Methadone Addiction

What is Methadone?

Methadone is a synthetic opioid that’s commonly used in what’s known as medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Here, it’s used to help those recovering from addiction to opioids like heroin or prescription painkillers.

Methadone helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making it easier for individuals to focus on their recovery. The drug is carefully administered under medical observation, ensuring it’s used safely and effectively to support long-term sobriety.

Is Methadone addictive?

Despite its effectiveness in managing pain and treating opioid addiction, Methadone itself is an opioid, which means it has the potential for dependence and addiction.

Methadone works by binding to the same receptors in the brain as other opioids, like heroin or prescription painkillers. This action can produce a sense of well-being or euphoria, especially if taken in higher doses than prescribed or used without medical monitoring. Over time, the brain can start to rely on Methadone to produce these feelings, leading to tolerance, where more of the drug is needed to achieve the same effects.

As tolerance builds, dependence can develop, meaning the body begins to require Methadone to function normally. If Methadone is suddenly stopped, withdrawal symptoms can occur, which can be severe and challenging to manage without medical support.

Because of these factors, while Methadone can be a crucial part of treatment for opioid addiction, it must be used under strict medical guidance to minimise the risk of developing a new addiction.

How dangerous can a methadone addiction be?

Methadone addiction is undeniably dangerous, as shown by UK statistics from 2021. Out of the 4,859 deaths involving drug poisoning in England and Wales, 663 were Methadone-related. This means that approximately 13.6% of drug poisoning deaths in these regions were linked to Methadone, a staggering figure that underscores the severity of this issue.

Unfortunately, people may overdose on Methadone due to various factors, including taking too much, mixing it with other substances, like alcohol or simply underestimating its strength. The slow onset of Methadone’s effects can also lead individuals to take more, mistakenly believing they need a higher dose to achieve the desired effect, which only increases the risk of overdose.

The symptoms of a Methadone overdose are alarming and require immediate medical attention. They often include difficulty breathing, extreme drowsiness, a slow or irregular heartbeat and loss of consciousness. If not treated promptly, these symptoms can escalate quickly, leading to respiratory failure, cardiac arrest or even death.

Understanding the dangers of Methadone addiction and overdose is crucial in preventing these tragic outcomes. It’s a powerful reminder of why Methadone should be used with the utmost caution and always under strict medical observation.

What are the signs of Methadone addiction?

Understanding the signs of methadone addiction is crucial for addressing the issue before it spirals out of control. Methadone, often prescribed to manage chronic pain or aid in opioid addiction treatment, carries the risk of dependency. Recognising the signs early on allows for swift intervention, which can prevent the addiction from worsening and help the individual seek the necessary support.

Psychological signs

• Increased cravings: A growing preoccupation with obtaining and using methadone, even when it’s not needed for pain management.
• Mood swings: Experiencing intense emotional highs and lows, often triggered by the presence or absence of methadone.
• Anxiety or depression: Persistent feelings of anxiety or depression, especially when methadone is not available or its effects begin to wear off.
• Mental fog: Difficulty concentrating, memory problems or a sense of detachment from reality.

Physical signs

• Tolerance development: Needing higher doses of methadone to achieve the same effect, indicating that the body is becoming accustomed to the drug.
• Withdrawal symptoms: Experiencing symptoms such as nausea, sweating, chills or tremors when the methadone dose is reduced or missed.
• Drowsiness or lethargy: Constant fatigue, excessive drowsiness or falling asleep in inappropriate situations.
• Weight fluctuations: Significant changes in weight, either gaining or losing, often due to changes in appetite or metabolism.

Behavioural signs

• Doctor shopping: Visiting multiple doctors to obtain extra methadone prescriptions, often under false pretences.
• Neglecting responsibilities: A decline in performance at work, school or home due to the prioritisation of methadone use.
• Isolation: Withdrawing from friends, family or social activities in favour of using methadone alone.
• Financial troubles: Spending excessive amounts of money on methadone (illegally), leading to financial strain in order to fund the addiction.

Do I have a Methadone addiction?

Realising that you might have developed an addiction to Methadone, the very medication intended to protect you from a severe addiction like heroin or painkillers can be deeply unsettling. It’s a confusing and difficult place to be in, but it’s also important to take a step back and assess where you stand. This is why regularly checking in on yourself is so crucial.

Here are five questions that, if answered with ‘yes,’ might indicate that you have developed a Methadone addiction:

• Do you find yourself taking more Methadone than prescribed, even if it’s just a slight increase?
• Have you experienced cravings for Methadone, feeling like you need it to get through the day?
• Do you continue to use Methadone despite noticing negative effects on your health, mood or relationships?
• Have you attempted to stop or reduce your Methadone usage, only to find it difficult or impossible?
• Do you experience withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, sweating, nausea or irritability when you try to go without Methadone?

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, it might be time to consider seeking professional help to reassess your relationship with Methadone.

What treatment options are available for Methadone addiction?

Overcoming Methadone addiction is a challenging journey, but at Banbury Lodge, we are dedicated to helping you through every step with a comprehensive and compassionate approach. Our tailored inpatient rehab programme addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of Methadone dependency, ensuring you have the best foundation for a lasting recovery.

Methadone detox

Your journey begins with a medically monitored detox at Banbury Lodge, where our experienced medical team works around the clock to ensure your safety and comfort. The detox process is designed to manage and alleviate the intense withdrawal symptoms associated with Methadone, making this crucial first step as smooth and manageable as possible.

Therapy

Once detox is complete, you’ll engage in a variety of therapeutic activities aimed at addressing the underlying causes of your addiction. At Banbury Lodge, we offer traditional therapies like Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) alongside holistic methods such as art therapy and yoga. This integrated approach helps to heal not just your body but also your mind and spirit, empowering you to rebuild your life free from Methadone.

Aftercare support

Recovery continues even when your inpatient programme does. At Banbury Lodge, we provide extensive aftercare support to ensure you confidently continue your journey to sobriety. Our aftercare services include ongoing therapy, support groups and access to resources that help you adapt to life after rehab, reinforcing the skills and resilience needed to maintain long-term recovery.

What’s next?

If you’re struggling with methadone addiction, don’t face it alone. Banbury Lodge offers compassionate, professional support to help you reclaim your life. Our tailored programmes are designed to guide you through every step of recovery. Reach out today and take the first step towards a healthier, addiction-free future. We’re here to help.

Frequently Asked Questions