Can Methadone Be Addictive?

Methadone is commonly used as part of the treatment plan for heroin substance use disorder, addiction to narcotic painkillers, and other opioids. But can methadone itself be addictive?

However, unlike other opioids on the market which are mainly prescribed for pain relief, methadone is also very effective as a treatment for opiate addiction.

Doctors prescribe it because it is processed in the body more slowly than other opioids, meaning an opioid addict can switch to methadone and thereby nullify the effects of other opioids. It is also far easier to titrate (or wean off of) methadone than it is to lower the dosage of other opioids. These qualities make methadone a very effective treatment for addiction.

Methadone itself carries risks of mental and physical dependency, though less intense than morphine or heroin. According to NIDA, when properly supervised in opioid treatment programs, abuse risk stays low but less oversight for pain relief prescriptions increases misuse potential.​

It is possible for those who have developed an abusive relationship with methadone to purchase it illegally without a prescription. Despite rightly having a reputation for helping many addicts treat their addiction problems, methadone is linked to thousands of deadly overdoses per year.

Sometimes it can be difficult to recognize methadone abuse because it is also legitimate to prescribe methadone is high doses as part of substance abuse treatment. Some users even take methadone for many years in what is referred to as methadone maintenance, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. However, some of the warning signals to watch out for include taking doses above what is prescribed, a worsening of mental health as a result of methadone abuse, and using alternative methods to take methadone.

When it is normally prescribed in tablet, powder, or liquid form, methadone rarely provides a sufficient “high.” However, when users choose to inject it, they can experience some of the euphoric effects that opioids are known for. This is perhaps the surest sign that a user is abusing methadone rather than using it as a tool to deal with opioid addiction.

Physical side effects of methadone can vary based on dose and how long a person has been taking it.

Common short-term effects may include:

• Stomach issues such as nausea, vomiting, and constipation
• Respiratory problems, including slowed or shallow breathing
• Heavy sweating
• Itchy or flushed skin
• Sexual problems

Psychologically, methadone use can swing between feeling unusually restless and feeling very sedated. Some people may notice episodes of euphoria followed by extreme tiredness or lethargy.

Over time, or at higher doses, side effects can become more serious, especially for people with a history of opioid use disorder.

Warning signs to watch for include:

• Slowed or difficult breathing
• Lightheadedness or feeling faint
• Hives, rashes, or swelling of the lips, tongue, throat, or face
• Chest pain or changes in heart rhythm
• Confusion, disorientation, or unusual changes in mood or behavior

Methadone overdose is a medical emergency that can be life-threatening, often occurring when the medication isn't used exactly as prescribed or mixed with other substances.

People have different tolerance levels, so doses must be individualized, taking someone else's methadone or extra doses can quickly turn dangerous.

Methadone lingers longer in the body than many opioids, tempting those unsatisfied with the initial effect to redose, only for levels to build up and cause overdose hours later.

Mixing it with central nervous system depressants like alcohol, benzodiazepines, or other opioids heightens risks of slowed breathing, coma, or death.

Warning Signs of Overdose

• Very slow, shallow, or stopped breathing
• Limp body, difficulty waking up, or complete unresponsiveness
• Blue or pale lips and fingernails
• Vomiting, gurgling, or choking sounds

If these signs appear, contact emergency medical help immediately. Community resources like naloxone may temporarily reverse opioid overdose effects in many settings, but they don't replace professional care.

Recognizing methadone addiction can be more difficult than other drug addictions.

Spotting methadone addiction feels tricky, it's often prescribed long-term for recovery, blurring the line between helpful treatment and harmful patterns. Over time, though, signs like declining mental health, clinic cutoffs, and turning to street sources scream it's time for change.

Sober living homes step in here, offering the structure that medication alone can't provide. Daily house meetings, peer accountability, and mentorship help rebuild routines while tackling the psychological pull of dependence.

Our sober living homes provide all-male environments that deliver the brotherhood and guidance needed for lasting freedom.