Myth+vs.+Reality+in+Methadone+Treatment




 * [[image:http://www.smmgp.org.uk/images/newsletters/net014/fixit02.jpg width="401" height="327"]] || **Myth:" //Methadone gets into the bones and weakens them. //**
 * Fact:** Methadone does not "get into the bones" or in any way cause harm to the skeletal system. Although some methadone patients report having aches in their arms and legs, this is probably a mild withdrawal symptom and may be addressed by adjusting the patient’s dose of methadone."


 * Myth: "// Methadone is harmful to your immune system . //**
 * Fact:** Methadone does not harm the immune system in any way. In fact, several studies suggest that HIV-positive patients who are taking methadone are healthier and live longer than drug users who are not on methadone."


 * Myth: "// Methadone causes people to use cocaine. //**
 * Fact:** Methadone does not cause people to use cocaine or any other drug. Many people who use cocaine started taking it before they started treatment with methadone and many stop using cocaine while they are being treated with methadone." ||
 * =[[image:ssw-holiday-crew/methadone_brochure-1.jpg width="427" height="562"]]= || **Myth: "//Methadone causes drowsiness and sedation. //**
 * Fact:** All people feel drowsy or tired at times. Patients on a stabilized dose of methadone will not feel any more drowsy or sedated than normal people feel during the day."


 * Myth: "// Methadone makes you get fat. //**
 * Fact:** Methadone does not influence the weight of a patient’s body in any way. Some patients do report that they enjoy the taste of their food a lot better now that they have eliminated drug use, and so they may actually be eating more!"

Fact: Occasional dental problems are normal in human beings, even if they have never used drugs. When patients go on methadone maintenance therapy, they begin to abandon the “drug seeking” behavior that has dominated their lives in the past and to notice things they have ignored for a while, like the fact that they may need dental work."
 * Myth:"**//** Methadone rots your teeth. **//


 * Myth: "// Methadone will get you high. //**

The Myths and Facts about Addiction ||  ||
 * Fact:** If you’re looking for a high, you’ll be disappointed with methadone. When you first start treatment, you may feel lightheaded or sleepy for a few days, but you will quickly develop a tolerance to these effects. Methadone users should 'expect' to feel normal." ||
 * Retrieved from: [].