Methadone can get you high, but its effects are much milder compared to other opioids. It is specifically designed to help people addicted to opioids by easing withdrawal symptoms and cravings, making it a key part of many addiction treatment programs.
While methadone may cause a mild euphoric or sedative feeling, especially in people who are new to opioids or taking higher doses, its primary purpose is not to induce a high. Instead, it helps stabilize individuals in recovery and reduces physical discomfort, allowing them to focus on their healing process.
Understanding methadone’s role in addiction recovery is crucial for both those in recovery and their support networks. But this is assuming that it is used responsibly and effectively in a clinical setting.
How Methadone Works
Methadone is a long-acting synthetic opioid agonist. This means it binds to the same opioid receptors in the brain as drugs like injectable heroin, morphine, and oxycodone. However, unlike shorter-acting opioids, methadone’s effects are more gradual and sustained. This slow release helps prevent the intense highs and lows associated with other opioids, reducing the risk of relapse.
Methadone’s effectiveness stems from two key mechanisms:
- Cross-tolerance: Methadone creates cross-tolerance to other opioids. This means that someone taking methadone will experience a diminished effect from other opioids, making them less desirable. This blunts the rewarding feeling of other opioids, reducing the motivation to seek them out.
- Blockade: At higher doses, methadone can actually block the effects of other opioids. If someone taking methadone were to use heroin, for example, they would likely not experience the desired high.
How Methadone is Used in Recovery
Methadone is a crucial component of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for opioid addiction. MAT combines medication with counseling and behavioral therapies, providing a comprehensive approach to recovery.
Methadone treatment typically involves two phases:
Stabilization
Initially, individuals starting methadone treatment will work with a medical professional to find the appropriate dose that effectively manages their withdrawal symptoms and cravings without causing excessive sedation or other side effects. This stabilization phase is crucial for allowing individuals to regain control of their lives and focus on their recovery.
Maintenance and Weaning
Once stabilized, individuals will continue to take methadone daily as prescribed. Some individuals may choose to gradually reduce their methadone dose, eventually weaning off completely. This is best done over time and under close medical supervision. This process should always be carefully managed by a physician to minimize withdrawal symptoms.
The extended-release nature of methadone is critical to its success in addiction treatment. It allows for once-daily dosing, promoting adherence and reducing the likelihood of diversion or misuse. This consistent level of medication helps to stabilize brain chemistry, reducing cravings and preventing the intense withdrawal symptoms that often lead to relapse.
What Makes Methadone a “Bad Drug”?
Despite its effectiveness in treating opioid addiction, methadone is sometimes viewed negatively. This stigma often stems from misunderstandings about how methadone works and its role in recovery. Let’s explore why methadone is sometimes regarded as a “bad drug” and address some common misconceptions:
A common criticism is that methadone treatment simply replaces one addiction with another. However, this is a misunderstanding of how methadone works in addiction therapy.
Methadone is a medically supervised treatment designed to stabilize brain chemistry, reduce cravings, and prevent withdrawal symptoms. By doing so, it allows individuals to regain control of their lives and engage in therapy to address the underlying causes of their addiction. The goal is not to create another dependency, but rather to provide a safe, controlled environment that supports recovery through addiction therapy.
It’s expected that individuals taking methadone will develop a physical dependence on the medication over time. However, it’s crucial to distinguish between dependence and addiction. Dependence simply means the body has adapted to the presence of the drug, leading to withdrawal symptoms if it is abruptly stopped. On the other hand, addiction is characterized by compulsive drug-seeking behavior and continued use despite negative consequences. Methadone, when used as prescribed, helps individuals break the cycle of addiction by reducing cravings and preventing relapse, which is a critical part of the recovery process.
Methadone doesn’t work instantly. In fact, it takes about five days for methadone to start showing full effect in the body. This is a critical aspect to understand because it means that during the initial days of treatment, patients may not feel immediate relief from cravings or withdrawal symptoms. Because of this delayed onset, patients need to pace out their use and stick to the prescribed dosing schedule. Stacking doses in short succession can increase the risk of overdose and complications.
One of the key concerns with methadone is that it can be dangerous when used while drinking alcohol or mixed with certain medications. These substances can emphasize the depressant effects of methadone, leading to respiratory depression, coma, or even death. Methadone requires careful management, and should never be combined with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants unless explicitly cleared by a healthcare provider.
Heal From Addiction at 449 Recovery
Overcoming opioid addiction is a challenging but achievable goal. Medication-assisted treatment, including methadone maintenance, can play a vital role in helping individuals achieve long-term recovery.
If you or someone you love is struggling with opioid addiction, seeking professional help is essential. Treatment programs that offer MAT, along with counseling and support, can provide the tools and resources necessary to break free from addiction and build a healthier, more fulfilling life. Recovery is possible, and there are resources available to help you on your journey. Contact us today to learn more.
Dr. Warren Taff MD, graduated from the University of Birmingham, England School of Medicine, with a BA from Rutgers University. He then went on to UCLA School of Public Health in Los Angeles Health and Human Services and received an MPH. He also attended an internship in internal medicine, with the Veterans Administration. Dr. Taff’s residency includes General Psychiatry at USC, with elective residencies at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney, Australia, and Royal College of Psychiatry. Board certifications include American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Dr. Taff has extensive experience in both psychiatry and addiction medicine, extending from 1979 to present. He has held professional titles that include Chief of Staff and Medical Directorship in both hospitals and private sectors.
