Methadone Addiction Signs

Methadone addiction is a likely outcome anytime an individual is prescribed this medication to treat severe pain, as part of a methadone maintenance treatment program to treat other opiate addictions or if they are taking the medication for recreational purposes.  The signs of methadone addiction include various physical and psychological changes that can be somewhat difficult to see if you don’t know that the individual is taking the drug.  The key to early treatment for methadone addiction is to recognize the signs of the addiction when it starts so that help can be sought early on.

Physical Methadone Addiction Signs

The physical signs of methadone addiction may include small clues such as a loss of appetite or stomach problems such as nausea or vomiting.  Some of these signs are definitely more noticeable than others.  For instance, those who use methadone intravenously through injection may wear long sleeves or try to cover up track or needle marks on their body. Of course it would be easier to see a needle mark than it may be to see an upset stomach or other physical condition that results from the addiction.

Other physical addiction signs include having a lack of appearance or not taking care of one’s self, feeling sick a lot, or not performing well at work, home or school.  Many methadone addicts feel very tired or weak much of the time so they will not take part in activities that were once considered fun such as exercise, playing with pets or children or just being involved with other friends or family members.  Friends and family members should recognize these early signs of methadone addiction right away in order to help their loved one get the help they need before the addiction leads to further complications.

Psychological Signs of Methadone Addiction

From an emotional standpoint, methadone addiction has various psychological signs that may be first noticed by the addict or by those who care about the individual.  Some of the most common psychological signs of methadone addiction include:

• Anxiety
• Nervousness
• Agitation
• Depression
• Psychosis

If you happen to notice that you or someone you know who is taking methadone is showing any of these signs of addiction, seek immediate help.  The key to successful addiction treatment is often catching the addiction in the early stages when the consequences of the addiction have not taken hold yet and there is still hope.  Regardless of how bad the addiction is, help is available at methadone rehab centers throughout the country.