Methadone Addiction
Methadone is a synthetic opioid. It is used as a pain reliever and as part of drug addiction treatment for heroin or other narcotics.
Methadone addiction is an irony as it plays an active role in the treatment of other narcotics. Though methadone is a prescription drug, it has severe side effects and in the case of addiction may even be fatal.
Signs & Symptoms of Methadone Addiction
Methadone has some serious adverse effects:
- Intolerance to heat
- Weight gain
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Low blood pressure
- Vomiting
- Irregular heartbeat
- Loss of appetite
- Difficulty urinating
- Swelling of hands and arms, feet and legs
- Insomnia
- Disinterest or dysfunction sexually
Treatment for Methadone Addiction, how we can help
AKUA Mind & Body Treatment Program
AKUA Mind and Body is a full-service treatment program that offers a wide range of “east meets west” treatment modalities for many different populations struggling with Methadone addiction and substance use and mental health disorders. We offer both intensive inpatient programs as well as outpatient treatment. AKUA Mind & Body works diligently with each client and their family to ensure that their depressive disorder treatment plan is specifically tailored to their needs, and not just their disorder.
Effects of Methadone on the Body
When used correctly and with careful supervision, methadone can be used as a long-lasting pain reliever for severe pain. However, methadone is a lasting opioid, and it will stay in one’s body for an extended period of time which increases the chances of overdose. Here is a list of the adverse effects of methadone:
- Heart and blood vessels: Methadone causes weak pulse and low blood pressure.
- Nervous System: Regular use of methadone may cause drowsiness, distortions or even coma.
- Eyes and skin: Methadone abuse causes pinpoint pupils whereas the lowered blood causes bluish skin, fingernails, and lips.
- Digestive System:Severe stomach pain and constipation is a common symptom of methadone abuse.
- Respiratory System:Methadone abuse causes the individual difficulty in breathing, resulting in slow, shallow and labored breathing.
Withdrawal Symptoms of Methadone
Although methadone is used to ease withdrawal symptoms in people addicted to heroin or other prescription painkillers, methadone also has its set of withdrawal symptoms.
Methadone withdrawal is quite severe, and it lasts for a long time. The most common withdrawal symptoms of methadone abuse are:
- Agitation, restlessness, and anxiety
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Increased tearing or watery eyes
- Runny nose
- Muscle aches or joint pain
- Frequent yawning
- Profuse sweating
- Nausea or vomiting
- Severe abdominal cramps
- Diarrhea
- Shivering, trembling, or goose bumps