Methadone is a synthetic opioid utilized primarily in the treatment of heroin addiction and as a potent analgesic, or pain reliever. Although methadone is part of the opioid family, similar to heroin, it acts more gradually and does not induce the intense euphoria associated with heroin use.
For over four decades, methadone has been instrumental in alleviating withdrawal symptoms in individuals addicted to heroin and in reducing cravings for both heroin and other opioids. However, the rising availability of methadone has led to increased misuse and abuse of this medication in recent years.
Acute methadone use can result in severe and potentially fatal side effects, including respiratory and cardiac complications. Prolonged use, whether prescribed or illicit, can lead to the development of addiction.
Key Takeaways
- Methadone’s Role: Used for managing heroin addiction due to its slow onset and lack of euphoric effects at therapeutic doses.
- Overdose Risks: Misuse or abuse of methadone can result in overdose.
- Adverse Effects: Includes sweating, itching, respiratory depression, seizures, and even death.
- Tolerance and Dependence: Long-term use can lead to tolerance and physical dependence, with a similar abuse potential as other opioids.
- Addiction Symptoms: Characterized by uncontrolled drug use and negative impacts on relationships.
- Treatment Approaches: Involves both medication and behavioral therapies.
- Comprehensive Treatment: Includes medical detox followed by rehabilitation to address underlying issues related to drug abuse.
Signs of Methadone Abuse
The indicators of methadone abuse closely mirror those seen with other opioids. Key signs include:
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- Increased Drowsiness: Excessive sleepiness or lethargy.
- Pinpoint Pupils: Constricted pupils are a common sign.
- Confusion and Hallucinations: Difficulty thinking clearly and experiencing visual or auditory hallucinations.
- Constipation: Reduced bowel movements.
- Nausea and Vomiting: Gastrointestinal distress.
- Dry Mouth: Lack of saliva.
- Mood Fluctuations: Noticeable changes in mood, such as irritability or euphoria.
- Lowered Heart Rate and Blood Pressure: Decreased cardiovascular function.
- Vision Problems: Blurred or impaired vision.
- Sexual Dysfunction: Issues such as impotence in men.
Symptoms of Methadone Addiction
Methadone addiction is marked by several distinct symptoms, including:
- Cravings: Intense desire to use methadone.
- Increased Usage: Taking larger quantities or using more frequently than intended.
- Loss of Control: Inability to reduce or stop methadone use.
- Relationship Strain: Negative impacts on personal and social relationships due to methadone use.
- Neglected Responsibilities: Failing to meet obligations at work or in social settings.
- Decreased Participation: Reduced involvement in previously enjoyed activities.
- Time Consumed by Drug Use: Spending excessive time obtaining or recovering from methadone use.
- Tolerance and Dependence: Needing higher doses to achieve the same effect and experiencing withdrawal symptoms without the drug.
How Methadone is Abused
Methadone is available in various forms, including tablets, oral solutions, and injectable liquids. While generally safe when used as prescribed for short durations, methadone can cause life-threatening side effects even when prescribed by a healthcare professional.
Misuse of methadone involves taking higher doses than prescribed, altering the route of administration, or using it for extended periods. Individuals undergoing treatment for heroin addiction may develop tolerance and dependence on methadone, leading to its abuse for euphoric effects.
Methadone Abuse Facts & Statistics
Key statistics regarding methadone abuse include:
- Hospitalizations: In 2015, there were 5,590 non-fatal methadone overdose hospitalizations, equating to a rate of 1.1 per 100,000 hospitalizations.
- Emergency Visits: Methadone was involved in 3,709 emergency department visits in 2015, at a rate of 1.1 per 100,000 visits.
- Mortality: Methadone toxicity accounted for 3,373 deaths in 2016, with a rate of 1 per 100,000 deaths. However, the age-adjusted rate of overdose fatalities that involved methadone went down slightly from 2021 to 2022.
- Misuse Prevalence: According to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 206,400 individuals over the age of 12 misused methadone in the year prior to the survey.
How Addictive Is Methadone?
Despite its use in treating heroin addiction, methadone itself has a high potential for addiction. Its abuse potential is comparable to other opioids like morphine and oxycodone.
Long-term methadone use can lead to:
- Tolerance: Requiring higher doses to achieve the same effects.
- Dependence: The body’s inability to function normally without methadone.
- Withdrawal Risks: Abrupt cessation can trigger severe withdrawal symptoms, making it difficult to stop using the drug without professional help.
Side Effects of Methadone Abuse
Methadone is more accessible compared to heroin or oxycodone and may be used as a substitute. However, it does not produce the same high, leading individuals to consume larger quantities, which can result in overdose. Overdose can cause severe cardiac and respiratory issues, potentially leading to death.
Short-Term Effects
Abusing methadone can result in immediate side effects, including:
- Dizziness
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Sleepiness
- Itchiness
- Constipation
- Restlessness
- Excessive Sweating
- Sexual Dysfunction: Such as impotence in men and menstrual irregularities in women.
Severe effects include:
- Rash and Hives
- Pupil Constriction
- Severe Respiratory Depression: Slow or abnormal breathing that can lead to respiratory failure.
- Pulmonary Edema: Fluid accumulation in the lungs.
- Bradycardia: Decreased heart rate and blood pressure.
- Muscle Weakness
- Seizures
- Coma: In extreme cases, overdose can result in death.
Combining methadone with other depressants like benzodiazepines or alcohol can exacerbate these adverse effects.
Long-Term Effects
Chronic methadone abuse can lead to:
- Tolerance and Dependence: Needing more methadone to achieve the same effects and experiencing withdrawal without it.
- Addiction: Inability to control drug use despite negative consequences.
- Chronic Pain: Long-term use for pain relief can lead to persistent pain or worsen existing pain conditions.
- Mood Disorders: Increased risk of depression and anxiety disorders.
- Cardiac Issues: Higher risk of arrhythmias.
- Respiratory Problems: Various lung and respiratory disorders due to prolonged use.
How To Get Help for Methadone Addiction
Treating methadone addiction typically involves a combination of behavioral therapies and medications. Treatment options include:
- Medical Detoxification: Safely removing methadone from the body under medical supervision.
- Inpatient Rehabilitation: Intensive residential programs providing comprehensive care.
- Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP): Structured day programs for individuals needing significant support.
- Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP): Flexible treatment schedules for those balancing daily responsibilities.
- Outpatient Rehabilitation: Ongoing recovery support through outpatient services.
The Recovery Village Salem employs licensed addiction specialists who assess each individual’s unique circumstances to develop personalized treatment plans. Our programs focus on long-term healing, providing medical supervision during detox and therapeutic support to address underlying triggers and develop effective coping strategies for sustained sobriety.
