Methadone Treatment at HCRC
Methadone was created in the 1930s as a pain relief option during World War II. Later, it became recognized for its effectiveness in treating opioid use disorder (OUD) and was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for this purpose. In addition to managing opioid addiction, doctors also prescribe methadone for pain management. It the Health Care Resource Centers, methadone is only one component of a comprehensive treatment plan. Truly effective treatment for OUD includes counseling and other behavioral health therapies, supporting a holistic approach to recovery.
How Methadone Works and its Effectiveness
Methadone is an opioid medication that acts as a full agonist, meaning it binds directly to the same receptors in the brain as other opioids like heroin and fentanyl, mimicking their effects. One of its main benefits is reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making it a vital component of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs. By stabilizing the body’s response to opioids, methadone helps individuals feel more normal, allowing them to focus on daily life and work toward long-term recovery.
Methadone is highly effective, with people receiving MAT are more than four times as likely to achieve positive outcomes compared to those who don’t receive MAT. Data shows that even after six months, most individuals experience positive progress in their recovery, whether or not they continue therapy.
What are the Benefits of Methadone in MAT:
- Decreased potential for overdose
- Increases chances of long-term recovery success
- Reduces and/or eliminates cravings and withdrawal symptoms
- Reduces the chances of negative consequences of illicit substance use
- Stabilizes the patient’s condition and their ability to engage productively in the world.
Is Methadone Addictive and Why is it Prescribed?
Methadone, because it is an opioid, has the potential for addiction. This is why you should only take it under the supervision of a healthcare professional or substance use specialist as part of an individually tailored medical treatment plan. Nonetheless, methadone is considered safer than illicit opioids such as heroin, largely due to its controlled administration. Unlike street drugs, which often vary in purity and can lead to dangerous overdoses, methadone’s regulated dosage minimizes the risks associated with misuse.
Methadone is also designated as an essential medicine by the World Health Organization (WHO) because it’s taken orally. Research indicates that methadone has significantly contributed to reducing intravenous drug use and the spread of HIV among users. By addressing overdose and health concerns related to needle use, methadone has played a role in decreasing opioid-related deaths.
What are the Common Symptoms of Opioid Withdrawal?
Opioid withdrawal can pose serious health risks and may even be life-threatening for individuals seeking treatment for opioids such as heroin, OxyContin, codeine, and morphine. The dependence that develops from prolonged use of these substances can be severely incapacitating, making detoxification a challenging process.
Withdrawal symptoms typically begin within 24 hours after the last use of the illicit drug. Most common symptoms include:
- Muscle aches
- Anxiety
- Excessive tear production
- Insomnia
As withdrawal progresses, individuals may experience cramps and diarrhea, which can lead to fluid loss and dehydration. Additional complications include elevated blood pressure and an increased heart rate, which can contribute to life-threatening conditions.
Methadone mimics the effects of opioids on the brain’s receptors, which helps reduce withdrawal symptoms. It’s a useful tool because it not only helps reduce the symptoms but also provides a transition to recovery through medication-assisted treatment. According to SAMHSA, methadone treatment should continue for at least a year after withdrawal management is completed to ensure long-term success.
Advantages of Methadone Treatment in Outpatient Programs
After the withdrawal stage, patients work with a treatment specialist to decide on their next steps. Many choose outpatient methadone maintenance programs because they can live at home while undergoing treatment. This type of program also allows them to continue to work or attend school while receiving the support they need.
Recent changes in the federal and state regulations of methadone has allowed for a more flexible approach to prescribing methadone. Whereas in the past people had to wait a long time with demonstrated abstinence to get take-home medication, a majority of patients are now able to get take-home bottles early in treatment. These changes enable people to better engage with work, family life, and other daily responsibilities and reduce the burdens of having to come in frequently for treatment.
In methadone treatment, a trained medical professional carefully supervises each patient’s dosage. The appropriate therapeutic dose varies for each individual and is based on multiple factors. Similarly, the duration of methadone treatment is tailored to each patient, with decisions made through discussions between the patient and the treatment team to ensure the most effective and personalized approach. Methadone maintenance programs have several advantages.
What to Expect
When a patient first gets started in an outpatient methadone treatment program, they will visit the clinic daily. Establishing a routine during the early stages of treatment helps lay the foundation for maintaining a substance-free lifestyle. As they progress in treatment, they can come in to the treatment center less frequently.
Effective for Patients With a High Tolerance
A single daily dose of methadone can prevent cravings for 24-36 hours. This makes it helpful in managing relapse, even in a case where a patient has used illicit drugs heavily and developed exceptionally high tolerance. In some cases depending on a patient’s tolerance, rapid induction may be an option.
Safe for Use During Pregnancy or While Breastfeeding
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved methadone for use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. It is a safe option for mothers wanting to achieve a sober lifestyle.
Methadone is Safe for Long-Term Use
Unlike some other medications used during medically assisted treatment, methadone is safe for long-term use when taken under the supervision of a healthcare professional. This makes it a reliable option for those seeking long-term stability as they work toward recovery.
Flexibility
As patients make progress in their recovery and demonstrate adherence to their treatment plan, they may be eligible for a higher number of take-home doses of methadone as permitted by federal and state laws. Recent changes allowing for take-home flexibilities are determined by the licensed medical provider with the goal of giving patients more freedom.
The Importance of Counseling while in a Methadone Treatment Program
Counseling plays a crucial role in the recovery process for patients in a methadone maintenance program. Participating in counseling programs helps individuals address underlying behavioral patterns, thought processes, and triggers that contribute to substance use. It also provides valuable tools for managing cravings, stress, and potential relapse.
In addition, according to the National Institute of Health, more than four in ten people with substance use disorders, including OUD, have co-occurring mental health disorders, such as depressive disorder, generalized anxiety, PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) or ADHD (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder). These issues are often linked to past trauma, which can contribute to both mental health challenges and substance use. By addressing these mental health conditions, therapy supports the overall treatment strategy and plays a vital role in helping individuals achieve and maintain recovery.
Three common therapeutic approaches used in the treatment of OUD include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This typically involves short-term treatment lasting 6 to 12 weeks. CBT helps patients examine their thoughts and behaviors related to drug use, focusing on understanding the emotions, like shame or anger, that accompany these behaviors. The aim is to help patients develop healthier thinking patterns, allowing them to take control of their thoughts and make meaningful changes in their behavior and approach to recovery.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Is a long-term treatment, often lasting a year or more, that focuses on balancing acceptance and change. It helps patients recognize and accept their thoughts and feelings, while also encouraging healthier changes, aiming to improve emotional regulation, coping skills, and behaviors.
- Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET): A counseling approach that aims to inspire patients to embrace positive changes by enhancing their motivation and self-esteem. The therapist acts as a supportive guide, helping patients recognize their self-worth and fostering a genuine desire to seek treatment and pursue recovery.
These methods provide structured ways to change unhealthy behaviors, manage emotions, and strengthen motivation for recovery.
You Can Trust Health Care Resource Centers
At Health Care Resource Centers, we have provided outpatient medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder for more than 35 years. Our primary focus is on methadone treatment supported by therapy. We also connect our patients to community resources to help them maintain recovery. If you or a loved one are living with opioid use disorder, contact us today to learn more about how we can help.
