Methadone addiction, is this possible? That is actually a really important question. In general, people are of the opinion that it is not possible to get addicted to methadone. I mean, methadone is an opioid withdrawal drug or one used in detox, so should this be possible?
As opposed to popular belief, it is possible to develop a methadone addiction. Not common, but certainly in the realm of possibility. How so? When used over a prolonged period of time, even when prescribed, methadone can become habit-forming and this can lead to anyone becoming addicted to methadone.
Some categories of people however are at a higher risk of getting a methadone addiction. Are you? What signs indicate a potential risk of becoming addicted to methadone? We will consider all these questions in detail.
What is the use of Methadone?
Methadone has but two primary uses. They are:
- To relieve pain, be it moderate or severe
- To help treat opioid dependence. This is the main purpose of Methadone
To explain briefly, Methadone works by occupying or taking the place of heroin and other opiates in the brain’s receptors. In so doing, methadone stops the Euphoric effect of Heroin and these other stronger drugs hence relieving the cravings and symptoms that come along with withdrawal from such drugs.
Despite all the wonder it does, there is a downside. Methadone too can cause a high when it binds to the opioid receptors in the brain. Although this high is less intense, it still is risky and can cause a methadone addiction if continuous.
How do you get addicted to Methadone?
You get addicted to methadone if you take or use it in ways other than it is prescribed or for longer periods of time. If it becomes habitual, it could be disastrous to you. Let us look at some factors that contribute to the potential for methadone addiction.
FACTOR 1: Method of abuse
If and when a person is taking methadone by snorting or injecting it, they experience more potent and adverse effects much faster and addiction can quickly develop. The faster you get euphoric effects, the shorter they last and this could leave you feeling the need or urge to take methadone again. Doing so continuously can lead you to get addicted to methadone.
FACTOR 2: Dosing
It is important to note that the dosage levels of methadone vary between individuals and depend on their needs.
A person may take small doses of methadone every day and not get addicted to methadone. Even people who take higher doses are not addicted as in the case of those on a methadone treatment program. So where is the risk?
The risk lies in you taking higher doses of methadone than what is prescribed. This can lead to tolerance. Tolerance while not explicitly indicating addiction, a higher tolerance may lead to more frequent use which can of course lead to methadone addiction.
History of addiction
Have you ever been diagnosed with any form of substance use disorder? If so, you are in a more risk-prone group.
Anyone with a history of addiction is more at risk as their brains have acclimated to the euphoric effects of substances and can be more sensitive to that created by methadone. If this is the case, you must be really careful in your use of this medication.
Common signs of Methadone addiction
- TOLERANCE: A person has developed a tolerance when they need higher doses of the medication to achieve the same effect a lower dose used to give. This is the first indicator of a chance of becoming addicted to methadone.
- WITHDRAWAL: Another indicator of budding methadone addiction is withdrawal symptoms when a person stops using this medication.
- CRAVINGS: A person addicted will continue to think about methadone constantly and almost compulsively and would not stop using it no matter what is at risk.
Craving is the symptom that indicates a real problem and if you start experiencing this, it may be best to seek professional help.
Other symptoms indicating addiction (physical, mental and behavioral)
Methadone addiction is characterized by different symptoms and knowing this may let you know if you need help or knows someone who does.
- Physical symptoms include:
- Increased body temperature.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Urinary retention.
- Open sores.
- Psychological symptoms include:
- Disorganized thoughts
- Hallucinations
- Insomnia
- Confusion ( about things like place, time, or identity)
- Behavioral symptoms include
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Euphoria
- Irritability
- Restlessness
How can you avoid a methadone addiction?
The best way to do this is to follow your doctor’s advice on dosing, use, and duration of treatment. No matter how tempting, do not use methadone for its euphoric effect.
Try to be very careful while using this medication especially if you have a history of drug or alcohol abuse.
Are you on methadone treatment? Here is where you can buy methadone online.
If you have any more questions about methadone, please leave them in the comments section and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
