What Is Methadone and How Is It Used?

Methadone has been around for decades. Its original use was to treat severe pain. However, in the last several decades, physicians have used it to treat people who are withdrawing from heroin or other narcotic drugs. What is methadone? It is a powerful opioid medication that has the ability to help those through the drug withdrawal process.

However, it also has the propensity for addiction. It’s best to start a methadone treatment at a heroin addiction rehab center where professional medical staff can monitor your progress.

History of Methadone

Methadone is an opioid medication used to treat pain and manage withdrawal symptoms in people with addiction. It was developed as an alternative to other opioids, such as heroin or morphine, that have the potential for abuse. Methadone itself doesn’t have a high risk of causing dependence. But it’s possible to develop a dependency by taking it for an extended period of time.

In fact, the Germans created methadone during World War II for people who were experiencing severe pain from the war. Later, in 1964, the United States discovered its ability to assist people addicted to illicit drugs. Methadone would reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms for heroin and other opioid drugs. In addition, the medication blocks the effects of heroin and other drugs, thus, eliminating any desire to take illegal drugs.

What is Methadone and How Is It Used?

Methadone is an opioid medication that works similarly to morphine. It affects the opioid receptors in the brain and reduces pain perception, as well. It often comes as a tablet, but it also comes in a powder and liquid form, too.

How Does Methadone Work in Treatment?

In order for a person to receive methadone treatment in Jacksonville FL, you have to obtain the medication through a federally approved Opioid Treatment Program (OTP). Usually, the OTP will dispense just one dose at a time; this decreases the chances of abuse or overdose. Methadone is much more long-lasting than the drugs the person was normally taking, so one dose of the medication will get them through the day.

The goal of methadone treatment is to help the person reduce or eliminate their use of heroin and other opioids. Methadone works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain, reducing cravings for these drugs. It also helps prevent withdrawal symptoms from occurring when an opioid-dependent person stops using drugs that they were previously dependent on. Additionally, methadone may help to improve the individual’s overall functioning, by reducing chronic pain and improving their quality of life.

Who Uses Methadone?

People receive methadone treatment because of another drug addiction problem. If a person attempts to quit using a drug such as heroin without any help, they experience extremely difficult withdrawal symptoms. This leads many people to return to drugs. However, with the help of methadone treatment, they can quit the other drug.

The person using illicit drugs may not know what is methadone, but once entering rehab they discover it. They soon discover relief from withdrawal symptoms once their treatment begins.

Types of Treatments Available

At Beaches Recovery, we understand the complexities of drug addiction. We are a federally approved treatment center that is JCAHO accredited. Our compassionate staff has medical expertise to provide you with the appropriate treatments such as:

• Heroin addiction rehab
• Cocaine addiction rehab
• Opioid addiction rehab
• Opiate addiction rehab
• Benzo addiction rehab

If you or a loved one is struggling with opioid addiction and are interested in learning more about methadone treatment options, speak with your healthcare provider or contact us to discuss your options. With the right support and the right treatment plan, you can overcome opioid addiction and get back to living a healthy, fulfilling life.

Don’t let addiction hold you back from enjoying life. Learn what is methadone treatment and overcome your addiction by going to a certified drug rehab. Contact us at 866.605.0532, and we’ll lead you to the road to recovery.