Methadone Addiction

Written by:

Last Updated:

May 7th, 2024

Methadone has revolutionised the treatment of heroin and other forms of opioid addiction, offering long-acting relief from withdrawal symptoms and cravings, thereby facilitating safe and comfortable cessation of drug use. However, despite its recognised benefits, methadone carries its own risk of addiction. It’s essential for individuals undergoing methadone treatment to comprehend these risks, adhere to prescribed guidelines, and seek assistance when needed.

What is methadone?

Methadone is a long-acting synthetic opioid agonist medication utilised for managing opioid dependence and chronic pain. Unlike heroin and morphine, it binds to brain receptors without inducing intense euphoria. Its prolonged mechanism of action necessitates only once-daily dosing, effectively alleviating cravings and withdrawal symptoms. This stability aids in treatment by reducing the urge for other opioids.

Although methadone offers life-saving benefits, its potential for addiction underscores the importance of vigilant monitoring by healthcare professionals. Proper management of its addictive potential is crucial for maximising its efficacy in treating opioid addiction.

What is methadone addiction?

Methadone addiction refers to the physical and psychological dependence on methadone. This may seem ironic as methadone is intended to help you break dependency on other opioids but there are many people who become addicted, particularly if methadone is taken in higher doses or more frequently than prescribed. As with other drugs, this can cause your body to become reliant on methadone’s presence just to function and to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

Alongside this physical reaction, the psychological aspect of methadone addiction involves a deep mental reliance on the drug to cope with stress, pain or emotional distress or through fear of a return to other drug use if methadone use is stopped.

Methadone addiction can be particularly challenging to overcome due to the drug’s long half-life and the severe withdrawal symptoms associated with discontinuation, requiring a carefully managed treatment process.

What are the signs of methadone addiction?

Concerns about methadone addiction require careful consideration of your use patterns and their impact on your life. Reflect on the following questions to better understand your relationship with methadone:

Have I found myself using methadone in larger amounts or for longer than prescribed for my treatment or pain management?
Am I constantly preoccupied thinking about my next methadone dose?
Am I experiencing overwhelming cravings for methadone that have replaced my original opioid cravings?
Has my methadone use led to difficulties at work, school or home?
Do I continue to use methadone despite knowing it has caused or is exacerbating problems in my life?
Have I stopped or significantly reduced participation in important activities that used to be important to me, favouring methadone use instead?
Do I use methadone in dangerous situations, like when driving?
Do I experience methadone withdrawal symptoms when I miss a dose or try to cut back?

If you answer “yes” to several of these questions, it may indicate a methadone addiction and the need to talk to your healthcare provider or an addiction expert.

Why is methadone addictive?

There are a number of risk factors that contribute to methadone’s addictiveness. It is important that anyone who is taking methadone, particularly for opioid substitution therapy, is aware of these factors and discuss them with their healthcare providers:

Transition from other opioids

Individuals using methadone to manage addiction to other opioids may inadvertently transfer their dependency to methadone. This substitution, intended to reduce harm and ease withdrawal, can sometimes lead to a new form of dependence if not carefully managed.

Methadone’s pharmacological effects

Despite being less euphoric than other opioids, methadone still activates the brain’s opioid receptors. This can provide a sense of well-being that can become desirable, leading to misuse and increased dosages without medical guidance.

Duration of treatment

Long-term methadone maintenance therapy, while effective in preventing relapse to more harmful opioids, can result in a prolonged physical dependence on methadone, complicating attempts to taper use.

Psychological association with treatment and recovery

For those in recovery, methadone use is closely linked to the process of overcoming addiction to more potent opioids. This psychological association can make cessation challenging as they may fear that reducing methadone use could lead to relapse into previous opioid abuse.

Underlying mental health issues

Many individuals in methadone treatment have co-occurring mental health conditions that were previously masked by other opioid use. Methadone may then become a means of self-medication for these untreated issues, leading to addiction.

