Methadone -The Invisible Risks
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 detoxing from methadone. 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.
Methadone
Methadone is described as a synthetic opiod. It is mainly used in the treatment of those who are addicted to opiates. Developed in 1937 in Germany it is a cheap version of pain management and is known as an anti-addictive drug in comparison with other opiates in its family such as morphine, Vicodin, and Oxycodone. It is widely used to combat the withdrawal symptoms associated with coming off of harder drugs such as heroin or meth. However in an effort to curtail one addiction, the methadone dependency to this withdrawal easing drug is gained.
Withdrawal From Methadone
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. The psychological side effects 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. Once the body has ridden itself of harmful toxins, if an individual attempt to take their old drug at the same levels they once did, it can lead to overdose and even death.
Recovery
Methadone is generally 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. Each individual is different and only a doctor can prescribe the best treatment. 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.

