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 Pain in your muscles or joints is a symptom of opiate withdrawal. If an addict's
dose is incorrect or if the patient continues to use mood-altering substances in addition to
methadone, their standard dose may be insufficient and they could suffer mild withdrawal symptoms.
This is a consequence of a long period of time in active addiction. Few heroin
addicts clean their teeth regularly or go for dental checkups. Many addicts also consume a lot
of sugar. Finally, inadequate nutrition will fail to keep teeth, gums and bones healthy.
There is no scientific proof whatsoever that methadone depletes calcium in the
body. This can be attributed largely to poor nutrition. To look for the real culprit in calcium
depletion, addicts need to look no further than a much more common drug: Caffeine. Caffeine,
in coffee, tea, cola drinks and chocolate has been proven to deplete calcium.
Stabilized methadone patients cannot be distinguished from non-methadone patients
in terms of their ability to think, experience emotions or engage in physical activity. It
has been remarked that many methadone patients are lazy and unmotivated. Instead of looking
at methadone as the cause, it is better examine the individuals' lifestyle. Low energy and
lack of motivation often comes from depression and hopelessness.
Methadone blocks heroin withdrawal symptoms and cravings. It does not find a person a job,
deal with past trauma or guilt from past actions, and teach a person how to deal with painful
emotions or how to relate well to others. These things are only learned in living life free of active addiction.
One of the many advantages to our methadone program is that addicts have easy access to medical
care, counselling and referral to needed support in the community.
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