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 into treating opioid addiction, it is an opioid itself and can also lead to physical and psychological dependence. An individual who has become dependent on this substance may experience withdrawal symptoms when they suddenly stop using it or attempt to quit using it on their own. As a Delaware drug rehab, we fully understand methadone withdrawal symptoms and how to treat them.
Methadone Facts
This man-made opioid acts on the same receptors in the brain as other opioids like heroin and morphine, but with a longer duration of action. Its primary function is to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings, allowing individuals to participate in treatment and focus on recovery without the physical discomfort that comes with opioid withdrawal. Methadone has been utilized in opioid addiction treatment for over 50 years and is known to be one of the most effective medications available for this purpose.
It is critical to note that methadone use should be closely monitored by healthcare professionals, typically within a specialized clinic environment. This is because the drug can be addictive and has a high potential for misuse and overdose if not taken as prescribed.
Patients must also adhere to their prescribed methadone treatment plan and work with their healthcare provider to ensure that they are using the medication safely and effectively. It is also important for patients to disclose any other medications or substances they are taking before initiating methadone treatment as it may interact with other drugs. These are all important steps to take that can prevent the development of methadone withdrawal symptoms later down the line.
Timeline and Methadone Withdrawal Symptoms
A withdrawal from methadone can be an extremely uncomfortable and even painful experience, which is why it’s normal to wonder: how long does methadone withdrawal last? The methadone withdrawal timeline and 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 of it they use, how often they use it, 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 the process. This is not just a difficult process physically, but mentally as well. Psychological dependence includes an emotional attachment to drugs or alcohol. Our residential Delaware rehab center 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.
If you have found yourself struggling with your use of this drug, understand that it is not the end of the world. We are all human, and with the help of our Delaware drug rehab, you can reclaim control of your life and move forward. It just takes the desire to get better and discover how much more life has to offer.
Treating Methadone Withdrawal
Withdrawal from methadone should not be attempted without medical assistance or supervision. The best way for people to address methadone withdrawals is with detox. At Banyan, we offer a medically monitored detox in Delaware that is led by our clinical staff. Our medical detox for methadone is led by the most experienced medical personnel in the field, offering medication (as needed) and 24-hour care.
The health and safety of our patients are our top priority. Our detoxification treatment in Delaware is one of the safest and most effective ways to treat withdrawal symptoms, mitigate addiction cravings, and help patients start their recovery on a clean slate. Once this process is complete, patients can pursue methadone addiction treatment that can effectively address the thought patterns and traumas that may have led the person to abuse the drug in the first place.
It may surprise some that a person recovering from opioid abuse has a higher mortality rate than the average individual. This is especially likely for someone who experienced intense euphoria from their usage. Many people who relapse become so enthralled by the sensations of taking the substance that they disregard how much of it they are ingesting and risk overdosing.
To avoid this, patients at our Delaware rehab center are encouraged to participate in aftercare services like Narcotics Anonymous, which will aid them in upholding the lessons learned while in treatment.
Detox is the first step, but it is not the only one. At our facility, we offer various levels of addiction treatment in which patients may transition following detox treatment. To find out more about our facility and addiction services, call Banyan Treatment Centers Delaware now at 888-280-4763.
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