Prescription Drug Addiction and
Methadone Treatment Information

If you are addicted to or dependent upon prescription painkillers, you are not alone.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that, while street drug use is on the decline, prescription drug abuse is increasing. Some people become addicted after using narcotic painkillers for surgical pain, migraines, and other problems. Others, especially young people, simply experiment and become dependent.

One estimate from Yale University indicated that about 400,000 teenagers experiment with prescription drugs every year. Commonly abused prescription narcotics that are very popularly abused are OxyContin, Lortab, Vicodin, and Tylenol with codeine. In the United States, the only drug that is abused more often than prescription medications is marijuana.

The path to addiction
Many people mistakenly believe that these drugs are purer and safer than street drugs, as long as they do not inject them. However, prescription drugs can be quite dangerous.

• Many prescription medications are extremely strong and quickly addictive.
• Many contain combinations of opiates and aspirin or acetaminophen (Tylenol).
• Large doses of aspirin can permanently damage your stomach; large doses of acetaminophen can permanently damage your kidneys and liver.
• These drugs are expensive and often lead addicts to steal, sell sex, or use other illegal means to obtain money for them.

The road to recovery
There are several roads that lead out of prescription drug addiction.

One option is to enter a long-term residential program, where you first undergo withdrawal from your drug under medically-supervised conditions. Another method is to undergo outpatient treatment at your local hospital or drug abuse clinic, and
A third option is to substitute a safe, legal drug such as methadone or buprenorphine for your usual drug of choice. The replacement drug can take away your cravings and eliminate the onset of withdrawal symptoms.

Is methadone the answer for you?
Treatment with methadone is done on individualized basis under a doctor’s supervision, because each person requires a unique regimen.

When taking methadone, you will be able to lead a normal life again. Drugs will no longer be your priority, and you will be able to hold down a job, go to school, and take care of your home and family. Once you are free from your addiction, the professionals at your licensed treatment center can help you gradually wean yourself from methadone.

If you are addicted to prescription medications and are interested in methadone treatment, please 866.575.8187. The counselor who answers your call will be able to answer all of your questions and put you in touch with a treatment program near your home.