Methadone Addiction: Symptoms, Side Effects, and Treatment Services
Methadone is a synthetic opioid agonist that produces effects in the body similar to heroin and morphine. It is taken as a tablet or a syrup, and it helps to relieve opioid cravings or opioid use disorder without causing euphoria.
Methadone is a prescription medicine used in treatment to help individuals who struggle with addiction to heroin, narcotic painkillers, or other opioids. Using methadone also helps individuals to abstain from illicit opioid drugs. The drug also helps people manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms in opioid treatment programs. It is a drug that is part of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, which is part of the United States Department of Health and Human Services. It is part of the treatment of opiate addiction, and it is included in the World Health Organization’s List of Essential Medicines. However, if taken methadone in higher doses, it can cause addiction problems and mental illnesses.
Methadone is a powerful opioid and can be very addictive. The drug can cause a number of problems, including decreased reaction time, reduced attention span, and dry mouth. It also lowers blood pressure and muscle strength. It can also lead to euphoria and paranoia. People addicted to methadone will often continue to use the drug, even in hazardous situations.
How Does a Methadone Dose Work?
Methadone works by binding to the same receptors in the brain as morphine and other opioids. This helps block the euphoric effects of other opiates and makes it easier to cope with the symptoms of withdrawal. In some cases, methadone can be abused by snorting it, injecting it, or taking it orally in liquid form. Methadone maintenance is highly addictive and should be taken under the supervision of a physician.
Treatment Services
A key part of methadone treatment is the supervision of patients taking the medication. This can be done by a nurse or a doctor, or even by a pharmacy but choosing a facility is the best option to treat methadone addiction. At Haven Detox, patients are usually placed in a room where the staff can keep an eye on them, and they must be supervised for at least 15-20 minutes after they take their first dose.
In addition to methadone treatment, other drug abuse treatment options are available to patients who suffer from methadone addiction. It is essential to find a treatment center that offers both medication and counseling services to help people overcome their dependence on methadone.
Haven Detox is one of the best methadone rehab centers provide specialized treatment for patients with this addiction. Our professional doctor’s team can help patients overcome the cravings associated with methadone and help them move toward a meaningful life. The main goal of our treatment is to help individuals regain control of their lives.
Methadone Symptoms and Side Effects
People who are using methadone drug overdose may experience sleepiness, fatigue, and dizziness. If you feel dizzy, it’s important not to drive or ride a bike while on methadone. The following are signs of a methadone overdose:
- Nail and fingernail discoloration
- Breathing depression
- Nausea and diarrhea
- Consciousness loss
- Chronic pain
- Narrowed pupils
- Hypertension
- Dizziness
People may also experience headaches. If you have a headache, drink plenty of water or consult a pharmacist for painkillers. If the headache persists or gets worse, see your doctor.
When methadone addiction is diagnosed, doctors will start by determining the underlying causes of the addiction. Often, people suffering from mental health issues will try to self-medicate by using illicit drugs. In these cases, a psychiatrist will identify underlying mental health issues and provide comprehensive care to treat them as well.
When to Seek Treatment…
People who take methadone need to seek treatment if they start to show the above-described symptoms of addiction. The risk of addiction increases when methadone is combined with other substances, such as alcohol or street drugs. The best way to reduce the risks is to avoid drinking and using alcohol while taking methadone.
There are effective treatment options available for methadone addiction at Haven Detox. An inpatient treatment program requires staying in a facility. This treatment plan allows patients to be monitored by trained medical supervision 24 hours a day. It’s beneficial for people who have a history of addiction or co-occurring disorders or who have had relapses.
If a Loved One Needs Help…
If your loved one or your family members are suffering from methadone addiction, there are several steps you can take to help them get the help they need. The first step is to offer support. Although it may seem difficult to do at first, it is crucial to remain calm and be there for your loved one. If your loved one is able to talk about their addiction, they may be more open to helping you.
You can motivate or help your loved one to seek treatment. By being positive and supportive, you can motivate them to continue on a positive path and stay sober. You can also keep naloxone available at home in case they overdose.
Causes of Methadone Addiction
Methadone is an opioid medication that is commonly prescribed to treat opiate addictions. It works by triggering the opioid receptors in the brain and helps with withdrawal symptoms in addicts. Although the substance is not as addictive as heroin or other addictive drugs, it does have the potential for abuse, especially when used beyond the prescription. While methadone is not illegal, it should only be used in controlled circumstances and to treat serious medical conditions. Methadone is a CNS depressant, which makes it dangerous when used in combination with other depressants, especially alcohol.
