Methadone addiction should not be taken lightly. It is a dangerous addiction that can not only hurt you but the ones you love around you as well. However, there is methadone addiction treatment available to you at our facility. We encourage you to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
If you want to learn more about methadone addiction treatment, we’re here for you. Any questions or concerns you may have; we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
If you or a loved one is suffering from methadone addiction, there is treatment available for you. Although methadone addiction is a serious problem, our facility offers a variety of amazing treatment approaches. Seeking treatment for methadone addiction treatment is a sign of strength. Keep reading to learn more about methadone addiction and what kind of treatment our facility offers.
What Is Methadone Hydrochloride?
Often compared to morphine, methadone hydrochloride is a synthetic opioid. Methadone hydrochloride can be described as the hydrochloride salt version of methadone. In other words, it’s a tablet. Methadone hydrochloride can also be taken as a liquid or powder.
Consequently, taking methadone hydrochloride changes the response of the central nervous system. It also alters the way your brain addresses pain, which provides a temporary sense of relief.
Is Methadone Addictive?
Methadone addiction may start with a seemingly harmless dose, but then it can progress into a methadone addiction. Methadone binds to opiate receptors in the brain. Mood, relaxation, and fatigue are all affected during methadone use. Methadone addiction leads to an altered state of consciousness which consequently leads to other severe issues.
Although these effects may seem desirable at first, the addiction that stems from it is far from worth it. Methadone addiction damages your brain and body in the long run, resulting in serious consequences. We want to help you or a loved one realize that long-term sobriety is possible with methadone addiction treatment.
We urge you to learn more about what addiction does and how to take the first steps in recovery. Here at 1st Step, we prioritize your care and recovery process. Although it isn’t necessarily easy, it is most certainly worth it.
Side Effects Of Methadone Addiction
Methadone addiction results in a variety of side effects – short and long term. Methadone addiction can even have fatal consequences. After long-term use, your body can build up a tolerance to methadone.
It is important to seek treatment for methadone addiction as soon as possible.
Some of the common side effects of methadone misuse can include:
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Sleepiness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Confusion
- Impaired thinking and cognition
- Seeming to be forgetful
- Impaired balance
- Coordination problems
- Constipation
How does Methadone Addiction Start?
Methadone addiction can be a result of misuse when prescribed by a physician. Although the physician may mean well, methadone should not be taken lightly. Methadone addiction is a very serious consequence of misuse.
Let’s backtrack a bit. Methadone can be prescribed as a way to wean off of opioid addiction. This is when the problems often begin. This can lead to a whole different addiction on its own. That’s why there is controversy surrounding the use of methadone as an addiction treatment.
The brain and nervous central system are directly affected by methadone use. Becoming dependent on any drug, even if it’s with good intentions, can lead to dangerous aftermath.
Euphoria is a common effect of methadone which leads to methadone addiction.
Similar to any other drug addiction, methadone addiction develops after individuals take the drug more often or in larger doses than a doctor prescribes.
Some common signs of methadone abuse include:
- Lying to a doctor about symptoms to get more methadone
- Continuing to use heroin while taking methadone
- Increasing the methadone dosage without informing a doctor
- Combining methadone with other drugs or alcohol
Doctors warn patients about the possibility of methadone dependency. In fact, they don’t usually give methadone to those with a history of substance abuse. They might make an exception, however, if their patients attend rehab at the same time.
Seeking methadone addiction treatment is an important step for sustaining long-term sobriety.
Mental Disorders and Addiction
Anyone can develop methadone addiction. However, it’s more common in people who have other mental disorders. In fact, addiction itself is a mental disease. People who suffer from problems such as depression or anxiety are more likely to abuse methadone.
Co-occurring disorders can affect all kinds of addictions. People with mental disorders also have a higher risk of developing various addictions. Our center provides dual diagnosis treatment options for methadone addiction. The idea is that addiction and mental disorders feed off of each other.
Treating one without treating the other is counterproductive. Success is only possible when both disorders receive treatment at the same time.
Receive Help You Can Count On
At 1st Step Behavioral Health, we pride ourselves on offering a caring recovery environment. From therapy to medical, we can take care of all your needs. We offer top-quality care and methadone addiction treatment for our patients.
Our methadone addiction treatment programs offer various therapy types, including:
- Family therapy
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Holistic therapies
As mentioned above, we also offer dual diagnosis treatment for those who suffer from mental health issues such as anxiety. We assign each client a primary care therapist and have a nurse practitioner on-site five days a week.
Additional Treatment Options For Methadone Addiction
Our facility offers a wide range of treatment options for those facing mild to severe methadone addiction. One of these treatment options for methadone addiction includes a residential treatment program.
Inpatient treatment is especially ideal for those working through a severe methadone addiction. Compared to an outpatient program, our inpatient program proved around-the-clock care. From medical care to emotional support, our inpatient program covers it all. This program provides our patients with 24/7 support.
Living at our facility is one of the requirements of this program. Patients typically stay 28-90 days at the clinic, depending on the methadone addiction severity. While at the clinic, family and friends are encouraged to schedule visits with patients to provide them with added support.
If flexibility and freedom is your main priority and concern, you’ll appreciate our outpatient rehab program. The structure consists of scheduled days and hours each week to attend methadone addiction treatment at our facility. It all depends on the patient’s unique needs.
In this kind of treatment, living at the facility is not required. Outpatient treatment oftentimes suits those with serious outside obligations best. For example, if you need to care for a child or attend work.
Living a Sober and Methadone-Free Life
No matter how lost you or a loved one may feel, the potential to get better is there. We encourage you to recognize that there is the power to choose what kind of life you want to live. There are many benefits to living a sober life.
Methadone addiction treatment also starts from within. Continuing treatment on your own results in a lot of benefits.
Some of these many benefits include:
- Time to Invest in New Hobbies
Ending a methadone addiction frees up a lot of time. This means you can now try out a new hobby you’ve always wanted to. Or, you can start participating in fun activities such as hiking or going to a museum. Time is valuable and now you can spend it doing something that fulfills you.
We encourage you to write a list of all the hobbies or activities you’re looking to try. This list can keep you motivated during your road to recovery.
- Building New Connections
As mentioned above, you’ll have a lot more time on your hands now. Meeting people through hobby-based clubs has a lot of advantages. You can make lots of friends and enjoy building connections with new people.If you’re an active person, consider joining a nearby sports league. Physical activity directly correlates to how we feel mentally. Exercise releases dopamine, a feel-good chemical, in your brain which increases a positive mood.
- Nourishing Relationships
Aside from building new friendships, appreciating current ones is really important too. Throughout your recovery journey, your support system will be there for you. Make sure to spend time with you love and cherish.Expressing appreciation and gratitude are powerful ways to live a happier life.
- Reconnecting With Yourself
Self-care is another powerful tool in sustaining long-term sobriety. Having a healthy routine is something that really helps. For example, waking up early to meditate. Or, cooking a new dish every week.The key is to do things you genuinely enjoy throughout the day. Although this seems obvious, people often get carried away with mundane tasks. Your life is a beautiful gift and you can fill it with whatever you choose.
Let this inspire you to take charge of your life!
Begin Your Road to Recovery With Us Today
Here at 1st Step, we are here to support you throughout the entire road to recovery. Struggling with methadone addiction is not easy. It takes strength to conquer. We’ll make sure to help you every step of the day throughout your or a loved one’s methadone addiction treatment. If you or a loved one is struggling with a methadone addiction, call or text us at (855) 425-4846 or contact us here. There are brighter days ahead.
