In modern opioid rehab facilities, a medication-assisted treatment program (MAT) is the norm. These programs combine two recovery methods: medication and therapy. MAT medications come in a variety of forms. Perhaps the best-known option is methadone, a prescription opioid. Methadone helps ease withdrawal from other opioid substances. In doing so, it helps you quit those substances and reach a sober state.
Methadone is one of several MAT medications offered at Evoke Wellness. Along with suitable therapy, it forms the basis for many of our customized treatment plans. That’s just part of our commitment to providing you with suitable options for opioid recovery.
Methadone Basics
Chemically, methadone resembles the opioids that occur naturally in the opium poppy. However, the medication is a synthetic, man-made product. Methadone is stronger than morphine, another well-known opioid medication. However, it’s weaker than both heroin and fentanyl. This middling strength helps make it an effective option in MAT recovery programs.
What Happens in a Methadone Treatment Clinic?
When you start the recovery process, your first task is to get opioids out of your system. You undertake this task in opioid detox. On paper, this sounds quite straightforward. However, in reality, opioid detox can be a major challenge. Why? When opioids start leaving your bloodstream, you will probably go into withdrawal. As a result, you will be susceptible to symptoms that may include:
- Loose stools
- Insomnia
- Nausea and vomiting
- An agitated or anxious mental state
- Cramps in your abdominal region
- Aching muscles
Symptoms such as these can leave you feeling ill, distressed, and miserable. If these feelings are strong enough, you may decide that withdrawal is too much for you. In turn, you may lose your desire to quit using opioids.
The goal of a methadone treatment clinic is to help you avoid this kind of outcome. When used in controlled doses, methadone is an effective replacement opioid. Its presence in your bloodstream will not trigger euphoria or make you feel high. However, it will produce enough of an impact to curb the intensity of your withdrawal symptoms. As your methadone MAT program proceeds and withdrawal eases, you will receive less and less of the medication. Eventually, all opioids — including methadone — will be out of your system.
Methadone’s Role in MAT
All well-planned methadone treatment programs are customized. Your initial medication dose will be set by your doctor. Your MAT plan will also include at least one form of therapy, including options such as:
- Family therapy
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Motivational enhancement
Why is therapy a part of a methadone MAT program? Medication alone isn’t enough to support a robust recovery. Therapy plays an essential role by helping you recognize and address the root causes of opioid addiction.
If you're ready to start your journey to recovery, we're here to help.
Rules for Methadone Treatment Programs
When used improperly, methadone is strong enough to trigger its own opioid problems. For this reason, its distribution is federally controlled. Initially, you can only receive it at an authorized methadone treatment clinic. In addition, only a doctor or someone directly under a doctor’s supervision can give it to you. Over time, you may be approved for home use of the medication.
Seek Help From Evoke Wellness’ Methadone Clinic in Massachusetts
Have questions about the use of methadone in MAT programs? Contact the experts at Evoke Wellness today. We can answer your questions and provide you with a fuller understanding of how effective treatment works.
Evoke Wellness specializes in opioid rehab. Our methadone clinic in Massachusetts provides you with the options you need to forge a lasting recovery. To get the process underway, contact our dedicated staff at 866.931.6429. You can also fill out our brief online form. Don’t wait another day to break the cycle of opioid addiction.
