Since the 1960s, methadone has been used to treat heroin addiction and it’s still effective, especially for those who don’t respond to other medications. The relationship between methadone and heroin is very strong. But, unfortunately, many people don’t know about this and they miss the option to get rid of heroin addiction. And thus, they suffer for a lifetime.

In this post, we will discuss the role of methadone in heroin addiction treatment.

Methadone and heroin addiction treatment

Methadone is a long-acting opioid, attaching to the same opioid receptors in the brain as heroin. Administered as a part of heroin maintenance treatment, methadone lessens the symptoms of heroin withdrawal by interacting with opioid receptors in the brain. Most importantly, methadone prevents relapses during recovery by blocking the euphoric high caused by heroin.

Methadone treatment in a rehab center not only helps in coming out of heroin addiction but focuses on other aspects as well. It lays a stronger foundation for recovery than constantly fighting cravings and the urge to relapse.

What’s the major benefit of methadone treatment for heroin addiction?

There are other medications available for heroin addiction and managing its withdrawal symptoms. But, methadone is the most promising alternative for people who are severely addicted to heroin.

Methadone treatment provides stabilization during the early stages of rehabilitation, which lowers the risk of relapses and increases the individual’s commitment to treatment.

Are there any risks of using methadone for heroin addiction treatment?

If you use methadone under an expert’s guidance for treating heroin addiction, there is no risk. An expert knows how and for how long methadone should be prescribed for heroin addiction treatment. The dosage depends on your addiction level and current and past health condition. If you make any changes in the medication routine, things might turn against you.

Methadone is safe if taken for a short period. It’s seen that doctors change the medication if the addicted person doesn’t respond positively, but they don’t increase the dose and time. There is a standard timeline described by methadone rehabilitation experts. h

If you increase the quantity or time of methadone without consulting your doctor, you might get addicted to it. Yes, you read it right. Methadone is addictive because it’s an opioid. It impacts your body just like other opioids. Doctors consider it only because it’s very effective in heroin addiction treatment.

Other risks associated with methadone if not consumed as prescribed

Methadone causes life-threatening breathing problems if consumed more than prescribed. It’s not recommended for people with kidney problems as well as those who drink alcohol or take other medications that cause drowsiness. This is why the health record of the heroin-addicted person is checked before prescribing methadone.

You not only need a doctor’s prescription to start the medicine but also to stop it. If you stop taking methadone suddenly, you might experience withdrawal symptoms. It might be difficult for you to drive or operate heavy machinery because of withdrawal symptoms.

Conclusion

Compared to alternatives, methadone is a better option for heroin addiction treatment. But, it can be harmful if you don’t consult an expert. So, we recommend looking for one of the best methadone treatment rehab centers.