Methadone is a prescription narcotic. Doctors often prescribe it as a pain reliever, but it’s more commonly a tool for treating opiate addiction. Unfortunately, methadone symptoms can be complex. Take a closer look at potentially dangerous methadone side effects and the risks of addiction development.
Slowed Reaction Times
The most common side effect of methadone use is slower reaction times. This means your brain isn’t able to communicate the body’s changes fast enough for you to respond. For example, if someone throws a ball in your direction, you won’t be able to move quickly enough to catch it.
Furthermore, slowed reaction times mean methadone users aren’t able to drive safely. They also might have trouble walking or navigating through their own homes without running into furniture. Everyday activities like showering or cooking are virtually impossible while regularly using methadone. Clearly, this isn’t a safe or fulfilling way to live.
Dizziness
Methadone causes dizziness as well. It contributes to rapidly lowering blood pressure, which could make you fall when standing up. Suffering from chronic dizziness further affects your quality of life. Often, slurred speech and blurred vision accompany this, as well.
Nausea
Methadone is an opiate, and almost all opiates cause gastric distress. Most commonly, methadone users say they experience nausea. Additionally, vomiting, constipation, and abdominal cramping likely occur as well.
Because of these side effects, a lot of methadone users don’t have an appetite. As a result, users suffer from malnutrition and dramatic weight loss. Long-term methadone use also causes severe digestive problems that may require surgery to correct. A perforated bowel is an example of this.
Anxiety
Not all side effects of methadone are physical. Often, they’re psychological as well. For example, anxiety is common among methadone users. Depression and even paranoia are also possible.
Some users feel anxious about where they can get their next methadone dose. This is especially true for those who rely on methadone daily.
Difficulty Sleeping
Methadone can also disrupt natural sleep cycles. Many people take methadone and suffer from insomnia. When they do get to sleep, they still feel tired the next day. Sleep comes in short increments and can be unpredictable, which is extremely frustrating.
Permanently Ending Methadone Side Effects
If you want to eliminate methadone side effects, then start taking steps to conquer your addiction. At Steps to Recovery, you’ll find diverse therapies and treatment methods to help you successfully recover. With the right recovery program, you can participate in all of the following:
• 12-step programs
• Group counseling
• Family therapy
• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Dual diagnosis care
Methadone side effects can be severe, so end your reliance once and for all. At Steps to Recovery in Levittown, Pennsylvania, you can conquer addiction. Call 267.719.8528 and begin taking the next step to an addiction-free life.
