Methadone: A Tool for Detox?

Methadone is a very powerful narcotic pain reliever similar to morphine. While prescribed for patients with severe pain (serious injury or after major surgery), it is also used in the detox process from opiates. Methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) programs can be found in many government-approved drug treatment clinics.

MMT patients require continuous treatment which can last for many years. Through this treatment, an illegal dependency (i.e. heroin, morphine) is exchanged for the legal dependence on methadone.

How MMT works

Heroin and other opiates release an excess amount of dopamine to the user’s body. This excess creates a need for a continuous amount of opiate to occupy the opioid receptors in the brain. Methadone can become a stabilizing factor, taking the place of the illegal substance and will occupy the opioid receptors.

Methadone is taken orally once a day and suppresses the narcotic withdrawal for 24 to 36 hours. It will decrease cravings and block the high which comes from heroin or morphine, but it doesn’t provide the euphoric rush.

With methadone, patients remain physically dependent but are freed from the controlled, compulsive and disruptive behavior of other opiates. The withdrawal with methadone is slower as well which makes it possible to maintain an addict on methadone without the harsh side effects.

MMT only works as a detox tool when dealing with opiate addiction. It does not work on detox from other drugs.

Methadone can also become addictive and may require a second detox period.

For more information on methadone and other drug addictions, please call Foundations Recovery Network at 1.877.714.1318. Admissions counselors are available to answer your questions about drug addiction and the treatment necessary to overcome addiction.

About Foundations Recovery Network

Foundations Recovery Network is a premier organization for treating persons with addiction and mental health disorders. The company oversees four dual diagnosis treatment centers: Michael’s House in Palm Springs, Calif.; La Paloma in Memphis, Tenn.; and The Canyon in Malibu, Calif.