How to Detox from Methadone

Many health care professionals and addiction treatment center use methadone to treat opiate addiction like heroin. But long-term use of the drug can result in drug dependence. Eventually, the event will lead to drug addiction. When taken properly as prescribed, methadone is relatively safe.

Some of the uses of methadone include:

•    treatment for opiate addiction
•    as a pain reliever

As a long-lasting opioid synthetically made, it still contains properties with high potential for abuse. Patients can become addicted to methadone even if they use it as a treatment medication. Most methadone treatment involves health care facilities which administer the dose to patients. However, it holds some drawbacks. These are:

•    Location.

Most of the centers are located far from where users live.

•    The long wait.

Only a handful of certified centers exist. If users arrive in centers they may need to wait in line to get their dose.

•    Unsafe environment.

Since centers are well popular within the community, dealers try to sell illegal drugs outside the facility.

•    Mischievous Motive.

Most certified methadone facilities see users as a source of income rather than someone who needs help recovering from the addiction. They feel contemptuous when users say they want to stop using the drug. However, prolonged use of methadone can also produce withdrawal symptoms if an individual suddenly stops using the drug. Going through methadone withdrawal is a discomfort sometimes painful experience. It is important to have a medical practitioner monitor the health condition of the user during this sensitive period. Using methadone has its own disadvantage.  However, successful addiction treatment is very plausible.

Here are some of the facts about methadone in treating opiate addiction:

•    Methadone can ease withdrawal symptoms. As a long-lasting drug, it prevents intense cravings up to 24 hours or more.
•    The drug is inexpensive, requires no needles and most of all legal to use.
•    Many people can access methadone without going through much trouble of getting one.
•    Anyone can buy methadone from various certified pharmacies. Unlike illegal drugs that are only available on the streets and drug dealers.
•    Methadone formulation came from license pharmaceutical companies.
•    Undergoing methadone treatment will let users keep their job and function normally in their daily routine.
•    Going through methadone medication is socially acceptable and does not give out discrimination.

However, methadone contains addictive properties similar to other opiates. Here are some of the negative effects of methadone:

•    Methadone is more addictive and more difficult to undergo withdrawal than OxyContin and heroin.
•    Some people develop drug dependency over methadone. Simply because they cannot endure the pain related to withdrawal symptoms once they stop.
•    Doctors prescribe methadone to prevent painful withdrawal symptoms. However, many users take the drug along with other drugs or alcohol to get ‘high’.
•    It is a very powerful drug, especially when mixing with alcohol and another drug.

Detoxifying on Methadone at home

Even though methadone is a very addictive drug, detoxifying at home remains a possibility and is considered effective. But it may involve some discomfort to the user and it will take time. Here are some of the things that might help during detox:

•    Commit quitting methadone regardless how hard it would be. The detox process for methadone usually lasts from six up to ten months.
•    Read different subjects about methadone; how it works, how it affects the body particularly about withdrawal symptoms. This will help to prepare the mind and the body on what to expect during the process.
•    Find an alternative medical practitioner who can monitor the physical and psychological problems during the detox. An alternative doctor will not easily prescribe a drug but instead, will address directly address the problem.

Methadone Withdrawal

In higher doses, methadone acts as a very powerful addictive drug. Usually, the drug used as a substitute for an opiate addiction treatments, leading users to trade the methadone over their original addiction. Tolerance can build quickly, controlling users to take more of the drug to get the same effect. Along with tolerance, dependence also develops and users will experience withdrawal symptoms if they stop taking the drug. Withdrawal symptoms occur because the body managed to adapt the drug in its bodily function. Without methadone, it needs to re-establish its normal function. As the drug leaves the body, it makes it painful for the user making recovery more difficult. Although detoxifying at home is possible, it is best to do the withdrawal process in a medical environment. Inpatient and outpatient treatment programs often include medical detox. This is due to the adverse symptoms of methadone produces. Withdrawal process for each individual varies because of the genetic make-up. Similarly, depending on the severity of the addiction, the duration of withdrawal also varies. These two greatly influence on how long the withdrawal process will take.

