10 Reasons Methadone Treatment Works

If you’re looking into treatment options for your drug addiction, you’ve probably been considering methadone. Since 1964, this drug has been used to help people get off more dangerous substances.

There’s a reason it’s still being used today to treat addiction – because it works. Studies show that patients on methadone treatments are far more likely to avoid relapsing back into their drug habits.

Why is methadone so effective? Here are 10 reasons why it is still the top treatment for addiction.

1. Methadone Helps You Function Normally Again

Unlike more drastic treatment options, methadone doesn’t completely take over your life. You only need to visit a clinic to get a dose, meaning you can establish a healthy routine that lets you maintain a job, establish a social life, and pursue recreational activities. One psychiatrist from Washington noted that one of her patients comes into the clinic everyday at 6:30 AM and is at work by 8 AM.

2. Methadone Is More Affordable Than Residential Programs

While residential programs may work, they cost an arm and a leg to attend, disqualifying many potential addicts. Some may even cost $20,000 a year. Methadone, however, only costs $3,000 a year.

Regardless, some people do require the in-depth treatment provided at a residential program in order to conquer their addiction. If you need help finding a residential program that’s right for you, give us a call at 800-994-1867Who Answers? to talk with a specialist.

3. Methadone Is Only Taken Once a Day

Methadone helps you stay sober by eliminating opioid drug cravings.

Methadone works its way through your system quite slowly, meaning that you only need one dose a day. That makes it easy to remember and doesn’t disrupt your life too badly.

4. Methadone Lessens Withdrawal Symptoms

One of the biggest reasons for taking methadone is that it lessens withdrawal symptoms. Often, these symptoms are what scare people and make them delay their detox.

5. Methadone Blocks Effects of Other Drugs

Additionally, methadone prevents other opioids from having an effect on your system. This will eventually help you break your habit of doing drugs, since there will be no purpose to ingesting them.

6. Methadone Reduces Cravings

Perhaps best of all, methadone will eliminate your cravings for your choice opiate. This is because it satisfies your physical dependency, helping your brain feed its manufactured need for opioids.

7. Methadone Has Less Side Effects Than Other Drugs

While methadone does have some side effects, such as difficulty breathing, feeling lightheaded, and slight euphoria, these are nothing compared to the side effects of more extreme drugs. Even better, these side effects should lessen the longer you stay on methadone.

What are the Benefits of Outpatient Methadone Treatment?

Most methadone maintenance programs are outpatient-based. This is because the program generally lends itself to this type of treatment, and …

8. Methadone Is Widely Available

As of 2011, there were 1,189 opioid treatment programs available in the United States. This gives you plenty of options for finding a place to receive methadone.

If you’d like help finding the closest methadone clinic to you, just give us a call at 800-994-1867Who Answers?. Our specialists will match you with the closest location and give you directions on how to get there.

9. Methadone Lets You Live at Home

Many other drug recovery programs require in-patient stays. Unfortunately, because these programs are often full, many people have to travel out of state in order to find a bed. Methadone lets you stay in your home, surrounded by family and friends as you recover.

10. Methadone Lowers the Mortality Rate

By taking methadone, you have a much lower chance of dying due to drug overdoses or other drug-related issues. In fact, the mortality rate for those taking methadone is 30 percent lower than those who don’t take methadone.

As you can see, methadone is clearly a great treatment for overcoming drug addiction.