Methadone Rehab

Methadone Treatment Programs to Help You Recover

Methadone addiction can be a debilitating experience to go through. If you or a loved one is struggling with this, read on to discover more about this particular substance use disorder and why methadone addiction treatment may just be the best decision you can make to regain control over your life.

Icarus Behavioral Health in Nevada offers a full spectrum of addiction treatment options such as methadone rehab programs, along with medically supervised detox to help you overcome methadone once and for all!

What is Methadone?

Methadone is a synthetic opioid that has been used for decades to treat opioid addiction, pain, and withdrawal symptoms of other opioids (this is known as maintenance therapy). Methadone is an opioid agonist, which means that it binds to pain receptors and works like other opioids, such as morphine and heroin.

The difference between methadone and other opioids is that it doesn’t bring about the same type of euphoria as illegal drugs. Methadone does cause sedation and can make you feel sleepy.

How much of a risk is there of opioid addiction with methadone use?

While methadone is generally considered a safer alternative to other opioids, it does carry some risks, including the risk of drug abuse and misuse. Methadone abuse can lead to addiction and overdose deaths. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), methadone was involved in a disproportionately large amount of all opioid drug overdose deaths in the U.S., making it one of the most common substances involved in fatal overdoses in America today.

Methadone is not considered an illegal substance under federal law, but it is regulated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Because of this, it is considered a Schedule II controlled substance. Under DEA regulations, methadone can only be dispensed by specially licensed doctors.

What are the signs of methadone addiction?

Abusing Methadone, or just about any opioid use disorder comes with signs and changes in one’s behaviors and condition. Knowing what they are can be instrumental in knowing when a problem may require professional treatment. The symptoms of Methadone abuse have much in common with most substance abuse addictions.

• Insomnia – Persons with an addiction to methadone who struggle to quit the substance often experience frequent and severe bouts of insomnia. This is typically a result of opiate withdrawal.
• Inability to stop usage – If you or your loved one find themselves hesitant or unable to stop the methadone usage easily, this may be a sign of dependence and drug cravings, which can indicate the need for addiction treatment as an intervention.
• Worsening mental health condition – Drug addiction commonly exacerbates the severity of mental disorders. This is due to a multitude of factors including but not limited to the physical symptoms of the drug use itself, withdrawal symptoms as well as the behavioral changes it can typically cause.
• Behavioral changes – Addiction often results in changes to your personality and behaviors. You might find yourself isolating more heavily, pushing away loved ones, as well as losing interest in hobbies, and letting your self-care slip into nothing.

There are multiple reasons for this that range from fear of judgment, and shame, as well as, frankly, the all-consuming nature of drug addiction. Substance abuse is so insidious because it can create a singular obsession within the person to chase the substance at the cost of everything else.

What are methadone withdrawal symptoms like?

Methadone withdrawal symptoms occur when someone stops taking methadone after becoming dependent on it. These symptoms can be very uncomfortable, but they will not last forever. Withdrawal symptoms usually peak about two days after you stop taking methadone and should begin to subside within seven days of stopping.

Withdrawal symptoms are a set of responses to the abrupt discontinuation of long-term use of a drug. The length of the withdrawal phase and how badly you experience withdrawal symptoms depend on the half-life of the drug, the amount and frequency of use, and the time elapsed since the last dose.

Methadone withdrawal symptoms can occur if someone stops taking drugs like methadone, heroin, or morphine all at once, but the severity is increased substantially if they have been taking them for a long time.

Typical withdrawal symptoms include:

• Sweating
• Shaking and tremors
• Restlessness
• Insomnia
• Anxiety, agitation, and irritability
• Diarrhea and nausea
• Tremors

How are substance abuse and mental disorders connected?

Substance use disorders and mental disorders often co-occur. In some cases, the substance use disorder preceded the mental one; in others, they may develop simultaneously. The relationship between substance use disorders and other mental health problems has been extensively studied.

In fact, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports that people with mental illness are up to four times more likely to develop substance abuse problems than those without such disorders. The effects of substance abuse on mental health can be devastating and long-lasting.

