Methadone Detox and Withdrawal Treatments

Drug abuse and addiction are major problems in the United States, with millions of people affected by the vicious grip of illegal substances, both directly and indirectly.

The heroin epidemic is especially horrendous, with more than 15,469 deaths from heroin-related overdose in the U.S. alone in 2016. Drug overdoses are now the leading cause of death for Americans under 50, with the nation’s mortality from drug overdoses rising by 21 percent in 2016.

Abundance of Addiction

With drug use on the rise, officials and advocates are scrambling for solutions to a problem that affects people of all ages.

We have roughly two groups of Americans that are getting addicted,” said Dr. Andrew Kolodny, director of opioid policy research at Brandeis University. “We have an older group that is overdosing on pain medicine, and we have a younger group that is overdosing on black market opioids.”

Those struggling with opioid addiction are increasingly at risk due to the growing practice of mixing heroin with fentanyl, an opioid drug that is used with other medications for anesthesia. In many cases, heroin is laced with fentanyl, and users inadvertently take a deadly dose. Because Fentanyl is 50 to 100 times more concentrated than morphine, it is nearly impossible for people to know how much they are actually injecting or control their dose of this extremely powerful opioid.

Heroin, fentanyl and other opioids are respiratory depressants, meaning they interfere with a person’s ability to breathe properly. Combined with other substances such as alcohol or sleeping pills, and these opioids are a recipe for overdose and death.

The opioid epidemic in the United States has worsened to the point that President Trump declared it a “public health emergency.” Families and friends of drug addicts are urging loved ones to seek help before it’s too late. Those that do go through the detox and rehabilitation process to recover from heroin addiction may be treated, despite ongoing controversy and debate, with another opioid medication called Methadone.

What is Methadone?

Methadone is an opioid medication, sometimes referred to as a narcotic, that reduces withdrawal symptoms and relieves pain in individuals addicted to heroin or other opioids. Methadone does not cause the high associated with opioid addiction, so many doctors use it to help patients as they wean themselves off their deadly drug habit.

Methadone is marketed under the brand name Dolophine and is available only from certified pharmacies. This medication is used in maintenance therapy and addiction programs throughout the country, but it remains under discussion as critics raise concerns about its effectiveness in combating opioid-related overdoses and deaths.

Many medical professionals choose methadone as a detox drug because it’s a long-acting opioid, unlike heroin, which is a short-acting opioid.. Like other opioids, methadone can slow bowel activities, lower blood pressure, help with pain, and produce sedation and respiratory depression.

Why Methadone?

Detox is a process that saves lives, but also causes turmoil for individuals who are addicted to powerful substances and suddenly have to cope without that cherished high. Many doctors choose methadone for its painkilling element, which helps both with the treatment of chronic pain and drug detox, specifically for heroin. Heroin addicted people experience many uncomfortable side effects that methadone, as an opioid, helps to alleviate.

For example, diarrhea is a common withdrawal symptom that can be reduced with methadone’s tendency to slow bowel activity. Many people suffering from addiction experience anxiety and depression during withdrawal, and the sedative property of methadone will help ease their mental and emotional distress. In addition, the high blood pressure that results from heroin withdrawal can be balanced with the low blood pressure that comes from methadone use.

When taken properly, methadone can work wonders for those struggling with tough withdrawal symptoms caused by suddenly stopping heroin use. As part of a methadone-based treatment program, doctors will administer small, carefully measured doses of methadone hydrochloride to patients hooked on heroin. Typically, doses begin around 10-20 mg and are upped by increments of 10 mg until the heroin withdrawal symptoms are more manageable. Doctors are careful to prescribe a low initial dose to ensure to make certain the addition of a new opioid into the patient’s body will not cause irreversible damage. Once the person adjusts to the dose, doctors can begin increasing the amount.

The goal is to prevent the withdrawal symptoms as much as possible, and then slowly decrease the doses until the client is completely off both methadone and heroin. The Center for Substance Abuse Research points out that the exact amount of the dose will vary based on each individual’s age, weight, mental health and medical history. All these facts are closely evaluated and considered before the treatment program commences.

In order for this treatment to work successfully, doses must be taken regularly. Any deviations in consumption may cause the body to lose the ability to properly process the methadone. This, in turn, will raise tolerance for the drug and force the patient to start replacement therapy all over again. In addition, it is important that consumption is always supervised by a doctor, pharmacist or other medical professional. These experienced experts must ensure the liquid dose is exactly the right amount to make the weaning and withdrawal stages as easy as possible.

Although it usually takes between two and four hours for methadone to reach its peak effect, the drug builds up in the body, so the patient may feel a stronger effect over a few days even if the dosage hasn’t increased. Like many things in life, it’s all about finding the right balance, and doctors need to explore the best option based on how the body responds to methadone and how much heroin it was used to consuming.

Each person has an ideal dose that can only be achieved through trial and error. Because methadone is meant to replace heroin consumption, patients may experience some withdrawal symptoms at the beginning, because the optimal dose of opioids is still being discovered.

Through it all, doctors aim for minimal discomfort, which, for most people, can be achieved with a daily dosage of 40 mg. This manages pain and withdrawal symptoms, and most people stay on this dose for 2-3 days before it is slowly reduced every day or every other day. Although 10-20 percent is a standard reduction, each person’s responses and physiology must be evaluated before deciding.

Sometimes, the reduction rate may be too high, and clients may experience withdrawal symptoms that tempt them into relapsing. In situations like this, the supervising doctor can try upping the dose, slowing the reduction process, or a combination of both. Because withdrawal symptoms may not present themselves for up to three days after the last methadone dose, it’s important for doctors to always keep an eye on the patient and observe their reactions closely.

Risks Associated with Methadone

The benefits of methadone are often weighed against the risks of using a potentially addictive substance to treat an already-existing addiction. The controversy continues as some critics worry about the possibility of users developing a tolerance and dependence on methadone. Trying to quit methadone after becoming reliant on it can cause its own withdrawal symptoms, including chills, fever, vomiting, runny nose, crying, and rapid heart rate.

For this reason, it is best to prescribe methadone just for the short-term—long enough to help the person get through the most difficult parts of heroin withdrawal, but not so long as to form an unhealthy dependence on methadone. The Western Journal of Medicine acknowledges the potential problem of giving an opioid to a patient trying to sever an opioid addiction, but notes that the withdrawal symptoms are “less severe than that of a shorter-acting opiate such as heroin.”

A Better Life

Doctors use methadone as a temporary detox drug in a form of maintenance therapy. Patients who are physically and psychologically dependent on short-acting opiates are given methadone as a substitute for the heroin or other drugs they are addicted to.

Methadone maintenance therapy reduces, and sometimes even completely blocks the most painful withdrawal symptoms from heroin. With time, methadone also diminishes the euphoric high of a heroin hit, eliminating cravings for the illicit substance. This allows patients a supervised rest from the constant desire to obtain and consume heroin.

Looking ahead to the future, this maintenance therapy gives people a path for eventual reintroduction into a normal life without drugs.

Four Tips for Tapering off Methadone

August 19, 2019/0 Comments/in Methadone as a Short-Term Detox Drug/by Dr. Michael Carlton, MD.

Recovery from addiction to heroin can be difficult to achieve on your own. There are many people who turn to methadone to help with their withdrawal from the toxic drug. Unfortunately, many people don’t realize that methadone isn’t a drug designed to be taken forever. You have to wean yourself from the drug over time in order to be as safe as possible.

When it’s time to stop using methadone, you have to slowly taper down use. This means that steps have to be taken to get your body off of the drug, without causing withdrawal symptoms to occur. The following guide walks you through four things you have to know about tampering down methadone use.

Methadone Dosages Must be Evaluated

Methadone is a medication that needs to be taken on a daily basis in order to be effective. It helps to minimize the withdrawal symptoms you experience when you stop using heroin. Before you can start tapering down your methadone use, the amount that you are taking each day needs to be evaluated. When working with a professional treatment facility, the amount of methadone you are given is closely monitored.