A person can become addicted to methadone for a variety of reasons. These include illicit use, addictive potential, and family history. In some cases, the addiction may be genetic. While it is not advisable to quit methadone on your own, it is possible to work with a doctor and continue using the drug under strict professional supervision. You can switch to a different medication if your symptoms improve by consult with your doctor.
Risk Factors of Methadone Addiction
The availability of drugs, peer pressure, and genetics all increase the risk of addiction. Those who are at high risk include those with a history of substance abuse, Native Americans, and teenagers. Peer pressure and stress can increase addiction, as can early exposure to drugs. Teens are especially vulnerable to drug use, as they tend to engage in risky behavior. Drugs can alter brain chemistry, altering the way that we think and feel.
Methadone addiction can be a serious problem for both patients and health care providers. While many studies have indicated that methadone can help people overcome their addiction, other studies have not yet found that it can help reduce the number of overdose deaths. One study even found that methadone addiction is associated with an increased risk of death from overdose. However, more research is needed to understand which risks are associated with methadone use and addiction. Some of the risk factors which you need to know are drug availability, peer pressure, and lack of supervision.
Effects of Methadone Addiction
The use of methadone therapy is not recommended for everyone, and not all clinics offer this treatment. There are many other drugs available to treat opioid dependence. Those who need methadone should discuss their treatment options with a counselor. There are several disadvantages to using this drug. Methadone addiction has a severe effect on your health, safety, employment, and relationships.
Get Help
If you’re suffering from methadone addiction, getting help as early as possible is essential. Methadone addiction is a severe illness that can lead to many problems. Getting help as early as possible can significantly improve your chances of recovery. Call us to get started with treatment.
Our resources are available to help you overcome your addiction with evidence-based therapies and innovative treatments proven by medical science to effectively manage your addiction. Our admissions counselors can help you learn more about the disease and how to keep it out of your life. Contact us confidentially today.
Treatment Options of Methadone Addiction at Haven Detox
Methadone addiction treatment is a complex process that requires the participation of a multidisciplinary team of medical professionals. The main goal of our methadone addiction treatment is to help the addict achieve sobriety and stop using opioids. It is administered by medical professionals who have extensive training in this area. Patients are assessed at every stage of treatment and receive information about the goals and guidelines for treatment. Our medical professionals will also examine the patient’s health history and any co-occurring disorders.
Medical Detox
As part of a wider program to address methadone addiction, medical detox can occur in our facility. You can get the services of medical detoxification at our inpatient rehabilitation programs. People going through withdrawal will be monitored by medical specialists throughout a medical detox, and if necessary, prescription drugs may be provided to treat particular symptoms.
Our medical detox can assist someone with withdrawal in a safe and comfortable manner, but it does little to address the underlying problems that have led to compulsive substance abuse and addiction. For these reasons, complete addiction treatment that includes behavioral therapy and supplementary therapies like 12-step meetings should ideally come after detox. You will see several benefits of drug detox at Haven Detox rehab center.
Residential Stay
Inpatient or residential treatment programs help patients achieve sobriety through a variety of therapeutic interventions. Your treatment professional will customize your treatment plan based on your specific situation. They will carefully assess your physical and mental health and evaluate your risk of experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms. Inpatient or residential rehab programs are also beneficial for patients with co-occurring mental health disorders. The program may also be beneficial for individuals with severe medical conditions or those without a support system.
Additional Therapy Programs
The treatment of methadone addiction consists of a combination of medication and additional therapy. Initially, a patient may be required to visit a center daily. Then, they may be eligible for take-home methadone dosages. Cognitive behavioral therapy or dialectical behavioral therapy is also an effective option for treating methadone addiction. You will get both therapies at Haven Detox-South Florida.
Get Inpatient Rehab to Treat Methadone Addiction
Many methadone users also have underlying mental health problems. They may attempt to self-medicate with alcohol, street drugs, and other opioids. In such cases, a psychiatrist can help identify and treat any underlying mental health issues. Then, a holistic approach to treatment can be implemented.
Treatment for methadone addiction is available in Haven Detox. Inpatient treatment involves living at a facility and receiving round-the-clock care from our clinical staff. An inpatient program can be beneficial for people who have co-occurring disorders or relapse histories. Get more comprehensive services by calling us at (561) 328-8627.