If you were once a heroin addict then you may have been on a Methadone programme of some sort.

Often Methadone is praised as a safer substitute for heroin but Methadone users can often become addicted to Methadone instead. In the United Kingdom, Methadone has been prescribed as a heroin substitute since the 1970s.

Whether you are looking for yourself or a loved one – you must be aware that the side effects of Methadone addiction can be dangerous and we would always suggest seeking help. At Ocean Recovery, we are one of the UK’s leading substance abuse centres dealing with prescription drug addictions.

The Debate Around Methadone

There are many reasons for prescribing Methadone, however, justifications fail to recognise the health implications of methadone addiction.

In fact, Methadone is more addictive than heroin. And because Methadone does not give users the same ‘high’ like heroin, Methadone users often substitute its use with other drugs such as Xanax and alcohol.

Combining Methadone with other drugs is often as dangerous as injecting heroin. And because Methadone engages the brain’s opiate receptors for a longer period than heroin the detoxification process typically takes more time to complete.

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Our Methadone Rehab Programme

Ocean Recovery’s rehabilitation programmes combine a healthy balance between detoxification and counselling. The severity of withdrawal symptoms depends upon the severity of the user’s addiction to Methadone.

Whether the person started misusing methadone recreationally or began using the medication as part of an opioid addiction treatment regime, treatment for methadone addiction requires both medical detox and comprehensive therapy. Since methadone is an opioid, medical detox is always required to withdraw from the substance

Methadone rehab is a form of detox. During the detoxification process clients are offered tapered withdrawal where the quantity of Methadone is gradually cut back until stabilisation is achieved.

Decreases in Methadone consumption may be as little as 10% every 10 days for chronic long term users. Tapered decreases in Methadone consumption avoids intense discomfort due to withdrawal symptoms. ‘Cold turkey’ based withdrawal will also be offered.

Methadone Withdrawal Symptoms

The detoxification process of the prescription drug is quite strong and this is why we would always suggest going through this in a medically supervised environment – ultimately, Methadone withdrawal symptoms include:

  • Powerful cravings for the drug
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Severe depression
  • Delirium
  • Hallucinations
  • Paranoia
  • Fatigue
  • Tremors
  • Vomiting
  • High blood pressure
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhoea
  • Shakes

Methadone Detox

The first step a patient takes at a methadone treatment centre is detoxification. This occurs when the patient ceases or reduces the dosage of methadone in order to stop using the substance. Withdrawal symptoms may include:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Diarrhoea
  • Insomnia
  • Increased blood pressure
  • Body pain and aches

These withdrawal symptoms typically last from four to six weeks, depending on the duration and level of methadone use disorder.

Post Detoxification

Once a client has been through a methadone detox and stabilisation is achieved, clients enter the therapy and counselling phase of rehabilitation. During this period clients learn powerful coping strategies to prevent relapse once clients leave our centre.

Once rehabilitation is complete a relapse prevention plan is drawn up. A process is put in place should relapse occur following the completion of the clients’ rehabilitation programme. We also encourage clients to engage a Narcotics Anonymous group in their local area upon leaving our centre.

Contact Us About Our Methadone Rehab Centre Today!

Whether it’s you or a loved one who is suffering from methadone abuse, you can be sure that we are part of the UK’s leading group of private rehab centres.

The fact you are on this page suggests you are seeking addiction treatment – call our helpline today for medical advice and more information on our treatment plans before your addiction causes health problems or affects your mental health.

 

Sources

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methadone

John Gillen - Director at Ocean Recovery

John Gillen - Author - Last updated: December 22, 2023

John is one UK’s leading professionals in the addiction recovery industry. Pioneering new treatment techniques such as NAD+ and ongoing research into new therapy techniques such as systematic laser therapy, John is committed to providing the very best treatment for people throughout the UK and Europe. During his extremely busy schedule, John likes to regularly update our blog section with the latest news and trends in the industry to keep visitors to our site as well informed as possible on everything related to addiction treatment.

Dr Adel Ghaly

Dr Adel Ghaly - Clinical Reviewer - Last reviewed: December 22, 2023

MB BCh, Psychological Medicine (Substance Misuse Psychiatry) from 2002

Dr Adel Ghaly is a registered Doctor who is a specialist psychiatrist. Dr Ghaly gained an MB BCh in 1982 from Assiut University and has since become a substance misuse specialist and psychiatrist. After gaining his qualification in Psychological Medicine (Substance Misuse Psychiatry) in 2002, Dr Ghaly has worked in hospitals and as a specialist trainer recognised by the GMC.