Methadone is a drug used mainly to treat opiate addiction and offer pain relief by blocking receptors in the brain affected by opiates such as Oxycontin and other prescription drugs. A gradual detox with lessened withdrawal symptoms is possible with Methadone, which is available in a pill or oral form.
Methadone Use in Treatment
Drug cravings and withdrawal symptoms are lessened with Methadone. An individual who uses Methadone for drug treatment will not experience euphoria associated with other opiates. The effects last anywhere between 24 to 36 hours which allows people to benefit from a single daily dose. Some questions exist regarding the safety of Methadone for treatment of addiction to drugs. Many benefits of methadone use exist which demonstrate a reduction in withdrawal symptoms and can include a reduction in the following:
- Use of other opioids
- Mortality
- Injection drug-related risk behaviors
- High-risk behavior associated with transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases
- Criminal activity
Tolerance to methadone has been known to occur but slowly which means an individual can use methadone nearly indefinitely if prescribed properly. It is considered medically safe as a treatment for opioid dependence. Methadone also provides the following benefits:
- Improvement of physical and mental health
- Social functioning improves
- Increased quality of life
- Retention in treatment programs
Safety Concerns
An individual can take Methadone as prescribed safely over a period of weeks months or years without experiencing side effects. Methadone is considered a well tested medication which is safe and efficient for treatment of narcotic withdrawal and dependence. A person who takes Methadone for treatment of drug addiction will not experience impairment of mental functioning or daily activities. Licensed nurses with the approval of a physician can prescribe the medication under strict state and federal guidelines. Methadone is only produced by licensed pharmaceutical companies.
Just the Facts
Addiction varies according to an individual which requires personal, individualized treatment. Methadone is one medication which has proven effective in lessening the effects of withdrawal symptoms for people with addiction. Some additional facts about Methadone include the following:
- Methadone has proven effective in treatment of opioid addiction for over 40 years
- Minor side effects may include headaches, nausea and a change in libido but all symptoms diminish as individual finds correct dosage for treatment
- Comparatively, Methadone is one of the most affordable options for treatment of opioid and prescription medication addiction
- A person who participates in a Methadone maintenance program is not abusing the drug illegally as those individuals are covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Employment cannot be denied to a person using methadone under these circumstances.
- Use of methadone is dependent on the individual but can last for months, years or an indefinite amount of time safely.
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