A powerful narcotic, Methadone is best known
as a substitution therapy to help patients
kick an addiction to heroin. Though it is considered
to be effective as a maintenance program for
addicts, it is not curative and has a high
potential for misuse and abuse. Developed in
Germany in 1937, the synthetic opioid is used
also as an analgesic for pain and an antitussive
for persistent coughing. It was introduced
in the U.S. in 1947. Maintenance therapy came
about in response to the drastic increase in
heroin abuse following World War II. Like morphine
and heroin, Methadone works on the opioid receptors
in the brain and produces many of the same
effects.
Methadone Uses
Methadone is long lasting and helps prevent
and stop withdrawal symptoms. It also helps
block the euphoric rush from other narcotics
such as fentanyl,
heroin and Oxycontin. It
is available in pill and liquid form as well
as sublingual tablets that dissolve under the
tongue. Methadone Hydrochloride tablets, marketed
as Dolophine, are available in 5mg and 10 mg
doses, according to the U.S.
Food and Drug Administration.
Methadone Warnings
Though many in the drug treatment industry
feel Methadone is the answer in treating addiction
to heroin and other opiates, it has been controversial
and politically polarizing. In 2006, the FDA
issued a public health alert about the dangers
of Methadone. It urged users to follow doctors’ advice
and not take more than prescribed. And it called
on doctors to be cautious when dolling out
prescriptions. Some argue that Methadone clinics,
where addicts go for treatment, just prolong
the addiction. Others say they give addicts
a chance to become productive members of society
again. And some in the law enforcement community
look at clinics from the perspective of the
often-tragic overdoses by patients. Others
argue it helps control the spread of infectious
diseases like HIV and hepatitis, spread through
intravenous use.
Methadone
Withdrawal
Tolerance and dependence to Methadone can
take hold quickly. While it may be ideal for
maintenance, it is not the ideal treatment
for users looking to become completely opiate
free. Withdrawal symptoms with Methadone are
considered less severe than with morphine or
heroin but last longer, sometimes 2 weeks to
6 months.
Having to detox from Methadone can cause the
following withdrawal symptoms:
Lightheadedness, sneezing, vomiting, delusions,
paranoia, elevated blood pressure, suicidal
ideation, nausea, diarrhea, fever, chills,
aches and pain, tremors, depression, prolonged
insomnia, delirium, hallucinations, agitation
and anxiety.
Detoxing from opiates like heroin is hard.
Substituting heroin with Methadone can help,
but users will eventually have to be weaned
from that. Medically supervised programs are
available to help users detox quickly, in a
safe, controlled environment.
Get
Methadone Help Now
Call
us today to discuss how the Waismann Method
can free you from your Methadone dependency
and get your life back -
Call
(310) 205-0808 or (888) 987-HOPE (4673)
during business hours. for more
information about rapid detox treatment
for prescription drug addiction
After-hours
and weekends, please call (310) 927-7155.
Call
(310) 205-0808 or (888) 987-HOPE (4673)
during business hours. for more
information about rapid detox treatment
for prescription drug addiction