The American Psychiatric Association estimates that 30 percent of people with a severe mental illness have a substance use disorder at some point in their life, while 70 percent of those with a substance use disorder also have a mental illness.

Substance use disorders can complicate treatment for many mental health conditions — including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder — because they can worsen symptoms. In some cases, the two conditions are intertwined.

People who experience both disorders often start using drugs or alcohol to self-medicate symptoms such as anxiety or depression, which can lead to more serious substance use problems over time.

How can methadone addiction affect your life?

The physical dependence one can develop on methadone, or any other controlled and addictive substance can have long-standing and severe consequences on your life, as well as the lives of those close to you. This is why, in cases of addiction, the intervention of a methadone treatment center can be invaluable in helping you to regain control of your life.

Read on to discover some of the more common ways that methadone addiction is problematic and can lead to problems for you and your loved ones.

Health

The truth is that methadone addiction can affect your health in its totality. Substance abuse and mental health are overtly linked. We discussed earlier how these two things are connected but the truth is that your physical health also suffers extensively from methadone addiction.

In addition to the risk of overdose and death from extensive abuse of controlled substances, your general health is invariably impacted due to drug tolerance. Over time, as your body becomes accustomed to the substance, you have to take more of it to get the same effect which can be dangerous. Low blood pressure is one of the more common effects of methadone addiction.

Relationships

Addiction inevitably affects your relationships with those close to you. Isolation is common as well as cutting those close to you out of your life. Depending on the circumstances, you may also find yourself engaging in behaviors that might cause your loved ones to distance themselves from you. It is not uncommon for persons struggling with addiction to resort to stealing money from loved ones to fund their habits.

All in all, this is an aspect of addiction that compounds and can cause the habit to spiral. As you feel less and less supported and more alone, it can start to feel like the addiction is the only thing that can be used to really help you cope. This is a lie and yet another reason why addiction treatment is so critically important.

Legal Troubles

There are a whole host of legal problems that can affect your life as a result of addiction. For one, methadone is a controlled substance which means that the illicit possession of it can lead to criminal charges. Even if this does not lead to jail time, a criminal record inherently creates difficulties when it comes to employment.

Addiction treatment – Why is this the most optimal pathway for substance abuse?

The first step in any recovery journey is admitting that you have a problem. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, it can be difficult to see past the denial and obtain the help needed. However, professional help is necessary. Treatment centers such as our offerings at Icarus offer effective addiction treatment and offer the best chance to fully recover.

They also represent a private and convenient solution to substance abuse struggles. There are various components and types of treatment practices. A professional treatment provider will usually comprehensive therapy options as part of a treatment program.

The differences between inpatient and outpatient treatment

If you’ve done any research into seeking addiction treatment you would have come across the terms “inpatient treatment” and “outpatient therapy” or “outpatient treatment”. It is important to understand what these two things are and what they represent.

Inpatient treatment is a type of treatment that requires patients to live in the facility for a period of time. Inpatient methadone rehab may be required for those who have severe addictions or are unable to take care of themselves due to their addiction. Inpatient treatment can take place at a hospital, rehabilitation center, or another medical facility.

An inpatient methadone treatment program can be very effective for people who need the most intense care to treat addiction. If you have been using alcohol or drugs for a long time and are experiencing serious health problems because of it, inpatient rehab may be the best choice for you.

Inpatient treatment programs focus on helping people to stop using drugs and alcohol completely, as well as addressing any other issues that may be contributing to their substance abuse problem. In many cases, this type of treatment is also beneficial for people who have been abusing substances for years but have never been able to receive treatment from a professional facility before now.

Inpatient methadone rehab is often used as a first step toward recovery because it gives people the opportunity to focus solely on their recovery. By staying at a methadone rehab facility where they can get the full suite of treatment options, patients can work on their substance abuse treatment without worrying about other responsibilities like work or school.

Outpatient rehab is a great option for those who have completed inpatient treatment and are seeking long-term recovery. Outpatient treatment means that clients don’t stay at methadone treatment centers, but rather, attend sessions on a regular basis at the facility. Outpatient treatment is most often recommended for people who have recently completed inpatient or residential care, as well as those with milder addictions who can manage their daily lives without problems.

