Over the last few years, a form of addiction care called medication-assisted treatment (MAT) has become the gold standard for addressing opioid dependency. MAT is a method by which medical professionals administer medications, such as methadone, to help individuals cope with and overcome their withdrawal symptoms and cravings. The medications combined with therapy has proven to be very effective in helping those struggling with opioid addiction make a lasting recovery. At our Phoenix metro area methadone clinic, we provide a variety of addiction treatment programs. Learn more about what is methadone and how methadone helps to treat drug addiction.
What Is Methadone?
Methadone is a long-acting opioid agonist, which means it activates certain receptors in an individual’s brain responsible for producing the effects of opioids. However, methadone reduces or blunts these effects. When taken daily, methadone treatment can help individuals struggling with addiction lessen the impact cravings have and make undergoing withdrawal symptoms more bearable. Methadone is administered in a variety of forms, including liquid, powder, pill, and wafer. Thus, nearly anyone in need of medication-assisted treatment can find a form that suits them best.
The medical professionals at our methadone clinic monitor and tightly administer methadone doses that are specifically tailored to each unique patient. These doses are adjusted as needed as individuals respond to the treatment. Methadone treatment requires some time for the medication to build-up in the individual’s system. Therefore, for many patients, methadone maintenance is usually at least a year-long process. However, the benefits of this kind of medication-assisted treatment are extensive, and when individuals stick with the program, they discover positive outcomes.
Benefits of Methadone Medication-Assisted Treatment
Methadone does not create the same euphoric effects as other opiates like heroin or morphine. The medication is designed to do the opposite–block their pleasurable sensations. When an individual is in a methadone medication-assisted treatment program, if they were to use heroin or any other opioid, the euphoric effect would be blocked thanks to the medication. This allows individuals to work on overcoming their psychological addiction as they also work in their MAT program to address the physical side of addiction, such as withdrawal.
Methadone is perhaps the oldest medication used to treat opioid addiction. Medical and addiction professionals have been using it for more than 30 years. There are numerous benefits to a methadone treatment program. For instance, daily visits to our methadone clinic provide structure to patients’ lives. Also, the cost is usually much more manageable than other treatment options. Without a ceiling effect (when a medication reaches its maximum effect), doses of methadone can increase or decrease as the patient progresses through the program.
For many, the key benefits of methadone are in how it alleviates painful withdrawal symptoms and makes using other opioids null. Methadone treatment follows strict protocols because the medication can be abused. For some, this can be a challenge in terms of scheduling, but at Sunlight Medical Services, our outpatient treatment program is designed to meet patients’ unique needs.
Medication-Assisted Treatment in Phoenix Metro Area
We understand the many challenges individuals struggling with addiction face. Therefore, we have created a safe and comfortable environment where patients can come and get the medication-assisted treatment (MAT) they need. Supporting you or a loved one to build a lasting recovery is our goal. Our methadone treatment program is just one of our MAT programs, which also includes:
- Buprenorphine treatment program
- Sublocade treatment program
- Naltrexone treatment program
- Vivitrol treatment program
While managing withdrawal and cravings within these programs, patients will benefit from individual and group counseling as they work through mental and behavioral issues surrounding their substance abuse. Our therapies and programs combine to give patients the comprehensive care needed to make a lasting recovery. Contact our admissions specialists today at 855.920.1104 to learn more.
