Methadone: Addiction or Cure?
There is an ongoing argument about the opiate prescription medication methadone. Some believe it to be an effective opiate addiction treatment drug that works wonders helping heroin addicts stop using heroin. Others call it nothing more than a “replacement” drug and that those who stop using heroin and start using methadone on a methadone maintenance program are doing nothing more than transferring their addiction.
Though the debate is ongoing, one thing is unrefuted: methadone maintenance is still considered the gold standard in heroin addiction treatment. It has worked as a viable method treatment for decades and continues to save lives every day.
Methadone: Transferring Addictions?
Methadone is an opioid drug in the same family has opium and morphine. On its own, it is addictive and there is the potential for abuse and overdose if it is used incorrectly. For this reasons, those who are anti-methadone maintenance say that heroin addicts who choose this method of detox aren’t making any real progress; they see daily methadone intake – whether or not it is done in front of a medical professional -as another form of addiction.
On one hand, there are those who abuse their outpatient methadone maintenance program. Those who take less than a blocking dose (80 milligrams) will be able to “feel it” if they combine their methadone dose with other opiate drugs.
On the other hand, there are thousands of examples of former heroin addicts who have successfully used methadone to walk away from heroin addiction forever. Like any other form of treatment, your success ultimately rests on your commitment to your recovery and your ability to use all your resources to avoid relapse.
Methadone: Cure for Opiate Addiction?
It is important to start by saying that there is no such thing as a cure for opiate addiction or any type of drug and alcohol addiction. There are, however, a number of effective treatments for heroin addiction, and methadone maintenance is one of them. Since the 1970s, methadone has been successfully utilized in comprehensive heroin rehab programs that include psychological treatment and ongoing therapeutic support. Thousands of people have used methadone to break free from heroin addiction by slowly reducing their dose of methadone at their own pace. For some, that means dropping a milligram off their dose each week. For others, it takes years to step down, dropping a milligram or less every month or every other month. In the meantime, these former addicts are able to be productive at work, excellent parents and attentive to their spouses or significant others. It provides for a whole new life without heroin addiction.
Methadone: The Gold Standard in Heroin Addiction Treatment
At Michael’s House, we offer heroin addiction treatment that includes heroin detox, psychotherapeutic treatment, and aftercare services. We believe that anybody who wants to stop using heroin can do so with the right medical treatment and holistic support. Through a number of alternative treatments combined with traditional therapy, gourmet cuisine designed to promote detox and a personalized treatment plan, you too can build a new life for yourself without heroin addiction. Contact us now at 1-877-345-8494 to find out more.
