Methadone Reduction Program
Our treatment program provides clients with an opportunity to reduce and/or eliminate the use of methadone.
We can provide care for those who are undergoing mild to moderate detox symptoms, such as body pain, nausea, and general discomfort. For more severe symptoms or medical care, we can assist you in finding a suitable detox facility before receiving therapeutic services from our treatment center.
Overview
- Methadone is an opioid medication used to treat severe pain and opioid addiction.
- When used to treat severe pain, methadone is available as a tablet or oral solution.
- When used to treat opioid addiction, methadone usually comes in the form of a fruit-flavored drink. The powder is dissolved and taken orally once a day.
What does Methadone do?
Methadone is a long-acting opioid drug used to replace the shorter-acting opioids that someone may be addicted to, such as heroin, oxycodone, fentanyl or hydromorphone. Long-acting means that the drug acts more slowly in the body, for a longer period of time. The effects of methadone last for 24 to 36 hours. In contrast, a person who uses short-acting opioids to avoid withdrawal must use three to four times a day.
When taken at the correct dose, methadone prevents withdrawal symptoms and reduces drug cravings without causing the person to feel high (euphoric) or sleepy. This lowers the harms associated with opioid misuse and gives people who are addicted to opioids a chance to stabilize their lives. This treatment is known as methadone maintenance, which is a type of opioid agonist therapy. Methadone therapy for opioid addiction works similar to buprenorphine, another opioid agonist therapy.
When combined with medical and supportive care, methadone and buprenorphine are equally effective treatments for opioid addiction, although one may work better than the other for some people.
Methadone maintenance is a long-term treatment. The length of treatment varies from one or two years to 20 years or more. However, if the person taking methadone and their doctor agree to end treatment, the methadone dose is tapered down gradually over many weeks or months, easing the process of withdrawal.
Side effects of Methadone
Side effects can include:
- constipation
- excessive sweating
- dry mouth
- changes in sex drive
- drowsiness
- light-headedness
- nausea and vomiting
- weight gain.