Opiate addiction can be handled in many different ways, but for some users they may end up using methadone to treat their opiate addiction. If a methadone user remains on this drug for extended periods of time they may end up building a physical dependency to it, and it can be quite difficult to come off of the drug. In order to withdraw off of Methadone, the user will have to either go on a wean down program set up by the prescribing doctor, or will have to attend a methadone detox center. This is done in a residential setting where medical professionals can monitor their detox and help them through the withdrawal symptoms, which can be very painful and cause some health problems in some cases. Methadone detox is only the first step in a drug treatment process; it is important that an addict attends a drug and alcohol rehab program after they have completed a methadone detox.
Methadone: Information, Statistics, & Solutions
TIPS: If you feel you're going to use
- Call your sponsor or a friend who doesn't use it and understands your situation.
- Extrovert your attention. Walking and spending time outside can be very therapeutic.
- Find a hobby or activity to take your mind off of using. (i.e., art, music, cooking, gardening)
- Find a purpose in your life and pursue it. (i.e., school, career, volunteering)
- Recognize the people in your environment who affect you emotionally. They could be one of the reasons for your emotional problems.
- Make sure to eat healthy foods. A deficiency in vitamins and minerals can create a drop in mental and physical energy.
TIPS: If you want to help someone
- Don't enable the addict. This includes not giving him any money, not paying their rent, etc.
- Encourage the person to seek help. This can be done by finding a treatment or a form of support.
- Be aware of signs of overdose. If you see one of your friends blacking out, or showing other severe side effects, get help immediately.
- Support the person while they look for rehab since the process can be overwhelming.
- Don't wait for rock bottom; it may be too late.
Methadone Dependence and Opioid Detox in Nevada
According to the Centers for Disease Control, methadone accounted for approximately 1% of all opioid prescribed pain medication within the United States. During 2014 methadone attributed to about 23% of all opioid-related death within the country. Methadone is a synthetic opioid prescribed for moderate to severe pain but is typically prescribed to treat opiate addiction. Methadone acts on the same opioid receptors as any other pain medication. Within the United States, methadone is a federally designated Schedule II drug, which means it is used medically but has a high potential for abuse and addiction. Despite methadone being heavily regulated within the United States, the drug is still misused illegally. The long-term and sustained use of methadone does cause tolerance, dependence, and addiction leading to severe withdrawal symptoms.
According to a Nevada Opioid Surveillance in 2018, heroin was included in 47% of the emergency department encounters and 21% of the inpatient admissions. Methadone was included in 3% of emergency department encounters and 6% of the inpatient admission. Other opioids and narcotics during 2018 accounted for 51% of the emergency department encounters and 73% of the inpatient admissions. Between 2010 and 2018, the number of opioid-related overdose deaths decreased. The number of opioid-related deaths within the state decreased by 24% from 16.2 per 100,000 to 12.2 per 100,000. Also, during that time, about 85% of all benzodiazepine-related overdose deaths involved opioids. Additionally, 30% of opioid-related deaths include benzodiazepines.
Unfortunately, countless opiate addicts turn to methadone as a means of treating opiate addiction. Dependence and tolerance to methadone are dangerous and do require proper withdrawal management and or medication-assisted treatment. Nevada methadone detoxification programs routinely treat people dependent on the drug. Medically supervised detox is vital to manage the withdrawal symptoms safely. After detoxing from methadone, the next step is counseling and or therapy. There are different inpatient or outpatient drug treatment programs within the state capable of treating all types of addiction. Detox alone does not sustain long-lasting sobriety, and the risk of relapse is high, especially with opiate addicts.
