Methadone treatment for addiction dates back to the 1970s. It became more popular as a treatment for opioid addiction at the height of the opioid crisis. Methadone treatment for addiction is a type of substitution therapy. This means a person in recovery from opioid addiction replaces the problematic drug with methadone, itself a kind of opioid. Substitution therapy sometimes gets a bad rap as simply replacing one addiction with another. That is not at all what this approach does. However, methadone treatment for addiction is only safe when done under medical supervision through a trusted treatment provider.
Call 866.931.6429 to learn more about Evoke Wellness at Cohasset’ methadone treatment program.
The Need for Methadone Treatment for Addiction in Massachusetts
There exists a dire need for methadone treatment for addiction in Massachusetts. The simple answer is this: opioid-related deaths continue to rise. Before considering how methadone treatment programs work, it’s worth unpacking Massachusetts’s current public health situation.
While the opioid epidemic has somewhat fallen out of attention with the media and federal government intervention, it remains a crisis in many parts of the country. In Massachusetts, the opioid epidemic has never been worse. According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, over 2,200 residents died an opioid-related death in 2021.
That marks the highest number of opioid-related deaths in Massachusetts since statistics were first gathered. For comparison, only 375 opioid-related deaths occurred in the state in 2000. Thus, opioid deaths have risen by over about 600% in the past 21 years. Fentanyl is by far the biggest culprit. Based on toxicology reports, fentanyl was present in 93% of opioid deaths where toxicology screening was available.
Methadone Treatment for Addiction in Massachusetts
Methadone treatment is a standard method for addressing opioid addiction. As a drug, methadone fills the same opioid receptors in the brain as drugs like heroin or fentanyl. When taking methadone during recovery, people are less likely to experience cravings or withdrawal symptoms. Cravings and withdrawal symptoms are two of the biggest relapse triggers. Therefore, methadone helps people focus on therapy during recovery without the constant nag of cravings or withdrawal symptoms tempting them to use it again.
Methadone treatment for addiction recovery is a valuable tool in the recovery process. Since it is an opioid, medical supervision is always necessary to ensure it is used correctly. Stopping methadone usage must also be treated like a process. It is essential to wean someone off methadone since their body may have developed a dependence on it. Quitting it all of a sudden could cause some withdrawal symptoms or discomfort.
Some minor side effects may also accompany methadone use. These can include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Restlessness
- Itchiness
- Sexual dysfunction, or decreased libido
People who take methadone during recovery also need to be incredibly careful not to mix methadone with other drugs or alcohol. Doing so could cause negative interactions that may risk a person’s life.
Evoke’s Methadone Clinic in Massachusetts
Methadone treatment for addiction may or may not be suitable for you. It is one of many options for tackling opioid addiction. Evoke Wellness at Cohasset works closely with our clients to ensure they receive the best possible treatments tailored to their needs and lifestyle circumstances. For some people, methadone is the best option, particularly early in recovery. For others, it may never be part of the treatment plan.
The caring, expert clinicians at Evoke Wellness at Cohasset are here to help you or a loved one recover from addiction. Let us craft a personalized treatment plan in close collaboration with you so that you can kickstart your recovery today. Call 866.931.6429 to learn more about how Evoke Wellness at Cohasset approaches addiction recovery. We’re here for you every step.
