Addiction Treatment
How Is Methadone Prescribed?
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Methadone belongs to a class of synthetic-agents called “opiate analgesics.” Essentially, these drugs distract certain brain regions that keep us hooked on opiates: namely, the parts responsible for the euphoria.Methadone is often a godsend to those determined to quit. The prescribing of methadone is common practice; however, doctors must be registered with the DEA as part of the Narcotic Treatment Program (NTP) before prescribing it.Methadone treatment is so prevalent, many physicians are specialized in the field. A methadone provider is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), the Council on Accreditation (COA), and The Joint Commission (TJC). They must also hold a certification from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for directing opioid treatments.
Methadone Prescription Explained
There are several ways to administer methadone. Typically it comes in a tablet form. It is up to the licensed doctor to decide which form is prescribed, how much the patient should take, and how often they should take it—usually every 8 to 12 hours. Patients should follow these directions rigorously; under no circumstances should you decide to quit on your own. If you feel the methadone is doing more harm than good, inform your doctor, and they will decrease your dosage gradually and safely.Methadone can be harmful if mixed with other medications such as benzodiazepines. Mixing methadone with any medication, in fact, presents a risk. Typically symptoms of overdose—such as shallow, labored breathing—show up within 72 hours of use. Do not take antidepressants, anxiety medications, muscle relaxants, narcotics, sleeping medications, or tranquilizers while on methadone without first consulting your doctor. The mere fact that a medication is prescribed by doctors does not make it safe, especially not when mixed with other drugs. In general, methadone treatment has a great deal of success and has proven a fledgling, promising sub-field in addiction management. Numerous benefits have been observed in methadone-treated patients: higher employment potential, better family life, higher fertility rates, reduced sexual promiscuity, reduced criminal activity, higher life expectancy—and so forth.
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