Methadone treatment is one of the most successful medication-assisted treatments for people struggling with opioid use disorder. This is a combination of medication (methadone), counseling, and other recovery tools for addiction to opioids like heroin and fentanyl.
And in this article, we will discuss some quick facts about methadone treatment that you should know if you (or someone you know) are entering an opioid treatment program. Keep reading!
Contents
An Overview of Methadone
What is Methadone?
Methadone is a long-acting synthetic opioid agonist. It is used in medication-assisted treatment to help people reduce or stop their use of opioids like heroin, fentanyl, and prescription painkillers.
The substance works by binding to the same brain receptors as other opioids, but it produces a much weaker effect. This helps to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms without causing the “high” associated with other opioids.
Moreover, methadone treatment is usually combined with counseling and other support services to help people make lifestyle changes and achieve recovery goals.
But aside from all of these, there are essential facts you need to know about methadone treatment, which we will discuss and share below.
8 Facts about Methadone Treatment
#1: Methadone Came from a Long History
Methadone has a long and complicated history. It was first synthesized in Germany in 1937 as a possible painkiller. However, it wasn’t until 1947 that methadone began to be used for treating opioid addiction.
In the early 1960s, methadone maintenance treatment was developed and tested in the United States. This program is still in use today, and it has already helped countless people achieve recovery from opioid addiction.
Moreover, the treatment quickly spread to other countries, including Canada and the United Kingdom. And right now, it is used in medication-assisted treatment programs worldwide.
#2: Methadone is Dispensed in Three Forms
Methadone can be dispensed in three different forms:
- Pill form
- Liquid form
- Injectable form
The pill form is the most common way that methadone is dispensed. It is taken orally, usually once a day. The dose of methadone is gradually increased until it reaches the maintenance dose, which helps to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms without causing intoxication.
On the other hand, the liquid form is also taken orally but can be given in smaller doses more frequently. This can be helpful for people who have trouble taking pills or need a higher amount of methadone.
And lastly, the injectable form of methadone is given as an intramuscular injection weekly. It can be helpful for people who have trouble taking pills or also need a higher dose of methadone.
Your doctor will be the one to work with you to determine which form of methadone is best for you.
#3: Methadone Side Effects are Generally Mild
Most people who take methadone don’t experience any severe side effects. The most common side effects are mild and include the following:
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Headache
- Sweating
- Constipation
These side effects usually go away as your body adjusts to the medication. If they persist or become bothersome, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to change your dose or give you suggestions for relieving the side effects.
Meanwhile, there are also severe side effects that you might experience but are usually rare to happen. Some of them can include:
- Seizures
- Slow heart rate
- Low blood pressure
- Respiratory depression (shallow breathing)
You should call your doctor immediately if you experience any of these side effects.
#4: Methadone is not a Cure for Addiction
Methadone is a very effective treatment for opioid addiction, but unlike what most people know, it is not a cure. Instead, it is a treatment for Opioid Addiction.
Addiction is a chronic disease, and methadone is only one part of recovery. People taking methadone will need to take it for as long as their doctor recommends. This could be months, years, or even decades. Some people may need to take methadone for the rest of their lives.
That’s why it is important to remember that recovery from addiction is a journey, not a destination. There will be ups and downs, but you can achieve long-term sobriety with treatment and support.
#5: Methadone should not be Mixed with other Drugs or Alcohol
Methadone can interact with other drugs and alcohol. Taking methadone with other drugs or alcohol can increase the risk of overdose and death.
It is essential to avoid using other drugs or drinking alcohol while taking methadone. If you are struggling with addiction, talk to your doctor about getting help for substance abuse.
Substance abuse treatment can help you learn how to cope with triggers and cravings, build a support network, and develop healthy coping skills.
#6: Methadone is One of the Most Regulated Prescriptions in the US
Another essential fact about methadone treatment is that the substance methadone is a controlled substance in the US and is regulated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
There are strict rules and regulations for prescribing, dispensing, and taking methadone, and these laws are in place to help ensure that methadone is used safely and effectively.
So, if prescribed methadone, follow your doctor’s instructions and the DEA’s regulations.
Some of the DEA’s regulations for methadone include the following:
- Methadone can only be prescribed by a licensed physician who is registered with the DEA
- Methadone can only be dispensed by a licensed pharmacy that is registered with the DEA
#7: Methadone Treatment Requires Commitment
As mentioned earlier, methadone treatment is not a quick fix. It requires commitment and hard work.
Individuals taking methadone will need to take it for as long as their doctor recommends. The time it takes to complete the detoxification process varies. Some people may need to take methadone for the rest of their lives.
Moreover, people in treatment for addiction must participate in counseling and other recovery services in addition to taking methadone. Addiction recovery is a journey with many ups and downs, but you can achieve long-term sobriety with the proper treatment and support.
#8: Methadone Maintenance Is the Most Common Type of Methadone Treatment
Last among the facts about Methadone treatment you should know is that Methadone maintenance is the most common type among all the methadone treatments. In methadone maintenance, people take methadone every day to prevent withdrawal and reduce cravings.
Methadone maintenance is often combined with counseling and other services. And this comprehensive approach is effective in treating addiction and helping people achieve long-term sobriety.
FAQs
Q: What is Methadone?
A: Methadone is a medication used to treat opioid addiction. It is a long-acting synthetic opioid that works by binding to the same receptors in the brain as other opioids, but it produces a much weaker response. This helps to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Q: How long does it take for methadone to work?
A: The effects of methadone vary from person to person. Some people may feel the products within 30 minutes, while others may not touch them for several hours.
Q: What are the side effects of methadone?
A: The most common side effects of methadone include drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, constipation, and sweating. Some less common side effects include headache, dry mouth, changes in appetite, weight gain or loss, and sexual problems.
Q: How long does methadone stay in your system?
A: Methadone can stay in your system for up to three days.
Q: Is methadone addictive?
A: Yes, methadone is a potent opioid that can be abused and lead to addiction. However, when used as prescribed by a doctor, the risk of addiction is low. People struggling with addiction should talk to their doctor about getting help for substance abuse.
Conclusion
Now that you know some of the essential facts you need to know about Methadone treatment, you (or your loved one) can be more informed and make a better decision about getting help for addiction. Remember, methadone treatment is not easy, but it is an effective way to recover from opioid addiction. So if you are struggling with addiction, talk to your doctor about getting help. There is no shame in admitting that you need assistance because many resources are available.