For an individual suffering from Opioid Use Disorder (OUD), it can be tricky to make a safe, long-term recovery. However, certain medications and treatment options can help one achieve that goal. One of the best ways to make a long-term recovery is to get enrolled in a methadone rehab in Florida. Since methadone is an effective treatment option that helps in the recovery from opioid addiction, it has become the go-to for several individuals.
What is Methadone?
Methadone is a medication that is usually a part of Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) for people suffering from Opioid Use Disorder (OUD). It is highly effective in helping people make stable recoveries and has been the go-to for most people to safely maneuver the clutches of addiction to substances like heroin and narcotic painkillers. It is one of the safest and most effective addiction recovery medications that can help an individual return to their everyday life quickly. Furthermore, methadone is highly effective when coupled with a comprehensive Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) program, counseling, and support.
How Does Methadone Work?
The primary function of methadone is to change how an individual’s brain and nervous system respond to pain. It works by keeping the painful symptoms of opiate withdrawal under check and blocking the euphoric effects of other drugs such as heroin, morphine, codeine, oxycodone, and hydrocodone.
Opiate addiction treatment in Florida uses methadone, either in pill, liquid, or wafer forms, which can be taken once a day. Since the pain-relieving effects of methadone last about four to eight hours after ingestion, it can be prescribed in safe but higher doses for heroin users to help them make a stable long-term recovery. Typically, most methadone rehabs in Florida offer methadone treatment plans as a part of a greater comprehensive Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) program that includes professional counseling and social support programs.
How to Get Methadone Doses?
The safest way to get a dose of methadone is via one of the many methadone rehabs in Florida. Since the patients getting treated for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) need to get treatment for opioid addiction under the supervision of a medical professional such as a physician, it needs to be administered in a clinic. However, in some cases, if the patient shows stability and progress, they may be allowed to take methadone at home between the frequent clinic visits too.
The duration of a methadone treatment program can vary from person to person. However, according to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, the minimum length of a methadone treatment program should be 12 months. Some patients may require to be under the program for years, but they can stop taking it if they feel comfortable enough to stop. However, going cold turkey is not an option for methadone treatment programs as it needs to be gradually weaned off in controlled doses under medical supervision to avoid any methadone addiction.
How to Use Methadone Safely?
Although methadone can be invaluable to one’s recovery from an Opioid Use Disorder (OUD), it can be highly addictive in itself. This is why it is crucial not to exceed the dosage and stick to the prescription. An added layer of safety and care must be taken by patients administering methadone at home, but they can rest easy if they receive their methadone doses from a methadone rehab in Florida, under medical supervision. Since methadone doses and frequency is specifically tailored for individual patients, it cannot be shared with anyone else. Furthermore, potential patients need to provide their primary health providers with their complete medical history to ensure a safe dosage of methadone.
Other medications can interact with methadone and lead to unwanted symptoms and heart conditions. Taking more than one dose of methadone can be lethal as its active ingredient tends to stay in your system for much longer and lead to overdose.
The typical side effects of methadone use are:
- Difficulty breathing.
- Feeling lightheaded.
- Developing hives or rashes.
- Chest pain.
- Increased heartbeats.
- Hallucinations and confusion.
Methadone can be a game-changer for people suffering from Opioid Use Disorder (OUD), but it can also prove to be detrimental to one’s health. That is why it is vital to get your methadone doses under medical supervision from a methadone clinic in Florida. It is wise to remember that methadone can be addictive and lead to significant health issues if not taken correctly.
