Methadone Addiction
Methadone is a synthetic opioid and is sometimes used an 'anti-addictive' in the treatment of heroin addiction. It is useful in the treatment of opioid dependence due to its cross-tolerance with other opioids, such as heroin and morphine.
Although methadone was primarily developed to treat other opioid addictions, the substance has created an addiction problem in itself, some of the adverse effects of using can include:
- Hyperventilation
- Constipation
- Nausea and vomiting
- Hallucinations
- Hypotension
- Weight gain
- Stomach pain
- Flushing
- Swelling
- Mood swings
- Head ache
- Insomnia
- Impotence
- Skin rash
- Seizures
Tolerance to methadone develops with frequent administration and produces withdrawal effects similar to heroin and morphine withdrawal when frequent use is stopped abruptly. Withdrawal syndrome is considered to be less intense, but more prolonged, than withdrawal from heroin or morphine, and can last for several weeks or more. The most appropriate way to negate the withdrawal effects of methadone is to seek professional help.
Similar to heroin, investigations into methadone related deaths indicate that death is more likely to occur as a result of poly drug use, i.e. taking methadone with heroin, crack, alcohol or other drugs..
Whilst methadone can relieve narcotic craving in heroin users and has been found to be medically safe, using methadone on a non-prescribed level can have the same devastating effects as abusing heroin. Using methadone comes with risks and withdrawal symptoms that can require treatment similar to that of heroin. In-patient treatment clinics provide a secure and supportive environment in which to detox safely and comfortably from methadone. As well as providing you with the psychological strategies and skills to stay clean in the future.
