The term detox, short for detoxification, implies a clearing of toxins. However, for individuals with physiologic substance dependence/addiction, detox is usually related to withdrawal syndrome, that is, the constellation of signs and symptoms following abrupt discontinuation of, or rapid decrease in, intake of a substance that has been used consistently for a period of time.
In fact, the withdrawal syndrome is the main obstacle for a recovery of methadone addiction. That is because for persons who are severely dependent on methadone, abrupt, untreated cessation of consumption may result in severe discomfort. But risks are not limited to the severity of the patient's physical disturbance, particularly when the detox is conducted in an outpatient setting. Outpatients experiencing withdrawal symptoms give up treatment more often, may self-medicate, and the interaction between prescribed medication and self-administered drugs may result in an overdose or brain damage.
Signs and symptoms of withdrawal from long-acting opiates (such as methadone) begin 24 to 48 hours after the patient's last dose, peak on or after the third day, and gradually subside over several weeks.
Once the user stops using methadone, which can prove very difficult for a regular or chronic user, they will very quickly start to feel tired, panicky, exhausted and unable to sleep, often causing extreme emotional and physical distress. Many former heroin users have claimed that the horrors of heroin withdrawal were far less painful and difficult than withdrawal from methadone. Methadone withdrawal symptoms include but are not limited to sneezing, yawning, tearing of eyes, runny nose, excessive perspiration, fever, dilated pupils, abdominal cramps, nausea, body aches, tremors, irritability. Many chronic users are well aware of these symptoms, some of them ubearable for many, and, in an attempt to avoid them as well as ensuing fatigue, are very reluctant to
stop its use.
Signs and Symptoms of Withdrawal in Methadone Addiction
To sum up, methadone addiction
Is a state in which an organism functions normally only in the presence of methadone, and is manifested as a physical disturbance when methadone is removed (withdrawal).
Symptoms of Methadone Addiction
There are some symptoms that indicate
addiction to methadone:
Need for increased amounts of methadone to achieve the same physical effects.
Unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control methadone use.
Progressive neglect of alternative pleasures or interests because of methadone use.
Conning a doctor into prescribing a higher dosage than is required.
Taking more than the recommended dosage.
Taking methadone in combination with other drugs, including alcohol.
Using methadone as a 'top up' drug while continuing to take heroin.
Withdrawal symptoms: Once the user stops using methadone, which can prove very difficult for a regular or chronic user, they will very quickly start to feel tired, panicky, exhausted and unable to sleep, often causing extreme emotional and physical distress. Many former heroin users have that the horrors of heroin withdrawal were far less painful and difficult than withdrawal from methadone. Methadone withdrawal symptoms include but are not limited to sneezing, yawning, tearing of eyes, runny nose, excessive perspiration, fever, dilated pupils, abdominal cramps, nausea, body aches, tremors, irritability. Many chronic users are well aware of these symptoms, some of them ubearable for many, and, in an attempt to avoid them as well as ensuing fatigue, are very reluctant to stop its use.
Use of methadone to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms.
A return to methadone after a period of abstinence (deciding to quit using methadone and not being able to follow through).
What are effects of Methadone Addiction?
The effects of methadone addiction are more severe than from other forms of drug addiction. Long term effects of methadone include increased sweating and constipation. Both men and women may experience sexual problems and a woman’s menstrual cycle may be disrupted. At higher doses, the user may become heavily sedated, be sleepy, unable to talk, and appear to fall asleep for a few minutes at a time. Summing it up, effects of methadone addiction include:
Short-term methadone effects include
Mental health channel. Narcotic abuse.Sweating is often increased, especially at night
Constipation is quite common
Aching muscles and joints may be experienced. Some people report rheumatism-type aches and pains at various times
Lowered sex drive is experienced with the use of any opioid, including methadone and heroin
Skin rashes and itching are experienced by some people
Sedation (for example, drowsiness, especially soon after a dose)
Fluid retention causing swelling or ‘puffiness' of the hands or feet
Loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting may occur
Abdominal pain (cramps) may occur
Tooth decay. Methadone, like all opioids, reduces production of saliva. Saliva contains antibacterial agents which help prevent deterioration of teeth and gums. Poor or irregular diet and inadequate dental care also contribute to tooth decay
Changes to periods (menstruation) Many women have irregular periods when they use methadone or other opiates
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