Methadone Withdrawal Symptoms

Withdrawal symptoms of methadone are less intense than other opiates like heroin and morphine. It includes flu-like symptoms such as:

•    Chills
•    Fever
•    Anxiety
•    Muscle aches and pains
•    Nausea or vomiting
•    Sweating
•    Rapid heartbeat
•    Stomach cramps
•    Irritability

Other symptoms include:

•    Paranoia
•    Diarrhea
•    Cravings
•    Insomnia
•    Hallucinations
•    Depression

Duration of Withdrawal

Symptoms usually show up within 24 hours from the last drug intake. Since methadone is a long-acting drug, it can take between 15 to 60 hours before methadone leaves the system. In rare occasions, withdrawals symptom may take several days to begin.

Events during withdrawal symptoms:

•    In typical cases, methadone withdrawal last for about three to six weeks.
•    For severe cases, it may take several weeks.
•    The worst symptoms occur during the first 7 to 10 days.
•    Flu-like symptoms usually appear first followed by psychological symptoms.
•    Over the next few weeks, withdrawal symptoms will start to fade, making it easier for users to recover from addiction.

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SMART Conference 2017 “Rising Strong”

Join us September 22-24 in Ft. Lauderdale
by Bill Greer, SMART Board Member

 

We are looking forward to seeing you in sunny Florida at #SMARTcon2017 as we celebrate National Recovery Month.

Under the theme Rising Strong, the 2017 SMART Recovery Annual Conference features numerous training and learning opportunities for SMART meeting facilitators, recovery professionals and others dedicated to helping people overcome addictions.

The theme recognizes SMART’s exponential growth to more than 2,400 weekly meetings in over 20 countries – up from less than 700 as recently as 2011.

 

The event will take place September 22-24 at the GALLERYone DoubleTree Suites hotel in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

The program highlights:

• Results from the NIH-funded Peer Alternatives (PAL) study. Did you take part in the PAL Study comparing the “Effects of Involvement in SMART Recovery, Women for Sobriety, LifeRing and 12-Step Groups on Substance Use Outcomes Over Time?” The results of the study will be presented publicly for the first time by PAL research team leader Sarah Zemore, Ph.D., of the Alcohol Research Group.Be the first to know: Dr. Zemore’s presentation will include not only her published paper, but she will also be reporting important additional data which has not yet been published.
• Valuable guidance for facilitators – “Guerrilla Tactics for the Hostile, Difficult, Disengaged, and Over-Engaged Participant- Part 2” – by Psychologist David Saenz, Ph.D., Ed.M., a popular speaker at SMART conferences.
• “Growing SMART in Urban Areas,” based on the pioneering Baltimore initiative BMore SMART led by Hugh Delaney, a former regional coordinator and long-time SMART advocate.
• “CheckUp & Choices,” an interactive web app to help people achieve and maintain abstinence based on SMART’s 4-Point Program®. Research funded by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism has proven its effectiveness. Project Director and Clinical Psychologist William Campbell IV, Ph.D., will present ongoing work on this and other web apps to help people overcome addictions.
• Breakout sessions – Using SMART for addiction professionals; Introducing meetings in correctional facilities and drug courts; and Growing the SMART organization.
• Inspiration: insight into SMART’s recent growth surge in Canada – nearing 200 meetings – by Prince Edward Island Facilitator Colleen Van Westerneng, who helped bring SMART to Canada’s smallest province, will be sharing her inspirational story of how SMART benefited her personally.
• Presentations on the Science Behind Mindfulness in Addiction Recovery by Bill Abbott, M.D. FACS, a Professor Emeritus of Harvard Medical School, and a long-time SMART facilitator and professional advisor in New England; and on Secular Conversions in Recovery by SMART President Joe Gerstein, M.D., FACP and retired Harvard Medical School Assistant Professor.
• Secular conversions are dramatic, life-changing, ecstatic events that result in an abrupt shift in recovery mode and induce a situation in which people no longer suffer from urges. The presentation will include some fascinating case reports and comparisons with religious conversion, temporal lobe epileptic seizures, LSD trips and “Peak Experiences” of Abraham Maslow.

The Joseph Gerstein Award for Exemplary Service by a SMART volunteer will be presented at the luncheon on Saturday, September 23.

Registration for the conference and Hotel Information is available on our website.

We look forward to seeing you in Florida!

