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a patient describing methadone withdrawal symptoms to a doctor

Opiate abuse and addiction rates have reached record levels in the United States, resulting in unintentional drug overdoses becoming the most common cause of accidental death in the country. Opiates are highly addictive because they release excessive levels of dopamine, resulting in euphoric highs when abused. And creating awful methadone withdrawal symptoms. Over 15 million Americans suffer from a substance abuse disorder annually, which equates to roughly 5% of the American population.

Methadone is for pain and for opiate maintenance therapy. Opiate addicts in recovery can use methadone daily in order to curb withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Unfortunately, methadone is physically addictive.

Methadone withdrawal symptoms are severe, resulting in pain, nausea, cramps and restless legs. Methadone withdrawal symptoms can lead to complications like dehydration and seizures, which require medical attention.

What is Methadone? 

Methadone is a prescription opioid that treats opiate addiction and withdrawal, as well as chronic pain. If you are recovering from opiate addiction, you may utilize methadone as opioid maintenance therapy. Methadone was one of the first approved treatments for opiate addiction and is used in similar nature as Suboxone. Additionally, methadone is sometimes used to treat severe, chronic pain.

Methadone is for short-term treatment for the opiate withdrawal but administered daily. When used for opioid maintenance, Methadone is distributed daily at clinics or treatment centers. Likewise, using methadone to recover from opiates addiction can result in you becoming addicted to methadone. Methadone is most effective when patients take it for less than six months.

Also, when used for extended periods of time, methadone can be difficult to quit without help. Like other prescription drugs, methadone can be used and abused recreationally. Taking too much methadone can result in death, especially when mixed with other substances like alcohol.

Additionally, using methadone while pregnant can result in birth defects and painful withdrawal for your newborn. Its addictive nature has resulted in methadone losing significant popularity in the medical field and treatment community.

Methadone Withdrawal Symptoms and Treatment 

Methadone is highly addictive. Taking methadone to recover from addiction can result in you becoming physically dependent on methadone. Methadone withdrawal symptoms are intense, many times resulting in worse and more painful symptoms than other opiates like heroin and Oxycontin.

Methadone withdrawal symptoms are similar to most other opiates but can be more severe. Signs of methadone withdrawal can include:

  • Hallucinations and delirium
  • Depression and suicidal ideation
  • Hypertension and stroke
  • Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
  • Pain, cramps and restless legs
  • Insomnia and fatigue
  • Tremors, sweats, and restlessness

Complications from methadone withdrawal can include dehydration, loss of consciousness and psychosis. Finding treatment from a detox or inpatient treatment center can ensure that you remain safe during withdrawal.

Here are a few therapies you may want to check out:

We Know What it Takes to Beat Addiction

When you or a loved one is battling a substance abuse problem and suffering from methadone withdrawal symptoms, you can feel emotional, isolated, and defeated. San Antonio Recovery Center, which has the best prescription drug addiction rehab San Antonio TX offers, knows what it takes to beat addiction. To find out more about how our programs can help you find recovery, call us today at 866.957.7885.

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