6 Tips to Getting Off Methadone Addiction and Abuse

Unfortunately, there are methadone users or abusers who stop taking the drug for one reason or another. There are a variety of reasons addicts may stop taking methadone.

The most common reasons are loss of a source of treatment, homelessness, abuse due to withdrawal symptoms, or abuse of the drug despite its harmful effects.

If you are addicted to methadone, here are a few tips to help you get rid of the addictive substances:

1. Loss of a source of treatment.

Methadone is widely used as a long-term solution to addiction as it provides a permanent solution to the symptoms of withdrawal.

For this to work, a patient must be committed to ongoing treatment. Many abusers find it difficult to commit to an ongoing therapy plan because they feel intensely ashamed and uncomfortable about their drug problem.

Having a support system in place is important if you want your loved one to receive the best possible treatment and overcome their addiction.

2. Become homeless.

Methadone is widely used by people to prevent relapse when they return to active drug use. Unfortunately, people often become addicted for long periods of time and cannot do without the opiates after relapses.

For this reason, methadone is sometimes used as a form of protection, but is ultimately used to create addiction to the medication. Because of this, it is often used by those who are ephemeral and are simply trying to find a way to survive.

3. Become homeless due to withdrawal symptoms.

Once a person starts on methadone, he or she will experience a variety of side effects, from nausea and mood changes to severe cramps and leg pain.

These symptoms are often confused with illnesses caused by poor diet or exercise. It is therefore important to keep the prescription bottle handy in case the withdrawal symptoms interfere with daily activities.

In many cases, doctors will prescribe an over-the-counter pain reliever to relieve these symptoms and allow patients to continue with their daily routine.

4. Take medication to avoid pain.

One of the most common ways people start abusing prescription pain relievers is to fill medication with narcotics to avoid pain.

People often take opiates to get through difficult or boring days, to numb pain from injury or to avoid pain during surgery. Unfortunately, many of these drugs can cause addictions and cravings that are just as intense as the opiate itself.

This often leads to repeated drug use and withdrawal symptoms that need treatment. It can also lead to an overdose, which can be fatal.

5. Start taking opiates because you think you need them to feel normal.

Methadone is a very powerful drug and when taken in conjunction with other substances it can become a habit.

Once you've become addicted to opiates, it is difficult to stop taking them on your own, especially if you've been taking them regularly for a long time.

For this reason, many addicts take heroin or prescription pain relievers in addition to methadone. This can lead to an increased risk of overdose as well as a longer recovery time after the detox.

6. Take drugs in hopes of a quick fix.

Although methadone is primarily used to relieve chronic pain, it can also suppress withdrawal symptoms once the detox is complete and treatment programs are followed.

If the patient only needs treatment for a week, they can self-medicate by swallowing a pill a few times a day or snorting a range of medications for a quick fix.

If you suspect that you or a loved one might be addicted to methadone, contact the Neworld Detox Center immediately. Don't wait to see if your symptoms get worse. Seek help before the situation gets worse.

A doctor will be able to screen patients for drug addiction and provide appropriate treatment. It's never too late to get help for your loved one – the sooner the better.

About the author:

Stacey Smith is a freelance health journalist. She is passionate about women's health, dental health, diabetes, endocrinology, and nutrition, and provides in-depth coverage of the latest health news for medical clinics and health magazines.