Methadone Addiction Rehab

Before we discuss the ins and outs of methadone addiction rehab, we must emphasize that methadone has not been proven to be successful as a drug substitute in an addiction treatment program. Often, those who have been addicted to a serious drug such as crystal meth or crack cocaine become addicted to the substitute drug used to ease their addiction.

Methadone can easily be abused since it is available in liquid form. However, methadone tablets are also available as prescription treatments for addictive drug substitution. The third form of methadone treatment is as an injection. Unfortunately, there is a growing illegal methadone market due to its increasing availability as a prescription drug.

Those using methadone as a substitute addiction need drug rehab just as much as those suffering from any other kind of addiction. Many methadone addicts are afraid that if they stop, they might go through serious withdrawal pains and illnesses that can only be solved by returning to the original addiction or to methadone.

Life is not all bad for heroin or other addicts seeking to use methadone as a stepping-stone to freedom from drug addiction. The “rehab” effect of methadone is maximized if it is administered in gradually decreasing doses after a person has entered a drug-free rehab program. Methadone's immediate effects are similar, but not as powerful, as those of heroin, and its harmful side effects are not as serious as heroin's.

Taking an overdose of methadone may not only undo the positive effects of methadone rehab, but also incur a serious medical emergency. If you suspect anyone of having received a methadone overdose, call for an ambulance immediately.