After you have been on methadone for a few weeks, medical professionals will be able to determine if you are ready to start lowering the doses that you take. Stopping methadone use cold turkey isn’t a good idea. It can be dangerous to stop using because you could go through withdrawal symptoms that could lead to a relapse.

The amount of methadone you take each day needs to be gradually decreased. Typically, the amount is decreased by 20% or less every few weeks. This allows your body to have time to adjust to the new doses, without having to deal with nausea, headaches or the other many withdrawal symptoms that occur.

Medication Supplementation is Needed

Once medical professionals feel that you have been able to safely lower the amount of methadone you take daily to safe levels, you will need to start taking a long-acting opioid. The opioid is given in place of the methadone but serves the same purpose the methadone did.

Opioids need to be taken as prescribed. Taking the opioids more frequently or in higher doses can lead to a new addiction. Once you suffer from addiction, you always suffer from it. Nearly 40% of all people who have recovered from addiction end up relapsing. This is due to the temptation to use again. At a professional treatment facility, you don’t self-medicate. You are given the medications that you need to be given when you need to take them. This decreases the likelihood of a new addiction developing and ensures that you are able to stop using methadone as quickly as possible.

Health Monitoring Needs to Take Place

Many side effects can come with methadone use that can be dangerous. Loss of appetite, diarrhea, and vomiting are common. You need to be monitored to make sure that your body doesn’t get depleted of the nutrients it needs to thrive.

Medical professionals at a treatment center keep a vigilant watch on your health at all times. Your temperature, weight and blood pressure will be regularly monitored to ensure that you are always in the best health that you can be. A facility also ensures that you’re able to have access to nourishing foods that can make recovery easier for you. When you are battling an addiction, you often have lethargy that can make it difficult for you to be able to have the drive to do anything for yourself. This means that you may have less drive to cook for yourself or even drink water regularly. Having the help of professionals ensures you stay safe throughout your recovery.

Psychological Care Is Crucial When Tapering Down Methadone Use

Hallucinations, paranoia and depression are also common during methadone use. At a treatment facility, you are able to get help for the mental hurdles that occur with addiction. You’ll be able to talk to a professional about the things that you experience during your recovery and things that happened in your past. Talking about any guilt or hurt you have can help you to get a better grip on your emotions, which can make tapering down your methadone use easier. People often do things out of character when they are high. Once they get sober, the guilt can be crushing because they feel that they will never be able to regain the trust they once had.

Since depression is common with people who are in recovery, psychological care can be crucial. If you have thoughts of suicide, talking to someone who can help could actually save your life. The counselor can also help you to determine what your triggers might be to use again when you get out. They can help you determine why you started using in the first place to decrease the chances of you using again.

Mastering Tapering from Methadone Takes Time

After a few weeks of being on the opioids, the medical staff can help you lower the doses that you take. Eventually, you get to the point where you no longer physically need to take anything to battle your addiction. That doesn’t mean the work is done though.

It’s important to know that once you have an addiction you will always be susceptible to it. Many facilities have outpatient programs available for their clients. They allow you to go to regular group meetings with others who are going through the same struggles as you. You can get advice from others and even bounce ideas off of one another about how to stay clean.

Surrounding yourself with people who love you; Avoiding those who still use drugs is the best way to stay clean. Once you have gone through the struggles of recovering from your addiction, the last thing you want to do is relapse. Keeping yourself out of situations that could lead to relapse is the best way to do it. It will not always be easy, but through hard work and dedication, sobriety is possible.

Going Easy: How to Taper Off Opiates Without Withdrawal

February 20, 2019/4 Comments/in Methadone as a Short-Term Detox Drug/by Dr. Michael Carlton, MD.

With hundreds of people overdosing every day, tapering off of opiates is one of the best decisions you could possibly make. While it’s hard to start weaning off of a drug without help, we’ve got the story on how to taper off opiates without withdrawal. If you manage your tapering carefully, you’ll be able to avoid painful symptoms.

Here is everything you need to know about tapering safely.

Tapering Off Safely

When you’re trying to safely taper off of opiates, you should do so with the help of a doctor. Every person is going to approach the situation differently and have a different set of needs. Your taper could take weeks or months, regardless of how anyone else’s taper took.

The focus is for you to minimize any health risks that you could be subjected to. There are physical, emotional, and social changes to consider when you’re getting off of a drug, so you should talk to any specialist you can about it.

Your doctor should be monitoring your vital signs during the course of your taper from opiates. Any spikes one way or the other in your pulse, temperature, or your blood pressure should signal that there’s something wrong. They’ll be able to check your blood and urine regularly to see that the amount of opiates in your system is steadily dropping.

Your doctor might want to get in touch with the other health care providers that you work with. Your pharmacist or even your family members might offer useful insight into what’s going on with you. They can be part of the team to help you taper off.

As you kick opiates, you might need other types of therapy to supplement the place that opiates played in your life. Other medications might not be a good idea, but they work for some people.

Symptoms of Withdrawal

When you’re tapering off of opiates, your aim is to avoid experiencing withdrawal. Withdrawal could result in serious physical issues and medical problems that send you to the hospital. If they start giving you medication without realizing what was going on, you could have to start the whole process all over again.

If you notice uncontrollable restlessness or anxiety, you might be suffering withdrawal. Your pain often increases to such a point that you have trouble sleeping. If insomnia occurs and you can’t seem to get back on track, you might need intervention from a doctor.

One of the common feelings is GI related, and it’s a little different for everyone. There could be nausea, inability to eat, or vomiting, even if you haven’t eaten. Watch for extreme constipation or diarrhea.

Sweating might lead to fevers or a weakened immune system. If you end up getting a common cold, you could end up in medical care. Take your tapering off period seriously so that you avoid any of the tremors, heart rate, or extreme blood pressure changes that occur.

Have people around to talk to and to call. You want to avoid the kind of confusion and hallucinations that come along with withdrawal. It could put you in a dangerous situation.

Take Action

One of the best ways to counter the potential for withdrawal and to stay on your taper schedule is to find healthier ways to live. Some simple tips can make a huge difference when it comes to getting healthy and getting off of opiates.

Drinking more water and liquids seems simple, but it makes a huge difference. Only a small percentage of people are drinking enough water every day, with most people making it only a small part of their day. Drinking more water ensures that your whole internal system works better and even makes your skin look good.

If you haven’t been eating nutritious meals on a regular basis, it’s time to start now. It’ll get you back on track and feeling much better about life. When you’re full of good food, it’s hard to be unhappy.

If you’ve never meditated, find a friend to meditate with. Use this time for moderate exercise. Even long walks can be good if you’ve been dealing with a troubled immune or metabolic system for a long time.

Find ways to distract yourself with events. Go to a comedy show, out to see your favorite band, or even just make a regular movie night with friends. Having something to do on a regular basis and filling your schedule up helps to keep you away from a relapse.

Use as much positive self-talk as you need to get through it.

Build a Social Network

There are a lot of physiological issues to worry about, but they’ll only be helped or hindered by your social life.

While social media offers you one kind of social network, the kind that you need right now is a real in-person connection with friends. If you’ve damaged your relationships with friends and loved ones because of an addiction, now’s the time to build it back up again.

If you have frayed relationships, you need to work on repairing them. Talking with a therapist is a great way to start. If there’s a Narcotics Anonymous group in your area or something like it, connect there. Talk to your doctor and see what they can recommend.

If you have a religious community that you belong to, they’ll be happy to connect with you. If you’ve lost touch, reconnect with them now that you’re on a good path. You’ll find people who are excited to help you out. Anyone who is in recovery from addiction needs community support.

