There are many people who will have to go through methadone
detox. It is a medication that is prescribed to patients who chronically suffer
from pain or are addicted to heroin or opiate medications.
Although the use of this drug is regarded as safe, there are
some people who become addicted to it. Addiction to painkillers is very
common and methadone is no exception. In fact, health researchers have found
that methadone is one of the most addicting opiates and furthermore it stays in
ones system longer than most opiates making it harder for the person to come
off of.
I became addicted to methadone by using it to come off of
heroin. I was on it for over 3 years and it is very hard to stop using methadone.
I tried by asking the nurse to reduce my dose every week until I got down to practically
nothing and then I would ask to be raised back up. The only way I was able to
quit methadone was by going to jail and I had to go methadone cold turkey
because that jail would do nothing for me.
Beat methadone with methadone detox
For people who are using this drug to help control pain
issues they begin taking this drug as was prescribed by their physician. What
happens is after continued use one that they find that it did not work to ease
there pain so they take more. If they do this on a regular basis it will lead
to a tolerance to methadone. What this means is order to get the desired effect
or in other words feel good they will have to take more and more. If they keep
this up it can be very dangerous and when they stop they will need a methadone
detox .
Because an addiction to this drug can cause severe and
life-threatening problems, it is important that an individual seek help
immediately.
Getting through methadone withdrawal
Detox from methadone takes place in a clinic or opiate
rehab center. The first few days that the patient is weaned off this drug the detox from methadone is very intense. He or she will most likely suffer from many unpleasant methadone
withdrawal symptoms including: shakiness, insomnia, cramping, goose bumps, high
blood pressure, pale skin and suicidal tendencies. Doctors, nurses and other
medical staff will have to monitor the patient very closely.
In addition to medical treatment, the patient also receives
counseling. Counselors can help the patient identify the circumstances that
lead to his or her addiction and helps him or her find alternative solutions to
his or her problems. Patients usually receive counseling even after their
treatment is over because the long-term goal is to help them live a drug-free
life.
Drug addiction recovery plan for methadone addiction
Ok then I would suggest that before you leave rehab that you
and your therapist devise an after care plan for your methadone addiction. This
may include continuing your addiction therapy along with NA meetings. So you
need to decide how many meetings you will be attending per week what time and
where they meet.
Thos who do not have a drug addiction recovery plan will
relapse very soon after leaving methadone rehab.
Good luck
