Methadone Addiction Treatment Center
When more traditional methods of detoxification have been unsuccessful for opiate addiction, methadone often becomes a treatment option. Although designed to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with drugs like heroin, methadone has habit-forming qualities that, when taken in large dosages, can create methadone dependence in users who enjoy the drug’s relaxing and anxiety-reducing effects. At The Villa Treatment Center, we work with individuals suffering from an addiction to methadone, and we provide treatment mechanisms that are designed to help each of our residents obtain sobriety.
Residents that come to the Villa Treatment Center are offered a sober community designed to walk you through recovery from methadone addiction and a residential, home-like environment that ensures safety from addictive substances.
What is Methadone?
Methadone is a man-made drug that is used primarily as a treatment method for narcotic addiction. The appeal for methadone comes from its small dosage, which is significantly lower than other drugs designed to aid in addiction treatment. One dose of methadone can last up to 24 hours, making it a suitable choice for physicians and those in recovery. The drug is usually administered in a liquid form that is swallowed; however, tablets and injectable dosages are available.
The goal of methadone treatment is to block the high that is associated with opiate use. When methadone enters the brain, it essentially distracts the receptor sites that are normally involved in absorbing opiate drugs. The result is an eliminated high, which subsequently reduces withdrawal symptoms. With withdrawal symptoms gone, users do not have to experience the typical physical and psychological discomfort, thus decreasing the chance of relapse. Methadone can be an effective tool to combat opiate addiction when prescribed by a doctor and taken in appropriate dosage. Methadone is frequently abused, however, and if abused, addiction to the substance can occur.
What Are the Effects of Methadone?
Methadone can produce a high similar to that of heroin, but less intense. Users typically wish to repeat the relaxing and sedating effects that result from taking the drug and will increase their dosage to a dangerous amount in order to obtain those feelings. Like most drugs, after continual use, the brain will develop a tolerance, causing users to attempt obsessively to recreate the initial high. When methadone is taken, it can create euphoric feelings or a state of intense calm and drowsiness. Larger dosages, however, can result in slower reactions, shallow breathing, nausea, and vomiting. The drug becomes particularly dangerous when combined with other substances. Alcohol and other drugs can enhance the effects of methadone, which carries the risk of overdose and death.
When controlled, withdrawal from methadone is a relatively comfortable process. A doctor will typically reduce dosages by 5 mg increments, allowing the drug to leave the body slowly. When users immediately stop taking the drug – whether by choice or due to an empty prescription – withdrawal effects are more severe, making relapse much more likely.
Methadone Detox & Rehab at The Villa
At The Villa Treatment Center, our methadone dependence treatment methods range from clinical therapy approaches to holistic activities so that residents can choose a treatment option that best aligns with their goals for rehabilitation.
Our staff understands that no individual or their addiction are the same, which is why we allow you to choose the methodology that is right for you. However, we uphold a zero-tolerance policy and have expectations that our facility is taken seriously. We are here to support you on your journey to recovery so that you can lead a fulfilling and productive life.
During treatment, you will undergo a detoxification process depending on the extent of your methadone addiction where caring and qualified staff will support you throughout the duration. Once methadone detox is complete, you will begin a comprehensive treatment program designed to help you become comfortable confronting your addiction and accepting sobriety. Our facility practices dual diagnosis treatment, which is the belief that mental illness and drug addiction are not mutually exclusive. We employ treatment methods that target both disorders so that you may better understand the cause of your methadone addiction and how you can manage it. Dual diagnosis methods include evidence-based practices like Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing that help you to understand past events better and apply them to a renewed and hopeful future. Other activities we provide include family therapy, meditation, yoga, and music and art therapy.
Residents will also participate in our 12-step modality programs, which offer community support for those in recovery from substances like methadone. The goal is for individuals to openly discuss the impact of addiction on themselves and others as well as validating the presence of substance abuse and taking responsibility for its effects. The 12-step modality is completed along with other group and individual therapy sessions as we strive to provide a process that is compelling for you, and offers you the greatest chance of successful recovery.
If you or a loved one is ready to take the next step toward methadone addiction recovery, please give us a call. We would be happy to answer any questions you have about rehabilitation and help you get started at The Villa Treatment Center.