Methadone Hydrochloride Addiction Treatment And Rehab

Methadone hydrochloride has become part of the opioid epidemic in the U.S. in multiple ways. First, methadone is a medication-assisted treatment or MAT. Methadone hydrochloride can be given to people who are addicted and dependent on opioids as a way to help alleviate withdrawal symptoms. MAT isn’t just about getting a medication, however. Instead, medication is one component of a more comprehensive treatment plan. Methadone often becomes a long-term maintenance treatment for opioid-dependent people. Along with being used as part of opioid addiction treatment, methadone can also be prescribed as a pain reliever. Methadone affects the central nervous system in the same way as other misused opioids, such as prescription pain medicines and heroin. The difference is that it’s a longer-acting drug, and it is less potent. Someone would have to take a high dose of methadone to feel a euphoric high. That’s why methadone is usually only given in a very controlled environment. Despite the controlled prescribing guidelines for methadone, it can be diverted and used to purchase illegally.

Even though methadone has a lower potential for misuse than something like oxycodone or heroin, it can still be addictive. People can also become dependent on methadone hydrochloride, meaning when they stop using it, they will experience withdrawal symptoms. The most common reasons people become addicted to methadone is because they take large doses, take it more often than prescribed or take it in a different way than prescribed, such as injecting it. When someone is addicted to methadone hydrochloride, they may require addiction treatment. Methadone hydrochloride addiction treatment can include a medical detoxification, as well as either inpatient or outpatient rehab. Some programs include a combination of inpatient and outpatient treatment.

If someone is dependent on methadone hydrochloride, they may require a medical detox. Symptoms of opioid withdrawal can range from mild to severe and can include symptoms that need to be medically managed, such as anxiety and depression. Since methadone hydrochloride is itself intended as a way to help people detox from opioids, when the person then becomes dependent on the maintenance drug, it can be complicated. Other opioid detox medications may be administered, such as naltrexone or buprenorphine. These medicines have a lower misuse potential than methadone.

A methadone hydrochloride rehabilitation program is going to be like other opioid treatment programs, as far as core concepts. However, every rehab program has its own distinct differences in how addiction and treatment are approached. Overall, a methadone hydrochloride rehabilitation program needs to work within the framework that addiction is a chronic, relapsing disease. The addiction treatment program should also take into consideration the multi-faceted elements that are part of addiction, including genetics, and social and environmental factors.

In almost all cases, inpatient methadone hydrochloride would be the right choice for someone struggling with addiction. There are some reasons for this. First, if someone is addicted to methadone, they were likely prescribed to use it because of existing opioid addiction. That means the person is also very likely a long-term opioid patient. Long-term addictions are more difficult to treat, and there are more complex physical and psychological considerations. Opioids, in general, cause a severe level of addiction, and that makes inpatient treatment the right choice for many people as well. An inpatient methadone rehab is an intensive, immersive experience. The participant lives in a facility, and typically, the program begins with a medical detox. Most inpatient rehab programs have a combination of therapies and supplemental activities. There is a high level of structure, supervision and support in inpatient rehab. Inpatient rehab may provide things such as vocational training or rehabilitation so that participants are well-prepared to go back into their daily life.

Methadone is initially used as an outpatient treatment for opioid addiction. People can go to clinics, and they receive methadone to help them as they try to stop using other opioids. However, if that methadone use turns to misuse or addiction, they may require a more formalized program. An outpatient methadone rehab program would include weekly therapy and education sessions. Outpatient rehab allows participants to stay in their home environment and continue with their daily life. Some people find that this is easier for them than leaving home and their lives for inpatient rehab. At the same time, when someone participates in outpatient rehab, they have to deal with the stresses of their daily life, rather than focusing on recovery. With opioid addiction treatment, programs will often begin with inpatient care. Then, after a participant completes that, they can move into a sober living house or an outpatient program.

Specific things to consider when choosing a methadone hydrochloride rehab include:

• • Does the facility have experience treating opioid addiction?
  • Does the facility offer dual diagnosis treatment? This refers to the treatment of co-occurring mental health disorders a person may have in addition to addiction.
  • What’s the cost, and will insurance cover any or all of the costs?
  • What are the therapy approaches used—for example, is it primarily cognitive behavioral therapy?
  • Does the program include aftercare planning?
  • Will participation require the individual to leave their home, and maybe even their city and state?
  • How long does treatment last?

 

Reach out to The Recovery Village to learn more about specific opioid addiction treatment options and how to start the process now.