Now You Know How To Taper Off Opiates Without Withdrawal

Withdrawal is one of the scariest aspects of getting off of opiates. Once you’ve learned how to taper off opiates without withdrawal, you’ll be on track to good health and a better future.

For inspiration, check out our guide to how celebrities have dealt with their addictions in the past.

You can also give us a call at (855) 976-2092 and we can help you find methadone treatment near you.

Sources

[1] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2019, January 22). Opioid Overdose Crisis. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/opioids/opioid-overdose-crisis

[2] Plain Water, the Healthier Choice. (2019, February 4). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/data-statistics/plain-water-the-healthier-choice.html

[3] Recovery and Recovery Support | SAMHSA – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2019, 30). Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/recovery

Be Prepared: Opiate Detox Symptoms and How to Minimize Them

January 7, 2019/14 Comments/in Methadone as a Short-Term Detox Drug/by Dr. Michael Carlton, MD.

The United States is facing an opioid crisis–nearly 115 people die every day due to opioid misuse. Opiates are just a subcategory of opioids, and they significantly contribute to the opioid epidemic. If you’re currently battling an opiate addiction, you probably know how detox symptoms feel. And it’s important to start cutting this dangerous habit out of your life as soon as you can.

You might feel trapped when you have an opiate addiction, but there are plenty of ways that can help you quit. As you probably already know, the withdrawal symptoms aren’t pleasant.

Fortunately, your withdrawal symptoms can be reduced with certain treatments and medications. Let’s take a look at the opiate withdrawal process and how you can manage your detox symptoms.

What are Opiates?

Opiates are narcotics made from the poppy flower. They’re typically used as pain-relievers, but they can quickly become addictive. The following list of opiates can result in addiction and dependency:

Codeine
Darvocet
Demerol
Dilaudid
Heroin
Hydrocodone
Lortab
Methadone
Morphine
Oxycontin
Percocet
Suboxone
Subutex
Vicodin

Causes of Opiate Addiction and Dependence

When you take an opiate, the drug enters the bloodstream. Soon, the opiate’s effects will reach your brain. Opiates are highly addictive due to the fact that they attach to the brain’s opioid receptors.

When the opiate attaches itself to these receptors, it not only relieves your pain, but it also releases dopamine. Dopamine is associated with a sensation of pleasure–this is what makes it so hard to stop taking opiates. The release of dopamine also blocks noradrenaline, making you feel more drowsy.

If you take opiates for long enough, your brain will become used to high dopamine levels and low amounts of noradrenaline. Your brain will soon only be able to function correctly when you take opiates, and you will become physically dependent on the medication.

Over time, your brain will stop responding to the dopamine from opiates. This means that you’ll feel the need to take higher amounts of opiates so you can feel “normal” again. This is a sign that your body has become tolerant of opiates.

Why Does Opiate Withdrawal Occur?

Opiate withdrawal happens when you become physiologically dependent on opiates. In other words, your body won’t feel right if you’re not taking opiates. Withdrawal symptoms usually appear if you stop taking the drug, or if you lower the dosage.

All opiates are processed through your body at varying speeds. This is why it’s hard to predict when your withdrawal symptoms might start–it all depends on what drug you’re taking.

For example, heroin’s half-life can be a few hours or a few minutes. On the other hand, Vicodin and Oxycontin can stay in your body for 4 to 6 hours, while methadone has a long half-life of about 30 hours.

Detox Symptoms

It’s difficult to answer the question: “How long do withdrawal symptoms last?” Your symptoms and length of opiate withdrawal can vary greatly.

The severity of your withdrawal process is related to how dependent you are on opiate drugs, how long you’ve been taking it, how much you’re taking, what opiate you’re taking, and if you have any mental or physical health conditions. Your withdrawal process might look like the following example, but it can change depending on several factors.

Initial Withdrawal Symptoms

You’ll start to feel withdrawal symptoms in about 6-12 hours if you’re taking opiates with a short half-life. Withdrawal symptoms for opiates with a longer half-life begin 30 hours or later. These are some of the symptoms you might experience initially:

Anxiety
A runny nose
Achy muscles
Watery eyes
Insomnia
Fast heartbeat
Fever
Hypertension
Sweating
Yawning

Last Withdrawal Symptoms

Your worst symptoms typically happen within three days. These symptoms could last a week or more.

Depression
Diarrhea
Opiate craving
Stomach pain
Goosebumps
Vomiting

It’s common for opiate cravings and depression to last longer than a week. In this case, it’s important to seek out mental health care from a substance abuse program.

Medical Detox Treatment

While some may prefer to stick with natural remedies to cure opiate withdrawal symptoms, others find that medical treatments work better.

It’s important to talk with your doctor first if you want to stop taking opiates so they can provide you with a treatment plan. Remember to never stop taking opiates suddenly, as some withdrawal side effects can be dangerous.

Choosing to undergo medical detox can provide you with pharmacological and psychological support as you slowly wean yourself off of opiates. You’ll stay inside a medical setting where a team of medical professionals can monitor you and provide you with medications to help your detox be as comfortable as possible.

Medical detox typically occurs for a period of 5-7 days.

Opiate Detox at Home

If you choose to undergo opiate or heroin detox in the comfort of your home, your doctor will likely prescribe you with medication to reduce your withdrawal symptoms. Here are some of the medications you can take during your detox and how they can help you:

Methadone

Methadone is a drug that alleviates the symptoms of opiate withdrawal. You can use methadone for maintenance in order to lessen opioid dependence. Methadone will be gradually reduced over time until withdrawal symptoms are completely gone.

Buprenorphine

Like Methadone, Buprenorphine can make it more comfortable to withdraw from opiates. You can take this drug for a long period of time as well.

Clonidine

During your detox, you might feel sweaty, anxious, achy, and have a runny nose. Your doctor may prescribe Clonidine to help relieve these symptoms.

Naltrexone

Doctors prescribe Naltrexone to help you avoid relapsing. You can receive this medication by mouth or through an injection. It’s not a good idea to take this drug when opiates are still in your body, as it can trigger severe withdrawal symptoms.

Learn More About Methadone

Curing an opiate addiction may be a long, difficult process, but your health will improve greatly once you’re opiate-free. Don’t let detox symptoms make you start reaching for that pill bottle again. There are plenty of treatments that can kill your craving, and make you feel like yourself again.

Methadone is a powerful drug that can help you throughout your detox. Click here to learn more about using methadone for opiate withdrawal or contact us today at (855) 976-2092.

References

[1] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2019, January). Opioid Overdose Crisis. Retrieved from DrugAbuse.Gov: https://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/opioids/opioid-overdose-crisis

[2] European College of Neuropsychopharmacology. (2007, October 15). How does the opioid system control pain, reward, and addictive behavior?. ScienceDaily. Retrieved February 13, 2019 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071014163647.htm

10 Natural Home Remedies for Opiate Withdrawal

November 5, 2018/6 Comments/in Methadone as a Short-Term Detox Drug/by Dr. Michael Carlton, MD.

Opiate withdrawals can do a serious number on the mind and body. Some people experience minor symptoms nausea and headaches when they’re trying to stop using opiates, while others go through more intense things like vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive sweating.

These are just a few of the many symptoms of opiate withdrawal. Thankfully, there are plenty of home remedies for opiate withdrawal that you or your loved one can use to overcome this period of the addiction recovery process.

Here are 10 of the best resources a person can use when going through the stages of withdrawing from opiates at home.

1. Hydration

Proper hydration is essential to everyone, but it’s particularly important for addicts who are experiencing withdrawals.

Hydration helps keep the body in homeostasis. It supports healthy blood flow, good energy levels, and emotional stability – all of which may be affected during the withdrawal process.

When the body is trying to “shut down” because of its addiction to opiates, water is one of the best things that will keep a person going.

2. Healthy Eating

Drinking plenty of water and healthy eating go hand in hand.

