Methadone rehab

Rehab is a brave step into unknown territory, and it’s normal to sometimes feel overwhelmed. You might struggle with the physical discomfort of methadone withdrawal or find it hard to confront the emotional issues that may have contributed to your addiction. There can be moments of intense cravings where you miss the feeling methadone gave you, even while you acknowledge its harmful impact on your life.

The prospect of facing life without methadone may also make you feel anxious, especially if you’ve been using methadone to cope with stress, pain or to recover from other opioids. Rehab will also bring you face-to-face with any damage your drug use has caused, and it’s common to struggle with shame or guilt.

It’s important to remember that these feelings are all part of the recovery journey. Methadone rehab is not a quick fix – it’s a comprehensive process designed to help you develop new coping mechanisms, mend relationships and build a healthier, substance-free future.

Admitting that you need help is often the biggest obstacle to overcoming methadone dependency. If you are unsure whether methadone rehab is right for you, see if the following statements resonate with you:

• You have tried to quit using methadone on your own, but you can’t.
• You are experiencing health problems because of methadone use.
• Your use of methadone is affecting your relationships, work or other important aspects of your life.
• You spend a lot of time thinking about methadone, such as how to get it and when you can use it next.
• You continue to use methadone even though it is causing you problems.
• You have illegally obtained methadone.

If you answered ‘yes’ to one or more of these statements, it is highly likely that you could benefit from methadone rehab.

The first step in methadone rehab is always methadone detox. During this process, you will stop taking methadone, and medical professionals will monitor your methadone withdrawal symptoms to keep you as comfortable and safe as possible. At Oasis Runcorn, you will receive a full medical assessment upon admission so our medical team can create a personal methadone detox plan for you to follow.

Detox is essential for clearing methadone from your body and starting the healing process. It helps improve your physical health by allowing your body to recover from the negative impacts of methadone use so you can go on to the next stages of methadone rehab.

Detox from methadone usually involves a controlled, gradual reduction of methadone dosage because abrupt cessation can trigger severe methadone withdrawal symptoms. You may also receive supportive care to manage any discomfort. This may include medications to manage withdrawal symptoms as well as nutrition and hydration support to help your body recover.

Methadone withdrawal is often part of detox that people fear the most, but understanding what to expect can help to alleviate some of that fear. Methadone withdrawal symptoms can vary in severity and duration, depending on factors like how long you’ve been using the drug and the dosage.

Symptoms often begin 24-36 hours after the last dose, with the most common symptoms being:

• Restlessness and anxiety
• Muscle aches and pains
• Sleep difficulties
• Sweating and chills
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhoea

These symptoms typically peak in the first week and then gradually subside over the following weeks. However, some people may experience post-acute methadone withdrawal syndrome (PAWS), where symptoms persist for months. If this is the case, you will require ongoing professional medical support to keep you safe and prevent relapse.

There are several strategies that can help with methadone withdrawal symptoms. These include:

• Medication: Your detox team may prescribe medications to ease the discomfort of methadone withdrawal symptoms.
• Hydration and nutrition: Keeping hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet can help your body cope better with methadone withdrawal.
• Exercise: Light physical activity can help boost your mood and reduce discomfort.
• Support: Having emotional support from loved ones and the other people in rehab can make the methadone detox process less daunting.

Methadone rehab isn’t just about addressing the physical aspects of dependency, as mental health plays a critical role in recovery. Methadone rehab can include therapies such as:

• Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT): DBT focuses on teaching coping skills to combat negative emotions, reduce conflict in relationships and manage distress, all of which can trigger and be caused by methadone use and reliance.
• Group therapy: Group therapy allows you to share experiences and learn from others who are also in recovery.
• Family therapy: This is very important because it can help repair relationships, get your loved ones more involved in your methadone recovery process and provide extra support during difficult moments.

In addition to traditional therapies, Oasis Runcorn’s rehab programme offers holistic therapies that address emotional health. These include:

• Art and music therapy: These therapies help you express your feelings in non-verbal ways, which can be therapeutic and foster self-discovery.
• Meditation and yoga: These practices promote relaxation, stress reduction, and self-awareness, which can aid in recovery.

Fear of relapse can cause major anxiety, particularly when it comes time to leave the sanctuary of methadone rehab and return home. Here are some effective strategies to help you maintain your recovery journey.:

• Continue with aftercare: Recovery doesn’t end when you leave methadone rehab. Oasis Runcorn will provide you with free aftercare for a year to ensure ongoing support and help you keep your recovery skills sharp.
• Build a supportive network: Surround yourself with positive influences who understand and support your recovery journey.
• Take care of your physical health: Regular exercise, a balanced diet and enough sleep can strengthen your body and help you cope with methadone cravings or stress.
• Practice stress management techniques: Yoga, mindfulness, and other relaxation techniques can help manage stress, which is a common trigger for methadone relapse.
• Avoid triggers: If certain people, places, or situations tempt you to use methadone again, it’s best to avoid them, especially in early recovery.
• Stay active in your recovery: Keep learning and growing. Read recovery literature, attend workshops or engage in activities that enhance your well-being and reinforce your commitment to a drug-free life.

Remember, if you relapse, it doesn’t mean failure. Recovery is a journey, not a destination; sometimes, there are bumps along the way. If you struggle or slip up, it’s essential to reach out for help immediately, learn from the experience and get back on track.

You’ve already made a courageous decision by researching methadone rehab, and we commend you for taking this first step. It’s not easy, but remember, the road to recovery is not a path you need to walk alone—support is always available, and hope is always within reach. Contact Oasis Runcorn today and begin your new life with our proven methadone rehab programme.