Detox is one of the most important parts of the addiction recovery process. Yet many people are intimidated by detoxification because of the strong withdrawal symptoms that are generally associated with “coming down” during natural detox (in which the individual stops the intake of drugs cold turkey). These individuals often turn to medical detox processes – the most common of which involves a synthetic opiate known as Methadone. And although carefully monitored medical detox programs help countless individuals overcome their addiction, there are a number of people who have become addicted to the very substance that was intended to help them.
How Does Methadone Addiction and Abuse Start?
Rather than a “street drug” purchased from a dealer, most people begin using Methadone with the absolute best of intentions: as a means of detoxifying from opiates such as heroin, Vicodin or OxyContin. However, because Methadone is a synthetic opiate, it carries with it many of the same addictive properties as these other dangerous drugs. That means a small but significant number of people who begin using Methadone during detox will then become addicted to the drug. That leaves them fighting a difficult two front war against Methadone addiction and their addiction to the original opiate in question.
Treatment Help for Methadone Addiction
Individuals who are struggling with Methadone addiction need professional help from a drug rehab program. Drug rehabilitation for Methadone abuse or dependence is commonly comprised of three distinct processes: detox, counseling and aftercare.
- Detox. Usually, an individual has a choice between natural and medical detox when cleansing their system of the harmful toxins found in drugs and alcohol. However, since attempting a medical detoxification is likely the source of the problem, going “cold turkey” with a natural plan is the most appropriate action to take here.
- Counseling. The heart of a Methadone addiction treatment program is counseling. This is where the individual’s psychological addiction to drugs is addressed, and the individual learns about the “triggers” in his or her life that lead to methadone abuse. There are three primary types of addiction counseling: individual (one-on-one sessions with a therapist), group (meetings where other recovering addicts in the program gather together to share stories and support one another) and family (a chance for loved ones to heal broken relationships and trust with the recovering addict).
- Aftercare. Once the Methadone rehab program is complete, the individual still has a number of issues they must confront. Society is not always quick to welcome back the recovering opiate addict, and therefore the individual may face prejudices and stressors on a daily basis that, at worst, can cause the individual to relapse. Aftercare programs help prepare the individual for life after rehab – and provide the necessary support to make it through the tough times and take recovery one day at a time. The most common types of aftercare include: 12 step groups (such as Narcotics Anonymous), follow-up counseling at the treatment facility and sober living homes.
Different Types of Methadone Rehab
Once the individual has made a choice to go into treatment for their Methadone addiction they have a number of different treatment options. There are drug rehab programs that deal with Methadone addiction in unique ways, each one offering a specific “spin” on treatment that meets the particular lifestyle needs of the individual. Top treatment program types include:
- Residential Methadone rehab. Individuals in residential rehab live on-site at the facility where they receive round-the-clock care from treatment professionals. The residential style of treatment is ideal for those individuals who are living in a destructive environment that increases the likelihood of drug abuse.
- Outpatient Methadone rehab. Some men and women are unable or unwilling to simply drop everything in their lives and enter into a residential drug rehab program. For these individuals, there are outpatient rehab programs. Outpatient methadone rehab has the individual attend counseling during the day, but then return home in the evening. This allows for some measure of personal freedom so that the individual can maintain their responsibilities at work, school or as the head of household.
- Teen Methadone rehab. A teenager who is addicted to drugs such as Methadone have everything to lose, including their health and their future. Teen drug rehab programs help adolescents get their lives back on track by addressing teen-specific issues concerning drug use.