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OPTIONAL EVENTS

Friday: Come early for an afternoon Waterway Cruise; evening showing of ‘Generation Found’ Documentary

Friday afternoon will feature your choice of a short cruise or fun on the beach. The Carrie B Cruise of Fort Lauderdale’s intracoastal waterways and Port Everglades is available on Friday afternoon (tickets: $30). Trip Advisor gives this cruise a five-star rating. Or enjoy the beautiful beaches and tour the Hugh Taylor Birch State Park with extensive trails and a lagoon. Water taxis are available to transport you around the area.

Friday evening will feature a casual dinner followed by the award-winning documentary “Generation Found” by Greg Williams, focusing on drug-free high schools, which are becoming a solution to addiction problems among teenagers.

 

Sunday: Special Conference Workshop on Motivational Interviewing

SMARTcon2017 attendees can sharpen their Motivational Interviewing skills at an optional workshop 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 24, led by Lori Eickleberry, Ph.D., ABPP, Board Certified in Behavioral and Cognitive Psychology, and Founder of three clinics, including the Motivational Institute for Behavioral Health, LLC. There is a $50 fee for this workshop.

“Dr. Lori” has conducted numerous presentations, workshops and professional trainings in Motivational Interviewing for government and private institutions and is a certified member of the international Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT).

All participants will receive a certificate indicating completion of six hours of MI Training by a MINT-authorized trainer.  Certificates for six hours of CEUs will be available at no extra cost for those who qualify including all Florida-Licensed Psychologists, Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Licensed Mental Health Counselors. For Florida professionals, Dr. Eickleberry will provide the names to the CE Broker who reports credits to the state. She is an approved Continuing Education Provider by the Florida Board of Psychology and the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling (CE broker #50-19004).

Registration for the conference and Hotel Information is available on our website.

We look forward to seeing you in Florida!

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What Helps Methadone Withdrawal Symptoms?

Symptoms of Withdrawal

Withdrawal symptoms of methadone addiction show similarities that of other opiates like heroin and morphine. Some of the symptoms include flu-like symptoms such as:

•    Chills
•    Fever
•    Anxiety
•    Muscle aches
•    Stomach pains
•    Nausea
•    Vomiting
•    Sweating
•    Rapid heartbeat
•    Stomach cramps
•    Irritability
•    Paranoia
•    Diarrhea
•    Cravings
•    Insomnia
•    Hallucinations
•    Depression

The symptoms may look like simple but the experience can still be uncomfortable and painful. Also, if methadone users consume multiple illegal substances, the withdrawal process may take longer and more severe. Most users fear to quit the “cold turkey” because of intense withdrawal symptoms. Medical practitioners often prescribe tapering off methadone to gradually remove the drug from the body. This will make the withdrawal process more bearable for the user.

Duration of Withdrawal

Withdrawal symptoms of methadone usually surface within 24 hours from the last dose. Depending on the severity of the addiction, it can take from 15 hours to 60 hours before the body flushes out methadone completely. For chronic cases, it takes several days before withdrawal starts.

The Withdrawal Process

The withdrawal process typically lasts three to six weeks except for users with severe addiction. The first week until the 10th day of withdrawal remains as the worst experience for users. But over the next several weeks, withdrawal symptoms will eventually fade. Knowing what to expect during withdrawal symptoms will help users prepare for the worst. Understanding how methadone affects the body makes it easier for users to seek appropriate help.

Here is a quick look at what happens during withdrawal period

The first 24 hours:

•    Usually, withdrawal symptoms become apparent within the first 24 hours after the last drug intake.
•    Physical symptoms appear such as:

o    fever o    chills o    muscle aches o    runny nose o    rapid heartbeat

2 to 10 days

•    The following days even weeks, users will experience very strong methadone cravings. Flu-like symptoms will still persist but some psychological symptoms will start to appear like:

o    hallucinations o    insomnia o    paranoia o    irritability

11 to 21 days

•    After a week or so, most of the physical will begin to disappear, giving way to cravings and depression to set in. Psychological symptoms will become more intense and severe giving users difficult to feel any pleasure.

22 days and over

•    Most of the symptoms will disappear; if anything remains it should be very mild. However, users may still feel depressed for several weeks. The body will then re-learn to function normally without methadone.

