Methadone is a type of opiate, and it is often used in medical settings to help with pain on a short-term basis. For example, when a person is brought in due to trauma or serious injury. Many people don’t realize that this drug has been around since World War II. Due to the fact that people can easily become addicted to the use of methadone and end up being enrolled in a drug addiction treatment program.
One of the main uses for it, however, also involves helping people withdraw in a controlled setting when they are addicted to various types of narcotics. The fact that it lasts up to 24 hours means that a dose only has to be given once a day. This is more effective than when a person has to get treatment twice or more each day.
Methadone can be highly addictive, which is why it is used in limited situations. Those that have a history of drug addiction won’t be prescribed such an opiate due to the increased risk of being addicted to it. Taking too much methadone can result in death due to the fact that the body often builds up a tolerance to it. As a result, an individual starts needing to use more and more of it in order to get the same results that they did in the past.
The risk of serious health problems or death is increased significantly when methadone is used in conjunction with alcohol or other types of drugs. This should never be used without the consent of medical professionals. It is one of the most addictive types of drugs out there, which is why they won’t offer it for more than three days.
Yet people are very good at getting it when they want it. The fact that the effects last so long makes it a top seller on the black market. Getting caught with methadone illegally can result in a criminal record and jail time. In many cases, part of the criminal prosecution involves getting treatment for the problem. Some people have been using methadone illegally for quite some time, though.
There are a variety of symptoms that can be expressed when someone is addicted to methadone. They include vertigo, vomiting, disorientation, hallucinations, shaking, constipation, breathing problems, the development of medical problems like pneumonia, and problems with concentrating.
It is very important that someone wishing to stop using methadone does so with the help of trained professionals. The side effects of getting off of it can be very serious. This type of addiction takes place both on a physical and psychological level. Therefore, behavioral changes, including counseling, need to be part of a successful treatment program. It can take time to effectively find a way to break the cycle of methadone addiction problems. This is one addiction, though, that is very hard to be successful at without the help of professionals. The overall health of a person can be permanently affected through the use of methadone as well.
