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methadone taper

7 Things You Need to Know About Tapering Off Methadone

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Over 2 million people in the U.S. abuse opioids. Methadone is used as a prescription drug to fight opioid addiction.

Methadone relieves pain and prevents opioid withdrawal symptoms. Most methadone treatment programs keep patients on the drug longterm. This is because research shows that patients on methadone are less likely to relapse.

But what if you’re ready for complete recovery?

Here are 7 things you need to know about tapering off methadone.

Process of Addiction

Pharmaceutical companies convinced doctors that addiction to opioid pain relievers was uncommon. This occurred in the 1990s. This led doctors to prescribe pain medication at greater rates than before.

This caused an uptick in the number of people using opioid medications. Unfortunately, patients with pain often become tolerant to normal doses of medication. They need higher doses of medication to stop the pain.

When their prescription runs out, many patients turn to illegal opioids for self-medication.

Opioids bind to receptors in the brain blocking pain and causing a dopamine rush. The dopamine rush is addictive because it causes pleasure and relaxation. Over time, brain chemistry alters and becomes damaged.

When it comes to weaning from the opioids, methadone is the drug of choice. It prevents withdrawal symptoms because its effects are slower than other painkillers. Weaning from methadone isn’t easy since it’s also an opioid.

Freedom of Choice

Many treatment programs never mention methadone weaning. They prefer indefinite treatment with methadone so patients avoid relapse. This means patients have no choice when it comes to their treatment plans.

That’s unfortunate since long-term methadone use has potential unhealthy side effects. Methadone is also sometimes fatal with thousands of deaths each year from an overdose.

In studies, methadone side effects show that it can affect both memory and learning. In rats, there were brain cell changes even after the methadone was no longer in the body. Attention spans were also shortened.

Tapering Off Methadone

If you’re ready to taper off methadone, what’s the best way?

Never stop methadone treatment cold turkey. Always taper under the supervision of a doctor.

Although methadone eases withdrawal symptoms from other opiates, it also has withdrawal symptoms.

Methadone withdrawal symptoms include:

  • Depression
  • Difficulty sleeping and insomnia
  • Agitation
  • Anxiety
  • Profuse sweating
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach cramps
  • Shivering
  • Rhinorrhea (a runny nose)

Methadone withdrawal symptoms sometimes last longer than opioid withdrawal symptoms.

1. Find a Counselor

You’ll need a counselor or therapist. Many therapists specialize in addiction treatment. Meet with the counselor on a regular basis. If you don’t have the means for a counselor, get into an appropriate 12-step program.

You’ll need a good support system. Sometimes family members aren’t the best support and can even undermine your attempts at detox. Surround yourself with people who won’t sabotage your efforts.

2. Address Life Issues First

Reduce your stress before tapering.

Focus on life basics such as a job, a place to live, and marriage issues first. Work on healthy habits. Work through emotional triggers such as losses caused by opioid use.

Many drug abusers lose everything before getting off drugs and onto methadone maintenance. If these issues aren’t addressed first, opioid relapse is more likely after tapering.

Address the spiritual and emotional problems caused by drug addiction. Get your finances in order.

3. Healthy Lifestyle Changes

Make healthy lifestyle changes. Increase your exercise. Adopt a healthy eating plan with lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein.

Stay hydrated by drinking at least half your body weight in water daily. If you weight 150 pounds, drink 75 ounces of water per day.

Take a multivitamin.

4. Be Patient

It could take a year or more when implementing healthy lifestyle changes. Be patient. Don’t begin tapering off methadone until you’re ready. Don’t rush the tapering process itself either.

Tapering off methadone takes about three months. To taper means cutting the dose down every week or every other week.

Overall, tapering from methadone has a success rate between 25-50%. The more prepared you are the more likely you’ll succeed.

If you’re taking 10 mg of methadone once per day, your dose is lowered to 8 mg at the end of week two of tapering. At the end of week four, the dosage is lowered to 6 mg.