Medications that help with methadone withdrawal symptoms

As uncomfortable as it can be, users can still take some medication to ease the discomfort. However, doctors can prescribe medications for various illnesses as they arise. Doctors often give or prescribe medications like:

•    for diarrhea, loperamide (Imodium)
•    for symptoms of nausea and dizziness, meclizine (Bonine), dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) or Benadryl.
•    muscles aches and stomach cramps can be cured with:

o    acetaminophen (Tylenol) o    Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs like ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil).

Other medications are specifically made to ease withdrawal symptoms like:

•    Buprenorphine
•    Naloxone
•    Clonidine

These medications can shorten even relieve some of the withdrawal symptoms of methadone, along with the help of the best rehab clinic in your area. Also, taking these medications can ensure full recovery of a methadone addiction. However, even if these medications are widely available as over-the-counter drugs, it is still important to follow the correct dosage. Never take the drug longer than intended or in larger doses. Since withdrawal symptoms last from few days to several weeks, it is best to purchase medications that can during this time.

Medications

Taking medication can ease the physical discomfort. But to somehow address the psychological symptoms, it is best to keep the mind occupies. Some of the activities listed below can distract the mind with:

•    watching movies
•    reading books
•    finding an enjoyable hobby

Keep the mind occupied

Keeping the mind occupied and finding pleasant activities increases endorphins in the body. This can add up to the long-term success of the recovery program.  It would also help a lot to keep comfortable as much as possible. Prepare extra blankets, sheets, clothes and even a fan because of excessive sweating.

Build a support group

Talking to family members or close friends about the treatment will provide support needed during the treatment. They can check on the progress, offer help when things go bad, and comfort users during psychological break down.

Finding support group and sharing experiences can help:

•    during the low times of the withdrawal process
•    provide emotional support
•    help deals with relapses, a common occurrence in the withdrawal process

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Where does Cocaine came from?

The Origin and History of Cocaine

Purified Cocaine comes from the leaves of the Erythroxylon coca bush native in South America. Dated back more than 3000 BC, ancient civilization used coca leaves for its properties to:

•    relieve fatigue
•    increase energy
•    lessen hunger
•    increase the production rate
•    increase oxygen intake

The above mentioned are the much-needed skills for farm works. Historically, people only chew the leaf to extract cocaine from its leaves. The stimulating effects of cocaine provide the farmers for increased oxygen intake in high altitudes in the Andes Mountains. Over time, the news about the effects of oxygen reaches other lands. With the help of science, they discovered how to maximize the strength and effects of the coca plant. The white crystalline powder we have come to know was synthesized using chemicals to extract the drug from the coca leaves.  Today, newer methods intensifying the euphoric effects of the drugs are discovered. This created the most powerful and the extremely addictive form of cocaine, known as crack. Countries of Sri Lanka, Nigeria, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Japan grew the coca plant commercially in the past. But the contrary to popular beliefs, the first cocaine cartel was formed in Amsterdam and not in Columbia.

Cocaine Timeline

1860

Albert Nieman first extracted cocaine from the leaves in 1860.

1880

After two decades, the medical community used cocaine as a local anesthesia for surgeries in the eye, ears, and throat. The drug constricts blood vessels and limits bleeding in the affected area.

The 1880s and 1890s

The popularity of cocaine made its way as the main ingredient for various tonics and elixirs packaged as a ‘cure all’ medications. Coca leaves made into teas claiming to relieve stress from a hard day’s work.  

1886

Coca-Cola even chose the drug as the main component in their world famous drink. They marketed the beverage for its energizing effect. The company claimed that the drink can also generate a ‘feeling good’ or the euphoric feeling associated with the drug. John Pemberton introduces the drink containing cola syrup, caffeine, sugar and of course cocaine. Many patented medications in the United States contain the addictive drug. In 1890 a German chemist named Eduard Ritsert first synthesized benzocaine. The white powder contains the same anesthetic effect of cocaine as the first over-the-counter medicine.

1910

Giant pharmaceuticals like Sandoz, Merck, and Hoffman-LaRoche founded the Cocaine Manufacturers Syndicate. Currently, the clandestine laboratories in South America make the drug.

1920

However, along with the rise its popularity, the dangerous side effects of cocaine emerge and eventually push authorities to ban cocaine and remove it from all products. The government passed legislation, the Harrison Narcotic Act of 1914 to prohibit any use, marketing, and production of cocaine, except for medical purposes.

