The Role of Methadone in Rehabilitation

Methadone is one of the most commonly used medications to help drug addicts recover from opiate addictions, such as heroin. In some instances, methadone may also used to manage chronic pain. Doctors and rehabilitation programs often incorporate methadone as part of a comprehensive drug treatment program; however, long-term use of the drug can bring about its own problems. Methadone is meant to help addicts and, if not carefully monitored, patients can find themselves with an addiction to the methadone itself. Methadone withdrawal can be as difficult for an addict as the withdrawal symptoms of the drug for which they’re being treated and many people then find themselves left dependent on methadone.

When under proper medical supervision, addicts can be weaned from methadone but their withdrawal period can take more four times as long as recovery from heroin. Methadone withdrawal symptoms can include malnutrition, increased sensitivity to aches and pains, sleeplessness, and general feelings of nervousness or anxiety. The anxiety from methadone withdrawal can be so severe, that it can affect the stomach lining and cause constant abdominal pain. One of the more effective ways to treat such stomach ailments are through food intake. Addicts going through withdrawal are advised to eat as nutritious a diet as possible to combat the toxicity of methadone. This includes yogurt with probotics and large quantities of the antioxidant glutathione to help the body detox. The body will struggle to repair itself from the effects of the drug and, through the process, takes nutrients from the cells. Without proper nutrition during recovery, patients can harm their organs or nervous system.

Methadone is effective and, if used properly, can be a very important part of a recovery program. However, its use must be supervised. Ideally, patients should take methadone while in a rehabilitation facility, while their health is monitored and they're receiving psychological counseling. Patients should never try to self-medicate with methadone, as that almost always leads to prolonged addiction and increased dangers to their health. Be sure that a rehabilitation program which employs methadone clearly discusses the risks and benefits of this drug. Patients looking to get clean may indeed find methadone the best option for them; however, they need to understand the possible side-effects and work to counteract them through diet, rest, and committment to recovery.