How Does Methadone Work on Opioid Drug Addiction?

Methadone is an opioid drug, often used as a replacement for heroin and other illicit opioids for treating opioid drug addiction and dependence. For decades, people have been using methadone for treating patients addicted to heroin and other narcotic pain medications.

When the drug is prescribed by a licensed doctor, it is effective and safe. Methadone has shown great promise in helping people recover from opiate addiction and regain control of their lives. However, patients need to undergo a comprehensive medication-assisted treatment (MAT) program, including social support and therapy, to experience optimal results.

How Does Methadone Treatment Work?

When methadone treatment is administered to a patient, it changes the way the brain and central nervous system perceive and respond to pain. It reduces the painful symptoms often associated with opiate withdrawal without causing euphoric effects like other opiate drugs, such as morphine, codeine, and heroin.

People addicted to opiates often find it difficult to let go of their opioid drug addiction because of the painful withdrawal effects they experience. When methadone is administered in controlled doses, it can help prevent these withdrawal effects, allowing the individual to focus on the underlying cause of their addiction without being distracted by strong cravings.

Methadone is typically administered in liquid or pill form once a day. Each dose will last for close to 24 hours. Studies have suggested that methadone in higher doses is effective for heroin users, enabling them to continue their treatment for longer.

Like other medication-assisted treatments (MAT), methadone is prescribed to patients under a comprehensive treatment plan that includes group therapy and individual counselling.

How Do Patients Receive Methadone Treatment?

Methadone is used as a part of opioid drug addiction treatment under the supervision of an experienced addiction specialist. After patients are stable (determined based on progress and consistent compliance to the dosage), they will be allowed to continue taking methadone from the clinic while staying at home. As per law, methadone can only be dispensed by a licensed opioid drug addiction treatment program center.

The period of methadone treatment for opioid addiction will differ based on the patient’s current and future needs. On average, it lasts for a minimum of one year, but some patients may require ongoing treatment for several years. If the patient is ready to discontinue methadone treatment, it mustn’t be done abruptly. After accessing the patient’s condition, the doctor will gradually stop methadone use to prevent signs of withdrawal.

How Effective is Methadone Treatment?

Methadone treatment has a higher probability of success when part of a comprehensive program that addresses the mind, body, and environment of opiate drug users.

For instance, a typical treatment plan would include a combination of methadone, group therapy, individual counselling, alternative therapies, a support group, and a positive network of friends and peers.

It is essential to note that methadone treatment may not be suitable for everybody. Hence, patients must consult with a doctor to determine the best approach.

Some of the primary benefits of methadone treatment include –

Administering methadone reduces the likelihood of an overdose
Methadone allows the patient to be stable and work on making positive changes to enhance their life.
Methadone helps in reducing or avoiding health problems, especially the ones closely linked to injecting opiates, such as hepatitis C, hepatitis B, HIV, skin infections, etc.
Methadone doses need to be given only once daily because the effects are long-lasting.

Are There Side Effects to Methadone Treatment?

No drug is completely safe for use. There is some amount of risk associated with all medications, even over-the-counter drugs. Because of this reason, it is essential to be careful when taking any drug.

Methadone does not affect everybody in the same way. It generally differs based on –

Weight, size, and health
Whether the patient is used to taking the drug
Whether the patient is taking other drugs at the same time
The dose of methadone

The effects of methadone will last much longer as compared to heroin and other illicit opiates. People who suffer from pre-existing impaired liver function as a result of prolonged alcohol use, hepatitis C, or hepatitis B will require careful monitoring when they receive methadone treatment.

Here are a few common side effects of methadone treatment –

Difficulty passing urine
Sweating
Constipation
Loss of appetite
Vomiting and nausea
Abdominal cramps
Irregular periods
Itching and rashes
Aching joints and muscles
Low sex drive, especially in males
Lethargy, confusion, and mental clouding

At the beginning of the treatment, patients may need some time to find their ideal methadone dose. During that period, they may experience some unwanted symptoms. These symptoms will soon disappear when the correct dosage is determined and administered to the patients.

Some of them include –

Yawning
Runny nose
Aggression and irritability
Joint and back pains
Diarrhea and abdominal cramps
Muscle spasms, jerking, and tremors
High temperature with goosebumps and sweating

When methadone is administered in its pure form, it won’t damage bodily organs. Even in prolonged use, there is no reason to worry or suspect physical damage.

Is Methadone Treatment Safe?

When administered precisely as prescribed by the doctor, methadone is safe and highly effective. However, it can interact with other medications, causing serious effects. Even when its effects wear off, the active ingredients may still be present in the body.

If you want to get the best outcome from your treatment, keep these tips in mind –

Always take the prescribed dose.
Don’t consume alcohol when taking methadone.
Don’t operate machinery or drive on methadone.
Call authorities if you suspect an overdose.

Should You Consider Methadone Treatment?

Methadone is a revolutionary treatment for opioid drug addiction and dependence. It has a significantly high success rate when administered in controlled settings. However, it is a personal choice, and any decision regarding using it as part of your treatment plan should be made with a licensed addiction specialist.

Your doctor will carry out several physical assessments and understand your unique needs and determine what’s the best treatment for your addiction recovery. Making a decision without prior research and consulting your doctor would be premature.