The GTA's Trusted Source for Methadone Treatment Program

What is Methadone?

• Apart from being effective in suppressing the opioid cravings and withdrawals associated with discontinuing opiates it also blocks the euphoric effects associated with those opiates.
• When used to treat opioid dependence studies have shown that it is effective in reducing and eliminating use of other opioids while also being much safer.
• It has also been found to reduce use of other illicit drugs such as cocaine, amphetamines, sedatives, and illegal methadone.
• It reduces criminal activity and risk of death while also improving social functioning and return to productive life.
• It helps in reducing the transmission of infectious diseases such as hepatitis and HIV.
• People addicted to opiates are three times more likely to die if they are not enrolled in a methadone treatment program.
• Synthetic opioid is initially developed to treat pain, while it is still used for this purpose it is more widely used for people suffering from opioid dependence.
• Its molecular structure is similar to morphine and heroin with some important differences. These differences such as long elimination and half-life make it effective for harm reduction therapy.

Common Myths about Methadone

Generally, it is a common concern that methadone will result in weight gain. Any increase in weight is not caused by methadone itself but by returning to normal health and an increase in appetite. Healthy bodyweight can be maintained through a proper diet plan and physical activity. A common myth is that methadone will damage your teeth.

One side effect of methadone is dry or cottonmouth. Dry mouth can lead to cavities, gum disease, and plaque buildup. Any tooth problems can easily be prevented by maintaining good oral hygiene, rinsing your mouth with water after taking your methadone dose, and regular visits to your dentist.

The Methadone Drug Treatment Process

When patients first start the methadone drug treatment, they should visit the pharmacy on a daily basis. As they show that they are no longer using unauthorized drugs (heroin, xycodone, opium, opiates etc.) and are socially stable, they are provided with take-home methadone doses or carries. As per guidelines by College of Physicians and Surgeons of the GTA, the first carry begins after being stable both clinically and socially for two months. One additional carry per week is provided after every month of being stable free of drugs of abuse.

Our Addictive Treatment Program and Its Benefits

Our methadone treatment program can help individuals free from addiction if they are looking to stop using:

• Oxycodone
• Fentanyl
• Heroin
• Other opiates and prescription drugs

We also provide maintenance therapy to allow patients to stabilize their use of drugs with the help of their physician. The benefits of our addictive treatment program are:

• Safely decrease and cease the use of opiates
• Stabilize quickly because of the struggle to use
• Allow returning to a more productive life
• Make changes to their lifestyle
• Gain back control of their lives and day-to-day activities
• Reduce the risk to be harmful to others and to yourself

If an individual has been a long time user of methadone and wish to stop, our physicians can help.