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Methadone Detox & Timeline. Methadone Withdrawal Treatment

Methadone, a synthetic opioid, is used for pain management and addiction recovery, but it can be addictive. Like other opioids, it activates brain receptors that make its potential for addiction high. Misusing it or without medical supervision can lead to dependence and addiction.

There are a couple of reasons why some people might struggle with quitting methadone. Among those is the fear of the possible withdrawal symptoms. You might also have had previous experience detoxing by yourself and experienced incredible pain or an extremely adverse reaction to the process. Your best bet to be successful is to do Methadone Detox under supervision and guidance from a Medical professional.

Need help detoxing from Methadone? Call We Level Up TX Treatment Center now! Our dedicated and supportive team will be there to help guide you through the detoxification process safely.


Common Side Effects of Detoxing From Methadone

While going through the detoxification process, you will doubtless experience some side effects as your body adjusts to living without methadone.

  • Nausea and Vomiting.
  • Diarrhea or Constipation.
  • Muscle Aches and Pains.
  • Insomnia or Sleep Disturbances.
  • Anxiety and Restlessness.
  • Sweating and Chills.
  • Runny Nose and Sneezing.
  • Yawning.
  • Dilated Pupils.
  • Goosebumps (Piloerection).
  • Fatigue and Weakness.
  • Mood Swings.

How Long Does It Take To Detox From Methadone?

Because of the long half-life of methadone, withdrawal symptoms can continue up to four days, with full recovery taking 7 to 14 days.

Methadone Detox Timeline

PhaseDurationDescription
Evaluation1-2 daysIn this initial phase, medical professionals assess the individual’s overall health, substance use history, and specific needs. A personalized detox plan is crafted to ensure a safe and effective process.
Stabilization3-10 daysMethadone is gradually introduced, and dosage adjustments are made as needed. This phase aims to stabilize the individual, alleviating withdrawal symptoms while preventing excessive sedation or other adverse effects.
MaintenanceWeeks to monthsThis phase involves maintaining a stable Methadone dosage to support continued relief from withdrawal symptoms. Medical supervision and counseling are integral components during this period.
TaperingWeeks to monthsThe dosage of Methadone is gradually reduced to facilitate a controlled and comfortable withdrawal. Close monitoring and support are provided to manage any emerging withdrawal symptoms.
Post-Detox SupportOngoingAfter Methadone detox, ongoing support through counseling, therapy, and support groups helps individuals address the psychological and behavioral aspects of addiction, promoting sustained recovery.
Methadone Detox Timeline

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Rapid methadone detox is controversial due to the lack of evidence supporting its effectiveness.
Rapid methadone detox is controversial due to the lack of evidence supporting its effectiveness.

Rapid Methadone Detox

Rapid methadone detox, often known as anesthesia-assisted detox, tries to speed up the withdrawal process. Individuals are sedated and given potent opioid antagonists such as naloxone or naltrexone during this procedure.

Medical professionals generally advise against the rapid methadone detox procedure due to its potential risks and lack of substantial evidence supporting its effectiveness. The method poses dangers, including life-threatening risks associated with anesthesia and swift withdrawal. Studies have indicated a higher risk of relapse and complications with this methodology compared to alternative detoxification methods.

Tapering Vs Quitting Cold Turkey

Tapering promotes a smoother withdrawal process, gradually weaning off methadone rather than sudden discontinuation, promoting increased safety and comfort throughout the recovery path.

Methadone Withdrawal Medications

Navigating methadone withdrawal involves a toolkit of medications tailored to individual needs. Choosing the best withdrawal medication requires taking into account the severity of the symptoms as well as your medical history. Healthcare specialists develop a specific strategy to treat each person’s unique withdrawal issues.

Medication ClassPurpose in Methadone WithdrawalMechanism of Action
ClonidineManage symptoms of methadone withdrawal, particularly physical symptoms.Reduces the sympathetic nervous system’s activity, relieving specific physical withdrawal symptoms.
BenzodiazepinesAddress anxiety and insomnia, common symptoms during methadone withdrawal.Enhance the activity of the neurotransmitter GABA, calming the nervous system and alleviating anxiety and sleep disturbances.
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory DrugsRelieve muscle and joint pain associated with methadone withdrawal.Alleviate pain and inflammation by inhibiting the activity of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes.
AntidepressantsManage mood symptoms related to methadone withdrawal, such as depression and anxiety.Influence the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, helping to regulate mood and alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Opioid Agonists (e.g., Buprenorphine)Assist in managing withdrawal symptoms and preventing relapse.Activate the same receptors in the brain as methadone but to a lesser degree, reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings while minimizing the risk of
Medications Used for Methadone Withdrawal

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What Happens After Methadone Detox?

