Consider These 10 Points to Determine if Methadone is the Best Fit for Your Fight Against Illegal Opioid Addiction

Is methadone right for me?

Methadone is among the safest and most effective prescription medications used to aid in the recovery of opioid addiction, as cited by the Food and Drug Administration.

Extensive clinical research proves that methadone is a viable treatment option for people who are addicted to morphine, prescription painkillers and heroin. When methadone is taken as a part of a comprehensive treatment program that includes therapy and counseling, it lowers the cravings for illegal drugs and eases the withdrawal symptoms from other opioids.

If you or a loved one would benefit from medication-assisted treatment that incorporates medications to overcome an addiction to opioids, contact our medical experts at New Season to decide if methadone is the appropriate treatment method for you. Since there are other medications available within our treatment program, it is important to communicate with your physician to decide which approach will be the most effective based on your individual needs so that you can achieve the most positive recovery outcome.

How does methadone work?

Methadone provides patients with the mental stability needed to focus on recovery and actively partake in their treatment.

Used since the 1960s in opioid recovery programs, methadone is proven to be a safe and effective method in treating individuals who are addicted to opioids.

At New Season, methadone is given daily in a liquid solution. It targets the central nervous system to decrease cravings for other opioids and also lowers the symptoms of withdrawal.

While methadone works to diminish the physical symptoms associated with opioid withdrawal, patients are able to gain support and guidance through the therapeutic interventions that are offered as a part of our comprehensive medication-assisted treatment program.

Is methadone an effective treatment option?

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), treatment that uses methadone for opioid addiction recovery is the safest and most effective form of treatment currently available.

The CDC notes that the following are documented successes associated with methadone treatment:

  • Decreasing or ceasing drug use
  • Lowering the risk of overdose
  • Reducing the risk of developing hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV/AIDS
  • Greatly increases life expectancy; the average death rate of individuals abusing opioids who enroll in methadone treatment is 30% lower in comparison to those who do not receive treatment
  • Less likely to engage in criminal activity
    Improvement in family dynamic and employment stability
    Positive outcomes for pregnant women and their newborn babies

When taken under the care of a licensed physician as part of a medication-assisted treatment program, methadone is a safe and effective option for those struggling with opioid addiction.

Is taking methadone safe?

Methadone is the most thoroughly researched medication used by medication-assisted treatment programs. Many studies prove that methadone, when taken as directed by a licensed medical provider, does not cause any health risks to patients. With methadone, patients are able to fully focus on recovery.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, methadone is safe for expectant mothers to take during pregnancy as it does not pose any harmful risks to the mother or baby when use as directed by a qualified medical professional.

As in the case of taking most medications, there are risks involved when taking methadone. Taking methadone in a manner other than prescribed can lead to a fatal overdose. Methadone overdose is the case of one-third of all prescription medication-related deaths every year. It’s important to understand that these deaths are directly linked to the illegal use of methadone and not methadone use within a licensed opioid recovery program.

When methadone is taken under the care of a qualified medical professional in a medication-assisted treatment program, methadone is an extremely safe option for individuals who are struggling with opioid addiction.

What are the side effects of methadone?

The following are side effects commonly assisted with methadone use:
• Low blood pressure

• Anxiety

• Sleep problems

• Nausea

• Fatigue

• Dry mouth

• Constipation

• Slowed breathing

• Abdominal pain

• Skin rashes

Will Methadone show up on a drug screening?

Methadone will not show up on a standard drug test if an individual is required to take a drug screen during treatment, as a specialized test is required to detect methadone within the system. Other opioids and substances will produce a positive result if a test is given.

Does Methadone interact with other drugs or medications?

It is crucial that patients tell their physician what other medications they are taking prior to introducing methadone into their treatment protocol. Since methadone can interact with other medications, physicians are able to decide if methadone is the appropriate medication to use for each individual patient depending on what other medications they may be taking. It is important to note that the use of other opioids, drugs and alcohol is not advised while taking methadone due to the dangerous side effects that can take place.

How long will I need to be on Methadone?

The length of time an individual uses methadone varies between patients. Depending on the specific needs of each patient, some will remain on methadone long-term while others will use it for a shorter period of time. If you or someone you love is considering methadone within a medication-assisted treatment program, it is important to discuss the length of time you can or will be taking methadone with a treatment provider.

What if I no longer want to use Methadone? Can I stop or change medications?

Withdrawal symptoms may arise if methadone use suddenly stops. Patients should work in coordination with the treatment provider to safely wean off the medication. By closely working with the clinicians at the treatment center, patients are able to wean off the medication prior to transitioning to a new medication or no longer taking medications as part of their treatment.

What is the cost for Methadone treatment?

New Season has more than 70 treatment facilities across the U.S., and the cost for care depends on the location. On average, the comprehensive portfolio of treatment, which includes everything from medication to emotional support therapy, costs a patient approximately $15 per day.

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For more information about methadone or the recovery options available within our comprehensive medication-assisted treatment program, please contact one of New Season’s treatment centers today.

If you or a loved one may be in danger or need immediate medical assistance, please dial 911; do not wait for us to respond.