Methadone is the name for the synthetic analgesic opioid. It is sometimes marketed as amidone, physeptone, and symoron, amongst other things. It is manufactured by Eli Lilly and Company and is often used as a recreational drug due to the feeling of euphoria it creates amongst its users. Whilst it is not a drug that is widespread, it still isn’t something that is difficult to obtain.
Medically, methadone is used for treating moderate to severe chronic pain. This is because it is like morphine in that it’s potent and long lasting. Using it allows the methadone to connect with the opioid receptors in the body.
Side Effects
Since methadone is a type of opioid, it has many of the same side effects as codeine and morphine. These include reduced blood pressure, dizziness, a feeling of weakness and faintness, as well as vomiting. Of course, these are more minor side effects that do not cause any long-term issues.
Using it regularly can cause issues such as collapsed lungs and heart failure. In the US, the numbers of deaths between 1995 and 2005 as a direct result of methadone have quadrupled. This is why it is vital to have an addiction to this substance treated as soon as possible.
Methadone Addiction Treatment
Treating a methadone addiction requires the aid of a qualified healthcare practitioner. They have extensive experience in dealing with addictions of this nature and know how to deal with cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Professionals work closely with patients to find out as much about their backgrounds as possible.
With this information, counsellors can then help develop unique coping mechanisms to help deal with cravings. They can also discover the reasoning for the addiction in the first place. By getting to the heart of the matter, counsellors can then try to neutralise any and all triggers, which inevitably leads patients to cleaner and healthier lifestyles.
