Table of Contents
Introduction
Congratulations on deciding to visit a methadone clinic Louisville KY. It takes brave people to even realize that they have an addiction problem and seek help. The good news is that opioid addiction problems resulting from prescription drugs like morphine or illicit ones like heroin can be safely and effectively treated using methadone. Used for over 40 years, methadone treats addiction by reducing the cravings for other opiates. It is a safe and effective treatment, especially when administered in certified and approved methadone clinics in KY. In this article, we tell you everything you should know ahead of your first visit to a methadone clinic.
Methadone and Substance Abuse
For years now, methadone has been used successfully for treating addiction resulting from heroin and other opiates misuse. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) define methadone as a long-acting opioid agonist that works by reducing cravings for opiates and withdrawal symptoms. At the same time, it also blocks the euphoria that comes with using other opioids. Along with naltrexone and buprenorphine, methadone is approved by the FDA for treating opioid use disorder.
Methadone is an effective treatment for opioid use disorder. It has stabilizing effects and a long half-life and can work without causing euphoric effects. The medication is available in several forms like pills, water, and liquid, and should be taken only once a day. In heroin addicts, methadone is administered in higher doses to help them recover from substance abuse.
What are the Side Effects of Methadone?
There are some mild side effects you will experience after taking methadone. They include the following:
- Slow breathing
- Nausea or vomiting
- Restlessness
- Mood changes
- Appetite and sleep changes
Methadone tends to have a long half-life and is very strong, which makes it susceptible to overdose. Doctors must be careful when giving out a dose to prevent clients from getting drowsy.
Visiting a Methadone Clinic for Medication-Assisted Treatment
SAMHSA states that medication-assisted treatment involves the use of a drug like methadone and behavioral therapies and counseling. This way, the patient gets a comprehensive approach to the treatment of substance abuse.
What to Expect during your first visit to a methadone clinic
Afer the initial consultation, doctors will dispense methadone daily and ask you to do a urine test. The treatment programs are holistic, which means they focus on balancing mental health, substance use pieces, psychosocial support, and pharmacotherapy.
One critical aspect of the addiction treatment at a top methadone clinic Louisville KY is that doses are monitored by clinicians.
In-patient methadone clinics keep a close eye on patients to see if they suffer from drowsiness. In case of over-sedation, they will reduce the dosage of methadone. Clinicians will continue, monitoring patients even as they dispense daily doses of methadone.
SAMHSA says that the main purpose of medication-assisted treatment is promoting complete recovery to enable patients to reclaim their lives and leave a more meaningful life.
MAT (Methadone-assisted treatment) is an integral component for managing patients holistically. It is one of the main pharmacotherapy options, as well as the most effective one in treating opioid use disorder. It is the only treatment method that demonstrates so much positive impact in treating addiction caused by illicit drug use. The strict in-patient method of treatment with methadone ensures that instances of overdoses are significantly minimized.
How Do Methadone Clinics Work?
Methadone clinics in KY provide various treatment options for individuals that have decided to overcome the use of opioids. Although methadone is an opioid just like prescription medications and heroin, it has special properties that make it a highly effective rehabilitation and treatment tool. It is also a fast-acting drug whose effects you will start to feel just 30 minutes of taking it. After using it repeatedly, its half-life extends to 24 hours, which means that you will still experience its effects during this time.
During the time that the dose is active, methadone blocks the euphoric effects resulting from the use of other opioids. Also, it eliminates painful withdrawal symptoms that people experience when they quit using other opioids.
Is Methadone Treatment Appropriate for Everyone?
When you visit a methadone treatment facility for the first time, you will be screened and then assessed by a clinician at the clinic. However, methadone has the danger of becoming addictive. Thus, based on the drug use history of a patient, the clinic will monitor their use of the drug more carefully. Before you are put on this treatment, doctors will check you for certain health conditions. They will find as much information about your health background before any treatment can commence.
Below are some conditions that eliminate you from methadone treatment:
- Diabetes
- Hypothyroidism
- Asthma
- Hormonal problems
- Certain prostate conditions
What are Methadone Treatment Plans?
The types of treatment plans will vary based on the needs f an individual patient. Federal law demands that only a certified Opioid Treatment Program (OTP). During the initial methadone treatment stages, patients will be put through daily methadone dosages under the strict supervision of a qualified medical provider. After stabilizing the opiates in their body, a clinician may give out dosages to be taken at home. But you will have to account for every ablet pill given.
Conclusion
Methadone clinics in Ky may also recommend that you be put through CBT or cognitive behavioral therapy. This helps you cope with mental problems that may arise from opioid addiction. After treating the physical withdrawal symptoms, patients begin experiencing anxiety, stress, irritability, and cravings. CBT prepares individuals for possible challenges that may come after one has gone through the withdrawal stage. It also avoids instances of relapsing and ensures you remain on course for recovery.
Remember that the methadone clinic Louisville KY that you choose determines the quality of care you will receive. That is why you need to research the available clinics in Kentucky, read reviews, and be sure about their reputation before you choose one.
