The United States is in the middle of an opioid epidemic and has been for some time. Physically and psychologically demanding, beating an opioid addiction is difficult. Without outside assistance, many find it virtually impossible.

Luckily, there are proven treatments to help combat opioid addiction and improve one’s odds of recovery. One such example are methadone treatments. Today we’re going to discuss this often-misunderstood treatment option, why it helps, and what to expect as you undergo it.

What Is Methadone?

Methadone is an opiate analgesic, a type of narcotic. This also means it falls under the broader category of “opioid,” which may seem odd if it is being used to treat opioid addictions. However, this is actually one of the big advantages of the treatment.

Commonly abused opioids such as OxyContin, Vicodin, and heroin are often very powerful and almost always self-administered. Over time, they essentially rewire the brain and make the process of stopping their use difficult. You will have a strong urge to continue abusing them and, because they’re self-administered, won’t have much stopping you from doing so.

Doctors are able to use methadone to help wean users off of those opioids. Your body’s urge to take more can be satisfied by methadone instead of the original drug, helping you avoid the use of more dangerous substances. Your dosing can also be gradually reduced, helping to reduce your dependency bit by bit, rather than requiring you go “cold-turkey” off of opioids.

If your doctor thinks it is a good option for you, they may suggest you enter an Opioid Treatment Program (OTP). An OTP is a highly regulated treatment program designed to combat opioid addiction. Here methadone will be administered in such a way that you don’t generally feel high but also feel no or far lessened withdrawal symptoms.

At its most basic, it is better for you to take a regulated opioid in controlled amounts than illicit opioids in self-administered doses. It makes the path to recovery much easier for both you and any medical professionals helping you.

OTP Methadone Treatments

While methadone is an opioid, OTPs administer it in doses that won’t generally cause you to feel high. While illicit methadone use can have this effect, doctors are very careful to dose treatments for the purposes of recovery, not abuse. You may feel some of the effect you would from illicit use, but it will be far milder than if you were to abuse it.

Facilities that can administer methadone treatments are highly regulated; you don’t need to worry about there being much opportunity for intentional abuse. Doctors are aware of how difficult addiction can be and are there to help protect you from both opioids and your own addiction.

The length of your treatment will vary by your own needs, as determined by a medical professional. The recommended minimum treatment time is 12 months, although patients may need treatment for years.

Addiction treatment is complex and stopping too early can result in a relapse. A doctor has to tailor your treatment to you. Treatment is not a race or otherwise a competition; the only concern is getting you the best outcome.

Once you or your doctor believe it is time to stop treatment, you must be weaned off methadone as stopping immediately would result in withdrawal. Your doctor will reduce your dosing over time until you’re no longer required to take methadone.

Potential Side Effects

While methadone treatments won’t get you high, there is a potential for other side effects. Common side effects include:

• Dry mouth
• Tongue soreness
• Stomach pain
• Weight gain
• Headache
• Flushing
• Difficulty urinating
• Vision problems
• Insomnia
• Mood changes

If any symptoms become severe enough that they have a dramatic impact on your life, discuss them with your doctor. It may be possible your dosing can be adjusted.

You also should discuss with your doctor what symptoms signal a more serious reaction to your medication. If you experience any of the following, you should seek medical attention immediately:

• Seizure
• Extreme drowsiness
• Difficulty breathing
• Hives, rashes, or swelling
• Itching
• Hallucinations
• Decreased sex drive
• Irregular menstruation
• Nausea
• Dizziness

As a general rule, if you’re worried about a symptom, talk to your doctor. As with any treatment, one should always be mindful of unusual changes to their body. Severe reactions are rare but they can still occur.

How to Seek Treatment

If you are addicted to opioids (or any other drug), you should first speak with a medical professional who specializes in addiction. They will discuss your treatment options with you, with the express goal of helping you overcome your addiction. This discussion will also be totally confidential, to help encourage you to be honest about anything you’re struggling with, even if the drugs you’re using are illegally acquired.

Many people are reluctant to seek help for an addiction. There is a stigma around addiction that makes some think it is a sign of weakness or a lack of intelligence. It is important to remember addiction is none of those things.

Addiction is a complex disease and has to be treated like one. Like many diseases, left untreated, it rarely solves itself on its own. There is no shame in requiring medical help in order to get better.

Contact Us Today

Our own facility welcomes anyone seeking more information and we encourage you to contact us with any questions. Consultation is free and completely confidential. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, we can either help or will be sure to direct you to someone else who can!

The use of methadone for opiate addiction is well-tested and is a proven effective treatment for opioid addiction. Our facility is fully capable of administering methadone treatments and can help guide you on your path to recovery.