Methadone Addiction
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 predictable 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 addiction to methadone. 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 Methadone Withdrawal in Methadone Addiction
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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). |
To sum up, methadone addictionSymptoms 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
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.
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 womans 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:
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| 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 |
Methadone Detox Clinics:
TAVAD
- Advanced Addiction Treatments
Ultra Rapid Methadone Detox
Treatment Clinics.
100% successful detox without Withdrawal in
48 hours.
(Treatments evaluated by Ministry of Health)
www.tavad.net (methadone addiction)
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For further information about Methadone Addiction:
Information about drugs. Methadone.
Drug Test Success.
Methadone.
Treatment Information Center . Methadone.