Methadone Pros and Cons

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Methadone is a synthetic opioid used to help manage the symptoms of deadly opioid addictions. It can be used to treat pain, no matter how severe, or as part of a recovery program to help patients overcome their addiction to opioids. Methadone can be an excellent treatment option, but it’s not for everyone. Knowing the benefits and risks of methadone can help you determine if it’s the right treatment option for you.

What Is Methadone?

Methadone is a synthetic opioid used as a pain reliever and as part of a recovery program for patients who are addicted to opioids. Patients who take methadone may feel euphoric or experience a “high” feeling, which can be scary if they have never taken opioids before. It helps reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings so the patient can focus on their treatment in the long run.  

Methadone is not always suitable for every patient. People with certain medical conditions should avoid using this drug, as it can cause dangerous side effects in these patients. Methadone also has some addictive qualities that need to be managed, such as tolerance and dependence, so it’s important to consult your physician before taking methadone.

How Does Methadone Work?

Methadone works by slowing down the rate at which the body processes other opioids. It doesn’t provide any type of euphoric feeling and it doesn’t introduce any new highs to the body. Instead, it blocks other opioids from being able to attach to receptors in the brain. Methadone takes longer than other opioids to begin working but once it does, it can last for up to twenty-four hours with one dose. It also has a less severe withdrawal process because it doesn’t introduce any new high or side effects.

Advantages of Using Methadone

Some of the advantages that come with using methadone include: 

• The drug is long-acting, which makes it useful for managing chronic pain.

• Methadone can be used to suppress withdrawal symptoms and cravings related to opioid addiction and help patients in recovery from opiate addiction.

•  It suppresses the effects of heroin and morphine at doses as low as 2mg, which makes it useful for the treatment of heroin addicts who are pregnant or have small children.

Disadvantages of Using Methadone

Methadone is not a cure for addiction. It’s an opioid and, like all opioids, it can lead to dependence (wanting the drug even if you don’t need it). Methadone can be difficult to detox from because of how long it stays in your system. Methadone withdrawal symptoms are usually more severe than those for other opioids, so detoxing from methadone requires medical supervision.

Should Methadone Be Used to Treat Addiction?

Methadone is a controversial treatment option for addiction because there are both benefits and risks associated with its use. Methadone clinics are one way that people with an opioid addiction may choose to receive treatment. These clinics provide methadone therapy in a controlled environment while also offering behavioral counseling and other prescription drugs to help people recover from their addiction. Addicts at methadone clinics tend to fare better than those who do not receive therapy or who try to go through withdrawal without any form of support or professional guidance. In addition to treating their symptoms, these clinics also provide addicts with the tools needed for long-term success in recovery.

Final Words: Is Methadone Right for You?

Methadone is a powerful drug that can be an effective treatment for opioid addiction and pain relief. But it’s not for everyone, and the benefits of the drug must be weighed against the potential drawbacks. If you’re considering methadone as an option for your pain management or recovery from opioid addiction, speak with your doctor to learn more about how methadone can help you. For most people, methadone is a sound decision. However, if it’s not right for you, there are other options available to manage your pain or help you overcome opioid addiction.

Trust Oasis Recovery 

Addiction and mental health disorders can affect anyone. If you or a loved one are currently living with one of these issues, help is available! We encourage you to reach out to the professionals at Oasis Recovery to learn more about our personalized treatment programs and mental health services. Oasis Recovery was founded from firsthand experience of addiction and recovery, with a mission of providing a space where people can heal from addiction in a compassionate, creative, open-minded, and heart-centered environment. We believe recovery is always possible. Our experts work with you to design a treatment plan that fits your needs. Common treatment programs include:

• Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)
• Full-time Addiction Treatment on campus
• Aftercare Services

Contact us today for more information about how our programs and services can help you get your life back on track. You no longer have to struggle with this on your own. We are here to help.