Methadone, much like any other opioid, can have an effect on your emotional health. When used correctly during medication-assisted detox, methadone can help individuals suffering from substance use disorder detox from opioids. However, there are many risks to be aware of, making it essential to go to a methadone clinic and remain under the around-the-clock care of medical professionals. Keep reading for more information on methadone, whether a methadone program can cause depression, and whether a methadone clinic is right for you.
What is a Methadone Clinic?
Detoxing from opioids is very different than detoxing from other substances, and it can cause an enormous shock to the system and cause very severe withdrawal symptoms. When doctors prescribe opioids, there is a protocol to wean the individual off the drug safely. Stopping opioids cold turkey can be difficult on the system. As such, when an individual comes to luxury drug rehab, methadone is prescribed to help the individual slowly wean off of opioids comfortably. This method causes fewer withdrawal symptoms and helps the body more comfortably readjust to functioning without opioids.
Methadone is an opioid that has fewer side effects than other opioids. It does not provide a high, runs a much lower risk of addiction, and has fewer withdrawal symptoms. Methadone is the ideal drug for weaning off more powerful and dangerous opioids. However, there are still many risks to taking methadone.
Side Effects of Methadone
Some of the side effects of Methadone use include:
- headache
- weight gain
- stomach pain
- dry mouth
- sore tongue
- flushing
- difficulty urinating
- mood changes
- vision problems
- difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- seizures
- itching
- hives
- rash
- swelling of the eyes, face, mouth, tongue, or throat
- hoarseness
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- extreme drowsiness
- agitation, hallucinations (seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist), fever, sweating, confusion, fast heartbeat, shivering, severe muscle stiffness or twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weakness, or dizziness - inability to get or keep an erection
- irregular menstruation
- decreased sexual desire
Methadone and Depression
Just like with other opioids, methadone can cause mood changes, and one of these is depression. Taking methadone along with benzodiazepines (depression and anxiety medications) can cause a fatal overdose. This makes it very important to use methadone properly at a methadone clinic so that you can still receive help for depression and anxiety alongside weaning off of opioids.
When suffering from an existing mental health condition, such as depression, drug use can make it much worse. Since one of the side effects of methadone and other opioids is mood disorders, your mental health condition will compound and worsen. This can cause the further use of the drug in an effort to self-medicate and alleviate symptoms. However, when experiencing medicated-assisted detox at a methadone clinic, our medical staff will provide you with all the support and medication you need for a smooth transition.
Co-Occurring Disorders
When an individual suffers from a mental health condition at the same time as suffering from addiction, it is called a co-occurring disorder. Co-occurring disorders will exacerbate each other, making it essential to treat them both at the same time through dual diagnosis.
When you are in treatment for drug addiction, getting physically sober through a methadone clinic is just half the work. Once you are physically sober, it is crucial to undergo psychological treatment to help work through triggers, overcome the root cause of your addiction, and treat underlying mental health conditions. Without treating depression, opioid use is bound to start again—which can have deadly consequences.
About The Pointe Malibu Recovery Center
Going through medicated-assisted detox at a methadone clinic is the perfect way to safely and comfortably wean off opioids. Rewiring your brain to its natural state without opioids takes time, and quitting cold turkey isn’t for everybody. However, taking methadone can cause side effects such as depression, which need to be addressed. If you are looking for a facility to help treat your opioid addiction and depression, we are here for you.
At The Pointe Malibu Recovery Center, you can look forward to our 3-pronged, yet highly individualized, approach to your recovery:
- Medically-Assisted Detox. We are IMS-certified for this service, ensuring the finest in licensed medical supervision. All of our doctors, nurses, and medical staff are specifically trained in the areas of addiction and can provide you with the safest possible detox from drugs.
- Personalized Treatment. You will receive at least 5 to 8 individual sessions per week, each uniquely customized for you. In addition, you can look forward to resort-style amenities and accommodations, gourmet meals, holistic therapies, family therapy, and much more.
- Pillars of Support. You will benefit from 4 different support mechanisms that sustain you long after your discharge. We make sure to help you long after your stay with us is complete, giving you the best possible chances for long-term recovery available.
We can help treat:
- Benzodiazepine Use Disorder
- Xanax Use Disorder
- Ambien Use Disorder
- Hydrocodone Use Disorder
- Alcohol Use Disorder
- Cocaine Use Disorder
- Heroin Use Disorder
- Opiate Use Disorder
- Marijuana Use Disorder
- Methamphetamine Use Disorder
- Hallucinogens Use Disorder
- Co-Occurring Disorders
If you’re ready to start your journey to long-lasting recovery from opioids and depression at a methadone clinic, we are here for you.
