Methadone is one form of recovery but Addiction Canada Treatment Network asks is it really recovery, or is using methadone just a substitute addiction?
(1888PressRelease) September 10, 2012 - If you are one of those individuals addicted to heroin or other opioid, such as OxyContin, the idea that you could continue using with a somewhat lesser evil might be appealing. For many persons seeking to come off heroin or OxyContin addiction, going to methadone may seem like a no-brainer.
Methadone is a synthetic narcotic pain reliever with effects similar to morphine. "Methadone is used to help reduce the withdrawal symptoms in people addicted to heroin and other narcotic drugs without producing the "high" associated with those narcotics but its still an addiction", says the Director of Addiction Canada Treatment Network. He further states, "But methadone is still a narcotic, and it is addicting. Granted, it is less addicting than heroin or other opioids, but addiction is addiction. Why substitute one addictive substance for another?"
Tapering off and gradually reducing the dosage of methadone is one way of kicking the heroin habit. Another use for methadone is as daily maintenance. Why would someone choose methadone maintenance? Using methadone in this manner allows the heroin addict to try to rebuild parts of their lives that have been damaged by heroin addiction. It's not a perfect solution, but it can be useful as a temporary one. "A temporary solution to a seemingly permanent problem is not the way to handle this", says Addiction Counselor Scott, "We deal with this temporary fix addiction by permanently solving the problem and complete recovery is the way to do it, and that's what the Addiction Canada Treatment Network provides, a permanent solution".
Addiction Canada Treatment Network's treatment for opioid addiction includes a period of detoxification (also called detox), followed by counseling and therapy that are designed to help the patient stay off the drug. There are also specific therapies that are used based on the individual and their individual program of recovery that include Chinese medicine, hydrotherapy, mindfulness meditation and spiritual counseling, restorative yoga, nutritional wellness and massage therapy and dry sauna. The Addiction Canada Treatment Network also provides a new way of living clean and sober by total lifestyle counseling and relapse prevention.
The fact that many opioid-dependent individuals also have other substance abuse problems, specifically alcohol abuse or addiction, and/or use of cocaine or other illicit substances, along with possible co-occurring mental health disorders (including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and others), means that it may take longer for the comprehensive treatment to begin to work effectively. Addiction Canada Treatment Network works on all these concurrent disorders as well as many cross addictions. "our program is geared for each individual and their recovery program is specific to them", Counselor Nicole states.
While the path toward recovery from opioid addiction may seem uncertain, with relapse rates high and multiple stays in rehab often required, the outcome is not negative. Indeed, with each treatment stay completed, patients do seem to make progress, according to numerous research studies. However with Addiction Canada Treatment Network and their high success rate, 50 to 60% compared to the national average of government funded short term treatment programs of 10 to 12%, the progress can be complete in staying clean and sober for a lifetime.
Complete Program, confidentiality, Privacy, security and serenity are the key elements that make the Addiction Canada Treatment Network an ideal solution for those who are serious about getting better.