Symptoms of Methadone Addiction

Methadone addiction is cemented when one who is attempting to overcome an opiate addiction abuses the medication in an attempt to get high. Because the substance is only intended for one dose every day, those attempting to abuse the substance will consume many tablets- and may end up overdosing on methadone. To spot the symptoms of methadone addiction before they develop a chronic addiction and tolerance to the substance, take heed of the following signs and symptoms of methadone addiction.

Signs of Methadone Use

  Zeroing in on instances of methadone abuse are easier than you might think with a practiced eye. Although, identifying the opiate in question may be tricky, as many opiates share the same signs of addiction and abuse, there are some instances in which methadone addiction is apparent. Look for the following signs to help determine if a loved one is abusing methadone:  

• Changing moods
• Weight gain
• Lack of appetite
• Itchiness
• Trouble sleeping
• Profuse sweating
• Skin rashes
• Irregular breathing
• Confusion
• Feeling faint
• Problems urinating

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Opiates Commonly Abused with Methadone

In some cases those struggling to overcome opiate addictions may seek out methadone as a means to tie them over until they can secure their next fix from an opiate drug. Those who abuse the following may rely on methadone to prevent them from being thrown into an excruciating withdrawal phase:  

• Heroin
• Oxycotin
• Vicodin
• Hydromorphone
• Dilaudid
• Fentanyl

 

 

Behavioral Symptoms of Methadone Addiction

  Taking methadone outside of the prescribed dosage predisposes one for accidental happenings and induces odd behaviors which are easy to spot. Use the following behavioral symptoms to indicate possible methadone addiction:  

• Unable to operate machinery or household appliances
• Symptoms of addiction in breastfeeding infants
• Nodding in and out
• Anxious for no reason
• Insomnia

 

Physical Symptoms of Methadone Addiction

In addition to the unfavorable behavioral symptoms of methadone addiction, there is a medley of other physical red flags to rely on when attempting to identify whether or not your loved one is abusing methadone. If you’re personally a victim of methadone abuse, know that the following physical symptoms of abuse can impact you for the rest of your life, and may jeopardize your recovery. It’s imperative to get help in methadone addiction treatment as soon as possible to avoid permanent physical damage to your body.  

• Increased heart rate
• Urinary retention
• Seizures
• Inability to breathing; Slowed breathing
• Redness of the face (flushing)
• Tremors
• Awkward gait
• Fainting
• Dizziness
• Feeling sluggish

     

Psychological Symptoms of Methadone Addiction

  Akin to other opiate based substances the psychological symptoms of methadone addiction influence every aspect of life, and make living normally beyond the shadow of addiction impossible. The following are common among methadone addiction:  

• Hallucinations
• Acute anxiety
• Suicidal thoughts and actions
• Paranoia
• Delusions
• Chronic depression

 

Conditions Caused by Methadone Addiction

  There are many conditions which are caused by untreated methadone use disorders- although many do not take the creation of these conditions into account, they complicate recovery further down the road- as many create an environment of dual diagnosis, wherein addiction specialists must treat methadone use disorders in addition to psychological conditions and complicated physical afflictions.  

• Anaphylactic Reactions
• Gastrointestinal Complications
• Heart Conditions
• Impaired respiratory function
• Impotency
• Overdose

  Getting help from methadone detox helps to prevent these conditions before they are able to manifest the full effects of methadone.   [get-help]