Potential Problems with Methadone & “Liquid Handcuffs” – A Patient’s Point of View

February 15, 2017

I have always been an outspoken proponent of medicine assisted treatment which includes methadone, Suboxone and naltrexone. I genuinely believe that all three of these medications can be a valuable tool to help heroin and opioid users conquer their drug addiction. However, every treatment option comes with a laundry list of potential problems along with their inherent benefits. I’ve been thinking long and hard about this recently and have some concerns that I want to share with everyone.

Why Methadone is Called “Liquid Handcuffs”

Now I will admit upfront that I have always hated hearing this. The whole concept of methadone trapping you and keeping you from moving on with your life, hence the term/phrase “liquid handcuffs” bothered me from the very beginning. This is simply because I have seen the power of methadone being used as a valuable tool that has literally taken the heroin needle out of peoples arms and …

Does Taking Xanax or Klonopin for Anxiety Make you an Active Drug Addict?

February 8, 2017

Category:Addiction & Recovery General / Addiction Treatment Center / Addiction Treatment Centers / Addiction Vs. Dependency / Avoiding Triggers / Best Treatment Centers Nationwide / Depression / Depression / Disease of Addiction / Drug Rehab / Heroin Addiction / Heroin Treatment Options / Klonopin / Recommendation / Relapse Prevention / Triggers / Understanding Addiction / Xanax

Statistically speaking many men and women who suffer from the disease of addiction have some other type of mental health condition or disorder. Similarly, addiction may be the resulting disease of ongoing drug use that started as a result of wanting to escape some of the feelings associated with other mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, etc. Much like the controversy surrounding the effectiveness and safety of medicine assisted treatment options Methadone and Suboxone, there are some who believe that taking controlled substances, even if prescribed and regulated properly by a mental health professional for certain mental health conditions are keeping individuals enslaved to drug addiction. But does treating a mental illness with medication make those who take it an addict? What about medications like Xanax and Klonopin?

Two Schools of Thought: Does Taking Psychiatric Medication Make you a Drug Addict?

Some believe that taking prescribed medication as directed by a physician …