Methadone Opiate Addiction
Although Methadone is usually prescribed to manage pain or to control addiction to opiates like heroin, thousands of people a year die from Methadone Opiate Addiction. Oral doses of methadone can stabilize patient’s withdrawal symptoms. Higher doses can help ease the euphoric effects of heroin, morphine and other opiates and also relieves the craving for opiates.
Tolerance and dependency usually develop with prolonged use. Continued intake of Methadone can cause a central nervous system disorder. 
Nerve cells in the brain that produce endorphins cease functioning normally and this works to decrease the sensation of pain and emotional response to pain. This results in the person’s physical dependency on opiates. Methadone is used in treating addiction but may require a second detox for the Methadone addiction.
Some Common symptoms of Methadone opiate addiction:
- Anxiety
- Agitation
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Paranoia
- Shallow Breathing
- Hallucinations
Withdrawal from Methadone Opiate Addiction can be an agonizing and traumatic withdrawal process. Withdrawal symptoms have been known to be more severe and prolonged than those of morphine or heroin. Sudden cessation can result in more severe withdrawal and can last from weeks to months.
Some Common Methadone opiate addiction withdrawal symptoms:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Sweating
- Tremors
- Lightheaded
- Itching
To prevent Methadone opiate addiction a person should use it exactly as prescribed by the physician. Any excessive use or larger doses than prescribed could develop a dependency. Addiction to Methadone can develop gradually, once there is an addiction it is difficult to detox. Users of Methadone will continue to use despite any negative consequences.
Methadone overdose can happen by ingesting too much methadone or mixing with illicit drugs or alcohol. This can have fatal consequences for the user. Signs of overdose can vary from user to user because what may be a normal dose for one could be fatal for another.
Some of the symptoms of overdose are: Slowed or loss of breath, weak pulse, stomach spasms, confusion, cold and clammy skin, seizures, pinpoint pupils, low blood pressure to name a few. If this occurs, be prepared to help medical personnel determine how much was used and whether another substance was involved.
