Detox Replacement
Methadone Detox by Mike
Methadone is considered a schedule II opioid which is oftentimes associated with Methadone maintenance programs intended for heroin addicts. It is also used to get rid of pain and is an ideal substitute morphine any time patients have harmful adverse reactions. As with other opiates, tolerance to Methadone can increase with usage and there is the risk of abuse for individuals who are seeking to utilize Methadone solely for the “high” it generates.
With Methadone maintenance programs, addicts are generally given regular doses of Methadone so as to reduce the withdrawal symptoms and associated cravings for other opiates like heroin. There has been well reported beneficial results in treatment for heroin addiction using Methadone, and the actual intent linked to these types of programs are all well intentioned. The foundation of the program was that in the event that addicts were supplied with regular doses of Methadone, they’d need less heroin ( or possibly none at all) and be less likely to break the law to get their heroin fix. Also addicts would be less likely to share needles with other heroin users which can result in the spread of infectious diseases like AIDS and HIV.
The issue with Methadone maintenance programs is that they fail to deal with the issue of dependency and the social impact it can have. Instead of trying to get addicts off drugs completely, Methadone maintenance programs perpetuate the vicious loop of addiction by replacing one drug with another. So, the men and women that work at the Methadone clinic that are there to “help” addicts are really only there to ensure the addicts keep returning. Methadone clinics, for the most part are for profit institutions whose only reason for being is to deliver Methadone. So they have no interest in getting individuals off of Methadone. That would be like McDonalds quickly wanting to wean people away from Bic Macs.
An additional issue with Methadone maintenance programs is that many people who receive specified dosage amounts of Methadone to assist them with their opiate withdrawals utilize only a part of their dosage and sell the remainder on the street. This contributes to the increasing illegal drug business. And several people in these types of programs actually see-saw in between heroin and Methadone. Since there is quite often no counseling associated with this kind of type of maintenance addicts in Methadone maintenance programs have no way out of their heroin/Methadone maintenance program.
While Methadone maintenance programs have had success at getting addicts to lessen or do away with their usage of heroin and other illegal opiates, presently there are very few programs out there that actually work to get individuals off of Methadone. So, individuals wanting to be completely drug free have difficulty finding programs to help them. There is certainly light at the end of the tunnel, however, as more drug treatment facilities are providing Methadone detox treatment which is the beginning step in getting off of Methadone and becoming completely drug free.
Methadone detox programs will last anywhere from 10 days to two weeks, and they can include a physical examination, prescription detox medications, and group and one-on-one counseling.
About the Author
Methadone detox treatment programs can be 12 step based or adhere to other recovery philosophies. If required, they can be followed with longer term residential addiction treatment.
January 22, 2012 5:48 pm 
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