What Happens in Methadone Detox Centers?

Methadone is a synthetic opioid that works as an agonist drug producing similar effects as those of morphine, heroin, and other opioid drugs. It has a long history of success in helping opiate addicts to rebuild their lives by reducing cravings, withdrawals, and the associated dangers of opiate addictions. Ironically, methadone, itself, is highly addictive and methadone detox centers provide a way out of the suffering from methadone addiction that many have come to expect would be indefinite.

History of Methadone

Methadone made its debut as a non-addictive alternative to morphine and opium addictions in 1898. As narcotic addictions declined throughout the following years, it was put aside, until the resurgence of heroin addictions after veterans returned home from the Viet Nam War.

In 1971, methadone clinics were established in select inner cities, under strict dispensing regulations, with the intended purpose of reducing the spread of disease, improving physical and mental health functions, and deterring crimes and other dangerous activities commonly associated with heroin addictions.

Methadone clinics are not methadone detox centers. They dispense methadone daily and provide counseling, vocational, and other resources to help addicts regain stability in their life while detox centers help them to get the methadone out of their systems.

Methadone Addictions and the Need for Methadone Detox Centers

Medical staff monitor and provide medications to patients to ensure a safe and comfortable methadone detox.

Many of methadone maintenance participants alternate use of methadone with other opioids prolonging their addictions or they end up trading one addiction for another which may be more difficult to overcome.

Some people are prescribed methadone to treat pain, but, these practices have gotten out of control and rather than prescribing methadone for severe and chronic pain, it is being prescribed for less severe conditions. This has led to an increased availability of the drug and a profound increase in the number of overdoses involving methadone. According to the CDC, methadone contributed to nearly 1 in 3 prescription painkiller deaths in 2009.

What Happens in Methadone Detox Centers?

Many say that the methadone withdrawals are worse than any they have experienced with other opioids. Methadone detox centers provide a safe and carefully monitored detox program that involves a gradual tapering off of the drug over a few days. Some centers may prefer to use buprenorphine, a partial agonist, to replace the methadone. Either way, the process requires 24 hour support to make sure the dosages are properly adjusted and to ensure the most comfort and safety.

Methadone detox providers understand the effects on physical and psychological health that can make this process difficult. The withdrawals can be quite painful and while the continued use of methadone or buprenorphine may alleviate some of the symptoms, other medicines may be necessary to relieve pain, nausea, diarrhea, or excessive anxiety.

Nutrition, vitamins, hydration, and rest are promoted to strengthen the person and make the process easier and some centers may use IV administrations to make sure the body gets what is needed.

We can help you find methadone detox treatment. Call 800-996-6135(Who Answers?) toll-free to discuss treatment.