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Methadone Addiction, Detox, and Treatment

Written by
On July 10, 2024

Methadone addiction is a serious issue that can affect those who initially sought relief from chronic pain or opioid dependence. Despite its intended purpose as an effective treatment for opioid addiction, the use of methadone can result in physical and psychological dependence on its own as well.[1]

Overcoming methadone addiction requires comprehensive care to begin recovery. With a personalized approach, it’s possible to break free from methadone addiction and regain control over your life.

Key points:

  • Methadone is a synthetic opioid used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid addiction and chronic pain management.
  • It activates opioid receptors in the brain, reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings, but misuse can lead to addiction and abuse.
  • Tapering off methadone involves gradually reducing dosage under medical supervision to minimize withdrawal symptoms and facilitate the transition to sobriety.
  • Methadone addiction treatment options include detox, residential treatment, family programs, and various therapeutic modalities such as CBT, DBT, art therapy, and yoga therapy.

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What Is Methadone?

Methadone is a synthetic opioid medication that was initially developed in Germany during World War II as a pain reliever.[2] It is primarily used today in the context of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid addiction and as a pain reliever for moderate to severe chronic pain.

When used as part of MAT, methadone can help individuals manage their withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings for other opioids. This is possible because methadone activates the same opioid receptors in the brain as drugs like heroin and morphine but with a slower onset and longer duration of action.[3] As a result, methadone can help stabilize individuals struggling with opioid addiction and support them in their recovery process when combined with counseling and other forms of support.

However, while it has proven effective in treating opioid addiction, methadone can also be addictive and has the potential for abuse if not used as directed by a healthcare professional.

Methadone Addiction and Abuse

While methadone is a valuable tool in treating opioid addiction, it carries its own potential for addiction and abuse. When people use methadone without a prescription or in a manner not directed by a healthcare professional, they risk developing a dependency on the drug.[4] This can lead to a range of negative consequences, including physical and psychological health problems, strained relationships, and financial difficulties.

Some people may intentionally misuse methadone to achieve a euphoric high, particularly those with a history of substance abuse. Others may become addicted unintentionally as a result of long-term use for chronic pain management. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately 1.6 million people aged 12 or older reported using methadone for non-medical purposes at least once in their lifetime.[5] Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that in 2020, methadone was involved in approximately 9% of opioid overdose deaths in the United States.[6]

Addressing methadone addiction requires a comprehensive approach that includes medication-assisted treatment, behavioral therapy, and ongoing support from healthcare professionals, family, and peers. By recognizing the signs of addiction and seeking help, individuals can reclaim their lives and build a foundation for lasting recovery.

Substances We Treat
injectable bottle of methadone and pills

Methadone Quick Reference Chart

Drug Category
Opioid agonist
Commercial & Street Names
Fizzies, Wafer
DEA Schedule
Schedule II
Administration
Ingestion, injection

What Does it Mean to Taper Off Methadone?

Tapering off methadone refers to the process of gradually reducing the dosage of methadone over time with the goal of eventually stopping its use altogether.[7] This method is employed to minimize the severity of methadone withdrawal symptoms that can occur when an individual suddenly stops taking methadone.

Tapering off methadone is typically done under the supervision of a healthcare professional, who will monitor the individual’s progress and adjust the tapering schedule as needed. This process may involve reducing the methadone dose by a small percentage every few days or weeks, depending on the individual’s unique circumstances.

The primary goal of tapering off methadone is to make the transition to a drug-free life more manageable and reduce the risk of relapse. By slowly decreasing the dosage, the body can adjust to lower levels of methadone, reducing the intensity and duration of withdrawal symptoms. However, it is important to note that the tapering process can take several weeks or even months, and it requires a strong commitment from the individual to follow the schedule and maintain their sobriety.

What Are My Options for Methadone Addiction Treatment?

Methadone rehab encompasses a variety of approaches aimed at addressing the complex physical, psychological, and social aspects of addiction, along with any co-occurring mental health conditions. These methadone addiction treatment options include different levels of care and various therapeutic modalities:

Levels of Care

Detoxification (Detox)

Medical detox is often the first step in methadone addiction treatment, during which the body is allowed to rid itself of methadone and its byproducts under the appropriate supervision.

Residential Treatment

Residential or inpatient methadone addiction treatment provides a structured and supportive environment for you to focus on recovery. These programs typically offer intensive therapy, medical supervision, and holistic interventions to address the multifaceted nature of addiction.

Family Program

Family involvement is often integral to addiction treatment success. Family programs provide education, counseling, and support to help loved ones understand addiction, heal relationships, and develop healthy communication and coping skills.

Discharge Planning

Discharge planning involves developing a comprehensive plan for ongoing care and support following the completion of a treatment program. This may include referrals to outpatient therapy, support groups, and other community resources to help individuals maintain sobriety and prevent relapse.

