Methadone in the most simple sense is basically a synthetic opiate. It is often used to help reduce the symptoms of opiate withdrawal. The main reason being that in severe cases withdrawal can cause even more vast medical problems. Many people have been known to go into cardiac arrest. So to help reduce the strain on the body methadone treatment for opiate addiction is often used.
Opiate addiction withdrawal symptoms can be any and all of the following:
Severe agitation and anxiety
Muscle tremors and spasms
Severe vomiting and diarrhea
Aches and pains in the muscles
If you know someone that has made the final choice to overcome their addiction, never let them attempt detox on their own. They must be monitored 24 hours a day until the drug has completely left their system. Many times depending on the severity of addiction Methadone is introduced for the reasons stated previously in this article.
While it is used to curb the effects of withdrawal it is also prescribed as a pain killer in some countries. Although people need to be aware that Methadone can also become an addiction. So anyone with the tell tale signs of addiction or has such an addiction as alcoholism, and drug dependence need to notify their doctor if Methadone is mentioned as a possible prescribed pain killer. Many people who have been prescribed drugs such as Methadone that have had previous trouble in the past with addiction could find themselves spiraling back and falling of the proverbial wagon again.
Methadone is very slowly absorbed by the body and takes a much longer time to metabolize. Thus it can stay active and present in the body for several days. Thus it is normally only administered once daily for help with withdrawal symptoms. Methadone is most commonly always introduced orally in pill or liquid format.
There were over 5,000 deaths recorded in the United States alone in 2005 that were linked to Methadone abuse. So while it is helpful in some cases it is also just as addicting as any other opiate. So it should only be administered under the watchful eye of a supervising physician.
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