Methadone Withdrawal Symptoms, Signs, And Detoxification

PrintArticle Summary
Signs of Withdrawals
Withdrawing from Methadone Treatment Methods and Options for Help
Detoxing, Addiction Treatment Rehab, and Recovery
Questions and Answers (FAQ)

When methadone was first introduced in 1947, it was primarily used to treat severe pain. Today, the synthetic opioid is used to treat addictions to drugs like heroin. Methadone, however, is also an addictive substance. A person may suffer methadone withdrawal symptoms when he or she stops using it. If you or someone you love is addicted to this substance, there are methadone withdrawal treatment options available.

The best course of action is to call our free helpline at 1-888-935-1318 Who Answers? for information on treatment facilities that help people cope with methadone withdrawal.

Signs of Withdrawals

Methadone is an opiate, and sustained usage can lead to physical dependency. When use of the drug stops, a person may experience the following methadone withdrawal symptoms:

Insomnia
Sweating
Feelings of anxiety and agitation
Muscle aches
Stomach cramps
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Lacrimation

The symptoms of methadone withdrawal usually appear about 30 hours after the last exposure to drug.

Withdrawing from Methadone Treatment Methods and Options for Help

Withdrawing from methadone can be physically and emotionally challenging. With the right support and tools, however, a person can recover from an addiction to the drug and live a healthy life.

One option for treating an addiction to methadone is to switch to a different kind of medication. An alternative medication that is frequently used to treat an opiate addiction is Suboxone. This medication contains two active ingredients, buprenorphine and naloxone, that work together to reduce a person's dependence on an opiate drug like methadone.

Although buprenorphine is similar to morphine and other opiates, it does not produce a strong euphoric effect. Thus, a person is less likely to become addicted to this medication. Naloxone blocks the effect that opiates have on the body, which reduces the likelihood of a fatal overdose from opiate abuse and eases detoxification.

Another methadone withdrawal treatment option is to gradually reduce the dosage taken. This option gives the body time to wean itself from its dependence on the drug. Although it may take a longer period of time to overcome the addiction, the symptoms of methadone withdrawal may not be as acute as they would be if the person quit using the drug immediately.

Whichever method you choose to use to overcome an addiction to methadone, it is best to have your progress monitored by a qualified professional. To find someone who can help you through the methadone withdrawal process, call our free national hotline at 1-888-935-1318 Who Answers?.

Detoxing, Addiction Treatment Rehab, and Recovery

Inpatient Drug and Alcohol Detox

In treating alcohol and drug dependence, the detox process does not include the actual removal of the alcohol or drug from a person's body. It is the abrupt cessation from alcohol or substance and then replacing these with cross-acting agents. Detoxification can be completed in two treatment settings: inpatient detox and outpatient detox.

Rapid Anesthesia Methadone Detox is a method of detoxification that involves putting the person under general anesthesia. The idea is to allow the person to sleep through the detoxification process. The person may be given medication and/or supplements to speed the cleansing process.

This method of detoxification is somewhat controversial. One of the symptoms of methadone withdrawal is vomiting. There is a concern that the patient may suffocate on his or her vomit while under the anesthesia. Another concern is that the patient may wake up before the detoxification process is complete and experience the discomfort associated with detox. In some cases, though, Rapid Anesthesia Methadone Detox may be the best way to get through the physical pain of methadone withdrawal.

While you can go through the rehabilitation process at home, it is often best to check into a treatment facility. At a rehab center, you will have access to experienced and knowledgeable staff members who can assist you with the challenges of overcoming an addiction.

At an addiction treatment center, your physical health will be closely monitored to ensure the methadone withdrawal process does not become life-threatening. You may be given medication to ease the symptoms of withdrawal. The center will also address other health complications such as malnutrition.

Counseling and therapy is usually a part of methadone withdrawal treatment. In addition to addressing the underlying cause of the addiction, the person will be taught the coping skills he or she needs to continue living a drug-free life. This will help the person during the recovery process when they must reintegrate into society.

Physical recovery from a methadone addiction can take up to four weeks depending on the person's physiology and the amount of time he or she has been using the drug. Emotional, mental, and spiritual recovery may take longer. As long as the person has the right support, however, he or she can get through methadone withdrawal treatment.

Call our confidential toll-free helpline at 1-888-935-1318 Who Answers? for information about treatment programs available.

Methadone Information at a Glance
Medication Name, Costs	Class of Medicine
Generic Name: Methadone Generic Name Variations: N/A Chemical Name: Methadone hydrochloride Brand Name: Dolophine Brand Name Variations: N/A Cost/Price: For a methadone detox, it can cost anywhere from $50-300 per week.	Used to Treat Addiction? Yes Function or Use at Low Dose: Pain reliever Function or Use at High Dose: Help treat addiction to opiate drugs, such as heroin Chemical Makeup: C21H27NO System: Opioid analgesic Duration of Action: Methadone has a very long duration of action.
Form, Intake and Dosage	Interactions and Complications
Drug Forms: Tablet/elixir Administration Routes: Oral/injection Dosage: For injections, usually 10mg Overdose: N/A	Alcohol Interaction: Methadone should be avoided with alcohol, as it can increase the effects of alcohol. Illicit Drugs: Methadone is used to treat addiction to illicit drugs, so taking illicit drugs should be avoided. Prescription Medications: Consult your doctor before taking any prescription medications with methadone. Contraindications: Bronchial asthma, respiratory depression
Effects and Adverse Reactions	Substance Abuse
Short-Term: Lightheadedness, dizziness, sweating Long-Term: Respiratory depression, sedation	Risk of Substance Abuse: Methadone is highly addictive and has a high risk of abuse. Signs of Abuse: Neglect, anxiety
Physiological Problem Signs and Symptoms	Dependence and Addiction Issues
Withdrawal Syndrome Onset: N/A Withdrawal Symptoms: Lightheadedness, lacrimation, rhinorrhea, sneezing, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, chills, tremors, tachycardia, high blood pressure, depression, fatigue, agitation, anxiety, delirium, paranoia, and delusions Tolerance: After time, your body can build up a tolerance to methadone.	Cross Dependence: N/A Physical Dependence: N/A Psychological Dependence: Because of how methadone affects the chemical balances in your brain, your brain can become dependent on it in order to function properly
Legal Schedules and Ratings
Controlled Substances Act Rating: Schedule II

Questions and Answers (FAQ)

How Long Do Methadone Withdrawals Last?

The duration of the timeline for methadone withdrawals can differ depending on how addicted to it you have become. The typical length is several weeks.

Do You Have a List of Popular Slang or Street Names for Methadone?

Fizzies, amidone, chocolate chip cookies

Are There any Home Remedies for Getting Clean Safely?

If you’re seeking a home remedy to help relieve the stresses of withdrawal as a natural alternative to rehab, you should try and learn more about local rehab programs. Rehab programs can ease the pains of withdrawal and provide you with the relief you need.

How Long Does it Take to Detox from Methadone?

It takes several weeks to detox from methadone. Try using our online system or call 1-888-935-1318 Who Answers? to find out more information. There are many different options and programs to look into. It isn’t too late to get started.