It’s smart to eat bland, easy to digest foods like:

bananas
oatmeal
rice
pasta
saltine crackers

Note that many bland foods are carb-heavy. It’s smart to pair them with lean proteins and good fats in order for the body to get all the nutrients it needs.

3. Hot Baths

The next home remedy that does wonders for the struggles of opiate withdrawal is a hot bath. However, it’s good to note that this works better for some symptoms than others.

A hot bath doesn’t pair well with feelings of nausea or diarrhea. For things like headaches, muscle aches, restlessness, and/or goose bumps, taking a hot bath may be exactly what does the trick.

4. Exercise

If a person is particularly restless, they need to do something about all the energy rushing through them. Going for a run, a bike ride, or hitting the gym is the best option.

This gives the body a release of energy while supporting healthy changes and helping the mind unwind. Just a half-hour or a full 60 minutes of exercise can offer many benefits to a person’s opiate withdrawal process.

5. Meditation

Another home remedy worth trying when dealing with opiate withdrawals is to meditate. Meditation is good for the mind, body, and soul.

It takes a person’s mind off all the symptoms they’re dealing with and it helps calm some of those symptoms, too. Meditation can ease the sense of restlessness a person may be feeling, but it also has the potential to boost their energy a bit if they’re dealing with a big sense of fatigue.

6. Sleep

When fatigue gets to be too much, the best thing to do is just sleep.

Sleep helps boost a person’s energy levels and it supports muscle relaxation, too. It’s a good way to escape from the symptoms of opiate withdrawal for a while in a way that’s healthy and progressive. Not to mention, a person is more likely to start feeling like themselves and be in a good mood when they wake up from their sleep.

7. Acupuncture

This “home remedy” is one that an individual may need to call a specialist for. But, many acupuncturists are willing to do house calls, which adds to the overall comfort available with this experience.

Acupuncture is an ancient medicine that’s meant to help the body unwind and let go of mental struggles it’s been holding onto. This practice can ease the physical symptoms a person feels when going through opiate withdrawal, and it can boost their mental state as well.

8. A Smart Distraction

Sometimes, the best thing to do about opiate withdrawals is anything that will get the mind to think about something else. That “anything” should be a healthy distraction, of course.

Some of these include:

drawing/painting
cooking
journaling
going for a walk
playing a game
watching a movie

These are what most people do in their free time. But, they’re activities that some addicts have to push themselves to engage in after being so caught up in shooting up. Such distractions ease the withdrawal process, while also replacing old habits with new, better activities.

9. A New Daily Schedule

Speaking of new activities, a good thing to prioritize during the withdrawal process is a new daily schedule. Addicts in recovery need structure. They need to find ways to occupy their mind and body in order to speed the recovery process along, but more importantly, to reduce the chance of relapse.

When a person is busy gardening, exercising, or cooking, they’re not as focused on trying to entertain their addiction. Instead, they’re taking big steps in the right direction just by changing how they spend their time each day.

10. The Support of Others

The final remedy is that addicts in recovery need support from others.

Whether it’s your brother, mother, or best friend going through the withdrawal process, make an effort to be there for them. If you’re the one dealing with it, don’t hesitate to reach out to your loved ones.

The more support a person has during their recovery, the better their chances of getting sober and staying that way.

The One Thing That Tops All Home Remedies for Opiate Withdrawal

Keep in mind that as great as these home remedies for opiate withdrawal are, the best resource a person can have is medical help.

This does much more for an addict than any of these tricks can. It provides them with the attention and guidance they need to reach the other side of the opiate withdrawal process.

Medical personnel can easily identify exactly what a person needs to soothe their symptoms. They make the stages of withdrawal as comfortable as they can possibly be, and they help an addict jump right into the rest of their recovery process.

To get the professional support that you or a loved one need right now contact (855) 976-2092.

Sources

[1] Rachel Nall, RN, BSN, CCRN. (2018, July 19). Can you treat opiate withdrawal symptoms at home? Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322521.php

[2] Melemis S. M. (2015). Relapse Prevention and the Five Rules of Recovery. The Yale journal of biology and medicine, 88(3), 325-32. Retrieved From: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4553654/

10 Healthy Foods That Help With Opiate Withdrawal

October 26, 2018/16 Comments/in Methadone as a Short-Term Detox Drug/by Dr. Michael Carlton, MD.

Detoxing from opiates is a difficult process, and it can be very uncomfortable. It’s important to be as kind to your body as possible during withdrawal, and that includes nourishing your body with healthy foods.

Although detox is different for everyone, eating well can help you feel more comfortable and aid your body in bouncing back after drug use. You want to do everything possible to give yourself the best chance for a healthy recovery.

Eating some specific foods will give your body the vital nutrients it needs during the detox process. Here are 10 foods that help with opiate withdrawal.

Foods That Help With Opiate Withdrawal

If you have been engaging in opioid misuse and abuse for a while, your liver needs some TLC. Your liver is key in the withdrawal process.

It must process the remnants of any opiates in your body and flush them from your system. Eating certain foods can assist the liver in this process.

Drink Lots of Water

Water isn’t food, but it’s so important during opiate withdrawal. Hydration is critical for your recovery.

Drinking nine to 12 glasses a day helps your liver and kidneys get rid of toxins and will ease your discomfort. Some people will experience diarrhea, sweating, and vomiting during withdrawal.

This can result in dehydration and only make things worse. Proper hydration should be a top priority as you go through detox.

Citrus Fruits

Citrus Fruits like lemons, limes, and oranges help cleanse the liver to flush toxins from the body. These fruits have powerful cleansing potential, so it’s good to eat them in the morning and anytime throughout the day.

All fruit is healthy, and some other good fruits for detox include pears, raspberries, strawberries, figs, and bananas. These fruits are good sources of fiber, and sweetness which can help you stay away from sugary processed sweets.

Colorful Vegetables

People with drug addictions are often undernourished and vitamin deficient. Vegetables are full of vitamins essential for good health.

Any type of vegetable is good, but leafy greens, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, cabbage, and kale are great for your liver and contain lots of fiber. Some people recovering from an opiate addiction experience digestive problems, and high fiber vegetables are helpful in combating these issues.

Add Some Protein

Often, opiate users do not get enough protein in their diet. Protein is vital for good health and assists the body in repairing cells, tissue, and muscle.

Avoid fatty red meat, and, instead, opt for healthy proteins such as chicken, fish, eggs, and nuts. Protein powder and protein shakes are good choices if you are having trouble eating solid foods.

Whole Grains

Carbohydrates are necessary for energy and good health. Whole grains are full of fiber which can help with digestive issues during withdrawal.

Steer clear of refined foods like white bread and packaged snack foods. Better options include whole grain bread, whole wheat pasta, and brown rice.

Drinking Tea

Drinking plenty of water is important during opiate withdrawal and recovery, and drinking certain teas is helpful as well. In addition to providing hydration, white and green tea enhance liver function.

This helps your liver as it works to rid your body of toxins. Ginger tea is helpful too.

It contains gingerol which stimulates sweating. Sweating helps you get rid of the toxins left in the body following opiate use.

Organic Food

Whenever possible, choose organic fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. If you are detoxing from opiates, your liver has the task of ridding your body of residual toxins.

If there are toxins in the food you eat, that’s just more work for your liver. Choosing clean, organic foods is better for your body anyway, and this is especially true if you are in recovery from addiction.

Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seed are easy to eat and digest. During detox, nuts and seeds can provide a healthy protein your body needs.

You can use them in recipes or add them to smoothies if you are having trouble eating solid foods. Some good choices include almonds, walnuts, flax seeds, and pumpkin seeds.

Natural peanut butter or almond butter is a great choice for an easy, healthy meal or snack.

Omega 3 Oils

Cook with healthy oils like olive oil and coconut oil. These healthy oils help the body fight off toxins and lubricate intestinal walls.

Healthy fat is vital for proper brain function and a healthy liver. This is especially important for someone detoxing from opiates.