1930s

Recreational use of cocaine went unnoticed because of the discovery of amphetamines during the 1930s.  Pharmaceutical companies marketed amphetamines but the public misuse its purpose. The government then put strict guidelines under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, the made its production limited. During this time, cocaine abuse started rising, along with the discovery of crack cocaine, it ranks as the most abused drug.  But in Netherlands, cocaine was still sold as a legal drug under the Dutch Cocaine Factory. A Peruvian doctor named Carlos Gutierrez Noriega published a scientific report about the harmful effects of chewing coca. However, a few decades after it was published, Burchard discredited the report in 1992.

The 1970s to 1980s

Since, no concrete evidence reported about the harmful effects of cocaine, countries all over the world was torn apart on how to manage cocaine use. Some classified it as a legal drug while most labeled it under controlled substances.   In 1987, Lima supported the traditional use of cocaine. But in Bolivia, they put it under controlled substances. Two years later, Argentina followed the footsteps of Lima and allowed the chewing of the coca leaves and permitted drinking it as a tea. In the US, the first debate happened to legally classified cocaine as a narcotic.

1980s

Millions of American fall prey in the introduction of ‘decocainised’ coca tea from South America. Peru made its own legitimate cultivation of coca. The National Enterprise of Coca, a government arm controlled the production and licensed in the drug export. To market and expand the use of coca, the agency even promotes the benefits of the plant in its traditional use. Since the 80s, cocaine became the major source of income for most poor South American countries. The region exported around 1000 tons of refined cocaine for the year 2000 alone. Get help at Detox of South Florida. We care about your sobriety and living the life you have wanted. Checkout this playlist for more info. [button link=“tel:863-623-4923” type=“big” color=“red” newwindow=“yes”] Call Now![/button]

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What is Fentanyl Used For?

Fentanyl is an opiate receptor agonist, which means it binds the opioid receptors in the brain. The drug increases the dopamine levels in the central nervous system, producing feelings of euphoria. As a prescription drug, other known effects of fentanyl include:

•    relieves pain
•    decreases the perception of suffering
•    produces a state of relaxation
•    gives out a feeling of well-being

Classified under as a Schedule II prescription narcotic drug, doctors prescribe fentanyl to treat moderate to severe pain.  About 50 to 80 times more powerful than morphine, fentanyl is often given to people who have physical tolerance to opiates.

The drug affects individuals differently and varies depending on:

•    the user’s overall physical health (height, weight, and genetic make-up)
•    fentanyl dosage
•    the user’s tolerance for the drugs and whether they are used taking opioids
•    when other substances are taken along with other drugs like other drugs or alcohol

The drug works within minutes from the time the user takes the drug. As a short-acting drug, its duration usually last for about 30 to 90 minutes. Fentanyl depresses both the respiratory system, coughs reflexes and constricts the pupils. Fentanyl also comes in different formulations and forms such as:

•    oral tablets
•    nasal sprays
•    injections
•    lozenges
•    lollipops
•    patches

Doctors usually administer fentanyl transdermal patch for patients who need continuous medication to relieve pain. It adheres to the skin easily and releases the drug gradually. The patch releases fentanyl through the skin and into the bloodstream in about 48 to 72 hours. The patch is used for patients who already build tolerance to opioid therapy. Once absorbed in the skin, fentanyl still has an effect for about 13 to 24 hours after the removing the patch.

Street names for fentanyl include:

•    Apache
•    China girl
•    Drop dead
•    Goodfella
•    Jackpot
•    Murder 8
•    TNT
•    Percopop
•    China white
•    Serial killer
•    Shine

Fentanyl is marketed under brand names of:

•    Nasalfent
•    Subsys
•    Actavis
•    Sublimaze
•    Durogesic
•    Duragesic
•    Fentanyl citrate
•    PriCara
•    Lazanda

Medical use of Fentanyl

Health care professionals use fentanyl as an anesthesia for medical surgeries and as a pain reliever. Under a Schedule II controlled substances, the Food and Drug Administration or FDA warn the medical community about prescribing the drug.  The agency stretches out the importance of:

•    proper patient profiling
•    giving out dosages
•    screening of candidates for patients that can potentially abuse fentanyl

When taken exactly as prescribe, the drug is safe to use even with fentanyl skin patches. However, if they use the drug outside the prescription, they can easily develop addiction disorders. Patients taking fentanyl as severe pain treatment can build tolerance then eventually addiction. They might not develop addiction by their own choice. However, some chemical reactions may dictate behavior of becoming too dependent to fentanyl. Improper use, drug storage and drug disposal can lead to serious adverse result including death and drug overdose. This applies to a seemingly harmless fentanyl patches.

