Cravings on Methadone: How to Stop Them
Methadone is a drug used to help people with opiate addiction as a substitute for other medications. For those addicted to opiates, methadone can help reduce withdrawal symptoms and prevent overdoses. Individuals taking methadone will often experience cravings for the drug they were initially been addicted to. Methadone blocks the high and does not produce any euphoria, and so it is not addictive. For this reason, you may still experience cravings after starting on methadone. There are ways to reduce these cravings and ensure that you stay on the right track. Here’s how:
What are Methadone Cravings?
Methadone cravings are very similar to cravings for the opiate that you were originally addicted to. In the beginning of your methadone treatment, you may experience mild cravings for opiates such as heroin. If you are now a new patient, then your physician will start you on methadone, and any cravings will subside as the medication is released into your system. It is important to note that you are not addicted to methadone and so once you become addicted to it, you will no longer experience cravings. The more recently you have become addicted to the drug, the less likely you are to experience cravings. Cravings, for some, are like a drug craving, and they can be distracting from your recovery process.
The Dangers of Methadone
The danger of taking methadone is the potential for increased physical or psychological dependency. If you take enough methadone to reduce withdrawal symptoms, you can reduce the chances of physical dependence. However, you can never completely get rid of the withdrawal symptoms that the drug used to produce.
How to Stop Cravings on Methadone
Use to the full extent of your treatment program. Methadone therapy is an in-depth treatment, so it is important to put all the effort and work to recovery. Remember that as long as you are taking the appropriate amount of methadone, you are still in a treatment program and that you should be using the drug to the full extent of your treatment program. If you’re in an inpatient or residential treatment program, you will likely be involved in a group or individual therapy.
- Reduce stress: Stress can be a trigger for cravings and can also keep you from staying on your methadone treatment. Try to reduce your stress levels, as this can help you stay on the correct dose. Listen to calming music and try to adopt a more positive attitude to life, as this can help reduce stress levels and reduce any lingering cravings. Change your routine Cravings can also come from a change in your routine. Some people will find that one craving comes in the afternoon, and the next comes in the evening.
- Exercise: There are certain effects that exercise has on the body. This includes that it can stimulate the pituitary gland. This is responsible for producing endorphins, which are chemicals that are the body's natural painkillers. Since endorphins can reduce the body's stress levels and encourage a sense of well-being, exercise can help alleviate these cravings. Drink Water Some users can get into the habit of drinking a lot of water while on methadone.
What Are the Benefits of Methadone?
When considering taking methadone, some may wonder if it is a viable treatment for opiate addiction. Methadone is used for a number of reasons. For example, it can be used as a substitute for morphine. In other cases, it can be used to treat acute pain or to relieve withdrawal symptoms in those who have been withdrawing from a drug.