Whether you or a loved one has an addiction to methadone or are currently using it as part of a detox treatment for another substance, the best way to get rid of it is to undergo medically supervised methadone detox. A medically supervised detox process is necessary because methadone is a powerful opioid that can cause withdrawal symptoms if used for too long or in high doses. The detox timeline and symptoms will vary for each person, but a qualified doctor should be able to help you determine the right dosage, frequency, and duration of your methadone detox medication to ensure it’s safe and effective.

During the first day of detox, expect fever, chills, stomach problems, flu-like symptoms, cravings, hallucinations, and high blood pressure. These symptoms are caused by your body trying to adjust to not having methadone in it and will fade as the body rebalances.

On the second day of detox, you may experience anxiety and irritability. You may also start to feel more drowsy and tired. The symptoms on the third day will continue to improve and you should be feeling better by the fourth day. Cravings will continue but should lessen in intensity. At this point, it is important to eat well and get enough sleep to help with the detox.

By the fifth day, your withdrawal should have peaked and will begin to subside. Although, some of the withdrawal symptoms may still persist such as diarrhoea, irritability, and physical discomfort. At this stage, it is also common for depression to set in and some patients may have difficulty feeling pleasure or getting motivated.

Throughout the detox process, your physician should be monitoring you closely. If you experience severe withdrawal symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. They may need to increase your dosage or change the type of methadone you are taking. They should also be aware of any other medications you are taking or if you are experiencing any complications such as heart conditions or diabetes.

The best time to take methadone is in the morning and not before bed. This will give you a more stable blood sugar level and prevent some of the negative side effects that can occur when taken at night.

When a loved one is suffering from an addiction to methadone, it can be difficult to watch them go through detox and withdrawal. However, it is important to support them through this difficult time by extending emotional and physical support. It is important to avoid drugs and alcohol during this time as it can trigger a relapse. If possible, encourage them to stay in a detox facility that provides supportive services for addicts. This will help them to have a more successful recovery and reduce the risk of relapse. It is also important to avoid giving them advice or attempting to do the detox at home as this can be dangerous and increases the likelihood of relapse.