Drug Rehab Needs for Methadone Increase As Ohio Doctors Prescribe Methadone Instead of OxyContin

Methadone, well known as a treatment for heroin addiction - although it's not much of a treatment, most people just wind up getting addicted to methadone instead - has been the topic of discussion as of late among authorities and officials in Ohio. Why? Because the National Drug Intelligence Center released the data that deaths from methadone poisoning have increased by five times since 1999. Once used as part of the treatment in drug rehab programs, methadone is now a major reason why people need drug rehab in the first place.

So, what's behind this increase? One of the major factors is the number of prescriptions being written. Doctors used to prescribe much more OxyContin for pain, but when OxyContin addiction and abuse turned out to be a major problem - Oxy's manufacturer, Purdue Pharma, was fined $634 million for lying to doctors and the public about it - doctors started prescribing methadone instead.

However, the problem with methadone is that it can remain in the body anywhere from 8 to 59 hours, although the effects may not be felt by the person taking it. In an effort to achieve the desired effect - e.g. pain relief - the person takes more of it, or takes other drugs or alcohol in combination with the methadone, and the methadone builds up to a toxic level. The person taking the drug doesn't realize how much methadone is in the system, and they overdose. It is not usual for someone with methadone poisoning to just lie down and go to sleep, and never wake up.

If your friends or anyone in your family is using methadone for a medical condition, it's vital to monitor their intake, get them off it as soon as possible, and get rid of any methadone that may be left over.

Ohio is among the 10 states that saw the highest increase in methadone-related deaths. If you or someone you know has become addicted to methadone, or to another prescription painkiller like OxyContin, contact a drug rehab program counselor right away. They can help you find the Ohio drug rehab program that's right for you. Don't risk becoming of the statistics.