What Is Methadone Detox Really Like?

Getting off of opioids like heroin can be troublesome, especially when you have to deal with painful withdrawal symptoms.

Luckily, methadone is a medication that can help with the process. By taking methadone, you will experience less severe withdrawal symptoms during the detox process.

But what exactly is methadone detox really like? Many people fear this experience because they have no idea what will happen. By learning more, you can prepare yourself for the detox process and make it go more smoothly.

And remember, whenever you’re ready to start your methadone detox, we’re here to help. Just call us at 800-678-5931(Who Answers?) to find a detox center near you.

What Are the Different Kinds of Methadone Detox?

Methadone reduces withdrawal symptoms so you can recover more quickly.

There are three main types of detox you can choose.

The first involves going through withdrawal at home with the help of your friends and family. Because going through withdrawal can be tough at times, this method isn’t recommended.

Second, you can go to a treatment facility that helps people through the detox process. This is the most common option, as it still allows you personal freedom while giving you the mental and medical support you need to make it through.

Lastly, some people choose to go through detox in a hospital setting. This is usually only necessary if you have a severe addiction and will have very bad withdrawal symptoms.

What Symptoms Are There During a Methadone Detox?

Acute Withdrawal

The first stage of withdrawal you will go through is acute withdrawal. This withdrawal will begin to occur hours after your last dose of opioids. Some of the symptoms you might experience include:

Agitation and anxiety
Body aches and abdominal cramps
Nausea and vomiting
Tearing and a runny nose
Sweating and yawning
Goose bumps and dilated pupils

Depending on how addicted you are and what you take your symptoms may last anywhere from four to 10 days. Luckily, methadone will make these symptoms much less severe.

Protracted Withdrawal

In some cases, severely addicted patients might experience what is known as protracted withdrawal. This is when symptoms persist much longer than the predicted withdrawal timeframe. Some of these symptoms include:

Sleep disturbances
Fatigue
Depression or anxiety
Dysphoria

If you are experiencing these problems, your doctor might suggest that you stay on methadone for a longer time to help your body adjust.

What’s the Difference Between Methadone Detoxification and Methadone Maintenance Treatment?

As one of a handful of opiate addiction treatments, methadone offers a range of therapeutic benefits that can be used in different stages of the recovery process. First developed as an addiction treatment in the 1960s, methadone exists as the most researched and applied medication therapy. Methadone detoxification and methadone maintenance treatment both utilize the ….

Your Responsibilities During Detox

While you might think your only responsibility during detox is to survive, you’d be wrong.

There are actually a number of other things you should do to make sure your methadone detox is a complete success.

First, it’s important that you’re honest and open about your use of opiates. This isn’t the time to withhold information or try to sneak drugs under the table.

Second, always take your methadone doses as prescribed – don’t try to divert or abuse them, as this will greatly hinder your progress.

Third, be on the lookout for severe symptoms that indicate a negative reaction to methadone. These can include:

Fainting
Chest pain
Problems breathing
Severe vomiting or diarrhea
Suicidal thoughts

As you can see, a methadone detox isn’t really that scary. In fact, it’s not scary at all.

It should be something you are looking forward to, as it will help you put a stop to the endless cycle of needing more drugs.

When you’re ready to take the next step, call us at 800-678-5931(Who Answers?) to learn more.