Methodone is a synthetic opioid that is used to treat addiction to
drugs like heroin and Oxy Contin. Methadone was developed in 1937 in
Germany and was brought to the United States and marked in 1947 by the
pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly.
According to the White House Drug Policy about 20% of the estimated
810,000 heroin addicts in the United States receive methadone treatment.
Methadone is a morphine-based drug and is commonly given to heroin
addicts to curb cravings for the drug as a replacement drug therapy.
But what many don’t know is that methadone is an addictive substance
and even though it is reported that withdrawal symptoms are generally
slightly less severe than those of morphine or heroin at equivalent
doses, the withdrawal is significantly more prolonged. Methadone
withdrawal symptoms can last for several weeks or more, thus
individuals taking methadone for long periods of time may find it more
difficult to give up methadone than people who go directly from heroin
use to no drugs.
Methadone also has many negative side effects. Some of these include
shallow breathing, hallucinations or confusion, fast or pounding
heartbeats, chest pain, trouble breathing, feeling light-headed,
fainting, feeling anxious, nervous, or restless, sleep problems
(insomnia), dizziness, drowsiness, or weakness, dry mouth, nausea,
vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite, and decreased sex
drive.
Recent news articles have indicated that many who start methadone
treatment often relapse and get back on heroin as well as other hard
drugs. Methadone has also been responsible for many deaths in
connection with its use. Over the years there have been reported
increases in methadone deaths. According to the Substance Abuse and
Mental Health Services Administration there were 1,114 cases of
methadone-associated deaths in adults (an average of 35 per year) were
reported between 1970 and 2002. But more methadone-associated deaths
were reported in 2001 alone than during the entire period from 1990
through 1999. The number doubled again in 2002 with the increased use
of methadone.
If you or someone you know is currently taking methadone and wants a
drug free effective approach to drug treatment, call Narconon today at
800-468-6933.
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