Methadone is a synthetic opioid agonist that’s prescribed to treat severe pain.
It’s also used to treat individuals with addictions to opioids like heroin and morphine. While methadone is often incorporated in treating opioid addiction, it is an opioid itself and can also lead to physical and psychological dependence. An individual who has become dependent on methadone may experience withdrawal symptoms when they suddenly stop using it or attempt to quit using it. As a Delaware drug and alcohol treatment center, we have a full understanding of methadone withdrawal symptoms and how to treat them.
Timeline and Methadone Withdrawal Symptoms
Methadone withdrawal can be an extremely uncomfortable and even painful experience. But how long does methadone withdrawal last? Methadone withdrawal symptoms begin anywhere between 24 and 30 hours after the person’s last use and can last anywhere from two weeks to six months. The severity and duration of methadone detox symptoms depend on how long the person has been using it, how much they use, and whether they’ve used other substances as well.
The most common effects of methadone withdrawal include:
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Anxiety
- Restlessness
- Difficulties sleeping
- Watery and red eyes
- Runny nose
These symptoms may occur within the first 30 hours after the person’s last dose. While these symptoms may mimic those of a common cold or flu, they tend to worsen over time. Symptoms will usually peak after about three days.
These symptoms include:
- Muscle aches
- Low energy
- Anxiety
- Nausea and vomiting
- Shakes
- Stomach cramps
- Diarrhea
- Drug cravings
- Depression
The side effects of methadone withdrawal are usually the worst a week into withdrawal. This is not just a difficult process physically, but mentally as well. Psychological dependence includes an emotional attachment to drugs or alcohol. Our residential treatment facility in Delaware understands that opioids like methadone can produce feelings of euphoria, which the person may come to rely on as their addiction worsens. Withdrawal symptoms may also reflect the difficulty of emotionally detoxing from a substance as well.
Treating Methadone Withdrawal
Methadone withdrawal should not be done without medical assistance or supervision. The best way to treat methadone withdrawal is with detox. At Banyan Treatment Centers Delaware, we offer a medically monitored detox that is led by our medical staff. During treatment, medical personnel may administer certain medications if needed and offer 24-hour supervision. Our medical detox for methadone and other substances caters to patients’ needs. The health and safety of our patients is our top priority. Our detoxification treatment in Delaware is one of the safest and effective ways to treat withdrawal symptoms, mitigate addiction cravings, and help patients start their recovery on a clean slate.
Detox is the first step, not the only one. At our Delaware rehab facility, we offer various levels of care in which patients may transition to following detox treatment. To find out more about our facility and addiction services, call Banyan Delaware now at 888-280-4763.
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