Using Methadone to Treat Opioid Addiction
Methadone is a medication that doctors may prescribe to treat people who are facing opioid addiction and opioid withdrawal symptoms.1,2 If you or a loved one are struggling, you should be aware of your treatment options. Keep reading to learn more about methadone for opioid use disorder (OUD) and how to find effective, evidence-based treatment that suits your needs.
What Is Methadone?
Methadone maintenance treatment has been used to treat opioid dependence since the 1950s. It is also used to treat moderate to severe pain when non-narcotic medications are not sufficient. Methadone is one of the many FDA-approved addiction treatment medications. Other medications used to treat opioid use disorder include naltrexone and buprenorphine.1-3
How does methadone work? Methadone is an opioid, like heroin or morphine, but is a long-acting opioid that is considered less dangerous than short acting opioids when given under medical supervision. Since it is an opioid, it does result in pain relief and euphoria but, because it is long acting, it binds to the receptor for a longer time preventing further cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Methadone binds to the same receptors as other opioids so when sitting on the opioid receptor, it has potential to block other faster acting opioids like heroin from binding to the same receptors, preventing their euphoric effects.2,3
Methadone is sold as a generic and under various brand names, including Dolophine and Methadose, among others.4
It comes in different forms, such as:3
- Liquid concentrate (most commonly used in OUD treatment programs).
- Powder.
- Dispersible tablets.
- Tablets (most commonly used in pain management).
People who are interested in methadone treatment should be aware that it can only be dispensed in approved opioid treatment programs (OTPs), and they typically need to travel to a facility daily or almost daily to receive the medication.5 However, people who have been in treatment for a while may be eligible to receive a certain number of take-home doses.5
Although methadone is a Schedule II controlled substance, it is very safe when used correctly and under medical supervision and has been used in the treatment of OUD for many years; its benefits far outweigh the negative effects of continued illicit opioid use.3,4
What is Methadone Prescribed For?
Methadone is prescribed during the detoxification phase of treatment to minimize opioid withdrawal symptoms and cravings and during the subsequent maintenance phase of treatment for opioid use disorder.1-3
Other methadone uses sometimes also include the management of pain syndromes, such as neuropathic pain and cancer pain.4
Methadone may therefore be prescribed for the following purposes:2-4,6
- Opioid withdrawal.
- Opioid cravings.
- To block or blunt the effects of opioids.
- Certain pain syndromes.
- To help people avoid returning to opioid use or relapse.
Methadone Maintenance Therapy
Methadone maintenance treatment is the phase of treatment that can begin after a person has successfully completed detoxification; it is designed to help them sustain recovery.3
After using methadone for opioid withdrawal, people can continue to take it during maintenance for as long as they experience a benefit; in other words, there is no limit to the duration of methadone maintenance therapy.3
Methadone benefits during maintenance can include ongoing suppression of cravings and withdrawal symptoms, a reduced likelihood of a return to opioid use, and improving a person’s ability to make life changes in formal OUD treatment.3
When used as a part of a comprehensive treatment plan that also includes behavioral therapies, counseling, and other forms of support, methadone for opioid addiction can be beneficial for supporting a person’s long-term recovery.3,7
People who want to use methadone for addiction treatment should be aware that it is a safe and effective medication when taken as prescribed by a qualified physician.3,7 It can help people manage their condition so they can enter sustained recovery during the maintenance phase of treatment.7
How Long Does Methadone Treatment Last?
People can be prescribed methadone for as long as is necessary and desired, so the overall duration of treatment can vary widely from person to person.3
Sometimes, methadone can be helpful for people who only want to take it in the short term so they can manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings during detox, while others remain on the medication for longer periods.3 People can safely use methadone for years.7
It’s important to note that research shows that relapse or return to opioid use is common among people who stop taking methadone without ongoing support or treatment.8 This means that methadone isn’t generally a standalone treatment for many people.
It is advisable to receive comprehensive opioid addiction treatment that includes counseling and behavioral therapies to address the underlying issues and learn skills that support ongoing abstinence.3
Methadone Side-Effects
Any medication has the potential to cause side effects. Some of the more common reported methadone side effects include:9
- Lightheadedness and dizziness.
- Sedation.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Sweating.
Other side effects are possible, and some can be more serious.9
If you suspect that you or a loved one is experiencing side effects from methadone, it’s advisable to consult your physician. It’s also important to be aware that methadone can interact with different medications, so you should always inform your doctor of any medications you may be using before starting methadone treatment.9
Benefits of Methadone Treatment
Methadone is one of the most studied medications for OUD and has a long history of use.
When properly taken as directed, methadone can provide numerous benefits for those struggling with opioid addiction. Methadone benefits include:3,5,7
- Safety and effectiveness when taken as prescribed under a doctor’s supervision.
- Improving overall health and daily functioning.
- Enhancing a person’s quality of life.
- Helping people make life changes needed for long-term recovery.
- Helping manage and decrease cravings.
- Lowering illicit opioid use.
- Increasing retention in treatment programs.
- Reducing the risk of death.
- Decreasing criminal behaviors.
- Safe and recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women with OUD.
- Reducing the risk of death from overdose.
- Lowering the risk of HIV and hepatitis C transmission.
- Being used for as long as a person experiences benefits from taking it.
Does Insurance Cover Methadone?
Treatment with methadone may be partly or fully covered by your insurance provider.10 Different insurance carriers offer various types of coverage; however, your exact benefits can vary.
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) states that mental health and substance use disorder services are considered essential health benefits for most private insurance plans.10 You may therefore have coverage for treatment with methadone or other OUD medications alongside more comprehensive addiction treatment services.
It’s smart to verify your specific coverage with your insurance carrier or use our online guide to find out more about using insurance to pay for rehab.
If you’d like to check your insurance coverage for rehab online, simply complete our now.
Opioid Addiction Treatment near Tampa
If you’re struggling with OUD, we are here to help you start and stay on the path to recovery. River Oaks Treatment Center, an inpatient rehab facility near Tampa, offers medications for OUD, evidence-based therapies, and individualized treatment plans to suit all needs. We provide all levels of care, including detox, outpatient addiction treatment near Tampa, and inpatient rehab.
Please call us at to speak with a compassionate admissions navigator about your rehab options. We can help you understand the treatment process, answer your questions, explore rehab payment options, and help you get admitted today.