Interested in Methadone Treatment? Questions for your Doctor

Are you interested in the use of methadone to treat an opioid addiction? If so, you are not alone. This is something many people are aware of, but for one reason or the next those who could benefit never consider moving forward with this treatment strategy.

As you know, methadone is not something you begin to take on your own due to an opioid addiction. Instead, you need to consider the pros and cons of doing so, while also learning more about how to find a clinic that can provide you with the assistance you need.

The first thing you need to do if you are interested in methadone treatment is contact your primary care physician. Let your doctor know what you are going through, explaining your problem and helping them understand that you want to get help as soon as possible.

From there, you can begin to discuss your many treatment options, including methadone.

Once you make your way to this point, you are closer than ever to getting the help you need. Before you can go the rest of the way, you need to ask your doctor a variety of questions as they relate to this treatment as well as your health in general.

Here are several questions to start with:

Can you help me find a methadone clinic or rehab facility that uses this treatment method?

There is no denying the fact that you can probably search for these centers on your own, however, having your doctor on your side will put you in better position.

You may not realize it right now, but your doctor has likely worked with other people in your position. For this reason, providing you with advice on which clinic is best will be quite simple.

What are the benefits of methadone treatment?

Even if you are aware of the fact that methadone treatment has helped many people overcome an opioid addiction in the past, this doesn’t mean you should move forward with treatment before you are familiar with the many benefits.

The primary benefit of taking methadone is that this drug is controlled, allowing you to avoid severe cravings as you attempt to cut heroin or opiates out of your life.

Additionally, it is has been found that the use of methadone as treatment for heroin dependency can help avoid relapse while also making you less likely to abuse other injectable drugs in the future.

What are the side effects?

Despite the many benefits of methadone treatment, you need to be aware of the fact that there are side effects to contend with. Your doctor can explain what you may experience. Here is a brief list of some of the most common side effects:

• Shallow breathing
• Hallucinations
• Chest pain
• Dizziness
• Nervous or anxious feeling
• Dry mouth
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Decreased sex drive

In addition to these side effects, it is important to note that there are withdrawal symptoms when it is time to stop taking methadone.

How long has methadone been used to treat opioid addiction?

For more than 45 years, methadone has been one of the best methods of treating opioid addiction. With such a long track record of success, it goes without saying that many clinics and rehab facilities continue to prescribe this drug to those who are fighting an opioid addiction.

If you feel that methadone treatment is the best way to take back your life, discuss this option with your doctor. From there, you will be in position to locate a methadone clinic or rehab facility that can help you get started.