Foods rich in omega 3 can boost your energy level and improve the appearance of your hair, skin, and nails. Salmon, avocado, and peanut butter are good choices and are rich in healthy fat.

Garlic

Adding garlic to recipes is beneficial for someone who is detoxing. Garlic helps filter out toxins in the body and stimulates liver function.

You can slice or grate garlic in a variety of dishes such as soups, pasta dishes, or pizza, or you can take a garlic capsule on a regular basis.

Foods to Avoid

What you don’t eat is as important as what you do eat. If you are detoxing from opiates, avoid eating foods high in saturated fat.

Snack foods and fast foods may seem an easy solution for a quick bite, but they are hard for your body to process. Processed foods are not good for your liver, so try to stick with natural foods as much as possible.

Nurture Yourself

Nutrition is critical for someone detoxing from opiates. Going through this process is never easy, but there are foods that help with opiate withdrawal.

Drink plenty of water and stock up on a few foods that you like and that are good for you too. This can help give your body the strength and endurance for detox and the road ahead.

It’s time to put your wellbeing first and look forward to a bright and healthy future.

For more helpful blogs and information about treatment for addiction, search our website or call (855) 976-2092.

Sources

[1] Medline Plus. (n.d.). Substance use recovery and diet: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. Retrieved February 14, 2019, from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002149.htm

[2] NIDA. (2018, December 13). Misuse of Prescription Drugs. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/misuse-prescription-drugs on 2019, February 14

[3] Mayo Clinic Staff. (2018, January 10). What to do when it’s time to stop opioids. Retrieved February 14, 2019, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prescription-drug-abuse/in-depth/tapering-off-opioids-when-and-how/art-20386036

What’s the Difference Between Methadone and Heroin?

October 22, 2018/28 Comments/in Methadone as a Short-Term Detox Drug/by Dr. Michael Carlton, MD.

Heroin addiction is a serious problem that is sweeping the nation and destroying lives and families along the way.

Are you or a loved one struggling with heroin addiction but don’t know how to treat the addiction? Many people are considering methadone treatment for their heroin addiction, but the thought of treating drugs with other drugs can seem controversial to some people.

There is a large difference in methadone vs heroin, and methadone for the treatment of heroin addiction has been proven to have effective results.

We are here to tell you everything you need to know about methadone vs heroin, and to make this decision about addiction treatment as easy as possible for you and your family.

What is Methadone?

Methadone is a synthetic drug that is part of the opioid family, and it works similar to morphine. It was originally created during World War II by a German doctor. When methadone made its way to the United States, doctors used it as a way to treat pain. However, today it is often used to treat heroin and narcotic addictions.

How Does Methadone Work?

Methadone affects the brain and the nervous system and alters the way the body reacts to pain. Unlike strong painkillers and narcotics such as codeine, heroin, hydrocodone, morphine, and oxycodone, methadone purposely omits the chemicals that cause a euphoric high.

Replacement Therapy

Methadone can also be used to help treat heroin addicts by training their bodies to function without the euphoric high sensation. Methadone replacement therapy also helps to eliminate dependency from heroin. By replacing heroin with methadone, doctors can eliminate the withdrawal symptoms that patients undergo, which can be intense and cause relapses.

It should be noted that methadone replacement therapy is only beneficial when administered in a medical facility by medical professionals. Methadone replacement therapy is not a substitute for support groups, therapy or lifestyle changes.

While methadone is not a cure for opioid addiction, it is used as part of a treatment plan. These treatment plans change for different patients. While no concrete time duration is set for methadone replacement therapy, doctors suggest that patients implement the therapy technique for at least a year.

When the patient is ready to stop their methadone replacement therapy, their doctor will slowly start to lower their dosage in order to prevent more withdrawal symptoms.

Risks of Methadone

Much like any other drug, there are some risks that come along with methadone if it is not taken properly. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), methadone is one of the most common drugs to cause prescription opioid overdose deaths.

One reason for this is that methadone is a slow-release drug that can stay in the body for up to 59 hours. If someone assumes that taking more methadone than prescribed will result in an opiate high, they can easily overdose.

Another reason that methadone causes so many overdoses is that taking it with other opioids, alcohol, sedatives, amphetamines or antidepressants can also result in an overdose.

What is Heroin?

Heroin is an opioid drug that is illegal and has no medical use in the United States. It is often injected into the body using a needle, but people also sniff, snort or smoke heroin. Heroin provides similar effects as narcotic pain relievers.

How Does Heroin Work?

Heroin quickly enters the brain and binds to the opioid receptors. These receptors are located in many different areas of the brain including the areas that affect sleeping, breathing, pain, pleasure, and heart rate.

Once heroin attaches to the receptors, it floods the brain with dopamine, which is what causes the euphoric high. Many heroin users describe this sensation as a surge of pleasure or a “rush”.

Heroin also depresses the central nervous system, which can cause people to become drowsy, fall asleep or even become sedated.

Risks of Heroin

Heroin affects the brains reward system, which makes the drug highly addictive. In fact, only one use of heroin can have permanent effects on the brain.

Overdoses are a fatal risk of using heroin, and the overdose numbers are extremely high. When someone overdoses on heroin, their breathing slows down immensely or even stops altogether.

The result of decreased oxygen to the brain can cause hypoxia. Hypoxia can affect the nervous system and cause the body to go into a coma or can even result in permanent brain damage.

More than 115 people die every day from overdosing on opioids and roughly five times as many Americans are using heroin than a decade ago.

Methadone vs Heroin

Methadone is administered in a medical facility with proper dosage and clean supplies. Next, patients at the methadone clinic are then watched closely to ensure that their vitals are stable. Methadone is used to treat addiction while heroin is what causes the addiction.

Heroin is taken at home without the supervision of a medical professional, and the tools and needles are often dirty. This can lead to a variety of other diseases including addiction.

The withdrawal symptoms of heroin can be so intense and uncomfortable that it can easily cause an addict to relapse. However, this is where methadone comes into play.

Methadone is used to ease the withdrawal symptoms so addicts can slowly ease themselves off of heroin as opposed to stopping cold turkey, which has poor results with heroin users.

The Main Takeaway

Methadone and heroin are similar in the sense that they are both in the opioid family. However, when used correctly, methadone can help treat heroin addiction due to the fact that it is long-lasting and does not provide a euphoric high. Methadone replacement therapy is highly effective for heroin addicts, but it may not be for everyone.

If you have any other questions on methadone vs heroin, contact us at (855) 976-2092. Or visit methadone treatment, our page that covers everything you need to know about methadone treatment.

<h3 style=”font-size: 20px;”>Sources:</h3>

[1] Brown, R., Kraus, C., Fleming, M., & Reddy, S. (2004). Methadone: applied pharmacology and use as adjunctive treatment in chronic pain. Postgraduate medical journal, 80(949), 654-9. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1743125/

[2] Health.gov.au. (n.d.). Department of Health | 4 The principles of methadone maintenance therapy. Retrieved from http://www.health.gov.au/internet/publications/publishing.nsf/Content/drugtreat-pubs-methrev-toc~drugtreat-pubs-methrev-4

[3] Center for Disease Control. (2018, December 19). Prescription Opioid Data | Drug Overdose | CDC Injury Center. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/data/prescribing.html

[4] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2019, January 22). Opioid Overdose Crisis. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/opioids/opioid-overdose-crisis

4 Benefits & Risks of Performing Methadone Detox At Home

May 29, 2018/5 Comments/in Methadone as a Short-Term Detox Drug/by Dr. Michael Carlton, MD.

With an estimated 20 million people are dealing with types of substance use disorders, you’re not alone in your path to recovery. While there are many people who are dealing with similar issues, no two roads to recovery will look exactly the same. When you’re going through a methadone detox, make sure you’ve built a recovery program that’s shaped to your needs.