Some of the appropriate medical use of fentanyl includes:

•    Pain management treatment for people who suffers from moderate to severe pain. These cases sometimes involve people who needs constant and round-the-clock pain reliever.
•    Doctors use fentanyl as an anesthesia agent for people undergoing major surgeries. The drug is also used for patients with heart complications.
•    Used as a powerful anesthesia whenever needed for:

o    intramuscular o    spinal o    epidural o    intravenous

•    Fentanyl is a breakthrough for cancer patients who need opioid medications for their persistent pain which cannot be treated with other opioids.
•    Used as a pain reliever for people who already have opioid tolerance over other narcotic drugs.  

Illegal use of Fentanyl

Fentanyl abuse started during the 1970s and drastically increased over the years. Distribution of illegitimate pharmaceutical companies added to the problem. People can purchase the drug online or from street dealers. Even discarded transdermal fentanyl patches can still produce generous amounts of the drug. Users can still get fentanyl from patches when they remove the gel substance from the patch. User may:

•    eat the gel
•    stick it under the tongue
•    smoke it
•    prepare it for injection

Fentanyl can produce more respiratory depression than heroin, making the drug more deadly. It would turn out hundreds of time more deadly if manufactured in illegal laboratories. Long-time users of cocaine or heroin may not know the difference of street heroin enhance with fentanyl. The potency of mixture of these drugs is still unknown. Taking it can result to accidental overdose even death.

Side effects of Fentanyl

Users usually smoke, snort, ingest, and inject fentanyl. A single dose of 0.5 mg of fentanyl will provide euphoric sensations similar to a 20 mg of heroin. Doctors also consider the patient’s age in administering correct dosage for the drug. Older people are more likely to experience the drug’s dangerous side effects compare to younger users. The drug affects the respiratory system and produces effects like:

Side effects of fentanyl include:

•    Constricted pupils
•    Unconsciousness
•    Slowed respirations
•    Decreased heart rate
•    Drowsiness
•    Confusion
•    Constipation
•    Dry mouth
•    Weakness
•    Nausea
•    Sweating
•    Flushing
•    Confusion
•    Stiff muscles
•    Problems concentrating

Fentanyl transdermal patches can cause:

•    redness
•    rashes
•    itching
•    swelling in the area where over patch was applied

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What is Methadone?

Methadone is an opioid medication and also referred as a narcotic. The drug reduces withdrawal symptoms for users undergoing heroin and other narcotic drug rehabilitation treatment. For rehab cases, methadone relieves pain and serves as a part of detoxification process without causing the ‘high’ associated with addiction. Only certified pharmacies can administer methadone for maintenance programs as a part of rehab treatment. Methadone maintenance therapy of MMT is a common type of opiate abuse treatment. One should not compare methadone with mephedrone or methamphetamine, which both drugs are classified under a stimulant type of drug.

History of Methadone

IG Farben, a giant pharmaceutical company first synthesized methadone in their laboratory in Germany in 1939.  Some people believed that this was part of Hitler’s plan as an effort to become independent from influences of foreign countries. Initially, German scientists develop the drug because of opium shortage during the World War II. However, despite reports of its side effects, the drug eventually marketed and sales grew within a small span of time. When the war ended, most German patents and important assets were confiscated and distributed to the allies. The US Department of Commerce and Intelligence Division brought the drug to the country. It was later approved as a painkiller in 1947.

What causes methadone addiction?

Some people tend to abuse methadone build tolerance rapidly to the drug. Despite the manufacturer’s claim that the drug contains ‘little risk for addiction’, it has the potential for it. People began to use methadone recreationally. In the country, methadone is used for opiate addiction but users soon returned to their addiction once treatment was over. The drug’s properties may not be fully understood until studies show that it can still provide positive effects for opiate users.   

