Although Methadone has been one of the most widely used and successful drugs for the treatment of addictions, it is still abused by many people. This is partly due to its effectiveness in the short-term treatment of addiction. Although Methadone is a highly effective drug for the treatment of short-term drug addiction, it is not efficient at tackling the problem of chronic abuse. Therefore, the abuse of Methadone can have harmful effects such as respiratory problems, lack of appetite, depression, mood swings, insomnia, anxiety, sexual dysfunction, damage to the heart, liver, bones and kidney, amongst others.
Objective
The main focus of any Methadone addiction treatment program is the reduction of Methadone dependency symptoms such as restlessness, irritability, depression, moodiness, anxiousness, and other drug withdrawal symptoms. This is done by minimizing and eliminating the physical effects caused by taking Methadone such as nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, the sudden decrease in sexual desires, and by avoiding the psychological and behavioral changes that come with taking Methadone. However, while treating Methadone addiction symptoms, doctors should not neglect the importance of addressing the underlying cause of the addiction. Chronic use of Methadone can lead to a number of long-term mental and behavioral changes. While inpatient Methadone rehabilitation is recommended in cases where the physical needs of the patients are more critical and in cases where the patient’s personality is seriously affected.
Methadone Rehab
While inpatient Methadone rehabs provide an opportunity to overcome the physical and mental differences between the patient and his addiction while at the same time helping him to cope with the emotional and behavioral changes that result from the drug abuse. However, Methadone abuse is not confined to the inside walls of the facility, as there are several cases where addicts from different regions of the country are treated in one clinic. Neworld Addiction Treatment Centre offers a unique opportunity for addicts from all parts of the world to join forces and fight the common enemy – heroin and other addictions. Apart from the emotional, social, and physical advantages that Methadone provides, the clinic provides a platform for imparting Methadone addiction recovery programs to addicts.
Overdose Symptoms
Drug overdose or addiction often leads to a number of serious symptoms, some of which may surprise the patient. For example, withdrawal from the drug use itself can cause nausea, sweating, cramps, diarrhea, dizziness, insomnia, depression, anxiety, paranoia, agitation, hallucinations, and aggressive behavior. Similarly, withdrawal from Methadone is likely to produce symptoms such as sweating, cramps, diarrhea, dizziness, insomnia, depression, anxiety, hostility, nausea, and aggression. Methadone addiction often interferes with normal sleep patterns and daily activities.
Pain Management
- Pain management is a necessary element in any effective Methadone addiction treatment. As the patient ages, the effects of the drug gradually start to build up physical and psychological complications. This leads to a range of painful symptoms such as rapid weight loss, lethargy, joint pains, blurred vision, severe headaches, dry mouth, cold chapped lips, swollen feet, and brittle bones. These symptoms are worsened by falls and further injuries and damage. Some people even experience short-term memory loss. These are just a few of the many physical and psychological effects associated with Methadone abuse.
- When an addict’s physical and mental health deteriorates, the patient’s quality of life also deteriorates. Methadone abuse is known to increase the likelihood of methadone addiction relapse. Because methadone is used to control conditions like diarrhea, pain relief is needed in severe cases. In addition, the prolonged use of the drug increases the risk of overdose deaths, particularly among users on long-term treatments. As the drug has very powerful properties, it is not surprising that overdose deaths are one of the common complications of extended methadone treatment periods. These deaths can be attributed in part to incorrect dosage calculations by healthcare providers and the general lack of knowledge about methadone addiction.
- Chronic pain may also become problematic when someone stops taking the drug due to its addictive properties. When this happens, treatment should be started immediately to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Methadone maintenance therapy helps prevent relapse by providing constant guidance and teaching patients how to manage pain.
The Bottom Line
The dangers of methadone are heightened by the fact that its use is combined with other powerful drugs such as opioid analgesics and sedatives. These combinations can lead to unexpected withdrawal symptoms that can be more intense than the original pain experienced during the treatment period. This can result in a dangerous situation where people are using medications in addition to methadone to achieve quick and safe relief from pain. For this reason, it is critical to start methadone addiction treatment as soon as possible to avoid any complications.
