Ultimately, you may ask how one opioid can be used to treat opioid addiction. Nevertheless, doctors have been using methadone (a synthetic opioid) as a form of harm reduction therapy or drug-accompaniment for people recovering from heroin addiction. (Likewise, some medical professionals will prescribe methadone to treat chronic pain.) So how does a potent drug help people break away from a potent drug? Simply put, methadone is designed to reduce withdrawal symptoms and hinder sensations of euphoria and pain (for the purpose of healing). Even a new variety called methadose has been created to help heroin addicts, although this new variety requires a small dose due to its concentrated formula. So, can this powerful painkiller help heroin addicts? Let’s take a closer look and find out.
Why Is Methadone So Helpful?
Ultimately, heroin addicts will use methadone for three reasons: to stop using heroin, the mute pain, and to reduce harm related to injection. Methadone does not prevent opioid addiction, but, instead, serves as a safer substitute for heroin. If the drug is taken as instructed by a doctor, the methadone will successfully block opioid receptors (like heroin) and completely curb cravings for the more dangerous alternative. Most importantly, though, methadone helps heroin addicts cope with withdrawal much easier than if they quit “cold turkey.”
Good for Pain Management
Doctors may also prescribe methadone to help heroin addicts cope with severe physical and mental pain during withdrawal. During this process, emotional and physical pain will begin to blur together. Ultimately, through the use of methadone, daily activities will become much more bearable, and patients can tolerate their daily suffering much easier.
Reducing Patient Harm
Ultimately, methadone is also used as a form of harm reduction therapy for recovering addicts. Overall, this drug does not cure heroin addiction but can serve as a safe means to get high. In the case of heroin addicts, these individuals will typically inject this powerful opioid intravenously and put themselves at risk for contracting a variety of illnesses (like hepatitis C or HIV/AIDS) through needle-sharing. Likewise, frequent injection can result in collapsed veins. By taking methadone pills at a designated clinic, addicts can achieve a high, endure withdrawal, and reduce their risk of contracting these illnesses.
Seeking Treatment for Heroin Addiction
Heroin is a deadly drug that has claimed thousands of lives across the United States (and may continue to do so, if the Opioid Crisis is not put to an end). Addictive substances have always been a major problem across the globe, but, with the right amount of courage and determination, you can be the first of thousands to take back control of your life. Drugs like heroin do not control you.
If you or a loved one are suffering from heroin addiction, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. A professional team of counselors and healthcare experts are ready and waiting to guide you through the detox and withdrawal process and help you live a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle. Take the first step to stay fit, healthy, and safe. We will be there with you.
If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your drug abuse or addiction troubles today.
