Methadone is a somewhat controversial drug that can help those with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) regain their lives. Usually administered in a Medically Assisted Treatment setting, it has proven to be a very effective alternative to using opioids. Read on to learn more about what it is, signs of abuse and treatment approaches.
What Is Methadone?
Methadone is a prescription opioid medication. It is used to treat pain and opioid addiction. When used for OUD it comes in the form of a fruit-flavoured drink, powder or diskettes. It is dissolved in water and taken orally once per day. It is a Schedule II controlled medication and when taken as prescribed is safe and effective.
Methadone is a long-acting opioid drug used to replace shorter-acting opioids that you (or a family member) may be addicted to, requiring use three to four times a day to avoid withdrawal symptoms. These include:
- Heroin
- Oxycodone
- Fentanyl
- Codeine
- Morphine
- Hydromorphone
Long-acting drugs act more slowly and for a longer period of time, lasting from 24 to 36 hours. Nonetheless you could become addicted to methadone.
Methadone bonds to the opioid receptors that regulate pain, reward and addictive behaviors, blocking the effects of other opioids. If taken at the correct dose, methadone prevents withdrawal symptoms. It also reduces drug cravings without causing you to feel high or sleepy.
This is a harm reduction drug. When combined in a methadone maintenance program with medical supervision, supportive counseling and therapy, methadone lowers the harms of opioid misuse and allows you the opportunity to stabilize your life. It is a form of opioid agonist therapy that can be taken for a minimum of one year to twenty years [1].
After a period of stability based on progress, and proven, consistent compliance with the medication dosage, you may be allowed to take methadone home between program visits [2].
Side effects of methadone include:
- Constipation
- Excessive sweating
- Dry mouth
- Changes in sex drive
- Drowsiness
- Light-headedness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Weight gain
Recognizing Methadone Addiction Symptoms
Methadone changes the way our brain and central nervous system react to pain. It can produce mild relaxation and euphoria. It’s possible for your body to get used to methadone, even though the effects are different from other opioids. Just as with other opioids, you might need to take more to feel the same effects as the brain becomes accustomed to the drug. This is called tolerance.
And as a result you may become dependent on methadone as your brain relies on the relief it brings. So it’s possible to have painful withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking it suddenly.
Those people at highest risk for methadone addiction have either:
- Never received help for their opioid addiction
- Stopped taking methadone, or
- Are taking it outside of a methadone maintenance program
Common symptoms of methadone addiction include:
- Taking higher than the prescribed dose
- Taking it more often than prescribed
- Smoking, injecting or snorting methadone
- Avoid attending counseling or going to support meetings
- Preoccupied with seeking methadone
- Changed appetite or weight with no apparent reason
- Difficulty with sleep, either falling asleep or staying asleep
- Difficulty focusing on personal or work tasks
Signs of a Methadone Addict
The primary indications that someone is addicted to methadone are:
- Their inability to stop using the drug
- Feeling cravings for methadone
- A high tolerance for the drug
Other signs include:
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How To Overcome Methadone Addiction
Recovery from methadone addiction is possible. The preferred approach is to do this work in a residential treatment center with a medical and counseling staff trained to help.
The first step is detoxification (detox). Under medical supervision and with supportive licensed counselors you will participate in the detox process. This typically takes about a week, although may be longer in some cases. While undergoing methadone detox you may be given medications to alleviate some of the withdrawal symptoms.
Following detox, you will participate in individual and group counseling. This may involve:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) which helps you reframe negative thought patterns and set achievable personal goals
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based approach to developing behavioral skills and coping mechanisms
- Experiential Therapy offers a wide range of experiences that the patient connects with and can process feelings and thoughts.
- Individual psychotherapy with a counselor
- Family therapy
- 12-step programs which provide social support with others who are successful in recovery
Methadone Addiction Treatment in Orange County
Located in Anaheim, California, Restorations Health Care can help you or a loved one overcome their addiction or mental health issues. Our mission is all about saving lives. We offer detox and inpatient treatment programs that help people get back on their feet. Our dedicated team of trained addiction professionals and counselors provides individualized addiction treatment programs for recovery. Reach out to our Admissions team now.
