Addiction to opiates is one of the hardest challenges to overcome in life. We know this and most of all, you know this. Whether you seek help for yourself or for a loved one, know that you are not alone. Countless individuals have pulled themselves from the grip of opiate addiction and gone on to lead healthy lives.
Though it may be a unique experience for each person, there are tried and tested treatments for every type of addiction out there. For those who suffer from an addiction to heroin or other opiates, methadone treatment provides a path out. Methadone is derived from opiates, which first and foremost makes it an effective painkiller. The drug essentially disrupts the way that the brain and body communicate pain and discomfort to one another. Because methadone is derived from the same plant as heroin, it satisfies the cravings felt by the body and mind. Withdrawal symptoms are eased significantly, allowing the patient to naturally expel the toxins from the drugs. If heroin is used while methadone is present in the body, the elating effects of the drug do not manifest. Successful recovery can happen because the methadone reduces the symptoms that cause relapse. With a methadone treatment regimen, life can continue. The afflicted gains control of mind and body, allowing him or her to break the cycle and step back into the world. With the cravings under control and the symptoms managed, it is possible to hold a job, care for the family, and follow dreams.
Treatment
Methadone treatment is fairly straightforward. For most patients, the drug is taken orally, either as a pill or syrup. There are other ways to take the medication if oral ingestion will not work for the patient. Treatment and dosage are monitored very closely, especially in the first several weeks of treatment. Patients can expect daily or almost daily visits with a doctor. Because the drug is so powerful, it is only under unique circumstances that the drug is prescribed directly to the patient. The reason for this is that Methadone can be deadly to people who have no opiate resistance in the body, especially in the doses used to end a heroin addiction.
What to expect
With the first dose or two, it may not feel like anything is happening at all. Methadone builds up slowly in the system and sticks around for a long time. When it takes effect, the patient will feel relief from the symptoms of withdrawal. Methadone affects the same receptors in the brain as heroin does, so it literally fills the hole.
The body will relax, and the mind will clear. Patients can expect clarity after the methadone begins to take effect. Some patients relax so much that they might doze off. This is why it is of critical importance to understand how the drug affects you before doing anything like driving, working, or shopping. Patients receiving methadone can expect to have frequent interaction with compassionate doctors and nurses. Dosage may be adjusted up or down based on effects. It is important for the patient and doctor to have excellent communication to be successful.
What are you waiting for?
You have already made the first step, exploring your options. Now that you have knowledge that recovery is just over the horizon, what are you waiting for? Now is the time to take control of life and the future. Once the addiction is broken the mind and body are free to heal and pursue positive horizons. End the negative cycle that is ruining your life. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation at (866) 426-7444.
Is methadone treatment right for You, Watch this video for more information
Is Methadone Treatment Right for You? by dbcjr
Resources:
http://www.drugs.com/methadone.html
http://www.methadonedocs.com/what-is-methadone.aspx