Methods of Treating Methadone Addiction

Methadone, a powerful opioid that is often used in the treatment of heroin addiction, is also highly addicting and can create many challenges when a user becomes physically dependent on the drug. The methods of treatment that are used to help those who are addicted to Methadone vary based on the severity of the addiction, the presence of other conditions, the health of the user and various other factors. The most common treatment options are outlined below:

Medical Detox

Subutex may be given to help a person get off of methadone.

Methadone withdrawal is much more pronounced and significantly harder to cope with than symptoms of heroin withdrawal. As such, most people who are addicted to methadone will require medical detox in order to fully overcome the challenges that they face in the early stages of recovery. Medical detox may include the use of the following medications to help curb methadone cravings, reduce symptoms of methadone withdrawal or minimize the amount of time that the process of withdrawal takes:

• Buprenorphine
• Subutex
• Suboxone
• Naloxone
• Clonidine

Tapering

Many patients find that methadone addiction can be best treated through a gradual reduction of the dosing until the user reaches a zero dose. Tapering is the processes of reducing the total amount of methadone that is taken in small increments on a very gradual basis. The patient will feel fewer cravings and symptoms of withdrawal are minimized because the dose is tapered very slowly so as to prevent the body from reacting in a negative manner. Along with tapering, patients are recommended to counseling to help heal the underlying issues that may have led to the addiction.

Psychotherapy

Various forms of psychotherapy are offered in counseling, Individual counseling often includes “talk” therapy in which the individual can openly discuss the addiction and other elements of his or her life with a counselor in an effort to learn what caused the addiction and how to prevent continued drug use. Other forms of psychotherapy include:

• Group counseling
• Family counseling
• Role play

Behavioral Therapy

Methadone addiction is well treated using combined approaches of medical care, support and therapy. Behavioral therapy options, which focus on helping patients to curb their behavioral response to various thoughts can help instill greater recovery for the user. Types of behavioral therapy that are commonly used in methadone addiction treatment include:

• CBT
• Motivational Interviewing
• Contingency Management

While methadone addiction is difficult to cope with, effective treatment can help you to achieve your recovery goals once and for all. If you or someone you love is addicted, call our helpline toll free for a free referral into treatment.