Methadone is a serious synthetic opioid drug used to taper down heroin and opiate addiction. It is similar to other opiate-based drugs like heroin and codeine. If you are struggling with a methadone abuse problem or addiction, you need professional help in order to recover.

What Is Methadone That Makes It So Addictive?

Depressed woman talking to counselor about her methadone abuse.Methadone is an opioid and it is addictive because it binds to the opioid receptors in the brain right away. Addiction to methadone can set in after just one or two uses of the drug.

Methadone may be used as a pain medication called Dolophine. In this case, the Dolophine binds to opioid receptors and reduces or alleviates pain completely. In those who contract addictions to methadone, the instant reduction of pain is one of the main attractions.

Methadone is also used as a treatment for heroin addiction. Methadone also lasts longer and is immediately effective. This makes it a valuable tool in recovery from heroin addiction.

Still, methadone can cause addiction on its own. Those who take it in a pain-reducing capacity or to treat heroin addiction should keep this in mind. If methadone abuse becomes out of control, serious ramifications can occur.

Signs and Symptoms of Methadone Abuse

Any signs and symptoms associated with methadone abuse will be similar to the symptoms and signs of an opioid addiction. These include the following:

  • Sweating
  • Constipation or diarrhea
  • Increased pain
  • Nausea and stomach pains, cramps, and vomiting
  • Muscle pains
  • Irritability and anxiety
  • Constricted pupils

How Do You Know if You’re Addicted to Methadone?

When someone continues to use and abuse a substance despite the negative consequences, they are clinically addicted to that substance. When this is the case, only professional help can get you through treatment.

If you are still unsure whether or not methadone abuse is a serious problem for you, read the list below. If you notice any of the following, you likely need to seek professional help for your addiction:

  • Preoccupation with obtaining methadone
  • “Doctor or clinic shopping” in order to obtain multiple prescriptions for methadone
  • Loss of interest in areas of your life that used to be important, like friends, family, or hobbies
  • Trouble with the law
  • Odd sleeping patterns
  • Extreme changes in moods
  • Extreme changes in weight (usually weight loss)

If you notice any of these signs in yourself or a loved one, it’s time to ask for help from a professional. You should never attempt to go through methadone withdrawal on your own. Withdrawal from methadone like other opiate drugs can be painful and uncomfortable.

For example, withdrawal from methadone may include severe muscle and joint aches and pains. The individual may experience depression, restlessness, agitation, and anxiety. Severe sweating and a runny nose may also occur. In more severe cases, nausea, vomiting, and constipation may become problems. Only professional medical detox centers can handle these symptoms.

Seeking Professional Assistance for Methadone Abuse

More information is available about methadone abuse. Treating this addiction must take place at professional drug and alcohol treatment centers like Beaches Recovery in Jacksonville, Florida.

Beaches Recovery has numerous recovery options available to residents of Florida and beyond. We are a full-service detox and recovery center. Our therapies include the following:

In addition to these therapies, we have other activities and services available that help you heal while taking your mind off recovery. These include the following:

All of these therapies can help our clients recover from their methadone abuse problems and go on to live a healthier, happier life.

At our facility, we treat each client with individualized care. That’s why we provide personalized treatment programs for each client. No matter what your addiction, unique personality type or what sort of therapy you feel will assist you the most, we can help.

You can fight addiction with our help. Call us today at 866.605.0532 to learn more about methadone treatment in Florida.