Thinking About Getting Off Methadone? Here’s How

There may come a point during your methadone maintenance treatment that you realize it is no longer working. You could also realize that you are taking more methadone than your doctor prescribed. You might even be a methadone addict. Regardless of the reason, you might be thinking that it is time to consider getting off methadone. There are several ways that you can do this safely and comfortably.

Switching Medications

You can get off methadone by switching to a less addictive medication.

One way to get off methadone is to switch to a safer and less addictive alternative. There are a variety of medications that you can use as an alternative to methadone.

The most common of these medications are buprenorphine and Suboxone. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, this switch is sometimes problematic when a person is severely addicted to medications such as methadone because buprenorphine acts differently than methadone does.

It is still an option that both controls chronic pain and can help with the withdrawal symptoms. The dose can be adjusted to decrease the symptoms of withdrawal. The National Library of Medicine recommends starting with just buprenorphine and then gradually moving to Suboxone for maintenance.

For those with chronic pain, this is the best method for treating both the chronic pain and avoiding the withdrawal symptoms. To find a treatment center to help you change medications call 800-678-5931(Paid Advertiser) . We can help.

Tapering off Methadone

Another way to get off methadone is to taper or wean off it. This is only a good solution when you do not suffer from chronic pain or your chronic pain is controlled by another mechanism. In this process a doctor gradually lowers your dose.

Depending on your addiction or methadone use, each time you visit your doctor, the doctor gives you slightly less methadone. This reduces your body’s dependence on the drug gradually and helps you avoid the full impact of methadone withdrawal.

How Do You Get Off Methadone?

Methadone is a synthetic opioid that has been associated with treatments for heroin addictions since the 1970’s. In the late 1990’s, methadone’s clinical use as a prescription painkiller increased rapidly and improper use and abuse of this drug continues to raise concerns. According to the World Health Organization, “The notion that drug dependence could be ….

Counseling

Counseling is an important part getting away from methadone. If you are on methadone for chronic pain or addiction, chances are you’ve been exposed to counseling before. In order to get off methadone, counseling is vital. It can help you:

deal with potential problems that you are having
work through problems that the methadone use caused
find out why you are having a problem with methadone
allow you to deal with the mood changes associated with withdrawal
help repair any relationships that methadone caused

There are a variety of counseling methods that a therapist might employ. These are:

cognitive behavioral therapy
individual talk sessions
guided relaxation and meditation
group therapy
self-esteem building
tapping therapy

All of these methods are effective for dealing with opiate or methadone withdrawal.

Finding the Treatment Center that is Right for You

In order to be successful in getting off methadone, you need the right treatment center that offers the programs that you want. For more information on finding a treatment center call 800-678-5931(Paid Advertiser) . We can help.