Our Albuquerque Treatment Services

Get Alternatives to Methadone Maintenance at Icarus

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), around 2.7 million people in the United States aged 12+ met the criteria for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) at some point in 2020.

In New Mexico and across the globe, many people use treatment options like Methadone or Suboxone, whether through government funding or otherwise, to treat OUD. However, there are some potential downsides to using these medications as a treatment for opioids, and it’s important to be informed.

You can get alternatives to methadone-only maintenance at Icarus Behavioral Health. Our Albuquerque treatment services support whole-person well-being while helping you overcome substance abuse for good.

So, let’s discuss the potential pitfalls of choosing Methadone and alternative treatment services available at Icarus to consider for lasting recovery.

What are the Downsides of Choosing Methadone?

Methadone is a form of medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Medication-assisted treatment is the right fit for some, but not for all. It’s critical to have all of the information you need to understand the use of MAT and the potential risks of Methadone-only maintenance.

One of the biggest potential downfalls to using Methadone is that it doesn’t replace a fully-fledged treatment program. A treatment center can provide everything necessary for a successful healing process, including professional detox, a sense of community, individual therapy, group counseling, medical monitoring, aftercare planning, and life skills. Medication-assisted treatment may still be a part of your care, but you won’t rely on MAT alone.

Does Methadone Have Side Effects?

Side effects are another consideration for those considering Methadone. Some side effects are minor, whereas others can be severe. It’s vital to understand that everyone reacts to Methadone and other drugs used to treat substance abuse differently.

Potential side effects of Methadone include but aren’t limited to the following:

• Itchy skin
• Slowed breathing
• Nausea or vomiting
• Mood changes
• Sexual dysfunction
• Vision problems
• Trouble urinating
• Headaches
• Weight gain
• Appetite changes
• Drowsiness
• Changes in sleep
• Flushing
• Dry mouth
• Constipation
• Sweating

More serious side effects may include seizures, swelling of the eyes, mouth, face, tongue, or throat, hives, rashes, hallucinations, and loss of coordination. If combined with alcohol and other drugs, the effects of Methadone can become increasingly dangerous and severe.

In long-term use cases, methadone can also begin to have negative effects on bone density, a finding supported by recent studies.

In addition to the laundry list of side effects, some feel that Methadone isn’t the right option for them because they don’t want to maintain a physical dependence on the medication. Ultimately, it’s vital to treat underlying concerns whether Methadone is or is not a part of your treatment.

Alternatives to Albuquerque Treatment Services LLC

Many people living in Albuquerque, NM, use Albuquerque Treatment Services LLC or another methadone-only maintenance provider or clinic. If you’re in the New Mexico area, you may wonder what other treatment options are available to you or how to approach substance abuse treatment in the way that’s right for you.

The best alternative to Albuquerque Treatment Services LLC and other methadone maintenance providers is a comprehensive addiction treatment program. Our Albuquerque treatment services in New Mexico address addiction from a whole-person perspective, making our programs an ideal option for those healing from substance abuse.

At Icarus Behavioral Health, we offer a full continuum of care. In other words, we provide every level of care used in addiction treatment. If you’re ready to get help for substance abuse, learning about the different levels of care used in addiction treatment can be beneficial.

Icarus Behavioral Health’s Opioid Treatment Program

Here are the levels of care or treatment services offered at Icarus Behavioral Health and a little about what each entails. Some clients complete multiple levels of care, whereas others engage in just one. No matter your care level, you’ll get an individualized treatment plan at the start of your program.

If you have questions about our Albuquerque treatment services, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Detoxification

Getting off of Opioids and other substances can come with uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. Detoxification or “detox” is a treatment service designed to help you get off of drugs and alcohol safely and with reduced discomfort.

Our detox program in Albuquerque, NM, allows you to discontinue substances with the help of trained medical staff. Detox is usually a precursor to another level of care, such as residential inpatient or partial hospitalization.

Residential or Inpatient Rehab

Residential inpatient rehabilitation programs allow you to live on-site, meaning that you’ll eat, sleep, and live at your treatment center for the duration of your program. This can be beneficial for anyone entering recovery because it means you’ll have time to heal away from everyday life triggers.

Residential inpatient treatment consists of regular groups, individual therapy sessions, dual diagnosis care, medication management, recreation, and other services. Loved ones can visit and may play a role in your care by attending family therapy sessions.

Partial Hospitalization or PHP

Partial hospitalization is the next step below residential inpatient treatment. It is ideal for those who aren’t interested in living on-site at their treatment center or have less severe symptoms and don’t require a high level of supervision. Partial hospitalization programs (PHP) may also be referred to as partial day treatment.

In PHP, you will have a regular treatment schedule consisting of many of the same services and treatments used in residential rehabilitation but will return home or to sober living facilities at the end of each day.

Intensive Outpatient or IOP

Intensive outpatient programs (IOP) are less intensive than PHP and require a lower time commitment. Whereas PHP clients attend treatment most days of the week for the majority of the day and have an intensive schedule, IOP clients attend care for fewer hours per week and have more time for external commitments like work or school.

Outpatient Services and Aftercare Planning

Outpatient is often used as a step-down form of care for those who have finished a higher level of care or those with minor symptoms. It often requires as little as a few hours per week and may consist of various services a client chooses, like counseling, groups, or medication management visits. More intensive forms of treatment are ideal for those who haven’t yet finished a treatment program or need step-down options that are more flexible in scheduling.

Get Help for Opioids at Icarus Behavioral Health Now

If you’re looking for substance abuse treatment services in Albuquerque, NM, contact Icarus Behavioral Health today. We accept most major health insurance plans and will verify your insurance coverage or answer your treatment questions for free when you reach out.

To get in touch, just call the number on our website. If we miss your call, a team member will return it shortly. All calls are confidential, so please reach out for opioid recovery options today!