Methadone Detox & Maintenance

Methadone, a synthetic opiate with a time release component, is frequently prescribed to help curb cravings for stronger opiates such as heroin. Prescribed and monitored in a medical detoxification center, methadone can be an effective tool for detoxification and sobriety. However, without medical supervision, individuals can develop a dependence on Methadone. And this dependence can be difficult to break, especially when the individual fears the potential withdrawal symptoms associated with this and other opiates.

We specialize in comprehensive inpatient alcohol and drug detoxification programs, providing safe, compassionate, medically supervised detoxification in a comfortable setting. Our personalized detoxification program will help the individual untangle him or herself from the incessant cravings of methadone while reducing withdrawal symptoms, allowing the individual to rid the body of toxic substances and focus on recovery.
If you or a loved one is struggling to stay sober, allow us to help you regain control of your life.

What is methadone and why is it prescribed?

Methadone is one of a number of brand names for dolophine, a synthetic opioid that has been prescribed for opiate replacement therapy since the late 1940’s for the treatment of certain opioid addictions and dependencies such as heroin or morphine.  Other brand names include Amidone, Heptadon, Methadose, Physeptone, and Symoron. Medically, it is classified and prescribed as an anti-addictive and because of its cross-tolerance with other opioids, hence its use in many opioid addiction treatment and detox programs today.

Chronic Pain

Additionally, the secondary application of methadone is for the treatment of chronic pain which is primarily due to the fact that it has a lengthy duration of effectiveness. However, its primary use is for the stabilization of individuals who are enrolled in opioid addiction treatment and recovery programs. The drug also mitigates the withdrawal symptoms that are characteristic of opioid addiction and dependency which is why many methadone detox maintenance programs are currently being used in opioid addiction rehab programs.

Alleviating the physiological  side effects of heroin and morphine addiction

For all practical purposes, methadone maintenance is still the most effective means for alleviating the physiological  side effects of heroin and morphine addiction and the consequences that arise from it. When an individual is properly dosed with the medication, it is easier for the person to reduce their use of opioids or to even stop using them altogether. Methadone can also be administered in higher doses in order to interfere with the euphoric side effects of these different opioids.

Tolerances can lead to dependency, Especially  Without Treating The Mind

Despite the fact that methadone can block the euphoric effects of opioids, it is exactly those euphoric effects that appeal to the recreational user of the drug. Whether the person is involved in methadone maintenance for opioid addiction rehab or they are using it for recreational purposes, there are 4 primary indicators of methadone dependency:

• lying to your doctor about your symptoms so that they will prescribe a higher dosage for you
• taking a higher dose than what is indicated on the prescription label
• taking methadone along with alcohol or other potentially addictive drugs
• using methadone while you are still using heroin or morphine

If any one or a combination of the above applies to you or a loved one, you should consider consulting with  one of our  methadone addiction and detox specialist.

Additionally, there are possible financial, legal, and social consequences that can result when using methadone recreationally. Finally, there are numerous health organizations and medical professionals who feel that abusing methadone can pose a serious public health threat as well due to the fact that overdoses are becoming more common all the time. Methadone addiction becomes apparent when the suffering individual feels as though they cannot function during the day without taking it one or more times throughout the day.

Methadone side effects

The following is a list of side effects, both the less serious and the more severe, that commonly occur with prescribed methadone usage or recreational abuse:

Less serious side effects:

• feelings of anxiousness, nervousness, or restlessness
• feeling drowsy or weak
• constipation or diarrhea
• decreased sex drive, difficulty having an orgasm, or impotence
• dry mouth
• insomnia or sleep problems
• loss of appetite
• nausea and vomiting

More severe side effects:

• allergic reactions such as difficulty breathing, hives, or any swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• breathing difficulties or shallow breathing
• chest pains
• confusion and disorientation
• dizziness, fainting, or lightheadedness
• hallucinations
• pounding or rapid heartbeat

If the above severe side effects become apparent, you should call 911 and seek emergency medical attention immediately.

Drug interactions to be aware of

Be sure to ask your physician or pharmacist what other medications will cause interactions with this drug. First and foremost, any medications that can slow down your breathing or make you sleepy such as muscle relaxants, narcotic pain medications, sedatives, and tranquilizers should be avoided.

Additionally, talk to your physician or pharmacist about the following list of medications that may cause dangerous side effects if you are already taking any of these:

• antibiotics
• blood pressure or heart medication
• diuretics
• HIV medicines
• MAOI’s (monoamine oxidase inhibitors)
• seizure medications

Although this is not a complete list of medications that can have potentially dangerous or harmful side effects when taken in conjunction with methadone, you still need to inform your doctor of all the prescription medications and OTC medicines that you are taking. This even includes herbal products, minerals, and vitamins. Make a list of all of these that you may be taking and keep it with you in case you need to speak with your physician or pharmacist about them.

Additional information

Recreational use of Methadon

Recreational use of methadone can be extremely dangerous if taken excessively because it greatly increases your risk of harmful side effects and can even be fatal. Even if you have used other narcotic medications but are no longer taking any, you can still have side effects. Be sure to follow the instructions on your prescription label if you are undergoing a methadone maintenance program. Additionally and like other narcotic medications, methadone slows down your breathing even after the effects of it have worn off.

Avoid An Overdose

If a person’s breathing becomes too weak, they could die. You should be careful not to use more methadone than what your prescription calls for. Never stop taking the drug abruptly as this could cause some extremely unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. You should also contact your physician should you miss a dose or forget to take it for more than three consecutive days. Avoid drinking alcohol as it can cause dangerous side effects or even be fatal if you combine this with methadone.

Finally, you want to always pay attention to food and OTC medication labels as those that contain any alcohol can interact negatively with methadone. Methadone can also cause you to have impaired coordination or interfere with your ability to concentrate or think clearly.