A 2008 study from the Oregon Health & Science University suggests that methadone taken at therapeutic levels may be involved in sudden cardiac deaths. What that means is that even if it is not being abused, when it is simply taken for chronic pain or for treatment of addiction to opiates such as heroin or morphine, methadone may be killing people.
The OHSU study analyzed sudden cardiac deaths in the greater Portland, Oregon area to compare deaths in which therapeutic levels of methadone were found to similar deaths in which no methadone was found. In the methadone group, 77 percent had no significant coronary artery disease which led researchers to conclude that the methadone present had very likely contributed to these deaths. The researchers recommended that a larger evaluation of methadone therapy be done and suggested that more safeguards might be needed when the drug is prescribed.
“Some people think that giving methadone to a person who is addicted to an opiate is the kind way to help them with their addiction when it may in fact be putting them at risk,” stated Derry Hallmark, Director of Admissions and Certified Chemical Dependency Counselor at Narconon Arrowhead. Narconon Arrowhead is one of the country’s leading drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers, located in Canadian, Oklahoma.
“A better way to treat these addictions is with a drug-free, holistic program that provides the kind of support that makes withdrawal tolerable to most people,” Mr. Hallmark continued. “The Narconon program has long administered a drug-free withdrawal that uses nutritional support and gentle orientation and relaxation techniques to help a person withdraw more comfortably. The risks associated with methadone treatment are not necessary if a person can withdraw from the opiate and start building a fully drug-free life for themselves.”
After withdrawal, a person in the Narconon program goes on to use a sauna and vitamin/mineral program to thoroughly flush away drug residues stored in fat cells. By reports from those completing this detoxification, cravings are greatly reduced or even eliminated by this cleansing action. Without being tormented by constant cravings, a formerly addicted person is free to rebuild the life that was destroyed by addiction.
To find immediate help for someone who is having a problem with any kind of drug or alcohol, contact Narconon’s free addiction consultation and referral helpline at 1-800-468-6933 or visit their website at http://www.stopaddiction.com/. The Narconon program was founded in 1966 by William Benitez in Arizona State prison, and is based on the humanitarian works of L. Ron Hubbard. In more than 90 centers around the world, Narconon programs restore drug and alcohol abusers and addicts to a clean and sober lifestyle.
