Heroin and prescription pain pills are highly addictive. People who abuse these drugs often need medical detox when they decide to stop using. One detox method involves taking prescription methadone to reduce withdrawal symptoms. Since this drug is also addictive, however, some users end up needing methadone detox to stop using it.
Methadone for Opiate Detox
Detox clinics have used methadone since the 1960s to detox from opiates and opioid addiction. Available as Dolophine or Methadose, methadone is a slow-acting opioid. It binds to receptors and changes how the brain and nervous system react to pain. These changes block the euphoria that opiates cause while minimizing withdrawal symptoms.
Methadone comes in liquid, pill and wafer forms. People participating in a drug detox program usually take it once a day. It generally relieves pain for about four to eight hours. Receiving methadone in rehab may also motivate those who struggle with recovery to stay longer.
Is Methadone a Successful Treatment?
When taken as prescribed, methadone is a safe and effective medication option. It allows many people to regain control over their lives. According to a 1999 study, patients who receive 80–100 milligrams of methadone do better in rehab programs.
However, Methadone Is Addictive
Individuals who don’t use methadone as their doctors prescribe could easily develop methadone addiction. Methadone abuse is most common when patients take it at home without supervision. Detox centers tailor the dose for each person, allowing doctors to make appropriate dosing adjustments. For this reason, patients should never share methadone with others.
Methadone addiction can be just as debilitating as opiate or opioid addiction. It remains in the body longer than heroin and prescription pain pills. Just one dose can stay in the body for longer than a month. This long-lasting element is one reason why methadone detox is necessary.
Methadone Withdrawal Symptoms
A professional methadone detox program effectively combats withdrawal symptoms. These are similar to other opiate withdrawal symptoms such as:
- Achy muscles
- Anxiety
- Cravings
- Depression
- Hallucinations
- Insomnia
- Paranoia
Prolonged methadone abuse can make the symptoms more severe and last longer. The effects can start within 24 hours of the last dose. However, some people don’t experience withdrawal for several days.
Most of the time, methadone withdrawal lasts for three to six weeks. In some cases, however, it lasts for several months. The initial seven to 10 days are usually the worst, and the symptoms fade after that.
Methadone Detox
Without a professional, medically monitored methadone detox, methadone withdrawal can be painful and uncomfortable. Sometimes, the symptoms can cause complications. This is why professional detox services are the safest and most efficient way to eliminate the drug from the body.
Many detox centers help people with methadone addiction taper off of the drug. Tapering involves reducing the dose over several weeks. Their medical staff monitors how the body reacts to the lower doses. They adjust the dose until the body no longer needs it to function properly.
Although quitting cold turkey is another option, individuals often experience more severe withdrawal symptoms with this method. Additionally, self-detox can be extremely dangerous. Without medical intervention, it’s harder to achieve methadone addiction recovery.
Visit Spring Gardens Recovery for Drug Detox
Methadone is one of the drugs that Spring Gardens Recovery uses to treat opiate addiction. Our fully licensed staff knows the risks of prescribing it and how to help those who abuse it.
Located in Spring Hill, Florida on 4.5 acres of secluded land, we offer addiction therapy options and a range of amenities such as:
- Lounges
- Patio areas
- Professional chefs
- Private TVs
Break the hold that your addiction has on you. Get the support that you need to begin the journey to recovery. Call Spring Gardens Recovery today at (866) 244-9556 to learn more about our evidence-based detox services. You can also learn about our additional addiction treatment services to give yourself the best chance at lasting recovery.
