Methadone has been a widely used opioid for decades. Prescribed to manage withdrawal symptoms from other addictive opioids and even as a pain medication. However, it is important to remember that methadone itself can be addictive if misused or taken in large doses for extended periods. That’s why Brentwood Springs offers safe and effective methadone detox in Nashville, TN. So those who are addicted can get the help they need without putting their health at risk.
What is Methadone?
Methadone effectively treats severe pain. In addition, it effectively treats opioid addiction, also known as Opioid Use Disorder (OUD). It is a synthetic full opioid agonist and a Schedule II controlled substance according to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration. Methadone works by attaching to the same receptors in the brain as other opioids and blocking the effects of those drugs. Methadone also reduces pain and provides a feeling of euphoria. When taken regularly, methadone reduces cravings for other opioids and minimizes withdrawal symptoms.
Methadone can only be dispensed through a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) certified Opioid Treatment Program (OTP). When taken as prescribed, it has been proven to be safe and beneficial in aiding individuals with OUD in reclaiming their lives and reaching sustained recovery. In addition to methadone, comprehensive treatment plans for those with OUD typically involve counseling and other behavioral health therapies.
Detoxing from methadone can be a difficult process since it has such long-acting effects on the body. Brentwood Springs provides safe and effective methadone detox in Nashville, TN. Our program provides medically supervised detox to help individuals safely transition off of methadone without experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms. Our methadone detox involves tapering off doses over some time. While we also provide counseling and support services to assist with any emotional or psychological distress associated with detoxification.
How is Methadone Prescribed?
Methadone comes in two forms: tablets or oral liquid solutions for treating severe pain, and a fruit-flavored drink that is dissolved and taken orally once daily when used as an addiction treatment. As a long-acting opioid medication, it works by activating receptors found in the brain and nervous system that help reduce withdrawal symptoms while not providing users with the “high” associated with drug addiction.
When taking methadone for medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for addiction, patients must be routinely monitored, attend counseling sessions, and subject themselves to drug tests to ensure their progress in recovery. When used for pain relief, it should only be considered if other treatments have failed to produce results, Or when dealing with chronic or extreme cases of pain that require around-the-clock opioid administration.
People addicted to opioids such as heroin, oxycodone, fentanyl, or hydromorphone may take this long-acting medication for anywhere from one or two years up to 20 years or more depending on their circumstances. If deemed appropriate by both patient and physician, doses can then be tapered down over many weeks or months before being discontinued entirely. Consequently, this helps ease the process of withdrawal while helping people avoid a relapse into addictive behaviors.
Methadone Safety
Methadone is a powerful prescription medication that can be safely and effectively used to treat opioid dependency. It works by blocking the effects of opioids, reducing cravings, and helping individuals successfully manage their addiction. When taken as directed by a trained medical professional, methadone helps reduce the risk of an overdose. And also other potentially dangerous drug behaviors while allowing individuals to concentrate on their recovery.
Methadone therapy is tailored for each patient, with doses often being adjusted and readjusted depending on clinical findings and response. It’s important to note that patients should never share or give their methadone medication to anyone else. Thereby, preventing potential harm arising from incorrect dosing or interactions with existing medications. This is particularly important for those who take methadone at home rather than under supervised care at an OTP.
For the safe use of methadone, patients must provide health providers with accurate details of their health history to avoid any potential drug interactions. Patients must also be aware that even after the effects of the medication have worn off, its active ingredients remain in the system for much longer. Therefore, there is a potential threat of an unintentional overdose if methadone isn’t taken exactly as prescribed.
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Brentwood Springs Detox is a leading drug and alcohol addiction treatment services. If you or a loved one are in need of professional care to address a substance use disorder, reach out to us right now at (615) 208-6264 to speak with us.
