Methadone: Methadone Facts

There are different types of recovery programs for those with a methadone addiction. It is important to find the right program. Not every program is right for every person. When you find the right program, you will have a better success rate of not relapsing, which is what family members want, and hopefully the person with the dependency problem.

There are inpatient and outpatient programs. Knowing which one is right for the person with the problem is important. They cannot get the right help if they are in the wrong program. Knowing the differences between inpatient and outpatient is important. Knowing the pros and cons of each will help you find the right program for the person in need of help.

There are inpatient programs to help those with a methadone dependency. This is a great way to still be able to visit the person, yet getting them out of the environment that could potentially hurt them more or kill them. With inpatient programs they have people watching them 24 hours a day 7 days a week. This program has all kinds of meetings, support groups, etc to help the person with the dependency out.

Then there is an outpatient program to help out. This program the person does not live at the facility. They come for the activities assigned them each day or the days they are required. They have a support group, but they are not with that support group 24 hours a day 7 days a week. If you do not need to get them away from the group causing the problem, this might be a good way to go.

Knowing how long someone has been using Methadone and how much they have been taking will probably affect which type of program they go to. Sometimes getting out of the situation can make a huge impact and can really help the person clean up. While others may need the help and support, but not need it 24 hours day surveillance. Finding the right inpatient or outpatient program is important. There are many ways to look for help. There are doctors, psychologist, and other medical professionals who can give their suggestions and even refer someone if that is needed. The right help will help you get the person into the right program, which is of up most importance.

When methadone has been used, finding the right programs is important. When you find a program that will really help them out, you will do anything to get them there and as soon as possible.

Posted by: J Miller on 2012-01-03, 10:16:19

You do have to wait at least 72 hours regardless of what dose of methadone you are on. Methadone has a very long half life at any dose and you have to wait until it's no longer in your system enough before you start Suboxone. If you start it while it's still occupying the opiate receptors in your brain the Suboxone will come in and kick the methadone off the receptors which is what puts you in precipitated withdrawal. I know it sucks to be sick and wait while you're getting sicker but if you don't you will get ten times sicker in a span of 60 seconds. When you start Suboxone you have to be in moderate to severe withdrawal. If your withdrawal symptoms are not bad enough it's too early. The longer you wait the better. For some people 72 hours is not enough either. You really shouldn't focus on the time. Focus on how you feel. 72 hours is a minimum but sometimes you have to wait longer. I switched from methadone to Suboxone after 72 hours and I thought I was sick enough but it turns out that I wasn't and I went in to precipitated withdrawal. It was by far the worst feeling I've ever experienced. I would rather lay at home puking for another day knowing that there is an end in sight than to start Suboxone too early. You may have to wait longer but never, ever start sooner. Even if you were on 4mg you would have to wait for 72 hours. I would recommend that you contact the Suboxone doctor now and ask if you get can some medication to relieve the withdrawal symptoms a bit. As long as you don't take an opiate it will not interfere with the transition to Sub. Ask for some Clonodine, phenergan (if you have nausea) and some sleeping pills. Maybe a muscle relaxer too. If you can get it you can take some OTC meds that can help. Imodium will help diarrhea and maybe nausea too to an extent. Dramamine may also help nausea and it will calm you down a bit. Benadryl will help runny nose and will help you sleep. Take 50-75mg of Benadryl to sleep. Ibuprofen can help leg pain. Popsicles, saltine crackers and fruit can help nausea too. Make sure you drink a lot of fluids so you don't get dehydrated which will make you feel worse. I would also recommend, if possible, that you go to the doctor's office to sign any paperwork and other stuff you have to do ahead of time so that you don't have to do it when you come in to start the induction when you'll be really sick. Do it now instead when you are not feeling as bad. This will be a miserable experience but unfortunately there is no way around it. Once you get the Suboxone though you will get relief and feel so much better. Good luck!

Finding a recovery program for Methadone addiction

Methadone: Methadone Facts