The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health notes that methadone, a synthetic opioid, was originally developed as a means for relieving pain. Methadone was later found to be effective in treating addiction to opiates such as heroin through federally regulated methadone maintenance treatment programs. The Office of National Drug Control Policy explains that when methadone is taken as prescribed, it is effective in suppressing withdrawal symptoms during opiate detox. However, methadone has the potential for abuse and addiction similarly found in other opiates.
Step 1
Enroll in a detoxification program to safely withdraw from methadone. Recovery Connection suggests entering a medically monitored detox program to begin recovery from methadone addiction. Medical detox offers support and medically trained staff for tending to severe withdrawal symptoms such as tremors, pain and nausea. Rapid detox is another option, which is shorter and done under anesthesia in a hospital setting.
Step 2
Attend group or individual substance abuse rehabilitation. MayoClinic.com explains that utilizing addiction treatment programs can help you learn skills for staying sober. Options for methadone rehabilitation include inpatient or outpatient recovery. Inpatient recovery is done in a residential setting daily on a short-term basis. Both inpatient and outpatient treatment can include attending groups, individual counseling and family support sessions.
Step 3
Locate and attend methadone support meetings. Methadone support meetings are a means for obtaining peer support in a sober environment. Methadone Anonymous offers meetings in each state or online. Methadone Anonymous subscribes to the tenets of the 12 Steps and Traditions.
Step 4
Create a relapse prevention plan. Once you achieve abstinence from methadone, write a relapse prevention plan for ongoing recovery. MayoClinic.com suggests recognizing your high risk situations and triggers as part of relapse prevention and to discuss the prevention plan with your recovery team.
Step 5
Seek help immediately if you recognize signs for a potential relapse. Attend a support meeting, call your counselor or find a trusted friend to talk to if you feel the urge to use. Although you may not have access to legal methadone, relapse urges can make you vulnerable to seeking the drug. Before you allow yourself to find and use methadone, connect with sober supports to deter relapse efforts.
Tips and Warnings
- Talk to your physician about discontinuing methadone treatment and discuss the side effects of withdrawal. Include your family in the recovery process for additional support.
- Methadone withdrawal can cause extreme discomfort.
