Methadone in North Dakota

The DEA - the Drug Enforcement Administration - classifies methadone as a schedule II drug under the Controlled Substances Act passed by the federal government. This means that the drug comes with some medical uses but can also create a substance use disorder if you abuse it. This is why it is controlled all across the nation, including in North Dakota.

Although not many people abuse this drug as much as they do other drugs like cocaine, ecstasy, and heroin, there are still some who struggle with this type of substance use disorder. The important thing to keep in mind is that methadone can still be dangerous even if it is a medical drug.

If you have been abusing this medication, it means that you would have taken it in any way that is not intended. For instance, you may have used it without a valid prescription from your doctor. If you have a prescription and you abuse methadone, it means that you took a higher dose of the drug or used it more frequently than your doctor advised.

In case you are already struggling with an opioid use disorder, you may continue using methadone irrespective of the negative consequences and effects that it causes you to suffer as a result.

Your growing addiction, on the other hand, might cause you to struggle with anxiety, irritability, and intense cravings for the drug. Eventually, you will get to a point where you will suffer some withdrawal symptoms if you significantly reduce your intake of this drug or suddenly stop abusing it.

Abusing methadone can cause signs and symptoms that are similar to those that you would experience if you were addicted to heroin. These symptoms and effects include but are not limited to confusion, constipation, difficulty breathing, dizziness, muscle pain, aches, nausea, sleeping problems, and sweating.

Dangers of Abusing Methadone

Since methadone has many approved uses - including the treatment of opioid use disorders and the management of moderate to severe pain - the drug is widely available on the market. This is why it has been contributing to the growing opioid epidemic affecting so many people living in North Dakota.

The important thing to keep in mind with this drug is that it is like any other prescription opioid medication. This is in the sense that is as dangerous, potent, and addictive as all the drugs that belong to this class.

If you are trying to use this drug to overcome your addiction to drugs like heroin, for instance, you might end up struggling with substance abuse and addiction. This is because you would already have a history of opioid abuse and dependence.

This is why it is recommended that you seek addiction treatment and rehabilitation services if you have been abusing methadone in North Dakota. There are several centers offering these services and they can help you get started on the road to recovery.