Methadone Side Effects

Methadone drastically slows down reactions, one of the main characteristics of its side effects. Users may appear more lethargic and movements look exaggerated. It is a deadly condition as accidents may happen anytime because of the slowed reaction time.

Other side effects include:

•    erratic mood swings
•    depression
•    mania
•    Pinpoint pupils
•    Respiratory depression
•    Nausea
•    inflammation of the skin
•    signs of toxicity
•    the appearance of illness

Can methadone induce addiction?

Some health care facilities use methadone as a treatment for opiate abuse. They need methadone as a substitute drug for users who stops taking their original choice of drug abuse. As a long-acting drug life, methadone is easy to administer and easy to take. Treating patients with drug addiction often require decreasing their intense cravings in continue seeking out their drug of choice. Methadone can help ease those cravings but without providing too much risk. The drug comes readily available and because of its price, it remains as the perfect choice for some rehab centers. However, methadone abuse is still common. Even though methadone does not produce the same intense ‘high’ compared to other opiates, it still has some potential for abuse. Because methadone provides an effect similar to opiates like:

•    sedation
•    relaxation
•    reduction of anxiety
•    sleepiness

However, methadone usually provides more good than harm for hundreds of people who need treatment for opiate abuse. Although the drug contains potential harmful effects, it is easy to reduce dosages and can still administer even in relatively high doses.

Short-Term Effects of Methadone

If taken as prescribed by a doctor, methadone is safe. Unfortunately, it made its way as a drug of choice for drug abusers.   Once users take methadone, it acts like heroin but with less intense and has a longer-acting drug life. The effects can last up to 24 hours, its effect includes:

•    sedation
•    drowsiness
•    feelings of euphoria
•    relaxation

Long-Term Effects of Methadone

Prolonged chronic abuse of methadone can produce side effects as deadly as heroin addiction provides. Methadone can produce heart problems just like opiates and causes impaired judgment. Other long-term effects of the drug include:

•    drug tolerance
•    the physical dependence that may lead to withdrawal symptoms
•    lung and respiratory complications
•    cardiac problems
•    neurological effects like memory problems
•    menstrual problems (women)
•    low blood pressure
•    swelling of the eyes, mouth, throat, face or tongue
•    hallucinations
•    seizures

Methadone overdose

Although it is uncommon, methadone overdose can occur particularly for users who combine it with other illicit drugs. When combined with alcohol and benzodiazepines, increases the chance for a drug overdose.

Signs and symptoms of drug overdose

•    low blood pressure
•    difficulty breathing
•    slow or shallow breathing
•    seizure
•    twitching muscles
•    nausea
•    vomiting
•    bluish tint color of fingernails and lips
•    coma
•    sudden death

Facts about Methadone

•    Even though less potent compare to heroin, methadone is regarded as highly addictive drug
•    According to the FDA, methadone usually stays in the system up to 59 hours. Heroin drug life is about 4 to 5 hours.
•    Unlike other drugs, users cannot tell if methadone still has some effects on them, which can lead to a drug overdose.
•    When combined with other drugs and alcohol methadone acts as a deadly poison that can result in sudden death.
•    Withdrawing from methadone is often more difficult than dealing with withdrawal from heroin.

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SMART Recovery tools to help with acceptance

by Jonathan von Breton, CCMHC

“The greatest sickness known to man or woman is called self-esteem. If you have self-esteem, then you’re sick, sick, sick, because you say: I’m okay because I do well and because people love me, so when I do poorly, which I’m a fallible human and will, and people hate me because they may jealously hate me or they just don’t like me, then back to shithood I go.”  – Albert Ellis, Ph.D.

This is number 1 of the 3 basic “musts” that cause human disturbance:

 “I absolutely must perform well on important projects and be approved by significant people or else I am an inadequate and unlovable person!” (Leads to) Feelings of serious depression, anxiety, panic, self-downing. ..… Personally, you can’t always succeed not to mention succeed perfectly. Being a fallible human, you just can’t.”     – Albert Ellis

Yes, rating one’s behavior as opposed to one’s self is much easier said than done. Yes, our society strongly encourages the opposite. In fact, our society has a vested interest in doing so. I still have a hard time with it myself and I’ve had years of practice.

