Effects of methadone addiction on memory. Methadone Addiction Treatment & Rehab in Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer and other parts of Alberta by Options Okanagan Treatment Center in Kelowna, British Columbia treating drug addiction and recovery.
Methadone Addiction in Alberta & BC
Usually prescribed for severe pain, methadone is a highly effective pain killer. Drug addicts recovering from an addiction to prescription medications or heroin may also be treated using methadone. The brain chemistry of individuals who abuse these drugs and medications usually changes. These substances usually affix themselves onto the brain’s and intestinal system’s opiate receptors. The ability of the receptors to pick up on natural pleasure causing chemicals diminishes over time as their responsiveness decreases.
To help addicts break their overdependence on pain medications and heroin, without suffering from agonizing withdrawal symptoms, methadone is an effective medical solution. To bring body functions back to normal, and provide relief without creating an addictive high, methadone affixes itself to opiate receptors. Some individuals use this medication for an extended period, even though physicians normally decrease the dosage with time, after administering it during the withdrawal stage.
Here’s a list of the things you should note during methadone treatment:
- After taking methadone, it stays active in the body for an extended period because it has a long half life
- To gain maximum effectiveness, it might take a few days
- Methadone treatment may be for life in some cases
Methadone And Memory Functions
It is important to note that methadone has a number of adverse side effects, even though it is considered to be a lifesaver for those struggling with a painkiller or heroin dependency. It reduces alertness and reaction times, as a result of its disruptive effect on the brain’s handling of cognitive processes. Furthermore, it impairs memory functions as well as the ability to learn and pay attention. Here is a list of the memory functions affected by methadone use:
- Methadone affects the user’s ability to memorize names, words and numbers among others, in the short term, as a result of its effect on their working memory function.
- The medication also affects the user’s capacity to recollect abstract concepts linked to language and word as a result of its effect on their verbal memory function.
To avoid permanent damage, it is important to seek help as soon as opioid use starts affecting brain function and chemistry.
Painkiller Addiction to Methadone in Alberta and BC
Safe Use Of Methadone
Using methadone results in respiratory depression as is the case with other narcotic medications. Even after the pain relief action of methadone has ceased, respiration may still be depressed. So as to ensure that you use methadone safely, here are other safety guidelines you should stick to:
- Do not, in any circumstances, cease methadone use abruptly.
- If you don’t take methadone for 3 consecutive days, contact your physician.
- If at all you sense that medication has lost its effectiveness, contact your physician immediately.
- Methadone should not be taken with any alcoholic drink.
- Before you get a clear idea of methadone’s effect on you, do not operate heavy machinery or drive.
Addiction Recovery
Methadone can help addicts recover from the physical effects of addiction to opiates, when a medical expert supervises its use. Continuing medical and psychological support should be included in a methadone treatment program in addition to provision of the medication itself. Furthermore, the treatment program may also include nutritional counseling. Tyrosine, Citicoline, Vitamin B-5 and Melatonin are some of the nutritional supplements that may be used to restore the brain’s function and balance. It is possible for addicts to recover from their dependency with the right support, tools, dedication and bravery, but even then, it is not easy.
Methadone Rehabilitation in Alberta and BC
Methadone Recovery Assistance
You are not alone, if you or your loved one is addicted or going through any other methadone related problems. Start your journey to recovery by reaching out to our addiction coordinators through our toll free number, 1-855-335-0331. Your addiction should not trouble you any longer. To kick start the healing process, call us now.
Opiate Rehab Intervention in Alberta and BC
Options Okanagan Drug And Alcohol Treatment Centers in Kelowna, Salmon Arm and Vancouver, British Columbia – Men and Women are recovering and healing from Alcohol and Drug Abuse at our treatment center here in the Okanagan right now.
Our unique and distinctive drug treatment program allows men and women to come in from Calgary as well as Edmonton as we offer airport pickup.
Numerous clients come to us from Calgary and Edmonton and other locations in Alberta and even other provinces for Opiate addiction treatment, meth drug treatment, many other drug and alcohol addictions for rehabilitation because of the uniqueness of our treatment center.
Our Drug Treatment Location:
Options Okanagan Methadone Treatment Center
551 Sherrydale Crescent, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1V 2E6
Toll Free Phone Number : 1-855-335-0331