Therapeutic Modalities

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

ACT helps address methadone addiction by fostering acceptance of thoughts and feelings while encouraging actions that align with personal values, promoting resilience and psychological flexibility in recovery.

Art Therapy

Art therapy provides a nonverbal outlet for expressing and exploring emotions, trauma, and self-awareness, supporting healing and personal growth.

Attachment Therapy

This therapy focuses on repairing and strengthening interpersonal relationships impacted by methadone addiction, addressing attachment issues, and fostering healthier connections with self and others.

Breathwork Therapy

Breathwork therapy utilizes controlled breathing techniques to manage stress, anxiety, and triggers associated with addiction, promoting relaxation and self-awareness.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT assists in identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors linked to methadone addiction, developing coping skills and strategies for relapse prevention.

Compassionate Inquiry Therapy

This therapeutic approach encourages self-reflection and exploration of emotional wounds and belief systems that contribute to addiction, promoting compassion and self-understanding in recovery.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

DBT teaches skills for emotion regulation, coping with cravings, and building healthier relationships through mindfulness, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness techniques.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

EMDR helps process and resolve traumatic memories linked to methadone addiction, reducing distress and encouraging emotional healing and resilience.

Internal Family Systems (IFS)

IFS explores and integrates various aspects of the self affected by methadone addiction, facilitating healing and self-awareness by addressing internal conflicts.

Motivational Interviewing

This approach aids in resolving ambivalence about change, enhancing motivation and commitment to recovery.

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)

SFBT focuses on identifying strengths and resources to develop goal-oriented and solution-focused strategies for methadone addiction recovery.

Sound Healing Therapy

This therapy employs sound vibrations and frequencies to induce relaxation, alleviate stress, and promote emotional well-being during recovery.

Somatic Experiencing

Somatic Experiencing addresses physical sensations and trauma responses related to methadone addiction, supporting balance in the nervous system, healing, and resilience in recovery.

Yoga Therapy

Yoga therapy combines physical postures, breathwork, and mindfulness practices to promote relaxation, manage cravings, and improve overall well-being during recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions About Methadone Abuse Treatment

Is methadone abuse treatment covered by insurance?

In many cases, methadone abuse treatment (and treatment for other opiate addictions) is covered partially or fully by insurance. It is essential to check with your insurance provider to understand the specifics of your policy and what services are covered under your plan.

How can I tell if I need methadone abuse treatment?

If you are experiencing a loss of control over your methadone use, increased tolerance, physical or psychological dependence, or opioid withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop using, these may be signs that you would benefit from methadone abuse treatment. It is important to consult a healthcare professional or a detox center for a comprehensive assessment and guidance on the most appropriate treatment options.

What should I look for in a methadone abuse treatment program?

When searching for a methadone abuse treatment program, it’s important to look for a licensed facility with experienced staff, personalized treatment plans, several levels of care, evidence-based therapies, a strong support network, and a comprehensive aftercare program. Reviews and success rates may also be helpful in determining the quality of the program.

How do I maintain sobriety after completing methadone abuse treatment?

Maintaining sobriety after completing methadone abuse treatment involves actively engaging in aftercare services, attending support group meetings, developing a relapse prevention plan, creating a sober support network, practicing stress management techniques, and focusing on physical and emotional well-being. By staying proactive in your recovery and utilizing the skills learned in treatment, you can increase your chances of long-term success.

Sources

[1] SAMHSA. (2023, September 18). Methadone. Www.samhsa.gov. https://www.samhsa.gov/medications-substance-use-disorders/medications-counseling-related-conditions/methadone on June 4, 2024

[2] WHAT IS METHADONE? (n.d.). https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/Methadone-2020.pdf on June 4, 2024

[3] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2021). How do medications to treat opioid use disorder work? National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/medications-to-treat-opioid-addiction/how-do-medications-to-treat-opioid-addiction-work on June 4, 2024

[4] Preuss, C. V., Kalava, A., & King, K. C. (2023, April 29). Prescription of Controlled Substances: Benefits and Risks. PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537318/ on June 4, 2024

[5] Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2022). Key substance use and mental health indicators
in the United States: Results from the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (HHS Publication No.
PEP22-07-01-005, NSDUH Series H-57). Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, Substance Abuse and
Mental Health Services Administration. https://www.samhsa.gov/data/report/2021-nsduh-annual-national-report on June 4, 2024

[6] CDC. (2022). Provisional Drug Overdose Data. CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nvss/vsrr/drug-overdose-data.htm on June 4, 2024

[7] Nosyk, B., Sun, H., Evans, E., Marsh, D. C., Anglin, M. D., Hser, Y.-I., & Anis, A. H. (2012). Defining dosing pattern characteristics of successful tapers following methadone maintenance treatment: results from a population-based retrospective cohort study. Addiction, 107(9), 1621–1629. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1360-0443.2012.03870.x on June 4, 2024

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