Some detox programs do specialize in helping people detox safely off of Methadone. This particular drug is typically used to help opiate addicts stop using their current drug of choice; however, methadone is highly addictive and the user will tend to build a very strong physical dependency on it. This physical dependency can be quite dangerous if stopped abruptly, and this is why a methadone detox program is essential in helping users stop this drug safely. These programs can be found as low cost and not cost treatment options, which can also be covered by state health insurance, and there are also privately funded programs available, which are out of pocket costs.
Methadone Dependence and Substance Abuse Trends in Delaware
Methadone mimics the substance it was made to replace such as oxycodone, morphine, codeine, etc. the drug is an opioid agonist and binds to the opioid receptors in the brain, activates them and relieves pain. The effects of morphine are more gradual than pain medication; however, the drug does cause similar euphoric effects. The sustained use of morphine leads to dangerous tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal symptoms. Some of the mild short term effects are drowsiness, dry mouth, and light-headedness. Some of the more severe side effects are irregular heartbeat, depressed respiratory function, tremors, fainting, seizures, and death due to overdose. Many opioid addicts in Delaware turn to methadone to treat their opiate addiction.
According to a 2017 Drug Overdose Mortality Surveillance Report for 2017, during the previous six years, there was a 144% increase in the number of drug overdose deaths. In 2012 there were 142 deaths with a rate of 15.3 per 100,000, and in 2017 it reached 346 deaths with a rate of 37.1 per 100,000. The rate of drug overdose deaths among men was twice as high as the rate among women. Most of the drug-related overdosed deaths in the state occurred among those aged 25 to 34. These rates of overdose increased by 86% between 2008 and 2017. Approximately 84% of the overdose deaths in 2017 involved opioids and 81% of those people interacted with a Delaware health system one year before death.
Opioid addiction is a severe problem, but many opioid addicts struggle to stop taking methadone once they have been on it longer than needed. Withdrawal management and or medication-assisted treatment resources in Delaware are practical solutions to help those struggling to stop using methadone. The detox process is similar to any other opioid and requires medical supervision. However, it is also essential to attend a form of counseling or therapy when detox is complete. The therapy process addresses the underlying issues of addiction and or reasons why the person began using drugs or alcohol.
