Addiction Treatment: Is Methadone Addictive?
Addiction Treatment: Is Methadone Addictive?
Methadone is an opioid just like morphine, heroin, and OxyContin. But is methadone addictive like these other drugs? The problem is that many people don’t think methadone is addictive because it is legal in most places. In fact, it is legal as a drug that treats addictions to other drugs like morphine. You may have heard of methadone clinics. These are places where people who are addicted to other opioids can go to get a daily dose of methadone.
As an opioid, methadone creates similar effects to heroin and other opioid drugs that are harmful, but the high lasts longer. As a result, addicts don’t need to take the methadone as often, and if they do the methadone therapy correctly, they will be able to be slowly weaned off the drugs.
What is Methadone?
Important Information: Is Methadone Addictive?
Most of the time, methadone is used to treat addictions to narcotics. But some people become hooked on methadone as well. It is definitely an addictive drug. There are many adverse effects of this drug. It is easy to become tolerant to the doses and needs more as time goes on. This is a very dangerous drug that can make people psychologically and physically dependent.
Signs of Methadone Abuse
If you think a friend or family member may be abusing methadone, this is a serious problem that needs to be addressed for their safety and well-being. Here are some signs and side effects that may be noticeable in them if they are abusing methadone, or if you’re wondering “is methadone addictive?”.
- People hooked on methadone often feel restless, nervous and anxious all the time.
- They may have sleep issues. Common signs include feeling drowsy all the time and sleeping often or in contrast, being unable to fall asleep.
- They may be experiencing impotence or have a lowered sex drive.
- They will often experience gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting or constipation.
Symptoms of a Methadone Overdose
- Muscle spasms
- Pupils that are very small and look like pinpoints
- Slowed, stopped or shallow breathing
- A bluish color of the skin, lips and in the fingernail beds
- General spasms in the stomach and signs of constipation
- Extremely low blood pressure and weak pulse
- Overall disorientation and general drowsiness
- Individual going into a coma
If you need help for an addiction to methadone, go to an inpatient rehab facility. Only there can you get the help you’ll need to get sober. If you are asking “is methadone addictive,” call our toll-free number today and get the answers you seek.
