It can be very difficult to detox from opioid addiction. Taking opioids can cause physical dependence, which can lead to uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms when someone stops taking the drugs. Someone addicted to opioids can also experience intense drug cravings during detox, making the chances for relapse higher. If you or someone you love is struggling with an addiction to opioids, Liberty Health Services’ New Hampshire methadone-assisted treatment program may be the best solution.
Liberty Health Services provides a luxury treatment facility in Southern New Hampshire that specializes in providing support and guidance to clients going through detox. Our team of compassionate addiction specialists offers a variety of treatment options, including medication-assisted treatment. If you believe that you can benefit from methadone treatment, contact us at 855.959.4521 to learn more.
What Is Methadone Treatment?
Methadone is a synthetic opioid that is used in the treatment of opioid use disorder. It is a long-acting opioid agonist that can reduce opioid cravings and lessen the symptoms of opioid withdrawal. It also blocks the effects of other opioids, meaning that taking other opioids while on methadone will not produce a euphoric effect.
Methadone can be used in opioid addiction treatment in two ways:
- Methadone can be used in detoxification programs to ease the discomfort of stopping opioid use. During detox, methadone will also be gradually reduced to rid the body of all opioids completely.
- Methadone can also be used as a maintenance medication for those with severe physical opioid dependence or those that experience chronic pain. Methadone can manage symptoms while allowing them to live full, productive lives free from addiction to opioids.
Perhaps the most beneficial effect of methadone is its ability to decrease the chances of relapse by curbing cravings and blunting withdrawal symptoms. Some people relapse due to being unable to handle the discomfort of withdrawal. Relapses are especially dangerous as the body’s tolerance to a drug can go down even after just a short time without the presence of the drug in its system. This means that someone can accidentally overdose if they use the same amount of drugs they were using before entering detox, which can lead to death.
How Is Methadone Administered?
Methadone, being an opioid, is a restricted medication that can only be taken under the instruction of a medical professional. It is usually administered orally, either as a liquid, powder, or tablet. In some cases in which someone is unable to take medications orally, methadone can be administered via injection.
In the treatment of opioid use disorder, methadone is given on-site at a medical or rehab facility by medical staff. This is to ensure that the proper dosage is taken and that the medication is not abused. It is usually given once a day.
In some cases, people can be allowed to take home small quantities of methadone to take on their own. To qualify, they should fit into the following criteria:
- Attends mandated clinical follow-ups
- No recent history of drug or alcohol abuse
- No history of criminal behavior
- Capability to safely store the medication at home
As with most restricted medications, taking methadone is not without risks, so its use should be carefully guided by healthcare providers. However, the benefits of methadone treatment outweigh the associated risks, making it an invaluable tool in treating opioid addiction.
Get Methadone Treatment in New Hampshire at Liberty Health Services
At Liberty Health Services, we are committed to providing safe, comfortable, and effective treatment for opioid addiction. We offer individualized care that utilizes a wide variety of treatments, including methadone treatment, to give our clients the best chance at a full recovery. If you or a loved one is struggling with opioid addiction, contact us at 855.959.4521 or via our online form to learn more about how we can help.