The dose is lowered to 4 mg, then 2 mg, and then stopped. Most methadone tapers reduce the drug by about 20% every two weeks.

Research shows that slow tapering is more successful than tapering too fast. Remember that methadone stays in the body for as much as two weeks after the last dose.

The process of tapering may take a few months. But the process of being drug-free lasts a lifetime. Be patient with yourself.

5. Use an Experienced Doctor

Use a doctor with experience in addiction and drug withdrawal. You need a doctor who understands the treatment of withdrawal symptoms.

The doctor can prescribe other medications that help ease withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor may prescribe anti-anxiety medications.

If you’re having nausea and vomiting, the doctor can prescribe anti-emetics. These drugs relieve nausea.

6. Decide Where You’ll Detox

You can detox at home or in a treatment center. There are benefits and risks with both options. The familiarity of home is nice.

But quick access to experienced doctors and nurses in a treatment center is a plus.

Talk to your counselor and doctor about what the best option is for you and your situation.

7. Consider Alternative Adjunct Treatments

Some withdrawal symptoms cause problems of their own. Some patients have trouble sleeping during or after methadone withdrawal.

Sleep deprivation causes its own set of problems. It also sets you up for a drug relapse.

If you’re having trouble with symptoms such as sleeplessness, consider alternatives to drugs. Meditation, prayers, and acupuncture are non-drug alternatives that work well for many patients.

In The End, You Must Persevere!

Detoxing from drugs is difficult. There are no easy solutions or magic pills. Coming off methadone is a process. Set yourself up for success before you start tapering.

Get a good addiction counselor. Address your most difficult life issues and triggers and adopt healthy lifestyle changes. Consider alternative treatments for issues that present during the tapering process.

Now that you’re drug-free, enjoy your life’s journey! Looking for more information about drug addiction and detox? Find more information about opioid addiction here.

Sources

[1] American Psychiatric Association. (2017, January). What Is Addiction? Retrieved from American Psychiatric Association: https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/addiction/what-is-addiction

[2] Medical News Today. (2011, March 24). Possible Harmful Effects From Prolonged Use of Methadone. Retrieved from Medical News Today: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/220086.php

[3] U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (2019, January 22). What Is The U.S. Opioid Epidemic? Retrieved from U.S. Department of Health & Human Services: https://www.hhs.gov/opioids/about-the-epidemic/index.html

detox symptoms

Be Prepared: Opiate Detox Symptoms and How to Minimize Them

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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

Methadone Stories: Life After Methadone

How Methadone Changes Lives

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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

Methadone - My StoryThis 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.

Methadone: Changing Lives

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.

Looking for Methadone Maintenance Treatment? Call (855) 976-2092

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.

Methadone for Opioid WithdrawalsMaintenance 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.

Methadone MaintenanceI’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.

Looking for Methadone Maintenance Treatment? Call (855) 976-2092

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

going through opiate detox

How to Survive Opiate Withdrawal

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As a consequence of America’s deadly Opioid Crisis, more than 115 Americans die from an overdose in a single day.

In fact, nearly 66% of drug overdoses happen with drugs that can be classified as opioids.

The takeaway here?

The Opioid Crisis is not only still in full force within the United States, it may actually be getting even more severe.

Luckily, help is available for those who want to break the cycle of addiction and get clean and sober. While many addicts fear the potential social consequences of life without opioids, many also worry that they won’t be able to handle the process of opiate withdrawal.

Looking for advice on how to make it through the difficult, but incredibly rewarding, opiate withdrawal period?

If so, then read on.

A Brief Timeline

To overcome opiate withdrawal, it’s important that you first know what to expect. It is true that, while this class of drugs is one of the hardest to overcome an addiction to, it also has shorter physical effects than the withdrawal periods of other drugs.

However, the mental impact of withdrawal is often severe.

In the first three days of withdrawal, you’re the most likely to relapse.

You may find that you’re overly aggressive, experience serious mood swings, and perhaps even want to become violent.

