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ARE YOU SUFFERING FROM METHADONE ADDICTION?
If you’re suffering from methadone addiction, we can help!
Contact us today and ask how we can help you overcome your addiction safely and effectively.
Confidential, Outpatient Methadone Addiction Recovery
Methadone PillsMethadone is a synthetic narcotic, similar to morphine in its pain-relieving effects, but it is longer acting. Methadone itself is an opiate, though it has been deemed safer than heroin and other opiate drugs.
Often methadone is used as a substitute drug to treat individuals suffering from morphine and heroin addiction.
As an analgesic, methadone can be prescribed for pain relief by any physician; however, it can only be prescribed for treating addiction by doctors who work in conjunction with specialized methadone clinics.
Unfortunately, methadone usage can lead to addiction similar to other opiate abuse. When it is used to replace opiates like Vicodin, Oxycontin, and Percocet, it is possible for the patient to replace the original addiction with methadone addiction.
Methadone Detoxification and Treatment
Methadone detoxification can be carried out using either a gradual (or traditional detox) or, a procedure called rapid detox.
During medical detox, the addict’s brain will be monitored and regulated with two major goals:
First, Pomarri’s – substance abuse rehab center medical staff will slowly wean the brain off methadone and to help it both naturally producing and reabsorbing neurotransmitters like dopamine without the artificial influence of methadone.
Second, we want to avoid putting your brain into shock by suddenly processing out methadone and throwing it into a major chemical imbalance.
WHAT ARE METHADONE WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS AND HOW LONG DO THEY LAST?
Methadone cessation and its associated withdrawal symptoms are similar to the adverse withdrawals associated with other opiate abuse.
Opioid withdrawal symptoms can be acutely uncomfortable, but they are rarely life-threatening. Withdrawal symptoms typically begin within 12 hours of the last dose of methadone and begin to subside within 30 hours of the last exposure to methadone.
Factors that influence how long withdrawals last
There are several factors which come into play when determining how long you may have to suffer through withdrawal symptoms; however, the two main issues will be:
-First, how long you abused methadone and…
-Second, your level of addiction.
However, on average most methadone addicts’ withdrawal symptoms last between four to six weeks.
Mild symptoms may include:
Chills
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
and dilated pupils
More severe symptoms include:
Delirium
Depression
Hallucination
Paranoia, and or severe anxiety
HOW LONG WILL PSYCHOLOGICAL THERAPY TAKE?
After medically detoxing, the next therapeutic goal is to successfully help the addict with their psychological addiction to methadone.
How long will it take you to get past your psychological addiction depends on you, everyone is different.
Therefore, how long you may be in therapy must be both individually and clinically determined, and your personal treatment should last for as long as both you and the clinic staff agree is appropriate.
You should continue to work with the medical staff at Pomarri to determine what length of time works best with your unique situation and needs.
Ready to Get Help and Start Recovering?
If you or a loved one are suffering from methadone addiction and are ready to get the help you need, please take the next step and contact us today.
This content has been verified by APRN Jared Hawkins
Jared Hawkins is a Certified Family Nurse Practitioner with an extensive background in medical-surgical, oncology, orthopedic, hospice, post-acute rehab, and addiction medicine. He enjoys working with patients in their unique circumstances and helping them find their intrinsic value to overcome their challenges.