Methadone Abuse

Methadone, a medication long used in the treatment of opioid addiction and pain management, carries with it a double-edged sword. While it offers a lifeline to those grappling with severe opioid dependence, its potential for misuse can lead down a perilous path of addiction and abuse. Royal Life Centers at Chapter 5 understands the complexity of this issue, offering comprehensive insights into the nuanced world of methadone use, its benefits, and the dark side that emerges when control slips away. Our approach is rooted in the safest evidence-based practices, aiming to shed light on this and other challenging aspects of addiction recovery.

What is Methadone?

Methadone is a synthetic opioid drug typically prescribed for treating severe pain. It is commonly also used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs for those struggling with opioid addiction– especially heroin. Methadone maintenance is most common amongst the “therapeutic” use of methadone, it allows opioid addicts to ween themselves off from use of any opioid substance— including methadone itself. Despite the “therapeutic” use of methadone, this medication can often become its own addiction, as users depend on methadone after discontinuing use of other opioids.

How Does Methadone Work?

Methadone utilizes and attaches to the same receptors as morphine and heroin, which allows it to stabilize guests and minimize the painful withdrawal symptoms they may be experiencing when they detox. While this is a legal substance, it is understood that there is a very high likelihood of users becoming addicted to it. Illegal use of methadone can lead to extreme physical and mental dysfunction.

Methadone Abuse

Following in line with other drugs that contribute to The Opioid Crisis, much of the abuse and misuse of Methadone happens simply by receiving prescriptions. Due to its potency, it is much easier to overdose on methadone than on many other opioids. It is especially lethal if mixed with other drugs, be them prescription or illegal.

Common side effects of methadone abuse include:

Dizziness
Drowsiness
Nausea and vomiting
Confusion
Impaired balance

Methadone Dangers

Compared to other painkillers, methadone has a very long half-life. It can stay in the body for upwards of 50 hours or more. However, the painkilling benefits end after about eight hours. As an addiction solution, this is beneficial because it will alleviate withdrawal longer without additional uses, but for pain relief it becomes challenging. Even slightly overusing methadone can lead to death.

Methadone Withdrawal

Compared to many other opiates, Methadone’s withdrawal effects are less severe. Many other opiates leave the body quickly, resulting in quicker onset of withdrawal and more acute symptoms. Methadone can last in the body for nearly three days straight – causing symptoms to onset slower. It was originally created to treat heroin addiction and other addictions, so this also causes it to have slightly less effects.

That being said, Methadone withdrawal can include:

Muscle aches
Nausea and vomiting
Sweating
Shaking
Anxiety
Fever

Not everybody suffers all the symptoms or the most severe ones; the severity of symptoms usually depends on the length and frequency of methadone abuse. Age and overall health profile can also have something to do with how severe the withdrawal is from any drug. Methadone is traditionally prescribed to treat an opiate addiction, and then the methadone maintenance can develop into methadone dependence or another addiction you need to treat.

Methadone Overdose

Methadone overdose symptoms include:

Convulsions
Heart Attack
Being unable to stay awake
Blue tinted skin and fingers
Coma
Death

Because of the lethality of methadone use, it is imperative that if you are using the medication that you ONLY use it as a doctor has prescribed, and even then, it is important to be very careful. If side effects begin to kick in, you should get medical attention immediately. Methadone builds up inside the body over time, so even taking one dose more than recommended can lead to an overdose.

Methadone Detox

Methadone detox can be a challenging process, but relief from withdrawal symptoms during the five to ten-day withdrawal period. For instance, Methadone detox often incorporates medications designed to alleviate physical discomfort and promote rest and relaxation during withdrawal.

Methadone detox medications include:

Clonidine
Buprenorphine (commonly known as Subutex or “subs”)
Buprenorphine combined with naloxone (Suboxone)

In addition to medication, holistic approaches such as warm baths, light exercise, balanced nutrition, and the compassionate care of recovery-focused physicians, nurses, and counselors can significantly ease the withdrawal experience.

At Royal Life Centers, we prioritize providing every guest with the highest level of care and support to help them begin their journey to sobriety with confidence and success.

Methadone Rehab

At Royal Life Centers, guests can transition from medical detox into our comprehensive inpatient methadone rehab program, designed to support physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. We provide a wide range of addiction treatment services to help individuals recover from methadone dependency and build a foundation for a healthy, sober lifestyle. Our dedicated team of addiction specialists—including therapists, case managers, and facility staff—works tirelessly to deliver the highest level of care and support.

Our holistic, evidence-based treatment approach integrates individual and group therapy sessions alongside alternative therapies such as art, music, and animal-assisted therapy. These methods encourage self-expression and effective communication, fostering emotional growth during recovery. Additionally, our program includes innovative activity, movement, and adventure therapies to nurture healing of the mind, body, and spirit. At Royal Life Centers, we recognize that emotional recovery is just as important as physical rehabilitation.

After inpatient rehab, guests have the opportunity to progress through our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), Outpatient Program (OP), and sober living arrangements in our graduate housing residences. Throughout every stage, our primary focus is on the guest’s well-being. We are committed to creating lasting change so that each individual can maintain a healthy, sober life long after completing our programs. This is not just our goal—it is our mission.

Reach Out

At Royal Life Centers at Chapter 5, our addiction specialists have a deep understanding of methadone abuse and addiction. With years of experience identifying signs of abuse and understanding the physiological grip of dependence, they work with each guest to explore effective treatment options tailored to their unique needs and goals for recovery.

If you or a loved one is struggling with methadone abuse, please reach out to us about your detox and treatment options. Royal Life Centers admissions staff is available 24/7 to answer your questions and address your concerns. We can be reached at 888-534-9140. Because We Care.

Methadone Abuse

What is Methadone?

How Does Methadone Work?

Methadone Abuse

Methadone Dangers

Methadone Withdrawal

Methadone Overdose

Methadone Detox

Methadone Rehab

Reach Out

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