What Happens in Inpatient Methadone Treatment

Opiate addiction is one of the most difficult addictions to break with or without treatment. One of the best treatment options is inpatient treatment. For someone who has never gone through it, inpatient treatment might remain a mystery to some and downright scary to others. Leaving home to stay somewhere that is going to get you off drugs can be a daunting prospect, but not if you know what happens during inpatient methadone treatment.

Detox or Maintenance

If you are using methadone there are two ways that an inpatient center will help you get off opiates. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks.

Methadone Detox

In methadone detox, doctors use small amounts of methadone to manage the withdrawal symptoms and then they wean you off it once you are detoxed. Most inpatient methadone clinics have these detox programs.

Methadone Maintenance

Methadone maintenance is a program where during the first phase of your treatment your doctor tries to find the right dose of methadone to keep you from feeling pain and withdrawal. You stay on this dose until you are ready to come off it. Some people will stay on methadone maintenance for years.

According to the National Institute of Justice, there is no significant difference in relapse rates between methadone detox and methadone maintenance.

Counseling

Group therapy is used in inpatient treatment to teach sober skills.

Some inpatient treatment programs begin counseling right away if you feel you need it or are up for it. Others wait to begin counseling and after withdrawal symptoms have been properly managed. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration, there are a few different types of counseling offered in most treatment centers. These are:

cognitive behavioral therapy – to work on stopping negative thinking and patterns
motivational enhancement therapy – to build motivation and set goals
contingency management – provides incentives to reinforce positive behavior
12 step treatment – allows addicts to help other addicts
group therapy – teaches sober skills and other positive behaviors

All of these therapies are available in an inpatient methadone program.

Alternative Treatments

There will also be alternative treatments available for your comfort and benefit. Many of these alternative treatments help with withdrawal symptoms, mood issues, and other problems. These alternative treatments often include:

massage therapy
exercise regiments
aquatics
acupuncture
other holistic techniques

Many of these alternative treatments help you relax and reduce anxiety as well.

Is Inpatient Methadone Treatment Right for Me?

Anyone who’s lived with an opiate addiction for any length of time understands how these drugs can overpower one’s desire to stop using. Before long, a person’s daily routine centers around getting and using more drugs. Addiction, in general, works in much the same way as any other type of chronic medical condition, according to ….

Life Skills Training

Many inpatient clinics now offer life skills training as part of their overall program. This can include classes like:

nutrition
cooking
interpersonal skills
self-esteem building

These classes help you adapt to life without the opiates and on the methadone. Since methadone improves your ability to function, you will be able to do more if you are on methadone maintenance or completely off drugs.

Finding an Inpatient Methadone Treatment Center

You can find inpatient treatment by simply calling us at 800-678-5931(Paid Advertiser) . We can help you onto the road to recovery. You do not have to do it alone.