The increasing number of people who are choosing to perform their detox at home can thank increased research and accessibility to detox materials. Whether its the medication that aids detox or just the ability to talk about it in public, this is a great time to get healthier through recovery.

If you’re interested in finding ways of performing your methadone detox at home, make sure you know these 4 benefits and risks.

1. Familiar Surroundings

One of the benefits of handling your methadone detox at home is that you can feel comfortable in familiar surroundings. Whether you live with family members or alone, you can easily be found by the people who care about you. You’ll be in a place that feels like a home rather than someplace clinical.

Inside a hospital, you’ll be in surroundings that are completely alien. You might even have to ask someone if you want to use the bathroom. It can feel very stifling and difficult to regain your autonomy inside of a clinical detox facility.

However, one risk of running your detox at home is that you could be forced to interact with the people who might cause you to use in the first place. Some people have enablers in their life and experience addiction relapse triggers that are connected to members of their family or close friends. If you’re detoxing at home, you’ll be just a phone call or a knock on the door from people who might make you want to use.

Inside of a clinic, you’ll have to approve anyone who can visit. Clinics usually have security and locked doors that can protect your privacy and help to keep out anyone who might interfere with your recovery.

If you need space from the people in your life who are connected to your drug use, make sure detoxing at home can provide that protection.

2. Access to Medical Staff

One risk of doing your detox at home is being outside of the supervision of a medical professional.

Having access to medical staff could end up saving your life if you relapse or have trouble while detoxing. As your body flushes out toxins and gets over its dependency on a substance, it can cause facing opiate withdrawal symptoms. Untreated, withdrawal can cause life-threatening issues as your body goes into shock or attempts to overcompensate for the things its come to rely on.

Under the supervision of medical staff at a detox facility, their intervention could save your life.

However, if you’ve been in the hospital already and have started the process of detox, you won’t need this medical staff. The price of having them at your beck and call is what costs so much in a recovery facility. If you go to a facility unnecessarily, you could end up paying an arm and a leg for someone to bring you soup and medication every day.

If you’ve already overcome the initial shock of going through withdrawal, you don’t need medical staff as badly as someone who is just beginning. Skip the expensive medical bills and do your detox at home.

3. Freedom To Roam

Because many of the aforementioned detox facilities have you under lock and key, you might not be able to move as freely as possible. One of the benefits of detoxing at home is that you can go about your day at your own pace.

You might want to catch up with some healthy, sober friends for lunch or for an evening ball game. Under the supervision of a detox facility, this might not be a possibility. You might need to be home within a certain window of time or be back by a certain time in the evening.

If you detox at home, you get to make your own schedule.

One of the risks of your own schedule is falling into relapse without structure. Your home detox needs to have lots of structure built in, with some flexibility. If you make it too rigid, you’ll find that you get anxious and bored and could end up springing back into your old habits.

The best thing you can do is to have a schedule mapped out and some people to hold you accountable for it. When you have your day planned out, leaving room for time to have fun, you can do the things you love to do while making sure you cut out room to relapse. Idle time could let your mind drift into thinking about use.

4. Bounce Right Back

One of the benefits of detoxing at home is that you can get right back into the swing of things in your life. Maintaining the steady rhythm of things that you rely on and the way you like to live your life is important for people in recovery. Giving your new life a sense of normalcy allows you to feel the benefits of being sober.

One of the risks of being at home is that your choice to bounce right back could lead you to the stressors that caused your issue in the first place. If work stress was causing you to use, being back in the office right after detox could cause those feelings to return.

Ensure you’ve built a healthy barrier between the things that trigger use and the things that make you feel good about your life.

Methadone Detox At Home Takes Preparations

As long as you’re well prepared to treat yourself at home, you should know that methadone helps more than it hurts when detoxing. The biggest hurdles to detoxing at home are the number of triggers you could encounter or people who enable your usage. Make sure you draw a line that can separate you from one another and you should find recovery to be easy. To find out more information or locate methadone clinics nearby contact (855) 976-2092.

Sources:

SAMHSA. (2019, January 30). Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders. Retrieved from U.S. Department of Health & Human Services: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disorders

Psy.D, M. R. (2015, January 08). 5 Steps for Managing Your Emotional Triggers. Retrieved from Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/wander-woman/201507/5-steps-managing-your-emotional-triggers

How Methadone Changes Lives

April 2, 2018/5 Comments/in Methadone as a Short-Term Detox Drug/by Dr. Michael Carlton, MD.

We’re staring down the barrel of an opioid epidemic that’s destroying an entire generation. Far too many people are struggling with the use of drugs like heroin and prescription painkillers. This doesn’t always start with the use of illicit drugs, it can start with a legitimate prescription. If you’re looking for a solution, methadone recovery stories are real.

My Story

This was how I was first introduced to prescription painkillers. I was working as a CNA in a hospital when I experienced a herniated disk in my lower back. The pain was unreal, and it gave way to symptoms of sciatica.

If you’ve ever experienced this type of pain, then you can understand how all-encompassing it can be. I ended up in the emergency room, and after receiving an injection of Demerol I experienced immediate relief—and a euphoria that I’d never experienced before.

I left the hospital with a prescription for Vicodin and a referral to a specialist. Being a larger guy, I had a higher dosage. They couldn’t operate due to my weight and continued to prescribe me painkillers month after month.

Every time that the doctor suggested that I wean myself off the narcotics, I’d find another excuse to keep taking them like clockwork. I knew that I was addicted on some level, but I justified it by convincing myself that I had a legitimate injury.

My doctor knew that I was addicted before I was ready to admit it and tried to cut back on my dosage. By this time, I was physically addicted and psychologically hooked. I had no desire to stop using, and I started to go from doctor to doctor in an effort to get more painkillers.

How Addiction Changed My Life

I wasn’t able to keep up with my habit, and I started to take whatever I could get my hands on. I stole pills from friends and family, asked others to get prescriptions for me, and then started buying prescription pills off the street. It seemed like it was everywhere.

It changed me. My drug use changed the way that I saw myself, and I just kept justifying it with my old injury. Long after the physical pain was gone, I still needed the drugs.

The first time I injected heroin, I was in my 30s. That’s all it took for me to be hopelessly addicted. That rush and then the afterglow that came with the introduction of the drug into my body. After developing a tolerance, I needed more and more.

I stopped using to get high and just started to keep from feeling the withdrawals. I needed help, and I got it after my family staged an intervention. With methadone recovery from my addiction became real. Now, I’ve been free from the use of illegal drugs for almost 2-years. I take methadone but have reduced the dosage to nearly nothing.

What is Methadone Used For?

Methadone is a maintenance medication used to stop addicts from experiencing opiate withdrawals. It can help us to stop using illegal drugs and some doctors use methadone as a short-term detox drug. Methadone itself is a narcotic, but it works in a different way than many of the illicit drugs that addicts become hooked on.

It’s very important to work with a licensed clinic when obtaining any type of maintenance medication. Most states facilitate these programs and carefully monitor them. For people like us to get these types of medications, we need to commit to a rehab program and arrive at a designated destination each day for our medication.

This is just another way to get high. Many of us who become extremely addicted to opioids like heroin or prescription painkillers will keep using just to avoid the withdrawal symptoms.

Methadone stops these withdrawal symptoms and prevents further drug use from having the same euphoric effect it once did.

Maintenance medication programs are only used under very specific circumstances. You’ll need to go through a rehab program and be approved for this type of treatment. It’s important to trust your doctors and your rehab support staff. Be completely honest with them, and don’t be afraid to take that next step.

How Does It Work?

Once you’re approved for medication-assisted treatment programs, you’ll need to get in touch with a locally licensed facility. These aren’t necessarily available everywhere, and you may need to see a private psychiatrist to start your medication regimen.

For the most part, these facilities will issue you a single dose of methadone each day. This is usually enough to stave off withdrawal symptoms and to help you reduce and resist drug cravings.

