What Is Inpatient Rehab with Methadone

Methadone is a prescription medication that was created as a pain relief. Although it is still occasionally used for the treatment of pain, today it is primarily used for treating a heroin addiction. The trouble is, as with most prescription medications, methadone can be dangerous when abused; it can be even more addictive than heroin. It is not uncommon, therefore, for people today to be searching for inpatient rehab with methadone treatment as an option.

How Methadone Addiction Develops

Prescription medication addiction is a growing problem, and methadone addiction is relatively common. Although the science behind the methadone programme is that it enables heroin addicts to quit the drug without experiencing withdrawal symptoms, many experts believe that one addiction should never be treated with another addictive substance. Methadone is, in fact, more addictive than heroin.

As with all addictive drugs, methadone should ideally be prescribed for a short period only. The idea is that heroin addicts will be given a controlled dose of methadone daily, with the dose gradually being reduced until the affected individual has been completely weaned off the drug. This would result in him/her kicking their heroin habit without having to experience the severe withdrawal symptoms that typically occur during heroin detox.

Unfortunately, those who are prescribed methadone are often left taking the same dose of the drug for years, and many of these people develop an addiction to methadone that they find impossible to kick. It all begins with an increased tolerance to the drug.

Those who take methadone for long periods of time will find that it becomes less effective after a while. This is because their body has adapted to the presence of this chemical and will resist its effects. After a while, the body expects the drug, and when it does not arrive, it reacts by trying to address the balance once more. This sends the brain and body into overdrive as it tries to right itself, meaning that the user will begin to experience withdrawal symptoms.

Methadone Detoxification

Here at Recovery.org.uk, we are seeing a growing number of people reaching out for treatment for a methadone addiction. Many will specifically inquire about inpatient rehab with methadone experts. Thankfully, there are many organisations in the UK and abroad where methadone addiction treatments are provided.

Overcoming a methadone addiction means first quitting the drug and then waiting until all traces of it have been eliminated from the body. This process is known as detoxification; however, it is often this that prevents those with addiction from reaching out for help.

Detox is one of the most unpleasant parts of addiction recovery, but it is not as bad as many people expect, particularly when it takes place under the supervision of a qualified medical professional. Abusing illegal drugs and prescription medication is very dangerous, but it is also dangerous to simply stop taking these substances if you are physically dependent on them. For that reason, we would always recommend a supervised detox programme.

In a supervised facility, patients will be given constant support and access to first class care throughout their stay. They will be made comfortable, and most of the worst symptoms can be prevented with a tailored detox programme based on the needs of the individual in question.

If you are an affected individual, here at Recovery.org.uk, we can recommend inpatient rehab with methadone detox programmes so that you can fully recover from your addiction in one facility. That way, you will not have to move to another clinic after you have completed your detox. Many people like the idea of staying in one place because they will already be comfortable there and believe it will help with an effective recovery.

What is Methadone Detox Like?

If you are worried that you are going to suffer terrible pains and may need to be strapped to a table during your detox, then fear not. Detox from methadone does not have to be like this. Remember that what you have seen in television programmes or on movie screens has probably been sensationalised to make for good viewing.

The reality is that carefully supervised medical detox programmes can prevent the most severe symptoms, meaning that patients will face almost no risk at all. While detoxing from methadone can be stressful, it does not have to be a traumatic experience.

As with other opiate drugs, detoxing from methadone will usually mean a number of withdrawal symptoms occur. These symptoms will range in severity from mild to severe and will typically start with the patient suffering from strong cravings and anxiety followed by a number of physical symptoms including sweating, yawning, runny nose, watery eyes and restlessness. Severe symptoms may include high blood pressure, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, rapid breathing and diarrhoea. Symptoms tend to peak after around two to three days, before subsiding.

Inpatient Rehab with Methadone Experts

When it comes to overcoming a methadone addiction, many patients will want to attend inpatient rehab with methadone experts, particularly if they have swapped a heroin addiction for a methadone addiction. Here at Recovery.org.uk, we can make sure the rehab facility you choose has a number of professional staff with experience in dealing with patients suffering from methadone addiction.

It is important to note that many individuals deal with methadone addiction, and many have already managed to overcome their illness with the help and support of professional counsellors and therapists who know the best way to treat this destructive addiction.

If you or a loved one are struggling with a methadone addiction, do not delay any longer. Contact us now for information on the various treatment providers specialising in treatments for methadone addiction. We can assess your situation and will be able to refer you to the most suitable provider based on your requirements and circumstances.

Once you have chosen a rehab facility, you will be provided with a tailored plan of treatment that is designed to treat not only your addiction but you as a whole as well.