Addiction treatment is not like an old black hat that can be forced onto anybody’s head. Treatment must be designed for each individual; based on experiences, substances used, and underlying diagnosis. Because everyone has an underlying history, it is impossible to say if methadone treatment is the best choice to beat addiction. Methadone ultimately should be a last resort for extreme cases, because in the end you are just replacing one addiction for another. Statistics say that individuals who use methadone never really recover from addiction. Here are the facts.
While debates rage for and against methadone treatment a few facts stay constant.
What is Substance Abuse Treatment Designed to Do?
Substance abuse treatment improves the quality of life for the person struggling with addiction. The goal is to show the struggling addict a life without addiction and how to get that life. Then addiction recovery empowers the recovering addict with tools to prevent relapse. Learning how to cope with difficulties without substance abuse is key to long-term sobriety. Methadone is not recommended by those who are serious about addiction therapy.
What Does Methadone Treatment Do?
Methadone is an opioid used to prevent withdrawal symptoms. Doctors prescribe methadone to replace the substance of abuse. Methadone treatment is a trade-off; one legal drug instead of another illegal or illicit drug.
Methadone Treatment Statistics
- 98% of patients receiving medication-assisted therapy for opioid abuse received methadone treatment.
- 60% of those clients received treatment in a private treatment center.
- 25% of all substance abuse treatment receives methadone therapy.
Does Methadone Treatment Meet Addiction Treatment Standards?
Methadone treatment prevents recovering addicts from facing the consequences of their actions. Methadone stops cravings, but when one discontinues Methadone the cravings return. Which could result in an even worse relapse and in some cases even over-dose.
Opposition to methadone argues that the drug blocks the brain and heart’s ability to experience true healing. Using the drug continues the cycle of addiction both emotionally and biologically. The brain does not heal the neurotransmitters or opiate receptors. Instead, the addict relies on a drug to continue to get by, not fully living life.
Methadone treatment seems to work with short-term use. Studies show that 50% of patients on Methadone do not abuse drugs during the first month of treatment. But it’s not a long term solution as only 20% of patients stay off illicit drugs after ten months of the program.
Does Methadone Treatment Prevent Recovery?
Some say that as long as the recovering addict is not using illicit drugs or alcohol, then she is sober. Others say sobriety only happens when one is not using substances at all. Opponents and advocates will continue to argue this point. But professionals who are serious about real addiction treatment say it is just a short term solution to a much bigger problem.
The one area where they can agree is that methadone treatment can work for those who chronically relapse or are in danger of overdose. Methadone treatment is helpful for those in high-risk professions too; doctors, nurses, EMT, and rescue workers. These people are in constant contact with medications and temptation. Rather than risk abuse, it may be better to manage the cravings. It is important to know that unless you are working with a doctor that is slowly weening you away from this harsh alternative, then the outcome could be fatal.
It is important to remember that one recovery method may not work for every individual. You cannot put the same hat on every person who walks in for treatment. Methadone treatment and abstinence both need acceptance of the problem. How the problem is treated depends on the needs of each individual. Most individuals do not require methadone treatment for their recovery.
Methadone Treatment and Sobriety
It is impossible to say if methadone treatment is the best choice until you have been tested. when you are ready to be serious about your addiction, contact Northlake Recovery in Southern Florida. We will evaluate your substance abuse history to decide the best treatment for you. Whether you think that you need methadone treatment or prefer abstinence we are here to point you in the proper direction. Call (561)-770-6616 now for more information.
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