|  | Conditions Treatments | Drug Addiction

Detox for Methadone Addiction

Methadone is commonly prescribed for heroin addicts, as well as those addicted to other opiates. It is used as part of a drug therapy program that should also include counseling. Methadone will lessen the withdrawal symptoms an addict experiences as he stops taking his drug. As with other narcotics, it is possible to become addicted to methadone.

  1. Detox

    • When you're ready to stop taking methadone, you'll need to discuss your plans with your doctor. Do not stop taking methadone suddenly, as you'll experience withdrawal symptoms. They may include nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, insomnia, depression, anxiety and cravings for methadone. These symptoms could lead you to start taking methadone again. Your doctor can help you by reducing your dose gradually. By following a dose-reduction plan, you can reduce the risk of severe side effects. You may be more likely to successfully give up methadone.

    Rehabilitation

    • It's not easy to successfully break an addiction on your own. You may be more likely to stay drug-free with the help of a rehab center. After you've successfully reduced your dosage, check into a rehab center. (You can ask your doctor for clinic recommendations.) You'll be surrounded by supportive people who can help you deal with your withdrawal symptoms. You'll also have access to therapy sessions. Counseling, whether in a group or in one-on-one sessions, can help you fight your cravings. You should continue to attend therapy sessions after you've checked out of the rehab center.

    Rapid Detoxification

    • Some rehab centers offer a detox method that is usually called rapid detox. This procedure takes away the stress of physical withdrawal. You will be put to sleep under general anesthesia for several hours. Your doctor will give you medications, via IV, to induce rapid withdrawal. These drugs work on the opioid receptors in your brain. When you come out of the anesthesia, your body will already be past the physical withdrawal stage. But you may still have mental cravings for methadone, and you'll still need to participate in therapy sessions.

Drug Addiction - Related Articles