All about Methadone Addiction Treatment

Methadone is a synthetic opiate drug primarily used for the treatment of heroin addiction. The idea is that those who replace heroin with methadone will only need to take it once per day as the effects last longer and that the dose can be gradually reduced over time, allowing the heroin addict to overcome their illness without suffering unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. The only problem is that methadone is also addictive; unfortunately, those using methadone for a heroin addiction may ultimately have to have methadone addiction treatment too.

This drug was created for the treatment of moderate to severe pain, but because the effects of methadone last longer than other opiate drugs such as heroin and morphine, it is prescribed as an alternative to these drugs in the treatment of addiction.

The Methadone Programme

Methadone programmes are in operation across the UK, and the drug is typically dispensed as a liquid. Heroin addicts on the programme are given their dose under the supervision of a medical professional, usually in a pharmacy, and must abstain from heroin and other opiate drugs if they are to stay on the programme.

The aim of the methadone programme is to allow heroin users to withdraw from the drug without experiencing the unpleasant symptoms that occur. By providing a replacement, heroin addicts can overcome their addiction by taking the methadone, which is then gradually reduced until the patient no longer needs to take it.

Those on the programme are given this opportunity to beat their heroin addiction, without the trauma of heroin withdrawal. The methadone programme allows heroin addicts to get their life back on track; or at least that’s the idea, anyway.

Problems with the Methadone Programme

Although many believe the methadone programme to be beneficial to those who want to overcome a heroin addiction, there are others of the opinion that providing methadone to heroin addicts simply swaps one addiction for another.

Although methadone is not as intense as heroin, it is still highly addictive, and many users will become physically dependent on it. Despite the fact that methadone users are meant to be weaned off the drug gradually, some people have been taking it for many years with no sign of them ever being weaned off it.

Some drug misuse experts believe that methadone should not be prescribed to drug addicts due to it being so addictive. Some say it is more addictive than heroin and that addicts should be given effective rehabilitation therapy instead. In fact, many individuals contact us here at Recovery.org.uk for methadone addiction treatment.

Accessing Methadone Addiction Treatment

Here at Recovery.org.uk, we deal with people from all over the UK looking for treatment for a variety of addictions. There are some who are addicted to heroin or alcohol, and then there are those who have developed a crippling methadone addiction after taking this substance to treat a previous heroin addiction.

We believe that all patients with a substance addiction should undergo a programme of detoxification before attempting rehabilitation. Those with a methadone addiction should look to detox within a supervised facility because of the risk of withdrawal symptoms. A good, supervised facility will offer constant care and support, ensuring patient safety and comfort at all times.

Methadone addiction treatment starts with detoxification, but that is just the first step in the process. It is necessary for all traces of the drug to be removed from the body before therapy can begin, partly because in order for rehabilitation to be successful, the patient must have a clear head.

In the most severe cases, we would recommend a programme of residential care. The dedicated staff here at Recovery.org.uk can help you find the most suitable provider for your requirements.

Choosing a Treatment Centre

In the case of methadone addiction treatment, we would generally advise patients to begin with a programme of inpatient treatment as this offers the most intensive and concentrated approach to recovery. Nevertheless, we are aware that inpatient treatment will not suit everyone due to budgetary constraints and personal commitments.

It is our job to find the most suitable treatment provider for our clients based on their needs and on where we think they will get the most appropriate care for their illness. If you are an affected individual, we will work with you to find a suitable provider that you will be one hundred per cent comfortable with and where you will find the programme to be most effective.

We work with organisations all over the UK and overseas, and these include the NHS, local support groups, charities, and private clinics. The organisations on our database have many things in common in terms of the care and support they provide, but the most important common denominator is the fact that all place patient care at the very top of their priority list.

We will assess your situation before providing you with a choice of options for your treatment. We will also provide you with information regarding the type of treatments provided at each organisation so that you can make an informed choice in terms of your care. We will never pressure you into making a decision as we want you to take responsibility for your recovery. Nonetheless, we will support and guide you throughout the process if you wish.

Treatment for a Methadone Addiction

Once the process of detoxification has been completed, methadone addiction treatment will typically consist of a variety of therapy and counselling sessions. Most clinics will use treatments such as individual counselling, group therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, 12-step work, contingency management, motivational interviewing, and alternative holistic therapies to help patients overcome their addictions.

If you are ready to make the necessary changes and are prepared to fully commit to the programme, you can conquer your addiction. For more information on the treatments available for methadone addiction as well as for help with accessing a suitable provider, contact us here at Recovery.org.uk today. Our team of professional staff are waiting to take your call and will provide you with advice and support on taking the next step towards recovery.