Can You Become Addicted to Methadone?

As a long-acting full opioid agonist, it helps diminish cravings for opioids and alleviates withdrawal symptoms while blocking the effects of other opioids. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) plays a crucial role in effective addiction recovery, yet many people question whether those undergoing MAT are simply substituting one addiction for another. Given that methadone is an opioid, some may ask, “Can you become addicted to methadone?” The answer is yes; methadone can lead to addiction if not taken as directed or if misused in combination with other substances.

When used correctly, methadone is both safe and effective, enabling individuals to achieve and maintain recovery. However, it is essential to understand that methadone is not a standalone solution for addiction; it should be integrated into a comprehensive treatment plan that includes counseling and behavioral therapies. Those using methadone for opioid use disorders face an increased risk of misuse, which may lead them to take more than prescribed or combine it with other drugs.

The topic of methadone addiction is contentious, as many healthcare professionals view it as a vital tool in supporting the recovery of heroin users. Nevertheless, like any opioid, there is a risk of addiction, particularly due to its pain-relieving properties. Users may develop a tolerance, requiring larger doses to achieve the same effects, which can lead to dependence and ultimately addiction. Stopping methadone can result in withdrawal symptoms, necessitating a gradual tapering process for safe discontinuation.

What Does Methadone Do to Your Body Over Time?

Long-term use of methadone, like any medication, can lead to various health complications. Although some individuals may remain on methadone for extended periods, it is primarily intended for short-term treatment to help stabilize patients while they acquire coping strategies through counseling and behavioral health interventions. Prolonged methadone use carries risks such as respiratory, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal problems, along with potential damage to the nerves, liver, and brain. 

A case study from the Saint Louis University School of Medicine, published in the National Library of Medicine, highlighted that patients undergoing methadone therapy for chronic back pain experienced neurological issues due to lesions in the subcortical white matter and basal ganglia, resulting in changes in mental status and involuntary movements known as choreiform movements. Additionally, methadone misuse can trigger chemical alterations in the brain, leading to mood fluctuations, challenges in emotional regulation, and possibly heightened pain sensitivity.

One prevalent long-term consequence of methadone use is respiratory complications. High doses or misuse of methadone can worsen these effects, contributing to vascular hardening that disrupts normal blood flow and oxygen delivery, potentially resulting in organ damage and cardiovascular problems. Furthermore, women undergoing extended methadone treatment may experience irregular menstrual cycles, while both genders have reported diminished libido and sexual performance issues during methadone use.

It is crucial to recognize that long-term use can lead to methadone dependence and addiction. Individuals can experience withdrawal symptoms when abruptly stopping use, which can lead to further addiction challenges. Additionally, some people develop psychological dependence, driven by anxiety about tapering off and concerns regarding their ability to stay in recovery without methadone treatment.

How Long Should a Person Be on Methadone?

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration, patients under the supervision of a healthcare practitioner for the treatment of opioid use disorder require a minimum of 12 months of methadone treatment, but it could be shorter. However, most individuals can receive the benefits of methadone by being on it for a considerably longer time, even years or a lifetime. Although methadone has some long-term side effects, the benefits of long-term addiction treatment with methadone far outweigh its risks. 

Ideally, methadone should be used to help patients stabilize themselves and move back into more everyday lives. It should be used as part of a comprehensive treatment program that uses behavioral therapies and counseling to uncover the underlying causes of addiction and help patients manage stressors and triggers that have contributed to addiction. Individuals must work with their practitioners to gradually lower the dosage of methadone over time to avoid withdrawals and transition to long-term recovery without the use of OUD medications.

What Is the Most Common Side Effect of Methadone?

Methadone can produce a range of side effects, even with short-term use, much like other opioids. Common side effects do not require medical intervention and may go away during treatment as the body adjusts to the medicine. Healthcare providers can offer strategies to help mitigate or reduce some of these effects. Among the most frequently reported side effects of methadone are:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Constipation
• Restlessness
• Fatigue
• Slow breathing
• Itchy skin
• Heavy sweating
• Sexual dysfunction

However, misusing methadone by exceeding prescribed doses or combining it with other substances can result in more severe complications, including addiction to methadone or overdose. Serious side effects can include bowel obstruction, low blood pressure leading to falls or injuries, serotonin syndrome when taken with other serotonin-increasing medications, respiratory depression, heart rhythm disturbances, and withdrawal symptoms if the medication is abruptly discontinued. When used as directed, methadone is a safe and effective treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD). Nevertheless, taking higher or more frequent doses than recommended significantly increases the risk of overdose, which can lead to respiratory failure, coma, or even death.

Is Methadone Hard on Your Heart?

Methadone acts as a central nervous system depressant, which means it can slow down both breathing and heart rate. This is in stark contrast to stimulants, which tend to exert considerable stress on the cardiovascular system, potentially resulting in serious long-term health issues. A study published in the National Library of Medicine revealed that approximately two-thirds of patients did not exhibit any EKG abnormalities. 

However, the remaining patients experienced several common cardiac issues related to methadone intoxication, such as sinus tachycardia, QT interval prolongation, and sinus bradycardia. QT interval prolongation refers to a condition where the heart’s electrical system takes longer than usual to reset between beats, which can lead to irregular heart rhythms. If prolonged, this condition can result in Torsades de pointes, a dangerous arrhythmia that may cause ventricular fibrillation and sudden cardiac death. 

Overall, opioids can adversely affect heart health, leading to various cardiovascular problems, including low blood pressure, slow heart rates, irregular rhythms, and an increased risk of heart failure. These complications can escalate, particularly with long-term use or high doses of opioids like methadone, which may heighten the risk of cardiovascular disease, especially in individuals consuming larger amounts.

Can You Become Addicted to Methadone? Contact Resurgence Behavioral Health for Treatment Help

If you’re facing challenges with opioid use disorder and are thinking about methadone treatment, reach out to Resurgence Behavioral Health for support and answers to questions such as “Can you become addicted to methadone?”. Our dedicated team of addiction specialists is available 24/7 to help you explore the advantages of methadone therapy and other treatment options. We can guide you through various programs at Resurgence Behavioral Health, including medical detox, inpatient care, and outpatient services, ensuring you begin your recovery journey as soon as possible. Our personalized programs are designed to address the root causes of addiction while equipping patients with vital coping strategies and tools for achieving long-term sobriety.

For more information about addiction treatment, don’t hesitate to contact Resurgence Behavioral Health at 855-458-0050.

External Sources

• National Library of Medicine – Neurological Manifestation of Chronic Methadone Maintenance Therapy: A Case Report and Literature Review
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration – Methadone
• National Library of Medicine – One-year survey of methadone-induced cardiac complications

David Rofofsky
After growing up in New York, David chose to get help with substance abuse in California because of the state's reputation for top-tier treatment. There, he found the treatment he needed to achieve more than nine years of recovery. He's been in the drug and alcohol addiction rehab industry for eight years and now serves as the Director of Admissions for Resurgence Behavioral Health. David remains passionate about the field because he understands how hard it is to pick up the phone and ask for help. However, once the call is made, someone's life can be saved.

Research | Editorial