Types of Methadone Treatment Programs

Methadone rehab centers often offer a full suite of methadone treatment options for those struggling with addiction. Here we’ll examine some of the more common options that make up methadone addiction treatment programs.

Methadone detox

There is an irony in needing to detox from methadone addiction. After all, methadone is sometimes used as a maintenance medication for helping those with addictions to severe opiates like heroin or addiction in their detox. However, the fact remains that, as lesser as it may be seen, methadone is still a controlled and addictive substance that persons may end up dependent on.

To that end, detox treatment can still be a necessary component of recovery. A medically supervised detox treatment can be invaluable. The withdrawal symptoms of methadone addiction can be severe and the withdrawal phase can even be so debilitating for some that they respond to it in the form of relapse.

Withdrawal refers to the body’s reaction when it doesn’t have any drug in it. Withdrawal from methadone is similar to withdrawal from any other opioid drug — it causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and sweating. These symptoms usually peak within 48 hours of stopping methadone and last for about a week before fading away completely. The most intense phase lasts about 72 hours but may last longer if you haven’t had much experience with withdrawal before.

Being in a methadone rehab center with a proper detox program will provide the benefit of a medical professional who can monitor you or your loved one throughout the entire duration of their withdrawal in order to ensure their safety and mitigate the symptoms as much as possible.

Behavioral Therapy

A good rehab program understands the need for various types of therapy to treat opioid addiction effectively. There are various types of therapy usually employed in addiction treatment; individual therapy, group therapy, and even family therapy sessions.

In individual therapy, a therapist will meet with you one-on-one to help you understand your addiction and its effects on your life. The therapist will also teach you skills for managing your cravings and triggers, as well as coping strategies for dealing with urges and relapse.

Group therapy is a bit different. This type of therapy typically takes place in a group setting where members come together regularly to discuss their experiences living with addiction and recovery. Group therapy can be especially helpful because it allows you to connect with other people who are facing similar challenges — often leading to increased motivation and mutual support during recovery efforts.

Group sessions also provide an opportunity for group leaders or therapists to share information about addiction treatment options, suggest treatment activities, or simply listen if someone needs someone else’s perspective at that particular moment in time.

Family members play an important role in the lives of those with substance use problems. By engaging in family therapy sessions, the stressors, wounds, and unhealthy relationship patterns that may have influenced addiction or led to persons feeling unsafe and unable to communicate healthily can be brought to light and treated.

Generally, there are a few popular frameworks for psychotherapy that are employed in these various environments to achieve healing.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): This form of therapy helps people change their behavior by changing the way they think. People learn how to identify and correct negative thoughts and behaviors.

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT): ACT focuses on acceptance rather than change. It aims to help people accept their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors as they are, instead of trying to change them. However, it also helps people commit to certain goals and values that they want to achieve in order to lead a satisfying life.

Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT): DBT teaches people skills for handling intense emotions and stresses without resorting to self-destructive behaviors like drug use or self-harm. It combines elements of CBT with mindfulness training from Buddhism and dialectics from Zen philosophy.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Dual diagnosis treatment is a type of therapy that focuses on the co-occurrence of mental health and substance abuse disorders. People with dual diagnoses often have more severe problems than those who only have one of these conditions. Dual diagnosis treatment can be beneficial because it helps people manage their symptoms effectively. This can reduce the risk of relapse, which occurs when someone stops taking their medication or stops participating in therapy sessions.

Get access to a professional treatment program today!

Methadone treatment, when done right, can make all of the difference in your recovery journey. At Icarus Behavioral Health in Nevada, our treatment centers offer industry-leading inpatient methadone treatment as well as various outpatient rehab programs that get results. At Icarus, you are guaranteed to get the professional medical advice and guidance that is necessary for recovery from methadone addiction.

Our professional staff is fully qualified, trained, and experienced with many years of successful addiction treatment. If you’re ready to take the next step and start healing, reach out to us today at Icarus Behavioral Health in Nevada and begin your journey of recovery and healing to take back your life!