Methadone Abuse
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Effects of Methadone Abuse
Methadone is unique because it does not create the same euphoric effects as other opioids. In fact, it is designed to do the opposite.
Navigation: Methadone Overview, Methadone Abuse, Methadone Overdose, Methadone Addiction, Rehab Is Your Best Chance
People who are struggling with opioid addiction may be prescribed with methadone to help them control and reduce their cravings. However, people need to know that methadone itself is an addictive substance in its own right.
In fact, the number of poisoning deaths involving methadone increased between 1999 and 2006, from 790 to 5,420. This is assumed to be linked to the sudden increase in methadone prescriptions for pain relief. In 2008 alone, there were 750,000 methadone prescriptions written for the purposes of pain relief.
Between 2000 and 2001, the number of people treated for abuse of “other opiates” increased from 28,235 to 36,265. This group of drugs included methadone.
Because of this drug’s inherent risks, it is important to take a closer look at what it is and how it can affect the body, particularly for those who abuse the substance.
Methadone Overview
Methadone is a synthetic opioid that is typically prescribed for the treatment of moderate to severe pain. It is also commonly used to help people who are addicted to opiates, especially heroin.
It works by acting on the same opioid receptors as morphine, heroin, and other opioids. This stabilizes patients and helps minimize their withdrawal symptoms if they are addicted to opioids. Because it acts on the same receptors, the brain is “tricked” into thinking that it has taken the same addictive substance.
Methadone is classified as a Schedule II drug under the Controlled Substances Act. This means that the drug has a legitimate legal use, but it also has a high likelihood of causing users to develop dependence.
Because of its Schedule II classification, it is illegal to use methadone recreationally or for the purposes of getting high. Using methadone regularly or misusing a prescription can easily lead to methadone addiction, because this drug is also an opioid. Methadone is a very potent drug, and it is involved in one third of opiate pain reliever-related overdose deaths.
People who abuse this drug can suffer from severe mental impairment and even physical dependence. Other Schedule II drugs include morphine and hydrocodone.
Methadone Abuse
Methadone is unique because it does not create the same euphoric effects as other opioids. In fact, it is designed to do the opposite. The drug is designed to block the euphoric effects of other opioids. If someone tries to get high using heroin, for example, the methadone will block this sensation.
However, methadone itself has sedative effects, which can become euphoric for some people. Although these euphoric effects are limited, the sedative effects are enough for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to indicate methadone users as “not fit to drive”.
While it is used as a way to curb addiction and reduce cravings, methadone is a heavily-regulated drug—and with good reason. Patients who are prescribed methadone in an outpatient setting have to go to a clinic every day to be administered their dose. This powerful drug has potentially addictive qualities, so even those who are using it for a legitimate medical purpose are at risk of developing dependence or addiction.
Those who have a heroin addiction and start using methadone to overcome it are at a higher risk of abuse. This is because they already have a history of opioid dependence. They may just substitute methadone for heroin rather than use it to control their cravings.
For some addicted individuals, methadone is their actual drug of choice.
Taking more methadone than is prescribed or taking the drug more often than necessary is considered abuse. Taking methadone without a prescription is also drug abuse. Some people who get addicted start “doctor shopping”. This refers to the act of visiting multiple doctors to try to get the same prescription for methadone.
Common side effects of methadone use include sedation, euphoria, drowsiness, droopy eyelids, dry mouth, muscle weakness, and little to no reaction to light. Users may have decreased body temperature and blood pressure. They may even exhibit decreased reaction time and attention span.
Methadone Overdose
Because it is such a powerful opioid, methadone can cause an overdose. This occurs when a person takes too much of the medication, often without a prescription or even beyond medical limits.
An overdose is a dangerous situation that can be fatal, so it is important to recognize the signs. Symptoms of methadone overdose include: dizziness, hypertension, constricted pupils, discoloration in the nails and fingertips, nausea, vomiting, loss of consciousness, and respiratory depression.
If someone exhibits these signs after taking methadone, seek medical attention right away.
Methadone Addiction
Addiction is defined as the compulsive use of a particular substance even when the person is already suffering from its physical and mental health effects. While methadone can certainly aid heroin addicts and other people who are addicted to opioids, it is still very common to see people developing addiction to it.
Methadone addiction can develop because the drug eases a user’s pain. As time goes on and as tolerance builds, more of the drug is needed to achieve the same effect.
If someone in the family is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, it is important to seek help. A combination of medical detox and behavioral therapy can go a long way in the fight against substance abuse. But because every individual is affected by addiction differently, a comprehensive program tailored to their specific needs is necessary. Look for a nearby addiction treatment facility today and find out how drug treatment programs work.
Rehab is Your Best Chance
Treatment is an addicted individualʼs best option if they want to recover. Beating an addiction not only requires eliminating the physical dependence, but also addressing the behavioral factors that prevent them from wanting to get better. Simply quitting may not change the psychological aspect of addiction. Some people quit for a while, and then take drugs or alcohol again, only to overdose because they did not detox properly. Recovery involves changing the way the patient feels, thinks, and behaves.
