Much like all opiates, methadone is a highly addictive drug that is associated with a rarely life threatening, but extremely painful withdrawal from other drugs. According to the Office of National Drug Control Policy, methadone is usually prescribed to help relieve symptoms of heroin withdrawal and has a long, successful history in treating those conditions. However, methadone is also used to alleviate pain in certain patients. If your friend is addicted and committed to going through withdrawal from methadone, there are several things you can do to help her.
Step 1
Familiarize yourself with methadone withdrawal process. This is especially important for someone who plans to go through the withdrawal at home. The U.S. National Library of Medicine lists various pains, muscle cramps, diarrhea, vomiting and agitation among their list of methadone withdrawal symptoms. Since many of these symptoms resemble those of the flu, they can be treated similarly. Traditional remedies and over-the-counter medicine may help to alleviate the discomfort of withdrawal. If the withdrawal process is going to happen under the supervision of professionals, it may still benefit both you and your friend if you know what to expect during the ordeal.
Step 2
Enroll your friend in a drug addict support group run by a mental health professional or a former drug abuser. These kinds of groups provide valuable emotional support for an addict and will make it likely for her to be able to quit using methadone, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. In a support group your friend will be able to talk with others in the same situation; something you might not be able to do. Try to help her to commit to the meetings by driving her there.
Step 3
Arrange professional help for your friend during withdrawal. Methadone is notorious for having one of the most uncomfortable and longest withdrawal periods of any drug if left untreated. Often, professional help is needed, and an addict is simply not capable of going through the ordeal without proper treatment. Doctors at rehabilitation and drug centers can administer drugs that ease this process and are well prepared to deal with complications that might arise during withdrawal.
Step 4
Distance your friend from other drug users. The influence of drug addicts on a former drug user can be detrimental to their recovery, the website Relapse-prevention.org notes, and can lead to relapses. The presence of drugs or the influence of drug users themselves may tempt your friend and cause him to continue the use of methadone.
Step 5
Ensure that your friend receives continued treatment even after he is completely drug free. Methadone addicts can experience occasional cravings for the drug for the rest of their lives. To remain clear of drugs, your friend is going to need continuous support and reinforcement.
Tips and Warnings
- Try to find other people motivated to help your friend. Being the only one supporting an addict can be stressful and sharing the load with someone could help both you, and your friend. Consider purchasing books or brochures on methadone withdrawal, since they could provide you with additional information.
- Avoid having your friend go through withdrawal without professional help. Although most opiates can be detoxed from at home, this is usually not the case with methadone.
Things You'll Need
- Contact information for local medical professionals and support groups
- Literature on methadone withdrawal