Methadone Side-Effects
Common side effects include:
- Risk of tolerance and physical dependence
- Psychological dependence
- Excessive sweating
- Itchy skin
- Sleepiness
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Changes in sex drive
- Light-headedness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Weight gain
Serious side effects include:
- Allergic reaction
- Shallow or difficulty breathing
- Severe constipation
- Fast or pounding heartbeats
- Chest pain
- Hallucinations or confusion
- Low cortisol levels (nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, dizziness, tiredness, or weakness)
- Serotonin syndrome (agitation, hallucinations, fever, fast heart rate, muscle stiffness, twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, diarrhea)
Methadone Drug Interactions
Methadone has a total of 700 known drug interactions. In addition to this, it may also interact with 16 different diseases as well as 2 alcohol/food substances. Mixing methadone or buprenorphine with other drugs that depress the central nervous system is dangerous. This includes opioids such as hydrocodone and codeine as well as benzodiazepines including Ativan, Xanax, Restoril, Valium, and clonazepam. Also, using other drugs while on opioid agonist treatment increases the risk of developing heart conditions.
Additionally, alcohol should always be avoided when taking these medications. Taking any of these could cause severe side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness which could lead to an increased risk of falls or other injuries. Using other substances while beginning opioid agonist treatment can cause the dose of methadone to wear off more quickly than usual, resulting in an increased chance of withdrawal symptoms developing.
Risk of Methadone Overdose
Opioid overdose is a severe risk. Especially, when someone begins opioid treatment or stops taking them for some time before starting again. Methadone carries the highest overdose risk compared to some other opioid medications like buprenorphine. Additionally, using opioids in combination with other drugs further increases this risk.
To help prevent an opioid overdose from occurring, it is recommended to keep a naloxone kit on hand. As an antidote, Naloxone temporarily reverses the effects of an opioid overdose and allows medical assistance to be accessed. It works by blocking the opioid receptors within the brain that are responsible for the effects of an opioid. Therefore, allowing time for medical help to arrive and provide more long-term treatments.
Methadone Withdrawal Symptoms
Methadone withdrawal can be a difficult and unpleasant experience for those who have developed dependence. Although Doctors prescribe methadone to treat severe pain, it has also been widely misused by drug users for its euphoric effects. When the body is dependent on methadone, attempting to quit or drastically reduce usage can trigger painful withdrawal symptoms.
Symptoms of methadone withdrawal may include:
- Severe cravings
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Decreased appetite
- Tremors
- Sweating
The severity and duration of these symptoms will vary depending on individual factors such as the dose taken and how long the drug has been in use. In some cases, milder symptoms can occur within 24 hours of cessation. While more intense withdrawal symptoms may manifest after several days or weeks. With peak intensity occurring between 48 to 72 hours after cessation.
Benefits of Our Methadone Detox in Nashville, TN
Substance use disorders can have a devastating impact on the lives of individuals and their loved ones. Our program to detox from methadone in Nashville can be a person’s first step in the recovery process. Detox rids the body of any toxins. Thereby, helping to restore normal brain function so that meaningful, lasting change can begin.
Seeking professional help from a licensed and compassionate detox center is crucial to successful recovery. Professionals strongly advise against attempting to quit substance use alone, as this can be potentially hazardous and increases the risk of relapse. Professional support provides greater safety, guidance, and motivation throughout the withdrawal process to better ensure a successful recovery.
At Brentwood Springs Detox, clients undergo an initial evaluation by our team of professionals to determine their individual needs. Including addressing any co-occurring mental health disorders before beginning treatment. Depending on the client’s needs, they are provided with various therapeutic programs. Therapy includes counseling sessions and activities that aid in holistic healing both during and after detox has been completed.
Our inpatient detox program requires clients to stay at the facility for 24-hour access to medical care. Addiction specialists closely monitor patients undergoing treatment for addiction to help guard against any external factors, such as drugs or alcohol, that could undermine their progress. Clinicians may administer medications during this time as needed to address the particular substances that have been abused. Furthermore, we provide physical and mental health therapies like nutrition counseling throughout detox to ensure a safe and comfortable experience for each client.
Find Safe and Effective Methadone Detox in Nashville, TN
Brentwood Springs Detox provides a safe environment where individuals can withdraw from their addiction to opioids such as methadone with 24-hour medical supervision. We offer specialized detox services for methadone addiction. Our facility also provides counseling services, medication management, holistic therapies, and other treatments to help our clients work through the withdrawal process safely and comfortably.
Contact us today to learn more about our approach to methadone detox in Nashville, Tennessee.
