Is Methadone Right for Your Spouse?
When you and your spouse are trying to find the right treatment program, you might consider methadone as an option. The undeserved stigma attached to methadone and confusion over who can or cannot take it might make the decision difficult for you. If your spouse is addiction to an opiate or opioid and meets the criteria, methadone might be a viable option. You can find out by answering these simple questions.
Does your Spouse Fit the Treatment Guidelines for Methadone?
Methadone has very strict treatment guidelines for entering into a methadone treatment program. According to the World Health Organization, these are:
Your spouse shouldn’t take methadone if they have certain medical conditions.
- history of opiate drug use
- previous types of treatment
- lack of successful attempts at treatment
- presence of other disorders
- tolerance to opiates
- history of taking more than the recommended amount
- problems caused by drug use
- continued use despite the consequences
- withdrawal after stopping opiates
Some doctor’s might add to these criteria depending on your spouse’s physical and mental state at the time of treatment. To find a treatment center that follows these guidelines for methadone treatment call 888-810-5995 ( Who Answers?) .
Does your Spouse Need Any Medications that React with Methadone?
Methadone is highly reactive. It reacts with a variety of prescription and over the counter medications. Some of the more common medications that it reacts with are:
- calcium channel blockers
- antihistamines
- Saint John’s Wort
- HIV medications
- Phenobarbital
- Monoamine Oxydase Inhibitors
- antidepressants, especially SSRI’s
- Naloxone or Suboxone
- many others
If you do decide on methadone treatment be sure to make a list of all the prescription and over the counter medications that he or she takes and give it to the doctor. This list should also include herbal medications.
8 Reasons Why Methadone Doctors are Special and Why you Should See One
Does your Spouse have a Medical Condition that Might Make Methadone Treatment Difficult?
People with certain medical conditions cannot take methadone. According to the National Library of Medicine, methadone is not right for your spouse, if he or she has:
- an arrhythmia caused by QT syndrome
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or COPD
- Emphysema
- Chronic Bronchitis
- Asthma
- prostate issues
- seizures
- epilepsy
- thyroid disease
- pancreatic disease
- kidney disease
- liver disease
Be sure your spouse gives the doctor a complete and accurate medical history to the doctor before starting methadone treatment. If your spouse has any of these disorders methadone might not be the right choice for them.
Can Your Spouse Attend Treatment Daily or go to an Inpatient Facility?
When your spouse first starts taking methadone, they will probably need to go to a clinic daily. If he or she cannot do that inpatient methadone treatment might be a better option.
To find an inpatient treatment facility that is right for your spouse, call 888-810-5995 ( Who Answers?) . We can help you decide if a methadone treatment facility will help to end your spouse’s addiction to opiates or opioids.
