Does Methadone Get in Your Bones?

Looking at Myths and Realities of Methadone and its Alternatives

You may have heard the myth or even thought it was proven. But is it really a fact: does methadone get in your bones?

This is an important question for anyone who is considering using methadone to minimize their withdrawal symptoms. Those seeking support to quit other opioids may want to be careful about their long-term use of this treatment, but you should have all the facts before you decide.

Methadone treatment does get into the bone marrow and can result in Vitamin D deficiency and low bone density. In turn, this contributes to more fractures and severe conditions like osteoporosis in some former drug users. You may also have weaker bones due to malnutrition from opioid addiction.

Icarus Behavioral Health can help you weigh the long-term risks and benefits of methadone treatment. To learn more about how methadone impacts your bones, this guide will break down the risks and highlight alternatives such as Suboxone, offered at Icarus.

Does Methadone Treatment Impact Your Bones?

One of the primary concerns for patients receiving MMT (methadone maintenance therapy) is the long-term effects on the rest of their body. While it can help minimize fentanyl and heroin withdrawal symptoms, it might be at a significant cost to the skeletal system. The truth is that methadone does get into your bones and can lead to unexpected side effects.

Research studies suggest that this opioid treatment program is evident in the bones with a chronic dose of methadone (common in a methadone maintenance treatment). In particular, researchers found that the marrow of the bones holds a significant portion of the methadone metabolites.

The prevalence and risk factors of bone disease depend on the individual and the dose of methadone received. However, this form of addiction treatment can have long-term impacts.

Vitamin D Deficiency is Common

Compared to those who have not yet started methadone maintenance treatment, there is a significant rise in the number of people who deal with a Vitamin D deficiency. This is typically common in the older subset of the population but is disproportionately found in those with substance abuse issues.

According to Boston University, 36 percent of those who were in methadone treatment had a deficiency while an additional 16 percent had insufficiency.

But what does a Vitamin D deficiency mean for your body? It could result in deformities of the bone which is in a weakened state without this vital nutrient. Bones can become bowed or bent as can the joints, resulting in pain and further difficulties. You may also experience muscle weakness or bone pain.

Low Bone Density in Long-Term Treatment

In addition to vitamin deficiencies common in those undergoing treatment for opioid dependence, it is also important to take a look at bone density. The number of people struggling with this might surprise you, though it isn’t something that will necessarily come to your attention the same way your vitamin D deficiency might surface.

Low bone mineral density impacted three-quarters of clients undergoing MMT.

There are two major concerns for low bone density with methadone treatment: fractures and a more serious case of osteoporosis. When the bones are weaker, they are more prone to breakage which can be painful and severely limit daily activities.

However, if you notice that you stand in a stooped posture or are losing inches on your height, the risk of osteoporosis is high. In this condition, the holes that are commonly found in the bone are wider than usual and the outer walls become thinner. The result is shrinking, particularly in the spine. At the same time, it contributes to more fragility and bone fractures.

Malnutrition During Methadone Maintenance Treatment

While methadone in your body contributes to some of these prevalent symptoms for your skeletal system, this legally prescribed medication also impacts your nutrition. It isn’t uncommon to find that clients who are under the care of a medical team and going through a mild withdrawal symptom period will have a decreased appetite.

As a result, you might find it challenging to eat healthy meals while undergoing methadone withdrawal.

This also contributes to other vitamin deficiencies and makes it harder to balance those that are out of line with recommended averages (including Vitamin D). Bone density loss is common in those who show signs of malnutrition. In particular, it impacts the muscles that support the bones which leads to long-term damage.

As you progress in your treatment, you may find that you put on some weight and your appetite picks back up. It’s important at this stage to ensure that you get your vitamins and minerals. This may require you to take a supplement to combat this issue.

An Increase in Dental Disease and Dental Decay

Of course, taking methadone impacts all of your bones — and that includes your teeth. Unfortunately, dental disease is rather common with methadone use for several reasons. It’s a myth that methadone rots your teeth, but that doesn’t mean you won’t have any damage.

First, methadone contributes to xerostomia, better known as dry mouth. This condition causes a higher risk of cavities that require intervention before you lose the tooth. It’s the prevalent reason why patients receiving MMT have dental damage.

In addition, people who are taking methadone often have poor oral health which can present problems for dentists as well. Getting your oral health back on track can do wonders for the long-term impact on your smile. It takes time to repair damage to the teeth following substance use disorder, but you’re on the right path when you start treatment.

Are the Reduced Withdrawal Symptoms Worth Possible Bone Damage?

For anyone taking methadone, it might be important to weigh the risks of treatment compared to the risk of continued addiction. MMT patients should know that the formation of long-term bone disease is a myth. While these other symptoms are quite common, they can be remedied over time.

These vitamin deficiencies and the effects of malnutrition are simply side effects of a stabilized dose of methadone. For the most part, bone density issues can be corrected with diet and exercise to support the skeletal system.

Of course, many of the symptoms will depend on your methadone dosage. If you can stop methadone quickly within a few weeks or months following your last substance use, then you may see decreases in these symptoms rather quickly.

In the meantime, MMT patients are more comfortable during detox with methadone and are much less likely to turn back to substance misuse. Most patients receiving MMT express concern for the way that methadone damages the body, but it’s temporary compared to continued substance misuse with many harmful additives.

It is worth noting that Icarus in New Mexico offers Suboxone as a methadone alternative that does not carry with it the same potential risks in terms of bone density, vitamin D, and a long withdrawal period.

Enroll in Icarus Behavioral Health’s Opioid Treatment Program

Are you ready to face your opioid dependence issues with professional help for withdrawal symptoms? Icarus Behavioral Health is ready and waiting to help you take the first steps toward sobriety from an opioid addiction. We can help you weigh your options for detox, withdrawal, and long-term treatment.

Treatment should only be used under the supervision of medical staff, and we offer you around-the-clock care from medical professionals to use methadone safely.

Our friendly enrollment team is here to answer your questions about opioid use disorder treatment. In a quick and confidential phone call, we can verify your insurance coverage for rehab and assist you in getting the help you need to live a normal life. Reach out to us today to take the first steps to sobriety.

References

1. Vandenbosch, M., Somers, T., & Cuypers, E. (2018). Distribution of Methadone and Metabolites in Skeletal Tissue. Journal of analytical toxicology, 42(6), 400–408.
2. Tetrault, J. M. (n.d.). Methadone contributes to bone and dental disease: Fact or fiction?. Alcohol Other Drugs and Health: Current Evidence.
3. Kim, T. W., Alford, D. P., Malabanan, A., Holick, M. F., & Samet, J. H. (2006). Low bone density in patients receiving methadone maintenance treatment. Drug and alcohol dependence, 85(3), 258–262.
4. Parvaresh, N., Sabahi, A. R., Mazhari, S., & Gilani, H. (2015). A Study of the Sexual Function, Sleep, and Weight Status of Patients after 6 Months of Methadone Maintenance Treatment. Addiction & health, 7(1-2), 24–29.
5. Graham, C. H., & Meechan, J. G. (2005). Dental management of patients taking methadone. Dental update, 32(8), 477–485.