In general, I find it helpful to rate my behaviors as:

Successful, they help me get what I want and avoid what I don’t want.
Unsuccessful, they fail to help me get what I want and avoid what I don’t want.
Effective or Ineffective. This is another way of saying successful/unsuccessful
Consistent with my goals, values, ethics, beliefs.
Inconsistent, counter to, my goals, values, ethics, beliefs.

However, those are all behaviors. They aren’t my ‘self’ (whatever that is).  The behaviors can be measured and rated, at least to a certain degree. The self can’t even be defined, let alone rated.

To say I’m a success because I succeeded at something, did it well, achieved a goal, is a gross over-generalization.  To say I’m a failure because I failed at something is the same kind of over-generalization.  That is not to say there aren’t huge advantages to succeeding at things, doing things well, etc. There are. It’s just not a good idea to let them define ‘me’.

So I try to never rate my so-called self. I’m not good or bad, a success or a failure, saint or demon. I rate only my behaviors. That way I can do more of the ones that work for me, are more likely to get me what I want, keep me alive, help me avoid unnecessary pain, and live cooperatively with others. By rating my behaviors, I can also refrain from or do fewer of the ones that don’t work for me.

I try to apply all of the above to Unconditional Other Acceptance (UOA) as well.

“Stop damning yourself and others by fully accepting the view that wrong, unethical, and foolish acts never can make you or them into bad or rotten people.” – Albert Ellis

This is number 2 of the 3 basic “musts” that cause human disturbance:

 “Other people, particularly those I have cared for and treated well, absolutely must treat me kindly and fairly, or else they are rotten individuals who deserve to suffer!” (Leads to) Feelings of strong and persistent anger, rage, fury, impatience, bitterness. … As far as your demanding that other people must incessantly please you, love you, and do your bidding forget it!”    – Albert Ellis

Once you damn an individual, including yourself, for having or lacking any trait whatever, you become authoritarian or fascistic; for fascism is the very essence of people-evaluation. – Albert Ellis

Unconditional Other Acceptance means I accept (acknowledge) , the reality of other people and their behavior. I strive to accept that reality, no matter how unfair, rude, obnoxious, immoral, cruel, or evil their behavior is. That doesn’t mean I like it or approve of it. It does mean I stop making myself EXTRA MISERABLE about by demanding it not be so. It also means I refrain from damning them as people and damn only the behavior.

As part of both USA (Unconditional Self-Acceptance) and UOA, I often have to remind myself, sometimes quite forcefully, that everyone is a fallible ****** up human being, nothing more and nothing less. Yes, I most certainly include myself. That means we all act: wisely, stupidly, pettily, nobly, kindly, meanly, jealously, lovingly, charitably, selfishly, generously, greedily, fearfully, bravely, rationally, irrationally, unhelpfully, helpfully, angrily, calmly, heroically, cowardly, and so on. We all do all of those things from time to time. But we are not any of them.

USA and UOA need not necessarily lead to passivity. If I don’t like my own behavior, I can make efforts to change it. If I don’t like someone else’s behavior, I can ask them to change. Surprisingly, that often works. I can avoid them. I can take legal action. I can even take illegal action and hope I don’t get caught. But that is an absolute last resort, only for life and death situations. If I go that route I had better be able to deal with the consequences.

Let me end with this quote. It nicely summarizes how judging oneself and others sets one up for an irrational; and unwinnable game of comparative human worth.

“Unconditional self-acceptance is the basic antidote to much of your depressed self-downing feelings. Self-appraisal almost inevitably leads to one-upmanship and one-downmanship. If you rate yourself as being “good,” you will usually rate others as being “bad” or “less good.” If you rate yourself as being “bad,” others will be seen as “less bad” or “good.” Thereby you practically force yourself to compete with others in “goodness” or “badness” and constantly feel envious, jealous, or superior. Persistent individual, group, and international conflicts easily stem from this kind of thinking and feeling.”    – Albert Ellis

To learn more about these and other tools visit a SMART Recovery face-to-face or online meeting.

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Jonathan von Breton is a Certified as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC) and is certified as an Internationally Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor (ICADC). He is also certified as a clinical supervisor in Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT). Jonathan has been in recovery for over 31 years and has been involved in SMART Recovery since 1994.

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