Methadone is a drug that has shown benefits for people trying to overcome addiction or manage pain. However, it can also be incredibly addictive. Some people even believe that using methadone is simply swapping one addiction for another. While methadone can lead to addiction, when it is used exactly as prescribed, it can allow a person to bring an end to their opioid addiction. If you believe someone you love is showing signs of methadone addiction, a reputable methadone addiction rehab center can help them overcome this challenging condition.
At Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida, we understand how methadone can present both a solution and a problem. Our evidence-based addiction treatment programs carefully strive to prevent the possibility of methadone addiction. If you already struggle with methadone addiction, we can guide you through the withdrawal process safely and carefully. Call us today at 866.294.5306 to learn more about how we can help you or a loved one overcome addiction to methadone.
What Is Methadone?
Methadone is a synthetic opioid medication used to treat opioid use disorders and moderate to severe pain. It works by activating the same opioid receptors as other prescription and illicit opioids, such as:
- Heroin
- Morphine
- Oxycodone
- Hydrocodone
By stimulating the same opioid receptors, methadone produces a similar, although milder, euphoric effect as these other drugs. This helps a person with opioid addiction experience fewer cravings. Methadone also blocks the effects of other opioids so that a person does not get the same positive reinforcement when using heroin or other opioids. This further reduces the desire to use opioids other than methadone.
Common Methadone Addiction Signs
Methadone is a central nervous system depressant, so it slows down your system. The most common methadone addiction signs will be a slowing or delaying of a person’s functioning, such as:
- Low blood pressure
- Slow heart rate
- Slow, lethargic movements
- Drowsiness
- Slow breathing
- Droopy eyelids
- Low body temperature
- Delayed reaction time
You can expect to experience some of the above symptoms when using methadone as prescribed to treat opioid addiction or manage moderate to severe pain. However, when used according to your doctor’s orders, these symptoms will be rather mild. If you develop an addiction, the above signs of methadone addiction will be much more prominent and can significantly impair your ability to drive or operate machinery safely.
Identifying Methadone Abuse
Addiction begins with the repeated abuse of a substance, and identifying methadone abuse early on can potentially help prevent a full-blown methadone addiction. Here are some signs that a loved one may be abusing methadone:
- Taking methadone more often than prescribed
- Using higher doses of methadone than prescribed
- Using methadone other than as prescribed, such as crushing it up and snorting it or taking it intravenously
- Developing a tolerance and needing more of the drug to get the same benefits
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you don’t take methadone
- Doctor shopping to obtain multiple methadone prescriptions
If you notice your loved one engaging in the above behaviors, encouraging them to speak to their doctor or an addiction treatment provider can help them overcome methadone abuse before developing a dangerous addiction.
Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida: A Reliable Methadone Addiction Rehab Center
At Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida, we realize that using methadone to overcome opioid use disorder can be a slippery slope into another addiction. Our methadone addiction treatment center provides behavioral and holistic therapies, support, and medication to ease withdrawal discomfort and get to the root of the addictive behavior. Whether your loved one is abusing methadone or has already become addicted, we can help them break free.
Call us today at 866.294.5306 to help your loved one get away from the vicious cycle of addiction for good.
