Detoxing From Methadone Addiction

Drug use and addiction is a widespread problem in the United States, with numerous drugs and painkillers from cocaine to LSD to heroin to methamphetamine being common culprits. One particular drug that can cause addiction is methadone, which ironically is meant to help opioid addicts overcome their condition and free themselves of those drugs. However, methadone addiction can happen, and any addiction calls for medical intervention and help. An addict who wants help can search for “methadone detox centers near me” into an Internet search engine to find out what local centers are available, along with related medical help such as counseling for the mental and lifestyle harm done by drug addiction. Methadone detox centers are the first step to recovery, and methadone rehab and treatment centers for addicts can help someone renew their health and life.

The Rates of Drug Use

Heroin and methadone see plenty of users, ongoing and newcomers, every year. For example, in the year 2015, an estimated 21,000 adolescents had used heroin within the previous 12 months, and 5,000 were ongoing uses of the drug. New users, teenagers or adults, often start with prescription medicine; four out of five heroin users start with prescribed painkillers. And among the 20.5 million Americans aged 12 or over who had substance use disorders in 2015, some 2 million of them had a disorder involving prescribed painkillers and 591,000 had problems related to heroin in particular. Methadone can act as relief from heroin addiction, and for the past 50 years has been used to treat opioid addicts. Its treatment success ranges from 60-90%, and its effects may last between 24 and 36 hours. The sad news is that addiction to methadone can replace that of opioids, and the patient is once again an addict. But detox and treatment for this addiction is possible, and asking oneself “Where are methadone detox centers near me?” is the right place to start.

“Where can I find methadone detox centers near me?” And Solutions

Opiate addiction is usually more severe and hazardous than methadone addiction, but all the same, a methadone addict is urged to seek help. According to Sunrise House, methadone eases the withdrawal symptoms of heroin addiction and does not create the same euphoria that heroin does. Starting in the 1990s, many American states listed methadone as a preferred drug for painkillers, but it is ultimately a form of opioids, and its longer half life means that its effects last longer.

An addict, or a friend or family member, can research “methadone detox centers near me” and get the names and addresses of local clinics. Once there, the patient gets help from medical staff, who will oversee and monitor him or her while the detox itself begins. Early withdrawal symptoms may include fatigue, depression, agitation, irritability, sweating, and goosebumps, among others. This stage may last 2-3 days until peak symptoms manifest 3-4 days after detox begins. They may include insomnia, stomach pain, vomiting, aches or cramps, and small increases in breathing and heart rate. The brain, all the while, adjusts to the lack of artificial opioids and begins using its own neurotransmitters again. Positive reinforcement and over the counter medication may also be provided during a methadone treatment program. Afterwards, therapy and counseling can be used to treat the patient’s psychological troubles to help them develop a better lifestyle and prevent relapses.