Methadone Detox

Methadone, also referred to under brand names like Dolophine or Methadose, is a prescription medication that is used to help treat opioid addiction. Its effectiveness comes from its ability to block opioid receptors in the brain. Essentially, this means it’s able to eliminate the euphoric effects of opioids and decrease the desire to use.

Methadone is also prescribed as a painkiller separate from other opioids. It changes the neuropathways in the brain to block messages of pain, similar to opiates. It’s synthetic, meaning it’s created purely from a lab.

Methadone is a long-acting drug. Its opioid receptor blocking effects can last up to three days when administered properly. Pain relief from methadone typically lasts four to eight hours. It can come in multiple forms including tablet, liquid, and wafer. Methadone treatment has been shown to be an effective therapy for opioid recovery, especially when integrated into a comprehensive treatment plan.

Methadone should only be prescribed by a certified medical professional if it’s deemed a beneficial addition to a treatment program. In many cases, methadone is not a safe option for individuals with a severe history of addiction.

The length of methadone treatment will vary from person to person. By law, methadone may only be administered by a certified treatment facility that follows the guidelines of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Those trained under these guidelines will be able to professionally recommend and administer a treatment regime.

Dosages range between 5 and 40mg and are given either orally or by injection. When methadone is injected, effects will begin around 30 minutes after administration and last up to 8 hours. When taken orally, effects typically begin an hour after consumption and can last up to two days. This will depend both on dosage and the individual’s physical makeup. Methadone stays in the body for around four days.

Depending on the dosage, methadone may be administered multiple times a day in order to keep the effects from fading.

A methadone high can produce a wide range of side effects, some of which are similar to an opioid high. Although methadone is a synthetic opioid, it’s still a painkiller and will have some similarities to opioids.

The most common effects of methadone include:

• Fatigue
• Drowsiness
• Nausea 
• Brain Fog 
• Constipation
• Altered sensory perceptions
• Dry mouth
• Hot flashes
• Stomach pain

Not everyone will experience these side effects, and those who do will experience that at different levels of severity. Co-occurring health conditions, addictions, the severity of addiction, and body composition all play a role in the effects of methadone on each individual. It’s important to keep open communication with your provider so any changes to dosage can be made as needed.

When taken as prescribed, methadone is safe to use for short periods of time.

Those who abuse methadone or take it for extended periods of time are at higher risk for addiction. It can cause both physical and psychological addiction, resulting in withdrawal symptoms when stopped abruptly. Taking methadone under the supervision of a medical professional will ensure that the chances of forming an addiction are lowered. Supervisors will be able to monitor usage and dosage and stop prescribing if any signs of addiction-forming habits arise. If someone does become addicted, a full detox is needed in order to begin recovering.

Addiction to methadone can cause a lot of psychological symptoms, including depression and anxiety. Although it is physically addictive, many people seek sobriety for additional reasons beyond just the physical. Methadone blocks the “negative” feelings in the mind and body, so stopping it could lead to severe anxiety and depression.

If you are wondering how long it takes to get off of methadone, there is no one answer. A combination of factors plays into this. On average, the detox length should be between two and four weeks. In some cases, it can last up to six months. The time it takes to get off of methadone should not discourage you from seeking treatment. Any amount of time spent working towards sobriety is worth it.

Intrepid Detox Residential offers in-house detox programs of varying lengths to help clients safely and effectively detox from methadone. Although we follow the standard protocols for addiction detox, we tailor each program to the individual needs of our clients. We understand that more than just drug use plays into addiction. We take a comprehensive look at each client’s full profile and build a program to address all mental, physical, and emotional aspects of their addiction to methadone and opioids.

Our facility integrates hospital-level quality service with a comfortable and home-like atmosphere. We want to ensure you are emotionally and physically comfortable during the entirety of your stay. We offer state-of-the-art treatment services that combine medical and alternative therapies to sustain a well-rounded program.

Our staff is available 24/7 to help you with anything you might need. Our services include medicated assistance, psychological therapy, relaxation techniques/classes, as well as holistic therapies. We will supervise and adjust all treatments, and maintain clear communication so we can make any necessary adjustments to your program.

Whether you’re receiving methadone to assist in your recovery from opioid addiction, or if you’re recovering from methadone addiction, our staff is equipped to support you every step of the way.