Methadone -The Unseen Dangers
Methadone addiction is a health problem that affects thousands of people in America every year. Many people begin using methadone, ironically, to overcome an addiction to another type of drug. However, methadone addiction can have very serious consequences in its own right. If you know someone who is addicted to methadone, it is important that you convince them to undergo a methadone detox. This is the only way that a person can successfully get off of the drug. Remember that a detox should only be attempted with the supervision of medical professionals, as the side effects can be very painful.
What Is Methadone?
Methadone is classified as a synthetic opioid. Normally, it is used to treat other forms of drug addiction. Sadly, many individuals end up trading one addiction for another. Methadone has been known to help people get off of all types of different drugs. However, doctors are now starting to be more cautious in the way they administer methadone to a person with a methadone addiction. Methadone is a great tool to help us combat addiction if we use it in the correct way.
Withdrawal From Methadone
The psychological side effects of methadone include suicidal ideation, depression, exhaustion, fatigue, delirium, auditory hallucinations, agitation, anxiety, panic, paranoia, and delusions. This is why it’s necessary to go through methadone detox at a medically supervised facility. Usually as is common with any form of detox, an addict will be unable to handle the side effects of withdrawal and search for alternative methods for handling pain. This is one of the most dangerous aspects of detoxing from a drug. Side effects associated with Methadone are very similar to those of heroin withdrawal. It causes a lack of awareness regarding bodily needs such as hydration and nourishment. The physical symptoms associated with methadone withdrawal include light-headedness, nausea, fevers, chills, tremors, tachycardia, aches and pains, and elevated blood pressure just to name a few.
Recovery
Individuals are different and only a doctor can prescribe the best treatment for a person who has a drug addiction. This is why it is imperative to seek treatment at a detox facility. A medically supervised facility will offer the best suggestions for kicking and addiction the safe way and how to avoid an addiction to methadone. There has been much debate in the recovery community regarding methadone and other drugs that can help ease the pain of withdrawal. Methadone is normally viewed as the first step in the recovery and detox process from heroin; once a certain low dose is reached many suggest transitioning to suboxone.