People who remain on methadone for longer than two weeks have an 80 percent chance of staying with their methadone maintenance treatment for six months or longer. And those who utilize methadone maintenance on a long-term basis have favorable outcomes than those on a short-term basis. In fact, it is recommended by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) to be on a methadone maintenance treatment program for a minimum of one year for best outcomes.

I’ve discovered that I don’t feel high when I take this medication, but it does help me to stop thinking about using drugs like heroin or prescription painkillers all the time. It allows you to be free of the all-consuming addiction that ran your life for so long.

Who Should Use Methadone?

Methadone is a medication that should only be used under very specific circumstances. Not everyone can safely use methadone without abusing it or returning to their drug of choice. Only a person who’s actively engaged in rehab and who truly wants to seek sobriety should take advantage of these programs.

For many of us, it’s very easy to fall back into our old ways. If you aren’t ready to stop using drugs, then don’t put yourself in a position to keep using things like methadone. It’s also important that you remain extremely honest with the person who’s administering the drug.

If you feel like the dose is too high and it has an adverse effect, then you need to tell them immediately. Getting this right can be the difference between a relapse and long-term sobriety.

Understanding the Dangers of Opioid Addiction

Opioids kill more people each year than any other cause of accidental death. This is a serious number and one we need to start paying attention to. If you’ve ever experienced addiction, then you understand just how deep this rabbit hole goes. It’s very easy to fall into a habit and to continually justify it to yourself.

We all deserve a chance at a better life. It’s just a matter of whether you’re prepared to reach out and take it. So, reach out at (855) 976-2092 and talk to a professional today.

References

The National Institute on Drug Abuse Blog Team. (). Prescription Pain Medications (Opioids). Retrieved from https://teens.drugabuse.gov/drug-facts/prescription-pain-medications-opioids on February 13, 2019.

National Institute on Drug Abuse. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.drugabuse.gov

Shiller, & Mechanic. (2018, October 27). Opioid, Overdose. Retrieved from pubmed.gov: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=Schiller%20EY%5BAuthor%5D&cauthor=true&cauthor_uid=29262202

Herbal Remedies that can Help with an Opioid Detox

March 22, 2018/102 Comments/in Methadone as a Short-Term Detox Drug/by Dr. Michael Carlton, MD.

Opioids may just be the most addictive substances out there. Whether you got them prescribed by a doctor or bought them illegally, it’s easy to get very hooked in no time. That’s why opioid detox can be so hard.

These drugs are among the most deadly, killing many thousands of Americans each year.

It’s important to quit as soon as possible, no matter how bad the withdrawal symptoms. The sooner you start, the better your odds of surviving the addiction.

There are several ways you can support your recovery and ease the suffering caused by addiction and withdrawal. Not all of these are fancy, complex, or expensive solutions.

Many natural herbs can help treat your symptoms and make your recovery easier.

Keep reading to learn about the best herbs for opiate withdrawal help.

1. Ginseng

Ginseng is a perennial plant with big, fleshy roots. There are 11 different species. Many consider ginseng the best remedy for fatigue.

This plant contains a cocktail of active substances. The most praised ones are the ginsenosides.

Ginseng is an adaptogen. Adaptogens are herbs that help stabilize your physiological functions and maintain homeostasis. They get their name from their ability to adapt to your needs.

They work like a thermostat. When a thermostat senses a low temperature, it starts heating up. If it senses a hot temperature, it cools down. Adaptogens like ginseng can give you energy and calm you down.

When you taper off or quit cold turkey, you will feel a lot of fatigue. This can last for weeks or, in extreme cases, months.

If you have responsibilities that demand work, such as a job or children to take care of, this will be a big struggle. This is a major factor in many relapses and life crises.

You don’t want to have to choose between getting clean and taking care of your life, just because you feel terrible.

Ginseng and other adaptogens will make this easier. Giving you the energy and tension relief you need to deal with withdrawal, ginseng for opioid detox is suggested.

The main benefits of ginseng are:

More energy without overstimulation
Better response to stress
Improved adrenal system health
Restored hormonal balance
Less anxiety and fatigue

This randomized double-blind study conducted in 2010 confirmed the effectiveness of American ginseng against cancer-induced fatigue.

Opioid withdrawal is a severe physical condition. Treating it with adaptogens calls for high-quality herbs. Look for quality ginseng or ginseng extracts.

Take two to three doses each day for the best results.

2. Cannabis

Cannabis has a wide range of beneficial effects on sufferers of opioid withdrawal and PAWS.

It’s anti-inflammatory and reduces pain with zero risk of overdose. And it’s not very addicting. The psychoactive “high” of cannabis can also help reduce opioid cravings.

Cannabis is gaining popularity as an official treatment for opioid detox. A recent survey also revealed that 92% of respondents would rather use cannabis over prescription painkillers.

Other than the positive effects on mood and pain management, cannabis is also good for:

Nausea relief
Temperature regulation
Reducing anxiety
Curing diarrhea
Stimulating your appetite
Improving sleep
Relieving muscle cramps

While natural cannabis and extracts require a prescription in most states, CBD oil is more available.

This product has no THC, so it doesn’t have the psychedelic effects. It still has most of the beneficial effects, pain and stress relief in particular.

CBD makes a good remedy for opioid detox, although the herb itself is considered a more effective and better option.

3. Passionflower

This beautiful flower has a long history as a natural remedy for various health afflictions.

The relevant beneficial effects for opioid withdrawal are:

Less insomnia
A calmer gastrointestinal tract
Reduced anxiety and depression
Lower blood pressure
Pain relief

Passionflower contains harmine and harmaline. These are MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors.) Many other flavonoids found in passion flower are also MAOIs.

MAOs are enzymes responsible for breaking down neurotransmitters. Inhibiting these enzymes from doing their job can have great positive effects on your mood.

Taking MAOIs during opioid detox can give you an abundance of these mood-lifting chemicals in your brain:

Serotonin – Causes happiness and relaxation
Epinephrine and Norepinephrine – Increase energy, reduce fatigue, depression, and stress
Dopamine – Responsible for desire and pleasure

Pharmaceutical MAO inhibitors were once common prescriptions for depression. The downside was that certain foods would cause dangerous reactions with the medicine.

The mild, natural, reversible MAOIs found in passion flower are a safe option. They help fight depression without any unpleasant side effects, unlike modern antidepressants.

It affects many of the same brain receptors though. One key example is the production of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This neurotransmitter reduces stress and relaxes muscles. It’s part of why coffee feels so good.

You can buy the herb in its natural state for eating or tea infusions, or you can buy tinctures or capsules.

3-4 doses a day grants the best effects.

4. Reishi Mushroom

This mushroom is one of the most valuable and sought-after adaptogens in natural medicine. It’s been revered for its medicinal properties in China for over 2,000 years.

Reishi is in the “tonic herb” category. Ginseng is another example of such herbs.

The Chinese consider tonic herbs so important and beneficial to overall health and life quality that many recommend taking them every day. Even if you’re in perfect health.

As an adaptogen, reishi can increase energy when you’re fatigued. However, the most sought-after effect is the improved mood.

Other benefits include:

Mental relaxation and focus
Less depression and anxiety
A stronger immune system
Better cardiovascular function
Accelerates the liver’s ability to clear out drugs and other toxins

When it comes to relieving PAWS symptoms, reishi mushroom may be the best natural treatment. It can also induce a slight euphoric effect. The effect will be subtle at first, but increases with repeated use.

You can buy it in capsule form or as whole mushrooms. Take it twice a day to boost your brain and nervous system.

5. Kava Kava Root

Also known as just Kava. This plant comes from the western Pacific Ocean region. Polynesian people have used it for relaxation and pain relief for ages.

What makes it great is that these effects don’t come with any brain fog. On the contrary, Kava increases cognitive function and mental clarity.

