Addiction treatment is a delicate process and must be handled to enable lasting healing. The detox stage is usually the first step in any recovery plan, serving to rid the body of toxins accumulated in the body from addictive substances over time. It involves the individual being encouraged and assisted to cultivate abstinence and is characterized by withdrawal symptoms. These often occur as soon as the individual tries to quit and may span from moderate signs like loss of appetite and muscle aches to severe ones such as seizures and hallucinations.
Over time, due to the many dangers associated with performing detox with a cold-turkey approach, scientific research has advocated medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Thus, rather than individuals attempting to cope or struggle with withdrawal symptoms alone, they are administered FDA-approved drugs to alleviate difficulties. One such medicine often recommended for addiction recovery is methadone. You may have questions about MAT, such as, “What is methadone?” and “What does methadone do?” Call 866.931.9312 to speak with someone from Evoke Wellness at Miramar about our methadone MAT clinic. Our experienced and highly qualified team members can also answer your questions about MAT.
What Is Methadone?
Methadone is an opioid medication that is also produced from opium obtained from the poppy plant. However, the purpose of methadone is different from other opioids like heroin because it is synthetically designed to counteract the actions of other opioids.
What Does Methadone Do?
It blocks the pleasurable sensations evoked by other opioids and nullifies their brain activity. Therefore, it does not produce the same euphoric feelings expected when an individual takes other opioids. However, this does not mean that methadone does not elicit some euphoric effects. There are such effects, but milder compared to potent opiates, such as heroin and morphine.
How Does Methadone for Addiction Recovery Work?
As with all opioids, which are analgesics, methadone can treat pain. This use is especially beneficial if chemical dependence sets in due to the misuse of painkillers. As such, the drug can aid addiction recovery from other opiates like morphine and simultaneously combat pain felt in any area of the body. There is a difference, though, as methadone effects are slower than other painkillers, which means a lower possibility of becoming addicted.
By slightly activating specific brain receptors, methadone only brings the body back to its pre-addiction state and makes withdrawal from other narcotics much more manageable. In addition, it helps individuals in recovery to become productive members of society again by reducing cravings and improving their concentration.
Is the Purpose of Methadone to Cure Addiction?
Methadone in detoxification of other opioids is known as replacement therapy, where it is essentially substituted for heroin or morphine in the body. The result is that because methadone acts similarly on the brain, withdrawal symptoms do not show up. Also, cravings are almost non-existent since methadone effectively takes the place of the previously misused opiate.
Nevertheless, caution must be taken so that methadone is not viewed as the cure for heroin addiction but as a component of one part of a broader treatment plan. Consequently, with methadone, detoxification and addiction recovery become easier and more feasible. In addition to treatment with methadone, the recovering individual typically requires:
- Residential care
- On-hand assistance from medical specialists
- Extensive therapy or counseling sessions
Combining all of these will go a long way in ensuring lasting recovery. Some say these addictions feel like that of ecstasy, which is also treated at Evoke Wellness at Miramar.
Find a Methadone MAT Clinic at Evoke Wellness at Miramar
Evoke Wellness at Miramar in South Florida provides rehab services to individuals from all over the region. MAT may be administered to individuals undergoing recovery to improve their chances of long-term sobriety. Contact Evoke Wellness at Miramar today at 866.931.9312 to speak with a recovery advocate for further information on our services and admission process.
