Does Methadone Withdrawal Treatment Work?

Opioid abuse and addiction are serious problems. Part of what makes this disease so pervasive is the severe withdrawal symptoms associated with it.

This has led to the development of several treatments for opioid withdrawal, including methadone treatment. It has been used for decades due to one simple fact: it works.

Why is Methadone Withdrawal Treatment Usually Successful?

The primary factor contributing to the success of methadone treatment is the way that it works. Methadone is a semi-synthetic opioid that does not bring about the pleasurable feelings associated with opioid abuse.

However, by bonding to the same chemical receptors in the brain that opioids do, it keeps users from experiencing the withdrawal symptoms that come from stopping opioid abuse. This allows those that seek methadone treatment to focus on their recovery without the distracting unpleasantness of withdrawal.

How is the Success of Methadone Treatment Measured?

Methadone Withdrawal Treatment

Methadone withdrawal treatment can improve all areas of patient health.

It is one thing to say that methadone treatment is successful,but how can you really know? Medical professionals have certain criteria that must be met in order for any treatment to be considered successful.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, there are a number of ways that this is measured. These include:

  • Reduction in drug use
  • Users remaining in treatment
  • Less needle sharing and associated diseases
  • Improvements in all areas of patient health
  • Reduced overdoses
  • Fewer addiction related suicides
  • Reductions in unsafe sex

Methadone has consistently proven that it meets all of these criteria, making it one of the most successful tools in treating opioid addiction. Call 800-994-1867Who Answers? for help finding methadone treatment.

Methadone Versus Buprenorphine Treatments

According to Medscape, several scientific studies have shown methadone to be more effective in retaining addicts in treatment, particularly over longer periods of time. Not only this, but many addicts that have used both medications report that methadone better suppresses withdrawal symptoms.

This presents a compelling case for using methadone. Though no treatment is right for everyone, methadone is typically more successful than buprenorphine in withdrawal treatment.

Methadone Versus Behavioral Therapy

Withdrawal from opioids is considered to be one of the worst experiences you can go through. It should come as no surprise that behavioral therapies alone are not particularly successful in combatting opioid addiction.

The withdrawal symptoms combined with the powerful cravings are just too much for most people to take. This makes methadone an incredibly useful tool in aiding recovering addicts in avoiding withdrawal symptoms during treatment.

How to Find Methadone Treatment

Once you understand that methadone withdrawal treatment is one of the most successful ways to treat an opioid addiction, the next step is to find a treatment center that utilizes this technique. There are many of these treatment centers in almost every metropolitan area, and even some other communities.

There may even be one close to where you live. To find the methadone treatment that best fits your needs, call 800-994-1867Who Answers?. We can help you find the opioid treatment that works best for you.

Call to Find a Methadone ClinicPhone icon800-780-9619 Info iconWho Answers?

Where do calls go?

Calls to numbers on a specific treatment center listing will be routed to that treatment center. Calls to any general helpline will be answered or returned by one of the treatment providers listed, each of which is a paid advertiser: ARK Behavioral Health, Recovery Helpline, Alli Addiction Services.

By calling the helpline you agree to the terms of use. We do not receive any commission or fee that is dependent upon which treatment provider a caller chooses. There is no obligation to enter treatment.