Individuals who are struggling with a dangerous opiate addiction may receive methadone maintenance therapy, also known as MMT. MMT can be effective when it comes to preventing continued morphine or heroin abuse, but it still comes with its own set of problems. Explore the most worrying methadone side effects and learn more about how to overcome methadone addiction for good.
Slowed Reaction Time
Even if you follow the recommended guidelines for MMT, you’ll still almost certainly struggle with lethargy. Methadone has a very similar chemical makeup to opioids, and the effects can be long-lasting. When you compare methadone to heroin, whose effects may last a few hours, methadone can impact how you feel for a full 24 hours.
MMT can make you slower, and it can lead to lethargy. The slowed reaction time means an increased risk of accidents and the inability to safely drive a vehicle.
Nausea
Like many prescription drugs, methadone can also cause gastrointestinal problems. Some of the most common problems include nausea and abdominal cramping. Using this drug for a long period only worsens these symptoms. MMT can sometimes lead to weight loss thanks to discomfort and a reduced appetite.
Respiratory Depression
One of the most dangerous methadone side effects is respiratory depression. Essentially, this means that the respiratory system has to work harder to draw in and then exhale each breath.
An overdose could make respiratory problems worse. In extreme cases, individuals struggle with labored breathing. In turn, this can cause a panic attack, which further restricts air flow.
Twitching
It’s also common for methadone to cause twitching muscles. If you’re constantly dealing with twitching muscles, it might make you look uncomfortable or insecure. The twitching is entirely involuntary, but there’s no way to stop it as long as you’re consuming the opioid replacement drug on a regular basis.
Dependence
A particularly worrying side effect is the likelihood of dependence. Individuals who turn to MMT are often just replacing one drug with another. There’s no denying that MMT is a better, safer and healthier alternative than a drug like heroin. However, there’s still the issue of dependence to address.
Dependence eventually becomes addiction. If you’re addicted to methadone, you’ll begin to develop a tolerance. When this happens, you may go to extreme measures to secure more of the drug and take larger doses. This is incredibly risky because it can increase the danger of a fatal overdose.
Recovery From Methadone Side Effects & Addiction
If MMT has resulted in an addiction, it’s important to seek help. You deserve to live your life free from drug dependence. At Pinnacle Peak Recovery, a wide range of methadone addiction programs can help you achieve your goal of sobriety. Some treatment methods available include the following:
- Dialectical behavioral therapy
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Individual talk therapy
- Fitness therapy
Say goodbye to methadone side effects once and for all. At Pinnacle Peak Recovery in Scottsdale, Arizona, you’ll learn how to live a clean life free from any and all addictions. Call 866-377-4761 to begin your personal journey to health and happiness.
