Methadone is a powerful synthetic opioid that can be used to manage pain and withdrawal from other opioids like heroin. It is also approved for use as part of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid addiction.

Trying to quit taking methadone “cold turkey” can cause severe drug cravings and withdrawal symptoms that can last months. Medical detox is the safest format for allowing methadone to process out of the body at a rate that will minimize symptoms.

Medically Supervised

Methadone detox is a necessary step for those struggling with opioid addiction. It is important to get help from a physician in order to determine the correct dosage and tapering schedule of the drug. It is important to avoid skipping doses or stopping suddenly as it can lead to painful withdrawal symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting.

People often visit methadone clinics to overcome an addiction to heroin or other opioids. They may also have a medical or legal reason for taking the medication.

Symptoms of withdrawal can be difficult for those in recovery, particularly family members. Moral support from others who have been through similar experiences can be a great comfort and can help with avoiding relapse. Group meetings can be a great way to discuss issues with other addicts and find out that you are not alone in your struggles. These meetings are typically held at a treatment facility, although some people do meet for these sessions at home or in their communities.

Outpatient

Many addiction treatment professionals recommend medication-assisted detox and rehab to help improve recovery success. This type of program helps people to maintain employment, avoid criminal activity and violence, and reduce their risk for hepatitis and HIV exposure.

Methadone detox can be done in standalone detox centers, hospitals, and inpatient rehabilitation facilities as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for opioid addiction. In a medically supervised detox, the drug is slowly eliminated from the body, and clients will receive support and other care as needed to manage withdrawal symptoms and any complications that may arise.

It is important for loved ones of a person in methadone detox to be supportive of their decision and encourage them to enroll in a rehab program that will address the underlying issues that have led to substance abuse and addiction. This will help to ensure that they have the support and resources to continue on the path to recovery and a lifetime of sobriety.

Short-Term

The physical and psychological effects of methadone withdrawal can be intense, and without medication-assisted treatment, those with a substance use disorder are at greater risk of relapsing back into opioid misuse. Relapsing after detox from methadone increases the risk of illicit opioid overdose and death. The most common signs of methadone addiction include a strong desire to use drugs or alcohol, impaired thinking, difficulty concentrating, decreased energy levels and sleep problems.

Methadone is an opioid-abuse deterrent that reduces cravings for other opioids and eases withdrawal symptoms when it is stopped. It is a long-term treatment option that can be used to help an individual recover from opioid addiction.

Some people may be nervous about an open-ended program like long-term maintenance treatment and want to taper off methadone sooner. This is possible with short-term methadone treatment programs. Typically, these treatments have set end dates so that individuals can taper off of the drug and stop attending clinics on an ongoing basis.

Long-Term

Many methadone addicts struggle to stop using the medication because they don’t know how to do it properly or are fearful of the withdrawal symptoms that may occur. They may also have a difficult time finding therapy options that are appropriate for them.

The human body becomes accustomed to opiates and when they are stopped suddenly, the user can experience unpleasant and even dangerous withdrawal symptoms. This is why it’s best to detox from methadone with the help of a medical professional, in a facility that provides medications to reduce those withdrawal symptoms and cravings as they happen.

Withdrawal typically begins within a day or a day and a half of the last dose and can continue for up to seven days during which people often feel flu-like symptoms such as muscle pain, sweating, nausea and diarrhea. This is why a tapering plan that gradually decreases the amount of methadone taken is recommended and this can only be achieved at a medical detox facility or in an outpatient program.