Methadone is a synthetic (man-made) narcotic. It is used legally in addiction to narcotics and to relieve severe pain, often in individuals who have cancer or terminal illnesses. Although methadone has been legally available in the United States since 1947, more recently it has emerged as a drug of abuse, requiring methadone detox. This trend may be driven in part by the ready availability of the drug as it increasingly is used in the treatment of narcotic addiction and to relieve chronic pain.
For many, methadone remains a mystery. For some, it is used for pain relief and for others it is a favored drug of abuse. For many, it represents a life planned around a daily trip to a Methadone clinic to avoid severe withdrawal symptoms – this life sometimes described as a life not worth living.
The Atlanta Recovery Center Drug Rehab in Georgia answers the many questions methadone presents.
What is methadone? Methadone is a synthetic analgesic (pain-killer) similar in action to heroin or morphine.
How was methadone developed? Methadone was developed in 1937 by German scientists who sought a drug that was easier to administer and less addictive than morphine. (Unfortunately methadone did not live up to their expectations)
Was methadone used as a painkiller during World War II? Methadone was not used by German forces, presumably for its side effects, as it proved highly addictive and had a long withdraw period. (While morphine and heroin addicts may suffer withdrawal pains and symptoms for days, methadone withdrawal pains may last weeks.)
How is it used today? Methadone is primarily used as a heroin or narcotic replacement in Methadone Maintenance Treatment. Though it is used to replace other opiates addictions, Methadone is reportedly more addictive, necessitating daily trips to a clinic to avoid severe withdrawal. Methadone is very addictive, and a methadone detox is needed to withdraw from methadone.
Recently it has also gained popularity among doctors as a pain medication.
What is Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT)? MMT was developed by two American psychiatrists in the 1960’s in an effort to help heroin addicts stop taking heroin, which was illegal, and not suffer withdrawal symptoms. Theoretically this would stop illegal activities from occurring and reduce the crime rate. However, studies have shown that this is not the case; crime rates are not affected by MMT.
How does MMT work? Most clinics prescribe methadone to addicts and will normally start out at a low dosage, raising the dosage daily until the patient is “comfortable”. Unfortunately, the patient will start developing a tolerance to the drug, as to any opiate, and require more and more methadone to feel an effect, becoming addicted to methadone. This leads to drug addiction.
Does MMT cure someone of opiate addiction? Methadone Maintenance Treatment was never designed or intended to help someone stop becoming an opiate addict. Its sole design is to make the person comfortable with a legal drug and keep them from taking an illegal drug.
Is methadone safe? Methadone is a drug, and its use can and does lower respiratory and heart rates. Combined with other drugs or alcohol, methadone use is deadly; the combination stops the heart. For someone not used to taking an opiate (many opiate users develop an incredible tolerance to opiates), a few methadone pills kills them. Methadone related deaths are on the rise throughout the United States, in many areas higher than heroin or other opiate related deaths. Methadone contributes to more deaths nationwide than any other prescription narcotic.
Recently it has also gained popularity among doctors as a pain medication. This can be dangerous is the patient is also taking other medications, or abuses Methadone.
I am addicted to Methadone. What do I do? Do not stop taking Methadone abruptly, as this will cause you to go into severe withdrawals. Consult with your doctor and contact The Atlanta Recovery Center Drug Rehab in Georgia for information on beating Methadone detox, addiction or opiate addiction.
For more information on drug addiction rehabilitation or drug education, call The Atlanta Recovery Center of Georgia at 1-877-236-3981.
