The changes in your body and organs during addiction and recovery could add additional elements to consider when taking care of yourself. While you are undergoing methadone treatment for your opioid use disorder, you might experience weight growth. What causes this increase in weight? How do you ensure an appropriate BMI (BMI) in recovery? Learn the answers to these questions as well as more in this guide. If you’re in search of a Methadone Clinic in Los Angeles for methadone and drug addiction, MD Caller is the top resource for finding the best methadone and drug addiction centers.
Do Methadone Maintenance Treatment Cause Weight Gain?
Like any prescription, medication methadone could cause adverse effects during treatment, including weight growth. However, other variables could affect your weight loss during the course of recovery and you are able to make changes to maintain a healthy weight.
As you transition from addiction to sobriety, your body might experience a range of changes that could lead to weight growth. Weight gain could benefit your health, particularly in the case of a low BMI. It is the National Institute of Health (NIH) determines 18.5 or less as a low BMI as well as anything 25 or over falls within the range of BMI that is overweight. NIH also provides an online calculator to find your BMI.
The ultimate goal is to stay within an appropriate weight range whether that means dropping weight, adding weight, or staying in your current range.
How Does Methadone and addiction recovery impact weight?
If you’ve experienced weight gain from methadone it could be a result of methadone’s effects or could be a sign of health improvements. Based on your body’s weight prior to using methadone to treat dependency, weight loss on methadone could mean that the body’s return to healthy weight levels.
Opioids affect sugar intake in people suffering from opioid use disorder as well as those who are taking methadone for maintenance therapy. As a full-agonist opioid, methadone can have similar adverse effects as other drugs of the same type. You can have secure treatment for methadone, with a physician’s advice. Like other opioids, it could alter how your body handles sugar. This means that you might experience more desire for sweet foods that can cause weight growth.
The situational changes that come when you go through the recovery process may also impact your weight. A few people suffering from opioid use disorder have a low BMI because of the effect of opioids on their lifestyles. After they adopt healthier habits, they begin to gain back the weight they lost during the addiction. In certain instances, the weight gain associated with methadone treatment can benefit your overall health.
If you use drugs to experience altered moods or sensations — often called a high The brain perceives the sensation that the drug induces as a reward. Over time, it begins to think of the drug as the reward. Other things that brains might perceive as rewards include eating, sex, or physical activities. Because drugs create a more emotional sensation, they could overcome the craving for food in a way that makes us not eat enough. In this manner, addiction to drugs can result in weight loss.
Once you begin taking methadone to overcome addiction the desire to eat may return to normal levels. In turn, you could start gaining weight, as your body’s overall well-being is restored. The reward centers of your brain which were active during drug addiction may seek to fill the gap using 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 normal to resort to this kind of coping mechanism when you’re dealing with addiction. However, finding coping mechanisms that improve improving your health overall is best.
Is It Hard to Lose weight on Methadone? Can I Diet?
Because methadone can affect your appetite It also creates different hurdles to losing weight when using methadone. However, these obstacles aren’t insurmountable. By focusing on discipline, support, and self-control, it is possible to lose weight or maintain your weight in a healthy manner while taking methadone.
Dieting on methadone could be the right choice for you as it provides you with the nutrients you need to perform your daily activities and remain healthy. a medical professional can offer specific guidelines, based on the circumstances of your life and health.
Certain weight gains can be beneficial, especially if drug addiction has diminished your body weight by a significant amount. What is essential when trying to lose weight during treatment with methadone is maintaining an appropriate weight and eating healthy. A healthy weight can include gaining weight, loss of weight, or eating a balanced diet that helps to maintain your weight range. Whichever is best for you, having a balanced diet is crucial.
What Can I Do to Maintain a Healthy Weight When I’m in Treatment?
If you start to gain weight during methadone maintenance, talk about the issue to your doctor. Don’t try to alter your amount of methadone if you use it at home or have stopped going to your dose appointments. Your physician will be able to advise you on managing your weight throughout treatment as well as adjusting your dosage.
Healthful Weight-Conscious Choices To Make When Taking Methadone
As you receive methadone, having a balanced diet and regular exercise will help maintain an appropriate weight. They will also help improve your overall wellness. Here are some ways in which exercise and a healthy diet can help improve your overall health
- Better mood
- More mental clarity and focus
- Reduction in the risk of many diseases like cancer, heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, and other conditions
- An increase in energy
- Strengthened bones
- Relief from certain signs of anxiety and depression
- Better sleep
Does Methadone Cause You To Retain Fluids?
Since edema is identified as a potential side effect of methadone treatment the drug can cause you to keep fluids. Edema occurs when fluids trapped in your body’s tissues create swelling in one area of your body. This can lead to increased weight gain. But, the majority of people who are taking methadone for addiction treatment won’t experience edema. In the event that someone you love requires assistance with addiction treatment and treatment, it’s essential to know where you can go to get the best treatment that can result in a full recovery. Inpatient Drug Rehab Center Los Angeles offers state-of-the-art facilities. Inpatient Treatment for Substance Abuse Treatment Programs is designed around the specific needs of each client depending on their individual situation and personal background.
How do I deal with the Other Side Effects of Methadone?
Methadone can trigger additional adverse effects that you can treat by consulting your doctor. The signs include:
- Nausea
- Sleep problems
- Changes in mood
- Sweating
- Headache
The medical professional at your clinic will help you find the best treatment plan that will minimize the effects of these medications. They will also advise you on lifestyle changes and strategies to deal with these symptoms during your recovery.