Methadone Clinics Near Me

Life is stressful, and some people find it difficult to uncover ways to deal with the problems that life throws at them. The drug epidemic that is prevalent in the streets of every city across the United States testifies to that fact. Some people take that first hit either at a party or with a friend and feel so much better about their problems when that euphoric feeling washes over them. However, when they are repeatedly in search of that high and feel like they can’t face their issues without it, a drug addiction problem becomes apparent. They don’t think about it at the time, but not only can addiction disrupt relationships and employment, but it also wreaks havoc on someone physically. Heroin, for example, slows brain, heart, and breathing functions, while blocking pain sensations. Long-term use can cause brain injury, heart problems, and incoherency.

When someone slides down the slope of drug addiction, there are a variety of treatments that exist to help them regain control of their life. Addiction treatment centers are designed to offer comprehensive help for someone wanting to recover, and this is where methadone clinics enter the picture of an addict. Methadone is a prescription drug used to block addiction from other opioids. It has been shown to be one of the best treatments when used in conjunction with other therapies, and these clinics offer one of the most comprehensive opioid treatment programs (OTPs) that can lead someone back to family, friends, and a fully functional life.

What is a methadone clinic?

A methadone clinic is a substance use disorder services clinic (SUDS) that has been designed for those who are addicted to opioids to go to for treatment when they want to recover. Methadone, brand name Dolophine, is an opioid analgesic and is referred to as replacement therapy. It was created in World War II for use in patients with extreme pain, but in modern society, it is more commonly used as part of an effective treatment program for those with opioid addiction.

An opioid to treat an opioid sounds ineffective? While methadone is addictive and can lead to abuse, the medical community has recognized its efficacy in how it alters the body’s response to other opioids. It must be prescribed by a doctor. It provides relief from pain by changing the way the nervous system — which includes the brain, spinal cord, and nerves — responds to pain. It is slower acting than many other painkillers and is mostly used for chronic illnesses and surgery recovery. Taken as part of a medication-assisted treatment program, it has been shown to block the psychoactive effects of the following drugs:

• Codeine
• Heroin
• Hydrocodone
• Morphine
• Oxycodone

What can I expect from a methadone clinic?

Many addicts feel that if they could only get their hands on some methadone, they could beat this thing, but it isn’t a cure for addiction. It’s part of an effective treatment plan that must be followed for any success. Whether an individual or their family is looking into a public or private methadone clinic, they are all regulated by state and federal laws. The results of methadone or opioid recovery include:

• Reduction of opioid cravings
• Blocking of the abused opioids effects
• Prevention of or reduced results of withdrawal symptoms

How does methadone work for addiction?

No one becomes physically or mentally addicted immediately. It’s a process that gradually occurs over time, so not only did the user become addicted gradually to a substance, it will also take time to break that addiction. This means that the greatest success comes for those who stick with the treatment plan for at least a year, and longer is even better. Methadone is taken once a day and is administered in powder, liquid, diskettes, and tablets. It must be prescribed through a SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)-certified opioid treatment program (OTP) and is often adjusted throughout the treatment. Close monitoring by a physician is necessary because Methadone can interact with other medications, especially those taken for heart problems. It’s also important to continue taking them and not stop without first talking to the prescribing doctor. Important tips can help ensure success:

• Take EXACTLY as prescribed by the doctor. If dose is missed, don’t take extra.
• Never consume alcohol with methadone.
• Don’t operate machinery or drive vehicles until knowing how methadone affects you
• Call 911 in case of suspected overdose
• Keep methadone away from light sources
• Store it at room temperature

What does a methadone clinic offer?

There are many different treatment options and recovery methods for people who want to take their lives back from the drugs that have claimed them, and two of the main centers are suboxone clinics and methadone clinics. The latter is where an opioid-addicted individual, such as those on heroin or prescription painkillers, immerse themselves in a comprehensive medication-based treatment. When visiting a clinic for the first time, someone should generally expect to provide an overview of their life and essentially discuss the program’s guidelines. Participants in the program give blood and/or urine samples and medication and physical health history. They also present the state of their social life, which will be their treatment setting, considering their family, friends, and surrounding environment will be an important part of how they deal with rehabilitation efforts. Methadone centers also help sort out psychological, legal, and other health issues. The National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) provides an outline as to an effective method of drug treatment, which includes:

• Medication-assisted treatment:
  • Methadone - manages the brain chemistry to control drug cravings and dependencies but has harsh side effects. Can be addictive. Lasts for 24 hours.
  • Buprenorphine – relieves drug cravings with the benefit of less side effects. Lasts for 24 hours or a has six-month options for those trusted and in long-term stability.
  • Naltrexone – non addictive and blocks opioid effects. Lasts for 24 hours.
  • Vivitrol – injectable naltrexone, which is administered monthly instead of daily.
• CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy):
  • Counselors work with clients who want to be physically and mentally healthier, helping develop better coping skills.
• Medical detox:
  • It can be painful for someone to get the drugs out of their system, since they can be accompanied by acute physical reactions. Clients are given medications to prevent much of detox with close monitoring until the withdrawal is over. Physical symptoms may include:
    • Runny nose
    • Teary eyes
    • Hot and cold sweats
    • Excess yawning
    • Muscle aches and pain
    • Nausea
    • Vomiting
    • Diarrhea
    • Abdominal cramps

It may take anywhere from one week to one month. Those who are used to high opiate doses may experience emotional symptoms that can last up to a few months and include:

• • • Anxiety
    • Insomnia
    • Low energy

While people who walk out of a methadone clinic after consulting with the personnel want to get better so that they can have the life of which they have always dreamed, it’s not as simple as taking a medication that counteracts the one to which they are addicted. It involves self-discipline and dedication. A methadone clinic will help in the process, and people can sometimes feel as if they have no control. Individuals can become discouraged due to the required daily visit for the administration of the methadone in addition to the negative impact on their self-esteem by visiting a clinic on a daily basis. Methadone helps to take their focus away from their drug choice and aims it to the ability to cope with their life’s issues. How to handle their problems is usually one of the life skills they lacked to get them in this situation in the first place, so visiting a methadone clinic can help anyone get their life back.