The complexity of addiction recovery

Recovery from opioid addiction involves navigating a complex landscape of physical, emotional and social challenges. Methadone, while a critical tool in this process, can become addictive if the underlying causes of a person’s drug use aren’t addressed.

Recognising these methadone-specific factors is crucial for individuals and healthcare providers to navigate its use effectively. For those already struggling with methadone addiction or dependency, it is important to seek a treatment approach that acknowledges these unique challenges and addresses them systematically.

The dangers of methadone addiction

Methadone addiction can cause problems in every aspect of your life, from health to relationships to the potential for other substance issues. Understanding both the short- and long-term dangers is crucial for safe methadone use and seeking help when needed:

Weight gain: Chronic methadone use can lead to unexpected changes in your weight, which can impact both your physical health and self-esteem.
Sexual dysfunction: Both men and women might encounter issues with sexual function, a side effect of methadone that can place additional strain on personal relationships and overall mental well-being.
Constipation: Constipation is a common but potentially severe methadone addiction side effect of methadone. It often requires proactive management to prevent serious health complications, which may include dietary adjustments and medical intervention.
Respiratory depression: This serious risk necessitates vigilant monitoring, especially in the initial stages of treatment, to prevent life-threatening complications.
Cognitive impairment: Methadone can cloud your thinking, affecting your productivity, decision-making abilities and everyday functioning.
Bone density loss: With long-term use, methadone can weaken your bones, increasing the risk of fractures and conditions like osteoporosis. In the most severe cases, bone health management strategies may be required.
Dental problems: Chronic methadone use may lead to significant dental health issues, including tooth decay and gum disease.
Emotional and psychological impacts: Methadone addiction can lead to emotional numbing, depression and social withdrawal. These issues can complicate the recovery process and make daily life a constant struggle.
Social and professional consequences: The stigma and challenges of addiction can erode personal and professional relationships, leading to further isolation, financial difficulties and the associated issues.
Risk of returning to other opioid abuse: Perhaps most critically, there’s the ever-present risk of relapsing into abuse of more potent opioids if methadone becomes inaccessible or no longer satisfies cravings. This can include heroin, fentanyl or other synthetic opioids, all of which are highly addictive and potentially deadly.

Methadone addiction treatment

Methadone addiction treatment often integrates detoxification with rehabilitation.

Detoxification encompasses a gradual tapering strategy to minimise withdrawal effects, with methadone itself often utilised in opioid detox. In cases where methadone detox is insufficient, buprenorphine or naltrexone may be incorporated to achieve the same goal.

Following detox, individuals embark on a comprehensive methadone rehab programme. This involves addressing the social and psychological factors contributing to addiction through various individual and group therapies.

Once rehabilitation is completed, the focus shifts to preventing relapse. This entails ongoing support, education on managing triggers, and participation in aftercare therapy or support groups. These measures are crucial for sustaining recovery and guarding against a return to methadone or other substance use.

Get help for methadone addiction today

If you are struggling with methadone addiction, know that professional, compassionate help is available. Sanctuary Lodge provides a safe and nurturing environment where you can work towards recovery with the support of our addiction specialists. Our holistic approach to treatment ensures that you receive the medical, psychological and emotional support needed to overcome methadone addiction and begin to rebuild your life. Contact Sanctuary Lodge today to learn more about our methadone addiction treatment programmes and start on the path to recovery.

FAQs

What are other names for methadone?

Methadone is marketed under various names, such as Dolophine and Methadose, for its use in both pain management and opioid substitution therapy. These medications are only available on prescription in the UK due to their potential for abuse and addiction.

How addictive is methadone?

Methadone has a varied potential for addiction based on dosage, duration of use and individual factors. While methadone is designed to prevent opioid withdrawal and reduce craving, its misuse or long-term use can also lead to physical and psychological dependence. There is not a specific dosage at which addiction is guaranteed, but adherence to prescribed use is crucial to minimise the risk of developing a methadone addiction.