The changes in the body’s structure during addiction treatment and recovery could add additional factors to consider when taking proper care of yourself. While you are undergoing methadone treatment for the opioid-related disorder, you might notice a weight increase. What’s the cause for this rise in weight? How can you maintain a healthy BMI (BMI) during recovery? Find out the answers to these questions as well as more in this comprehensive guide. If you’re in search of a Methadone Clinic in Los Angeles for methadone and addiction to drugs, MD Caller is the most reliable resource to locate the top methadone and drug addiction clinics.
Can Methadone Maintenance Treatment Cause Weight Gain?
As with all prescription, medications methadone could cause adverse reactions during treatment, which can include weight gain. However, other elements could affect your weight during the course of recovery and you are able to make changes to maintain your weight in a healthy way.
When you go from addiction to sobriety your body might experience a range of changes that could lead to weight gain. Such weight gain can sometimes help your health, but it is more likely for those with a lower BMI. The National Institute of Health (NIH) defines 18.5 or less as low BMI and anything that is 25 and above in the range of BMI that is overweight. NIH also has an online calculator that can help you figure out your BMI.
The main goal is to stay within your weight in a healthy range, whether it’s losing weight, gaining weight, or remaining within your current range.
How Do Methadone and Addiction Recovery Impact Weight?
If you’ve noticed weight gain with methadone it could be a side effect of methadone or could signify some health benefits. Depending on your body weight prior to taking methadone to treat addiction, weight gain on methadone might indicate that your body is returning to healthier weight levels.
Opioids influence sugar intake for people with opioid use disorder as well as those who are in methadone maintenance treatment. Since it is full-agonist opioid methadone has similar side effects to drugs in the same category. It is possible to get effective treatment for methadone with a doctor’s help. Like other opioids, it could alter how the body’s body processes sugar. Because of this, you may experience more cravings for sweet food that may cause a weight increase.
The dramatic changes that happen during the process of recovery may also impact your weight. Some people with opioid use disorder have a low BMI because of opioids’ effect on their lives. After they adopt healthier lifestyles, they will gain back the weight they shed due to addiction. In some cases, the weight loss that is associated with methadone treatment can benefit your overall health.
If you use drugs to feel altered moods or emotions — usually known as a high Your brain interprets what the drug causes as a reward. Over time, it begins to think of the drug as an incentive. Other things that our brains could perceive as rewards include eating, sex, or physical activity. Because drugs create a more euphoric feeling, they can make it difficult to resist the urge for food which means we don’t have enough food. This is how addiction to drugs can result in weight loss.
If you begin taking methadone for addiction treatment and cravings for food, your appetite may return to normal levels. In turn, you could start gaining weight, as your body’s overall health improves. The reward centers of your brain, which are inactive when you had a drug addiction might seek to fill the gap with food, as you continue to work towards sobriety and methadone treatment. It is possible that you will indulge in unhealthy foods to help cope when this happens.
It’s not unusual to turn to this kind of coping mechanism when you’re dealing with addiction. However, finding coping strategies that can positively impact your overall health is the best option.
Are there any difficulties in losing Weight on Methadone? Can I Diet?
Because methadone can affect your appetite this creates various obstacles to losing weight using methadone. However, these obstacles can be overcome. By focusing on discipline, support, and self-control, you can lose weight or maintain your weight in a healthy manner while taking methadone.
Methadone may be a good option for you so long as you get the nutrition you require to perform your daily activities and remain healthy. A medical professional can offer specific recommendations, based on the circumstances of your life and health.
Some weight gain can be helpful, especially if addiction has brought your weight down to unhealthy levels. What is essential when trying to lose weight while taking methadone is to maintain a healthy weight while eating well. A healthy weight can include gaining weight, getting rid of excess weight, or having healthy, balanced meals that help to maintain your weight range. Whatever the case is for you, balance is vital.
What Can I Do to maintain a healthy weight During Treatment?
If you start to gain weight while on methadone maintenance, report it to your doctor. Do not attempt to alter the dose of methadone you use at home or stop going to your dose appointments. Your physician can guide you on managing your weight throughout treatment and altering your prescription.
Healthy weight-conscious choices to make while taking Methadone
When you get methadone, following a healthy diet and regular exercise will help you maintain a healthy weight. These actions will also improve your overall wellness. Here are some ways exercise and a balanced diet can enhance your overall health
- An improvement in mood
- More mental clarity and focus
- Lower risk of various illnesses like cancer, heart disease arthritis, diabetes, and other ailments.
- Increased energy
- Bones strengthened
- Some relief from symptoms of depression and anxiety
- Better Sleep
Does Methadone Make You Retain Fluids?
As edema is listed as a potential result of methadone treatment the drug can cause you to keep fluids. Edema is caused by the accumulation of fluid inside your body’s tissues causing swelling in a particular area of your body. Such fluid retention can cause increased weight gain. The good news is that many patients who use methadone for addiction treatment won’t experience edema. Should you, or someone you care about is in need of help for addiction treatment it is essential to know where to go to get the best treatment that can help them to recover. Inpatient Drug Rehab Center Los Angeles has state-of-the-art treatment Inpatient Substance Abuse Treatment Programs that are tailored to the needs of each client dependent on their particular circumstances and experience.
What can I do to manage the other side effects of Methadone?
Methadone can trigger additional unwanted side effects which you can control with the assistance of your doctor. These symptoms include:
- Nausea
- Sleep issues
- Mood changes
- Sweating
- Headache
Your clinic provider can help you find a treatment regimen that reduces these side effects. They will also guide you regarding lifestyle adjustments and strategies to deal with these symptoms as you progress through recovery.
