Opioid use disorder is a severe condition that requires comprehensive, medically-supported treatment. Doctors sometimes prescribe medications to help people safely stop using dangerous opioid drugs. One of these medications is a synthetic opioid called methadone.
Methadone therapy can help to treat pain and opioid addiction. It can help people with addictions to heroin, oxycodone, or fentanyl safely stop using these drugs and work toward lifelong recovery.
However, methadone itself is an opioid. If people misuse it, they may develop physical dependence or addiction in a short period.
This article will explore methadone addiction. You will learn:
- How methadone works
- Methadone’s abuse and addiction potential
- How to recognize methadone addiction
- The side effects of methadone withdrawal
- What to expect from methadone abuse treatment
- Where to find comprehensive treatment and support
If you or someone you love struggle with methadone abuse or addiction, effective treatment is available at Archstone Behavioral Health. Contact our compassionate specialists to learn about our programs or to schedule an intake appointment.
What is Methadone?
Methadone is a synthetic opioid drug. Doctors may prescribe it to help patients manage moderate to severe pain. People can also use it to help them manage heroin addiction and other opioid use disorders.
Methadone works by binding to the same receptors as morphine and other opioids. People who take methadone may experience fewer withdrawal symptoms. Opioid treatment programs may offer methadone maintenance therapy, counseling, education, and other forms of support. This comprehensive support can help people remain abstinent from dangerous opioid drugs.
Can You Get Addicted to Methadone?
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies methadone as a Schedule II controlled substance. This means that the drug has a recognized medical use but a high risk of addiction. This classification also prohibits people from misusing methadone to get “high.”
Side effects of methadone include:
- Drowsiness
- Muscle weakness
- Lower body temperature
- Decreased blood pressure
- Dry mouth
- Decreased reaction time
While methadone therapy can help people prevent withdrawal cravings and lower relapse risk, it is still a drug with the potential for abuse and addiction. It does not produce the same strong euphoric effects that other opioids do. However, people may still experience sedation and milder euphoria when taking it. These effects can lead to methadone abuse.
Doctors can prescribe methadone for long-term use. They may adjust and readjust a person’s dose over time to continue reducing opioid withdrawal symptoms. However, patients must typically go to an outpatient clinic every day to get their dose of methadone. Even with these safeguards in place, some people may abuse methadone and become addicted to it.
Recognizing Methadone Addiction
Research suggests that methadone is involved in about a third of overdose deaths involving opioid painkillers. It is crucial to recognize methadone abuse and seek treatment as quickly as possible.
Methadone abuse can cause physical, psychological, and behavioral symptoms. Some signs of methadone abuse include:
- Dry mouth
- Constricted (very small) pupils
- Sexual dysfunction
- Increased drowsiness
- Vision changes
- Lower blood pressure
- Slow heart rate
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
- Drowsiness
- Mood changes
Some signs of methadone addiction include:
- Using larger doses of methadone than prescribed
- Intense cravings for methadone
- Neglecting responsibilities, hobbies, or relationships
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using methadone
- Doing dangerous things while using methadone, like driving high
- Finding it impossible to control their methadone use
Like other types of drug abuse, methadone addiction can lead to a lethal overdose. Methadone depresses central nervous system (CNS) activity. Taking large doses can cause dangerous breathing issues, coma, or death. It is critical to seek treatment as soon as you recognize methadone abuse or addiction.
Methadone Withdrawal
When someone with methadone addiction suddenly stops taking it, they are likely to experience symptoms of withdrawal. Common withdrawal symptoms may include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Back and joint pain
- Elevated blood pressure
- Rapid breathing and heart rate
- Dilated pupils
- Diarrhea
- Runny nose
- Chills
- Irritability
- Loss of appetite
- Excessive sweating
- Yawning
- Watery eyes
Methadone is a long acting opioid. Withdrawal symptoms may not develop for 36-48 hours after someone stops using it. The symptoms of opioid withdrawal can make people so uncomfortable that it is difficult to avoid relapse. The support of a comprehensive substance use disorder (SUD) treatment program can help people manage withdrawal safely and remain comfortable throughout the detox process.
Treatment for Methadone Addiction
A medically supported detox program is typically the first step of a comprehensive addiction treatment program. During a detox program, medical and mental health professionals provide tailored treatment to help people stay safe and comfortable throughout the detox process.
A detox treatment plan may include:
- A program to slowly taper people off of methadone
- Medications to reduce the risk of relapse and ensure safety
- Mental health treatment
- Emotional support, including counseling and support groups
- A supportive, secure environment
- Round-the-clock access to medical and mental health care
- Nutrition support, exercise, mindfulness, and other holistic therapies
After detoxing from methadone, people must continue treatment to learn how to avoid relapse for the rest of their lives. A treatment program may include:
- Mental health care
- Medication management
- Behavioral therapies, counseling, and family therapy
- Support groups
- Holistic therapies
- Relapse prevention education
- Aftercare planning
Overcoming methadone addiction can be challenging, but having the right treatment and support can help. It is crucial to seek treatment as soon as you recognize the signs of methadone abuse or addiction.
Find Treatment Now
If you or someone you love struggle with methadone abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Contact the intake team at Archstone Behavioral Health to learn about our treatment and support programs. You may reach out with questions or to schedule an intake appointment anytime.
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