Most health professionals regard substance addiction as the compulsive use of drugs. Suffice it is to say that the disorder causes damage to various parts of the body. Typically, substance abuse has several effects, including:
- Brain damage
- Liver failure
- Heart attacks
- Respiratory damage
For that reason, treatment options like methadone are used for detox purposes.
Various factors determine addiction level. Further, addiction can be categorized as severe, mild, or average. Addiction is a mental illness because the user uses the drugs despite the harm caused by using them. The type of drugs you are abusing influences the damage caused to your body. Drug addiction adversely affects people in the world.
Uses of Methadone
Used to Replace Opioids
Detox involves halting the use of a specific drug. It is an attempt to exude the drug substances from your body. The objective of detoxing from drugs or alcohol is to safely manage the effects on your body when you stop taking the drug. The severity of the withdrawal symptoms mainly depends on how long you used the drug. Further, the type of drug you use impacts differently on your body. Methadone is one of the medications used during detox. It is recommended that former users who detox using methadone be closely monitored. Like all other drugs, methadone use can be lethal.
Interestingly, methadone is similar to opioids like opium and heroin. Naturally, people refer to methadone use in detox as replacement therapy. Opioids are a class of drugs with various chemical compounds.
Moreover, opioids interact with nerve receptors found in the brain. It brings about a euphoric feeling. Most people are easily addicted to opioids because of the euphoric effects on the brain. Opioids dependence is treated by taking a dose of methadone daily. Methadone is used as an alternative for harmful opioids like heroin.
Used as a Pain Reliever
Methadone is used as a pain reliever. Furthermore, it alters how your brain cells respond to pain. Unlike morphine, methadone works slower when it comes to relieving pain. If you have a severe injury, your doctor will prescribe it for managing the pain. Essentially, you should take methadone as directed by the physician, not more, not less. In addition to this, if you stop taking methadone, make sure you inform your doctor. Like other drugs, stopping methadone intake might result in withdrawal symptoms. Naturally, if you have had mental-related problems in the past, you should not use the drug.
There is a high chance that mentally unstable individuals are abusing the drug. Methadone brings about a pleasant effect on the brain. Hence, many people end up overusing it. Doctors should first scrutinize you to determine if you can use methadone. When using the drug to alleviate pain, experts recommend informing a close family member or friend.
Effects of Methadone
In replacement therapy, methadone can be taken in liquid form, powdered form, or as a pill. Research shows that methadone is vital for reducing withdrawal symptoms. There are physical and mental consequences associated with halting or minimizing substance intake. The irresistible cravings associated with opioids intake can be lethal. Methadone is beneficial because it aids in opioid detox. Using methadone is different from using opioids like opium. It gives a similar feeling to other opioids. Researchers consider it a safer alternative. Ideally, methadone is as addictive as other drugs. Therefore, your doctor should closely monitor its use to avert abuse.
Also, it is the doctor’s role to give you the best prescription. Besides, methadone is not the solution to opioid detox. It is only one move towards your treatment journey. Notably, if you use methadone for detox, it would be best to use it for only one year. That way, you can avoid the complications that come with misusing the drug. Methadone addiction is risky since it causes breathing problems. For people who suffer from respiratory illnesses such as asthma, methadone use can be life-threatening. Therefore, make sure you avail your health history to the doctor before using the drug.
There is hope for drug users who have chosen to recover. The first step for recovery is recognizing that you have a problem and that you need help. Your attitude plays a focal role in your recovery journey. Methadone use is instrumental for opioid addiction. With close monitoring by health specialists, the drug can lead to a successful recovery process. If you are ready to get started, call us at 302-842-2390. The health practitioners in this facility will help you to turn your life around.