate of addiction, methadone provides the body with the opiate it craves, and gives addicts an alternative to opiate withdrawal. In addition to preventing the painful and uncomfortable symptoms associated with opiate withdrawal, methadone does not cause a “high” or lead to intoxication, which allows the individual to return to normal activities of daily living, freeing them from dependence on the opiate substance and the painful physical and emotional consequences that addiction can bring. It is important to note that methadone can only be used to treat addictions to opiates or opioids, and is not an effective treatment for other substances that are commonly abused.

Who might benefit from methadone maintenance treatment?

If someone you know is addicted to opiates and uses the symptoms of withdrawal as an excuse for not seeking treatment for their addiction, you should know that other options exist. MMT may help anyone who is suffering from an addiction to opiates or opioids like heroin, Oxycontin, morphine, and others. Because methadone is usually administered orally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention emphasize the value of MMT to help control the transmission of HIV, endocarditis, tuberculosis, hepatitis B and C, and other diseases and medical conditions that are potential consequences of shared needle use among IV-drug users. Therefore, MMT may be particularly valuable for those who inject opiate drugs like heroin. People who are addicted to opiates should seek professional medical help before attempting to stop using on their own.

Are there any dangers?

People taking methadone should not consume alcohol or other substances that depress the Central Nervous System. You should always consult a physician before mixing any substance – even over-the-counter medications – with methadone. Like any substance, abuse or methadone can have serious physical consequences including coma and death. In some cases, methadone may be used safely during pregnancy, but you should consult your doctor if you are using methadone and are or plan to become pregnant.

How long does MMT take?

It is usually recommended that MMT treatments last for a minimum of one year, but may take longer. These treatments require a commitment from the addict, but are more than worthwhile in the long-term. If you would like to discuss your specific situation, we encourage you to call eDrug Rehab today. Visit the Contact Us page for more information.