Kava is a revered herb throughout the West Pacific region. Kava ceremonies are frequent. These can be important events attended by key religious and political figures.

The kavalactones in Kava Kava root have seen growing popularity as a remedy for opioid withdrawal and PAWS.

Some compare the positive effects to those of alcohol, for example:

Relaxation
Pain relief
Light euphoria
Talkativeness

It can also treat convulsions and seizures.

There are a few different ways of using this herb. You can buy the whole root and make Kava tea. You can also buy capsules, tinctures, or concentrated extracts.

6. Ginger

This common household herb can provide great opioid detox aid.

Gingerols are similar to the COX-2 inhibitors found in non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Advil.

It’s a popular home remedy for arthritis and muscle discomfort.

Another helpful quality when dealing with opioid withdrawal and PAWS is its effect on the gastrointestinal tract. It helps reduce stomach aches, acid reflux, and nausea.

Scientific studies have confirmed these properties.

Final Thoughts on Helpful Herbs for Opioid Detox

Kicking opioids doesn’t have to mean either using harsh pharmaceuticals to reduce withdrawal symptoms or face them head-on without any help.

The herbs listed above can help you a lot with your symptoms and speed up recovery.

They work well together, and also make perfect companions for effective methadone treatment programs.

If you need help with detoxing from opioid and are looking for a clinic near you contact (855) 976-2092.

References

Barton, S. B. (2010, February 18). Pilot study of Panax quinquefolius (American ginseng) to improve cancer-related fatigue: a randomized, double-blind, dose-finding evaluation: NCCTG trial N03CA. Retrieved from pubmed.gov: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19415341

Reiman, A., Welty, M., & Solomon, P. (2017, June 1). Cannabis as a Substitute for Opioid-Based Pain Medication: Patient Self-Report. Retrieved from Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. Publishers: https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/full/10.1089/can.2017.0012

Ernst, R., & Pittler, M. H. (1999, September 1). Efficacy of Ginger for Nausea and Vomiting: a Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Traits. Retrieved from British Journal of Anaesthesia: https://watermark.silverchair.com/840367.pdf?token=AQECAHi208BE49Ooan9kkhW_Ercy7Dm3ZL_9Cf3qfKAc485ysgAAAkswggJHBgkqhkiG9w0BBwagggI4MIICNAIBADCCAi0GCSqGSIb3DQEHATAeBglghkgBZQMEAS4wEQQMtjnwfmx87ddWOekjAgEQgIIB_o72zSyPuHqXt169DEeWoElGlD1zdLLdmtZuw8Zf7Ml6AlL6

How to Perform Methadone Detox at Home

February 22, 2018/0 Comments/in Methadone as a Short-Term Detox Drug/by Dr. Michael Carlton, MD.

Methadone detox can be a scary but necessary step in your recovery. Did you know that you can do methadone detox at home?

For many opioid addicts, methadone treatment is crucial for recovery. However, eventually, you’ll need to detox from methadone. This is often done in rehab clinics, but in certain situations, detoxing at home can be a much better choice.

If you’re afraid to go to rehab, don’t have the money, or don’t have a clinic in your area, methadone detox at home may be the answer.

In this guide, we’ll show you everything you need to know to detox in the comfort of your own home. Keep reading to learn more.

What is Methadone?

Methadone is an opioid, but surprisingly, it can actually help people recover from opioid addiction by helping them through the withdrawal process.

The creation of methadone treatment took place during World War II to help patients get through intense pain. Today, it’s still in the category of opioid painkillers that are often prescribed for serious pain. However, it’s also given as a part of treatment for addiction to heroin and related drugs. It’s helpful to understand more about this drug before you try methadone detox at home.

Methadone is only available by prescription and comes in powder, pill, or liquid form. Like many prescription drugs, it can also be abused, and it’s important to only take it as directed by a doctor. The good news is that among narcotics, methadone is a very safe choice – so safe that you can use it at your own house.

How Does Methadone Work?

Methadone offers pain relief by changing how your central nervous system and brain react to pain. Although it’s similar to other painkillers like morphine, it doesn’t work as quickly.

Interestingly, methadone also inhibits the effects of other drugs. You won’t be able to feel codeine, heroin, oxycodone, hydrocodone, or morphine while you’re on methadone. This is part of what makes it such a great treatment for addiction.

Methadone feels similar to these other opioids, but can’t be combined with them, and combats the symptoms of withdrawal. Sometimes, methadone treatment is also called “replacement therapy.” The methadone mechanism of action works to “replace” the drug you’re addicted to, but has softer effects, helping you wean yourself off of the addiction.

Duration and Side Effects of Methadone Detox

Most experts agree that a year, or even more, of methadone treatment is needed to fight addiction. A doctor will measure how your body responds to the treatment, and make adjustments as needed. Even when you do methadone detox at home, you’ll need to have a doctor to prescribe the treatment and check in with you regularly to make sure it’s working.

Once the treatment is complete, your doctor can also help you slowly wind down your dosage, so you don’t go into methadone withdrawal.

Side effects of methadone include slowed breathing, restlessness, itchiness, profuse sweating, sexual issues, and constipation.

In rare cases, serious side effects can happen that require medical treatment. However, most people never have these problems. You’ll need to call your doctor if you start feeling faint or lightheaded, having difficulty breathing, break out in a rash, hallucinate, or have chest pains.

Doing Methadone Detox at Home

Now that you know how methadone works, you can safely detox from methadone at home. Here’s how to do it.

1. Decide How Quickly You’ll Quit

Some people decide to go completely cold-turkey from methadone once they feel that they’ve recovered fully. Others gradually wean themselves off, which helps you avoid withdrawal.

If you plan to detox gradually, you’ll probably need about 200 mg of methadone with you. This should be enough for your home detox.

2. Take Some Time Off

It will take you about a week to detox completely. During this time, you’ll need to gradually reduce how much methadone you take every day. You won’t be getting much sleep during this time, and you’ll probably have cramps and nausea.

Your body will desire the methadone that you’ve taken away from it, so it’s good to have a friend or health care worker around who can give you the doses, so you aren’t tempted to take more than you should.

3. Get Through the Worst

You’ll have about two or three bad days of withdrawal, so prepare to push through it.

Your worst days will be more intense if you quit cold-turkey. If you gradually reduce your dosage, you might find that the experience really isn’t all that bad. However, either method works.

Although detox can be unpleasant, it’s not fatal. If you are making the decision to stop using the drug, methadone withdrawal is safe to do at home.

4. Stock Up on Supplies

Stock up on broth and liquids so you stay hydrated during this time. Pick up plenty of drinks that have electrolytes, since you’ll need to replace fluids fast. Buy herbal teas and other comforting drinks to help get you through the bad days.

Crackers and bread can also help stave off hunger without making nausea work. Think of all the things that you like to have on hand when you’re sick – those are the things you’ll want to stock up on.

5. Get Support

It’s a great idea to have a friend or loved one to help you through this process. However, it’s also valuable to seek out the support of fellow former addicts who understand what you’re going through.

Your physical cravings will be powerful for a matter of days. Your psychological cravings, however, will linger for months or years after the detox is over. Having support can help you fight against them.

In addition to getting a good support system, it’s a good idea to get therapy and outpatient treatment to help you stay on track, so you’ll never need to do a methadone detox again.

Looking for Methadone Centers Near You?

In order to do a methadone detox, you’ll need a source of methadone.

When you’re ready to find a methadone center near you, contact us at (855) 976-2092, we can help you find what you need.

Sources

[1] CRC Health. (n.d.). Soldiers, Hippies and Richard Nixon – An American History of Methadone | CRC Health Group. Retrieved from https://www.crchealth.com/addiction/heroin-addiction-treatment/heroin-detox/history_methadone/

[2] Clinical Guidelines for Withdrawal Management and Treatment of Drug Dependence in Closed Settings. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2009. 4, Withdrawal Management. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK310652/