You’ll also experience the physical symptoms of opiate withdrawal.

These include headaches, sweating, insomnia and nausea, issues with digestion, and aches and pains. Many people may also experience high anxiety and panic attacks.

After you make it through the first three days, you’re well on your way to beating withdrawal without relapse.

You likely still deal with a feeling of the shakes, you may not be very hungry, and you’ll probably deal with exhaustion.

After about a week, it will be time to focus on your long-term recovery process and, most importantly, your overall mental health.

Advice For Overcoming Opiate Withdrawal

Now that you have a better understanding of the timeline associated with withdrawal, let’s take a quick look at the best methods of survival if you’re one of the victims of the Opioid Crisis.

1. Detox In A Treatment Center

The reality is that detoxing and going through the symptoms of withdrawal without professional support and medical supervision can be incredibly dangerous.

No matter how strong you think you are, the truth is that you’re much more likely to relapse, or perhaps even face serious setbacks or death if you try to detox on your own.

If possible, enter a detox and rehabilitation center to make it easier.

Plus, doing so will also increase your chances of staying clean and sober in the long-term.

2. Fuel Your Body

If you’ve been struggling with opioid addiction, then chances are you haven’t been giving your body the nutrition it needs for quite some time.

We mentioned above that you’ll likely deal with a loss of appetite in the first few days of your withdrawal.

However, once you’re ready to start eating again, you need to begin to pay attention to the foods you put inside your body.

Above anything else, make it a point to drink as much water as you’re able to keep down during the detox process. If you become dehydrated, you put yourself at serious risk — and the opiate withdrawal process will only become more uncomfortable.

When you’re ready to take on solid food, make it a point to avoid anything that’s processed and unhealthy. Reach for vegetables, lean proteins, and a few fruits.

This will help to fuel your body without overwhelming your already weak system.

Try things like nuts, olive oil, kale, and other leafy greens, and even salmon.

If you want to take natural vitamins and supplements throughout the process, first, talk to your doctor.

3. Pay Attention To Bathroom Habits

It may not be pleasant to think about, but when you’re going through opiate withdrawal, you may struggle to go to the bathroom.

While some may struggle with diarrhea, others may find that they’re faced with severe constipation. If you experience the latter, then we suggest taking a mild laxative to help get things moving.

Also, be aware that some of the medication you’re given during the detox process may cause you to need a bathroom a little more frequently than you’re used to. This is normal but can be severe for some patients.

4. Sleep, Sleep And Sleep Some More

Our final piece of advice when it comes to surviving opiate withdrawal?

Make sure you’re getting as much sleep as you can. Aim for a minimum of eight hours every night.

In some cases, once you’ve made it past the first three days of withdrawal, you may still experience trouble with sleeping. If this happens, you can speak to medical professionals about potentially using a sleeping medication.

However, you shouldn’t expect to get a completely normal sleeping schedule back until about six months after you’ve stopped using.

Do You Or Someone You Love Struggle With Opiate Addiction?

We know that the thought of going through opiate withdrawal is intimidating.

However, we can guarantee that it’s worth it if it means you’ll live the rest of your life clean and sober.

Remember, during the detox process, get plenty of rest, fluids, and healthy, unprocessed foods. Also, if at all possible, seek the help of a professional medical team or rehabilitation center.

Methadone treatment works and it has been especially helpful in combatting an addiction to opioids.

Looking to learn more about whether methadone is right for you? Ready to find a clinic in your area?

If so, spend some time on our website to set yourself on the road to recovery or give us a call at (855)976-2092. We would love to help you get on the path to recovery. You deserve a better life!

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] Inside a Killer Drug Epidemic: A Look at America’s Opioid Crisis. (2018, January 20). Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/06/us/opioid-crisis-epidemic.html

[3] Library, C. (2019, January 17). Opioid Crisis Fast Facts. Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/2017/09/18/health/opioid-crisis-fast-facts/index.html

Detoxing from Methadone at home

How to Perform Methadone Detox at Home

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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/