World Class Methadone Addiction Treatment
Key Takeaways
- Methadone is an opioid drug that can be prescribed in the management of conditions like opioid dependence and severe pain1
- Methadone can be used as a long-term substitute for other opioids, like heroin. This is known as maintenance therapy2
- Like other opioids, methadone has potential for misuse and addiction, particularly when used for prolonged periods (i.e., longer than three months), even at treatment doses1,2
- People using methadone should be educated on the risks of addiction and carefully monitored during their treatment by healthcare professional(s)1
- As a long-acting opioid, methadone can produce effects for up to 36 hours after use
- Some of its effects can be severe and life-threatening, such as allergic reactions, severe headaches and overdoses. These represent medical emergencies that require immediate intervention2
- Methadone should not be used alongside other central nervous system depressants, like alcohol, benzodiazepines and other opioids, as this increases the risks of harmful effects and overdose2,4,5
- In the UK, methadone is classified as a Class A drug, meaning that recreational use is illegal and can result in prison sentences, unlimited fines or both6
- Although methadone is used to alleviate withdrawal effects from other opioids, withdrawing from it requires careful tapering schedules and medical supervision
- Medications can be prescribed during detox to ease withdrawal symptoms, like nausea and vomiting, pain and anxiety. This can help to support patients on their journey to recovery12
- Comprehensive and personalised treatment for methadone addiction can include medications, talk therapies, mutual support groups and harm reduction education12,13
The Effects of Methadone
Methadone has similar effects as morphine but lasts much longer, which can increase the risk of overdose or death. While methadone can reduce the craving for other opioid drugs the patient’s addiction can be transferred from the initial drug to methadone itself.
Oral doses of methadone are used to “stabilize” opioid addict patients by making the withdrawal symptoms more tolerable. In addition, higher doses of methadone can block the euphoric effects of heroin and similar drugs. Under strict medical supervision, methadone can be used to reduce their use of opioids.
Methadone is a synthetic opioid, used medically as a painkiller or as a heroin substitute. Over a quarter of a million people in the UK are given daily doses of methadone by the NHS.
Methadone Withdrawal Symptoms
There are several withdrawal symptoms associated with methadone addiction. While not everyone will suffer from all of these symptoms, one or more of them is common. Psychological and physical withdrawal symptoms can include:
- Lightheadedness
- Excess sweating
- Depression and anxiety
- Nervousness
- Aches and pains
- Uncontrollable shaking
- Strong cravings (often leading to relapse)
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Dilation of the pupils
The strongest methadone withdrawal symptoms begin to make their appearance in the first 24 -72 hours after the individual has stopped using. The withdrawal symptoms generally last a period of about a week, depending on the severity of the individual’s addiction.
Methadone Maintenance Therapy
Methadone maintenance therapy has been the most systematically studied, and politically polarizing, of any pharmacotherapy for the treatment of drug addiction patients. The early studies showed methadone could interrupt illicit opioid use and reduce the associated costs to society, especially criminal acts carried out by heroin addicts in search of their next fix. Methadone maintenance really took off in the 1980s when it began to be prescribed in many countries to heroin addicts as part of the “Harm Reduction” measures that were being introduced to stop the spread of HIV and AIDS.
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The Problem with Methadone Maintenance Therapy
Methadone maintenance therapy is supposed to be administered under strict medical supervision and with psychological (“talking”) therapies — with the aim of reducing the consumption of any opioids. But the cost of organizing outpatient therapy for so many people (there are nowhere near enough therapists to serve such a huge number of methadone addicts) means that methadone tends to be distributed by chemists without any of the accompanying therapy. The only contact the patient has with the health service is with their GP, who tends to give out prescriptions that cover long periods of time and who don’t have the time or experience to offer to counsel about the effects of methadone.
A study by Professor Neil McKeganey, chief researcher for Glasgow University’s Centre for Drug Misuse Research, showed that only 3.4% of drug addicts in Scotland recovered from drug addiction after using methadone.
The Side Effects of Methadone
Methadone can cause a wide range of side effects including drowsiness, weakness, nausea, insomnia, itching, lack of appetite, mood swings, skin rashes, difficulty urinating, insomnia, and headaches. When taken in larger doses it can cause slow breathing, irregular heartbeat, and death.
Methadone Detox
Methadone withdrawal can be very uncomfortable. Common methadone withdrawal symptoms are sleeplessness, anxiety, muscle pains, stomach cramps, and nausea.
While methadone withdrawal is similar to heroin or morphine withdrawal, the drug stays in the system for longer than many other drugs. Symptoms of withdrawal from methadone can last three to six weeks. Therefore, methadone users should only detox under medical supervision.
At Castle Craig, our goal is to ensure each patient’s safety and ease their physical and psychological discomfort during the methadone detoxification process. The methadone detox programme begins with a thorough pre-assessment by our Consultant Psychiatrist to determine the patient’s personalized needs. Each patient’s methadone detox regime is personalized according to the characteristics of their use history: how much and for how long they had been taking methadone and in combination with what other drugs, etc.
We provide 24/7 medically monitored detox. Our residential nursing staff monitors each patient regularly, so that withdrawal symptom from methadone are carefully managed.
In order to help the body manage methadone withdrawal symptoms and adapt to decreasing amounts of the drug, the patient will be detoxed by slowly reducing their dose until zero. Towards the end of the detox, patients may be prescribed medications to help alleviate some of the physical symptoms of withdrawal.
Rehab Treatment for Methadone Addiction
At Castle Craig Rehab we offer a structured methadone addiction treatment programme, which includes medical care and detox supervision, followed by a personalized psychotherapy treatment plan for each patient.
Inpatient residential rehab is the most successful type of treatment for methadone addiction as it helps the patient overcome physical cravings while at the same time getting moral support in group therapy sessions.
Methadone-addicted patients can explore the underlying causes of their drug problem and get treatment in a secure and peaceful environment, away from the problems of the outside world. By participating in our intensive therapy programme of individual and group therapy, complementary therapies, educational lectures, and 12-step support groups patients develop coping strategies to guarantee their long-lasting sobriety and successful reintegration into their home environment.
How Can Castle Craig Help?
Who will I speak to when I call Castle Craig?
When you call you will reach our Help Centre team who will give you all the information you need to help you decide whether to choose treatment at Castle Craig. If you decide that you would like to have a free screening assessment you will be asked a series of questions to build up a picture of your medical and drug use history as well as any mental health issues you are facing. If you decide you want to proceed with treatment you will be put in touch with our admissions case managers who will guide you through the admissions process.
How long is the rehab programme?
Residential rehab treatment starts at 4 weeks and can go up to 12+ weeks. Research shows us that the longer you stay in rehab and are part of the residential therapy programme, the longer the likelihood of continued abstinence and stable recovery.
How do I pay for rehab?
One concern we sometimes hear from people is how they will fund their rehab treatment. You can pay for treatment at Castle Craig privately, or through medical insurance, and some people receive funding through the NHS. The cost of rehab varies depending on what kind of accommodation you choose.
What happens at the end of my treatment?
Castle Craig thoroughly prepares patients before departure by creating a personalised continuing care plan which is formulated following discussions with the medical and therapeutic team. We offer an online aftercare programme which runs for 24 weeks after leaving treatment, in order to ensure a smooth transition back into your everyday life. Patients leaving treatment automatically join our Recovery Club where they can stay connected via our annual reunion, events, online workshops and recovery newsletters.