Methadone Symptoms and Warning Signs

Methadone Info

• Methadone Addiction and Abuse
• Methadone Symptoms and Warning Signs
• Methadone Treatment and Rehab
• Methadone Withdrawal and Detox

Methadone, as a drug, is popularly used in medical settings for the pharmaceutical treatment of opioid addiction. People addicted to morphine, heroin, or other prescription painkillers are put on methadone as a way to manage the addiction.  Over the years, methadone has proven useful in this regard and for a number of reasons. Firstly, it is a very long-acting medication. This means that most people only ever generally need one dose per day.  Secondly, the drug is very effective when taken orally, and, finally, it doesn’t lose its efficacy even when there is a need to keep using it over an extended period of time.

However, like other drugs in its class, methadone can be easily abused when people take it without a prescription, or when they use it in combination with other drugs and alcohol.

The Dangers of Methadone Abuse

Methadone is used widely across the medical and addiction treatment niche, because it is affordable and is readily available. However, this also means that methadone can be easily abused by anyone. The drug doesn’t have the exact same effects as other opiates like heroin but, it still has some of the effects seen in these types of opiates, such as a feeling of tranquillity, relaxation, and sedation.

When you abuse methadone, you may feel a slowdown in your reaction time as lethargy grows. Your movements will also feel more exaggerated. At this point, you are more likely to get into accidents, as you will find yourself reacting slower than you should be able to.

Abusing methadone can also keep you in a state of perpetual mood swings, especially as your body starts to get used to the methadone leaving your cells. The feelings you will witness can vary from mania to depression. At this stage, your health and personal relationships will struggle.  Other dangers of methadone abuse include respiratory depression, nausea, and pinpoint pupils.

When it is not being abused, methadone is beneficial to anyone that is using it for the right reasons. Thousands of people have used it to recover from their opiate addiction, in what is known as methadone maintenance therapy.

Recognising a Methadone Addiction

Physical signs that point to methadone abuse
The physical signs and symptoms of methadone abuse are very similar to those of other opiates. Some of these include:

There are other signs of methadone abuse too. However, these are generally behavioural. Some of these include:

If you notice any of these signs and symptoms in a loved one, they are either abusing methadone or a similar substance.

What are the Immediate Side Effects of Methadone Abuse?

Some of the immediate side effects of methadone are as follows:

• Drowsiness
• Relaxation
• Sedation
• Feelings of Euphoria

These are similar to those seen in heroin, but they are far less intense and longer-lasting. These effects can last for up to 24 hours.

What are the Long Term Side Effects of Methadone Abuse?

Thousands of people die around the world as a result of long term methadone abuse. Most of the deaths are related to long term methadone abuse and mixing it with other substances, such as alcohol and benzodiazepines

The long term effects of methadone abuse are nearly the same as that seen with the abuse of heroin. Methadone can cause impaired judgement, and also lead to cardiovascular problems, as is the case with other opiates. If you crush the tablets and inject them into your bloodstream, like some people do, you run the risk of developing blood transmitted diseases and infections. This is especially true if the needle is used for multiple purposes or used by various people at the same time.

Intervention for a Methadone Addiction

Anyone that is struggling with a methadone addiction will most likely be battling with intense emotional and physical challenges. It is, therefore, vital for you to show support for them instead of being judgemental.

One method of intervention that can be used is known as Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT). With this approach, you and your family will be trained on the best way to help the addicted individual.  You will be shown how to convince the addicted individual to get treatment.

The importance of being mentally prepared to stage an intervention for an addicted individual cannot be overemphasised. This is why the best rehabs make sure to address this.  Some of the difficulties associated with being the loved one of an addicted person include:

With CRAFT, the intervention will be more straightforward. The addicted individual will be taken care of both at home, and with the help of professionals.

Treatment and the Next Steps in Methadone Abuse

There are lots of methadone abuse treatment centres around today. These centres are experienced in the handling of opioid-related treatments. To begin the treatment process for your methadone abuse, you need to, first of all, get evaluated by a trusted addiction counsellor. Your specific situation is what will determine the level, frequency, and the intensity of your withdrawal detox and treatment. It is also what will determine if your treatment will be provided on an inpatient or outpatient basis.

Detox is usually the first stage of treatment, and will be provided in the presence of medical professionals, in order to ensure overall comfort and safety.  Depending on your situation, the treatment process might involve switching you to another medication that can replace methadone, such as Suboxone and Subutex.

One of the main benefits of residential treatment programmes is that they allow you to focus solely on recovery, without the distractions you face in everyday life, some of which may be responsible for your abuse of methadone in the first place.

At the end of the treatment process, you may need to go through aftercare therapy. This process is where cognitive behavioural therapy, and motivational interviewing, can be used to double down on the lessons you have learnt in treatment, and also ensure that you do not have a problem in the future with relapse.

Questions About the Treatment of Methadone Abuse and Addiction

Why Can’t I Just Quit on My Own?

You can’t quit on your own because it is very difficult to overcome any kind of addiction this way. Drug addictions are even tougher. Many people in your position have tried to quit their methadone abuse. However, they usually end up failing. Due to the strong physical effects of prolonged drug use, your body will become dependent on it. When you attempt to quit on your own, you could get overwhelmed as your body attempts to recover. At this point, you will most likely run back to your methadone pills to alleviate the symptoms you are feeling.  The best way to ensure successful treatment is to combine extensive behavioural counselling with medically-assisted supervision.