RIVER CITY REHABILITATION CENTER, INC.


methadone



What is Methadone?

Methadone is a long-acting opioid medication that is used as a pain reliever and, together with counseling and other psychosocial services, is used to treat individuals addicted to heroin and certain prescription drugs. At River City we use the orange diskette form of methadone that dissolves when water is added.



What is Methadone Maintenance Treatment?


Methadone Maintenance helps normalize your body's neurological and hormonal functions that have been impaired by the use of heroin or misuse of other short-acting opioids. Opioids are a group of drugs that act on the central nervous system. They include opiates such as codeine, morphine, and heroin as well as synthetic drugs such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, and methadone. 


Methadone Maintenance has several benefits such as:

+ Reduces or eliminates cravings for opioid drugs

+ Prevents the onset of withdrawal for 24 hours or more

+ Blocks the effects of other opioids

+ Promotes increased physical and emotional health

+ Raises the overall quality of life of the patient



Is Methadone Maintenance Treatment Right for You?


Have you been through detoxification and found you couldn't feel normal? Methadone Maintenance can allow you to regain a sense of normalcy.


Have you been using opioids such as heroin, codeine, or oxycodone but can't seem to stop? Methadone Maintenance can help you quit using those drugs and focus on your life. 


Have you tested positive for HIV or Hepatitis C? If you have tested positive, Methadone Maintenance can allow you to regain your quality of life and begin essential treatment of your viral infection. If you have not tested positive, Methadone Maintenance can help you stop using needles, which is the primary rule of infection for drug users.


Beginning Methadone Maintenance can help stabilize and improve your health and can move you toward getting the care you need.



Starting Methadone Maintenance Treatment


To start our Methadone Maintenance Treatment program you must be a volunteer patient, meaning you must want to enter the program on your own, not at the force of another individual. You also must be at least 18 years or older and have a valid Texas ID. You must be dependent on heroin, or another opiate drug for at least one year before being admitted to River City Rehabilitation Center. For more information on admission please see the Admission page.


How Long Will I Be on Methadone?


It's different for everyone depending on your history of use. The longer you've been dependent on opioids, the more likely it is that you would benefit from being on methadone. Those who withdraw from methadone after short-term treatment are more likely to return to drug use than those who stay in treatment until they have obtained the optimal benefits.


Remember the risks that come with drug use: high rates of HIV and Hepatitis C infection among people who inject drugs, greater odds of committing crimes and going to prison, and possible death from overdose.


Recovery to a normal life is possible. You should stay in treatment as long as you are benefiting from it. The length of time you stay in Methadone Maintenance Treatment is an issue that should be decided solely by you and the physician.





River City Rehabilitation Center, Inc.



RC@rivercityrehabcenter.com | Phone: 210.924.7547