For the past twenty-plus years, methadone detox has been a popular choice among heroin addicts seeking to rid their bodies of the harmful toxins found in the drug. Heroin detox is not an easy process, but has provided positive results for individuals all over the world by alleviating the physical cravings for the drug that accompany dependence.
What is methadone?
Methadone is a synthetic opiate with properties similar to those found in heroin and morphine.
How is methadone administered?
Methadone can be given in liquid form, as tablets or injected into the blood stream.
How methadone detox works
When an individual takes methadone, the drug helps alleviate the physical cravings for heroin. This gives the body a chance to detoxify, and the individual the power to cope as they stop taking the drug. One of the key issues for those taking methadone is that is does not curb the psychological withdrawal symptoms (only physical cravings). A drug treatment program is needed to overcome these issues and insure that relapse does not occur.
Obstacles regarding methadone detox
Despite solid results, methadone detox is not without its issues. For many, the style of treatment is difficult because of the obstacles involved with getting proper care. Methadone must be administered by a medical professional in a controlled environment. However, many people are unable to get to the treatment when necessary, either because of transportation problems or responsibilities with work and family.
How long does methadone detox take?
The length of methadone detox varies by the individual in question. It is, however, a gradual process – much more so than other forms of detoxification. For some the program can be completed in a matter of weeks, while for others it may take months.
Myths about methadone
This is a great deal of misinformation regarding methadone use. For example, many people believe that it is actually more dangerous than the heroin itself. This is simply not true for one simple reason: it is being administered by a doctor in a controlled setting. On the street, an addict never knows what intensity their dosage will be, which makes overdosing a constant possibility. A methadone detox clinic makes sure that all doses are regulated and meet the needs of the individual. Methadone detox is not alone sufficient as drug rehab. Methadone detox helps ease the individual off of use of heroin and other drugs, but that is only part of the process. To experience full recovery from addiction, the individual must also engage in a drug rehab program. Counseling and other forms of therapy address the psychological elements of quitting and behavioral changes needed to move forward into a life without the drug addiction. Methadone treatment works only with the physical cravings that occur when an individual stop using heroin.
There a variety of methadone detox programs available to Florida residents. But until now, finding the best ones has been difficult, but that all changes with one visit to our Methadone Detox directory. At Florida Drug Treatment you will find helpful links to some of the most reputable methadone detox programs in the Sunshine State. For immediate help finding a Methadone Detox facility please call (866) 531-4569.