5 Methadone Treatment Facts
People who are struggling with opioid addiction find it very challenging to leave their addiction behind. Opioid use disorder is one of the worst addictions. Fortunately, there are ways to fight it. Moderate administration of methadone is one of the most successful ways people have overcome opioid addiction.
To learn more about this treatment, read on to find out five methadone treatment facts.
5 Methadone Treatment Facts
When a person struggling with opioid addiction seeks professional help, it is likely that the healthcare provider will prescribe a moderate dosage of methadone to kick start the treatment. However, just like any other medical treatment, it is important to know the facts before taking any drugs.
If you or any of your loved one is struggling with opioid addiction, here are five methadone treatment facts that you should be aware of.
1. Methadone Treatment Alone Can’t Fix the Problem
Opioid addiction is a complicated problem. Ideally, it would have been nice if just taking a certain medication could promise full recovery. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. While methadone treatment can certainly prove to be very beneficial for those recovering from opioid addiction, it alone can’t cure the patient.
When an addict tries to stay off the drug, it leads to severe withdrawal symptoms. This is the main reason most people struggle to give up their addiction and often relapse. Taking a moderate dosage of methadone after weaning off illicit opioids can significantly decrease the chance of relapse. Methadone acts as a replacement and does not impair the patient’s ability to function.
However, it is crucial to opt for long-term counseling and other treatments for opioid addiction to make a full recovery. While you’re going through counseling, methadone treatment will provide physical relief that’ll help prevent any severe relapses.
2. Three Different Forms of Methadone
Depending on the severity of your addiction, you will be prescribed one of the three forms of methadone.
- Liquid:This will be directly administered by your healthcare provider. A calculated precision of the drug is dispensed into the veins with an automated measuring pump. This form of methadone is generally used during the initial stages of the treatment when it is necessary to provide a strong yet calculated dose of methadone.
- Wafers:These are also known as tablets and can be dissolved in water. After the initial treatment period, your healthcare provider may prescribe you for the maintenance period. You don’t need to visit the healthcare provider’s clinic for this treatment as it can be self-administered.
- Powder:This is almost the same as wafers but comes in powder form. It can be taken orally after dissolving in water.
All of the forms of methadone are equally effective. However, it is necessary to listen to your healthcare provider to access which one may be the best option for you, depending on the current stage of your addiction.
3. 60 to 90% Success Rate
With any medical treatment, especially when it comes to treating addictions, the success rate highly varies depending on various factors. That being said, methadone treatment has shown to be highly effective for most patients struggling with opioid addiction. In fact, the success rate ranges from 60 to 90%, which is better than any other treatment for the addiction.
The benefits of methadone treatment include reduced risk of relapse and prevention of overdose. However, that’s not all. Patients who are prescribed methadone treatment also tend to have a reduced mortality rate, improved employment options, better stability when it comes to family life, and less involvement in criminal activity.
4. May Experience Mild Side Effects
A proper dosage of methadone stabilizes the effects of opioids in the body. However, the drug in itself may cause some mild side effects. The most common side effects people experience after beginning methadone treatment include headache, nausea, constipation, sedation, blurry vision, and extreme mood changes.
However, these side effects are almost always mild and fade away after the first few weeks. If you do notice any other side effects which are more extreme or the aforementioned side effects lasting longer than a few weeks, discuss it with your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
It is also important to keep them updated about any mild side effects you are experiencing just to be sure that your treatment is going well.
5. Methadone Can Be Addictive
While methadone is used to treat opioid addiction, overdose or abuse of this drug can lead to methadone addiction as well. If a patient becomes too dependent on methadone, they may experience similar withdrawal symptoms when the dosage is reduced.
However, this often happens when the patient isn’t following the prescription properly or assumes that taking a higher dose would speed up the recovery. But that’s not how it works.
To prevent getting addicted to methadone, it is crucial to follow the healthcare provider’s prescription as closely as possible. Do not try to self-prescribe, as it will only make the condition worse. When taken properly, you can go years without getting addicted to methadone.
Conclusion
Dealing with opioid addiction or any other addiction can be hard. At some point, the addicts start believing that there is no way out. However, it is important to remember that it is always possible to change your situation if you are willing to. If you seek help, not only will you be able to overcome your addiction, but you will also be able to turn your life around and make it better than it previously was.
So don’t hesitate to ask for help. If you reside in Texas and are struggling with opioid addiction, head over to MAT Texas. We will help create a treatment plan according to your specific needs so you can overcome the addiction and leave it in the past.