We Level Up TX Treatment Center offers several levels of care to support the post-detoxification process and can help you throughout your recovery journey.

Inpatient Treatment

After completing the detoxification, many individuals move to an inpatient treatment facility, which provides the most intensive type of addiction rehabilitation. Clients live on-site at a treatment center with others in recovery.

During your stay at our treatment center, you will take part in evidence-based methods proven to help people overcome addiction. Such as:

  • Individual therapy.
  • Group therapy.
  • Motivational interviewing.
  • Relapse prevention programs.
  • Medication-assisted treatment.
  • Experiential therapies.
  • Family therapy.

Treatment typically lasts between thirty and ninety days. Extended stays are available for some clients with severe substance use problems.

Partial Hospitalization Programs

In the realm of addiction care, a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) mirrors the therapies found in residential care. Still, it grants clients flexibility by requiring attendance for several hours on multiple days each week. Operating akin to a full-time commitment, this program serves as a comprehensive guide, instructing individuals on attaining and sustaining sobriety. Daytime treatment sessions are crafted precisely, offering targeted strategies to tackle immediate challenges while endowing clients with the skills necessary for long-term recovery.

Alumni Programs

The We Level Up TX alumni programs provide ongoing support for people who have graduated from one of our addiction treatment programs. Clients who attend alumni programming are much more likely to achieve long-term sobriety because they have ongoing access to essential components of an overall substance use treatment plan.

The alumni program includes several services that can benefit a person’s recovery, including alumni groups, continued contact with your treatment team, and connections to outside providers offering ongoing mental health services.

Methadone Detox Infographics

The infographic below details information about methadone, a synthetic opioid used for pain relief and addiction treatment. However, it has addictive properties. Similar to other opioids, it stimulates brain receptors, increasing the risk of addiction. Misuse or use without medical supervision can lead to dependence and addiction.

Embed the below “10 Common Side Effects of Detoxing From Methadone” Infographic to your Website. This infographic is provided by the We Level Up addiction treatment center team. To use the below infographics, you agree to link back and attribute its source and owner at https://weleveluptx.com/methadone-detox/

10 Common Side Effects of Detoxing From Methadone Infographic image link: https://weleveluptx.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/10-Common-Side-Effects-of-Detoxing-From-Methadone-Methadone-Detox-Rapid-Methadone-Detox-Methadone-Withdrawal-Medications-1024×1024.jpg

Embed the below “Methadone Inpatient Treatment” Infographic to your Website. This infographic is provided by the We Level Up addiction treatment center team. To use the below infographics, you agree to link back and attribute its source and owner at https://weleveluptx.com/methadone-detox/

Methadone Inpatient Treatment Infographic image link: https://weleveluptx.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Methadone-Inpatient-Treatment-Methadone-Detox-Rapid-Methadone-Detox-Methadone-Withdrawal-Medications-1024×1024.jpg

Embed the below “Methadone Withdrawal Timeline 1” Infographic to your Website. This infographic is provided by the We Level Up addiction treatment center team. To use the below infographics, you agree to link back and attribute its source and owner at https://weleveluptx.com/methadone-detox/

Methadone Withdrawal Timeline 1 Infographic image link: https://weleveluptx.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Methadone-Withdrawal-Timeline-1-Methadone-Detox-Rapid-Methadone-Detox-Methadone-Withdrawal-Medications-1024×1024.jpg

Embed the below “Methadone Withdrawal Timeline 2” Infographic to your Website. This infographic is provided by the We Level Up addiction treatment center team. To use the below infographics, you agree to link back and attribute its source and owner at https://weleveluptx.com/methadone-detox/

Methadone Withdrawal Timeline 2 Infographic image link: https://weleveluptx.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Methadone-Withdrawal-Timeline-2-Methadone-Detox-Rapid-Methadone-Detox-Methadone-Withdrawal-Medications-1024×1024.jpg

We Level Up TX Methadone Detox Center

We Level Up addiction treatment center provides world-class care with round-the-clock treatment professionals to help you cope. We work as an integrated team providing support through methadone detox and other aspects of treatment. Make this your chance to reclaim your life.

Each call is private and confidential, and there is never any obligation.

Make this your opportunity to reclaim your life. Call today to speak with one of our treatment specialists.  Our specialists know what you are going through and will answer any of your questions.

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Alumni Coordinator, Nicole Baxter’s Methadone Addiction Recovery Journey With Support From Daughter

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