By: Lakeview Health
What is Methadone Addiction?
Opiate addicts, attempting to quit substance abuse in the 1980’s, were put on methadone maintenance programs. The half-life of methadone can last up to 30 days in the body. This makes it extremely marketable for those who are attempting to quit other opiate types of drugs. Unfortunately, methadone can complicate existing health issues as well as create new ones such as fluid retention, skin rashes, constipation and tooth decay. While some addicts feel they can function on methadone, eventually methadone addiction will cause significant distress in social, occupational and relational functioning. Methadone addiction causes cognitive impairment, drowsiness, slowed breathing and euphoria. Methadone is just as addictive as opiates and addicts are suffering much worse withdrawal symptoms when attempting to quit.
Methadone Withdrawal Symptoms
Addiction occurs rapidly with the use of methadone. When used on a regular basis, tolerance levels for methadone continue to rise requiring constant and incremental increases in the dosage. If you are using methadone to avoid using heroin, and you decide to detox from methadone on your own, it is likely that the heroin use will resume.
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Withdrawal symptoms are painful and long lasting. Methadone addicts should detox in an inpatient medical detox facility that dispenses detox medications, which can be monitored and adjusted throughout the detox process.
Methadone Detox
Lakeview Health drug rehab center provides patients with a safe, secure medical detox prodgram staffed by medical professionals who are trained addiction nurses and doctors. Medical staff is available 24/7 to address any issues that methadone withdrawal presents. A full evaluation of your physical and psychological state will determine the appropriate methadone addiction treatment program. Since the methadone withdrawal process lasts longer than most other drugs, the addict should go directly to inpatient drug rehab for stabilization and address any physical complications methadone has presented.
Methadone Addiction Treatment
At Lakeview Health, we are dedicated to helping you break the cycle of addiction. Our methadone addiction treatment program is customized so that you can address issues relating to your specific physical and emotional needs. “Putting down” the drug is the first step in recovery. A close examination of all the underlying reasons for use, including physical pain, must be done to create a solid foundation for long-term recovery. Our methadone treatment plan uses medically based models, including individual and group therapies. 12-Step workshops, recreational activities, spiritual workshops (optional), are all part of our philosophy to approach recovery from a whole person perspective. You will learn about everyday living skills, triggers, anger management, and more.
