Methadone is an opioid, which means it has the potential to be addictive.
In the fight against opioid addiction, methadone has long been a key player. Methadone is a drug commonly used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and helps people reduce or quit their use of heroin and other opioids by curbing withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
But as methadone becomes more widely prescribed, an important question arises—can methadone itself be addictive? Does methadone get you high? Many people seeking recovery worry about replacing one addiction with another, while others wonder if long-term methadone use is safe. Understanding the risks and benefits of methadone is crucial for anyone considering this treatment option, as well as for their loved ones and healthcare providers.
What is Methadone?
Methadone is a long-acting opioid medication primarily used to treat opioid use disorder and, in some cases, manage chronic pain. It works by binding to the same receptors in the brain as drugs like heroin and fentanyl but does so in a slower, more controlled manner, preventing the intense highs and lows associated with opioid misuse. When taken as prescribed, methadone helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, allowing people in recovery to focus on maintaining their recovery without the constant fear of relapse to the cycle of addiction.
Methadone Dependence
While methadone is often used to help people recover from opioid addiction, it is still an opioid itself. Methadone affects the brain in a manner similar to other opioids, though in a slower and more controlled way. Over time, the body can develop a dependence on methadone, so that a person may experience withdrawal symptoms if they stop taking it abruptly. But bear in mind that addiction is different than dependence. When taken as prescribed under medical supervision, methadone can be a safe and effective treatment. The risk of addiction tends to arise when methadone is misused – such as taking higher doses than prescribed, using it without a doctor’s guidance, or mixing it with other substances. This is why methadone treatment is carefully monitored, often through specialized clinics which regulate dosage and require regular check-ins.
The Role of Methadone in Opioid Addiction Recovery
Methadone plays a large role in opioid addiction recovery as part of medication-assisted treatment (MAT). It helps stabilize individuals by reducing cravings and preventing the painful withdrawal symptoms that often lead to relapse. Unlike short-acting opioids like heroin or fentanyl, methadone provides a steady effect, allowing people to function normally without experiencing the highs and lows of addiction. This stability makes it easier for people to engage in therapy, rebuild their lives, and work toward long-term recovery.
Methadone treatment is typically provided through regulated clinics, where medical professionals tailor dosages to each person’s needs and gradually taper them off if appropriate. While some people remain on methadone long-term, others use it as a stepping-stone towards complete sobriety. When combined with counseling and behavioral therapies, methadone can be a powerful tool in breaking the cycle of opioid addiction.
How Methadone Can Be Abused
Because it is a long-acting opioid, some people may take higher doses than prescribed in an attempt to achieve a euphoric effect. Others may obtain methadone illicitly, using it recreationally or as a substitute for other opioids. When taken in excessive amounts or mixed with other substances—especially depressants like alcohol or benzodiazepines—methadone can be dangerous, leading to respiratory depression, overdose, or even death.
One of the challenges of methadone abuse is its long half-life, which means that it stays in the body for much longer than other opioids. This increases the risk of accidental overdose, particularly if a person takes additional doses before the previous ones have fully worn off. To prevent abuse, methadone treatment is strictly regulated, often requiring patients to take their doses at a registered clinic under direct medical supervision.
How A Methadone Addiction Develops
Methadone addiction can develop gradually, often beginning with legitimate use for opioid addiction treatment or pain management. Because methadone is an opioid, the brain can become dependent on it over time, even when taken as prescribed. As the body builds tolerance, some people may feel the need to take higher doses to achieve the same effects, increasing the risk of misuse. In cases where methadone is used improperly—like taking more than prescribed, using it without medical supervision, or combining it with other substances—the likelihood of addiction grows.
Psychological dependence can also play a role, as some people may come to rely on methadone not just for physical relief but for emotional or mental stability. Since methadone has a long half-life, withdrawal symptoms can be intense and prolonged, making it difficult for individuals to stop using without medical assistance. This is why methadone treatment should always be carefully managed to reduce the risk of developing an addiction.
Symptoms of a Methadone Addiction
Methadone addiction can manifest in both physical and behavioral ways. Some common physical signs of a Methadone addict include:
- Drowsiness or sedation
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sweating and chills
- Slowed breathing
- Constipation
- Loss of appetite
Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of A Methadone Addiction
Behavioral signs of a Methadone addict include:
- Taking higher doses than prescribed or using methadone without a prescription
- Feeling unable to function without methadone
- Experiencing cravings and obsessing over the next dose
- Doctor shopping or seeking methadone from unauthorized sources
- Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home
- Withdrawing from family and friends
- Continuing use despite negative consequences
Psychological symptoms of a methadone addict:
- Anxiety or depression
- Mood swings
- Confusion or trouble concentrating
- Increased irritability
Risks of Methadone Abuse
There are many risks associated with methadone abuse. Below are some of the most common ones:
- Overdose Risk – Methadone stays in the body for a long time, meaning that taking additional doses too soon can easily lead to overdose. Symptoms include slow or stopped breathing, extreme drowsiness, and unconsciousness, which can be fatal without immediate medical intervention.
- Respiratory Depression – Like other opioids, methadone can slow breathing to dangerous levels, especially when combined with alcohol or benzodiazepines. This can lead to coma or even death.
- Heart Problems – Methadone can cause irregular heart rhythms, increasing the risk of cardiac arrest or other serious heart conditions.
- Cognitive and Motor Impairment – Abusing methadone can result in confusion, dizziness, poor coordination, and slowed reaction times, increasing the likelihood of accidents and injuries.
- Physical Dependence and Withdrawal – Long-term methadone abuse can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms, including muscle pain, nausea, sweating, anxiety, and insomnia. Withdrawal from methadone is often longer and more intense than from other opioids, making it difficult to quit without medical assistance.
- Psychological Dependence – Some individuals become emotionally reliant on methadone, believing they cannot function without it, which can lead to long-term substance use issues and difficulty achieving full sobriety.
Treatment for Methadone Addiction
Overcoming methadone addiction requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of dependence. Because methadone is a long-acting opioid, withdrawal can be challenging, making professional treatment essential for a safe and successful recovery.
Medically Supervised Detox – Withdrawal from methadone can be intense, with symptoms lasting longer than those of other opioids. A medically supervised detox helps manage withdrawal symptoms, ensuring a safer and more comfortable process.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) – In some cases, other medications, such as buprenorphine or naltrexone, may be used to help ease withdrawal symptoms and prevent relapse. This is always done under the supervision of medical professionals.
Behavioral Therapy and Counseling – Recovery isn’t just about stopping drug use—it’s about building a new, healthier life. Therapy options like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), group counseling, and individual therapy help address the underlying causes of addiction and develop coping strategies for long-term sobriety.
Inpatient and Outpatient Rehab Programs – Depending on the severity of the addiction, individuals may benefit from either inpatient treatment, where they receive 24/7 care in a structured environment, or outpatient treatment, which allows them to continue daily responsibilities while attending therapy sessions.
Aftercare and Long-Term Support – Recovery is an ongoing process, and long-term support is essential for preventing relapse. Aftercare programs, including 12-step meetings, sober living homes, and continued counseling, provide the necessary support for maintaining sobriety.
Methadone Addiction Treatment in Avenues Recovery
If you or a loved one is struggling with methadone addiction, Avenues Recovery Center is here to help. Our compassionate team offers personalized treatment plans designed to help you break free from addiction and reclaim your life. We have helped over 40,000 individuals break free of their addictions, and we can help you too. Contact us today to take the first step toward lasting recovery.