By We Level Up | Editor Yamilla Francese | Clinically Reviewed By Lauren Barry, LMFT, MCAP, QS, Director of Quality Assurance | Editorial Policy | Research Policy | Last Updated: May 10, 2023

Methadone Detox Overview

Methadone is a synthetic opioid traditionally prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain. Methadone is only used to manage severe pain when other pharmacotherapies do not work or cannot be tolerated. Furthermore, methadone is also commonly used to help in treating certain opiate addictions, such as heroin.

Methadone is considered a Schedule II drug, the same as other opioids such as morphine and hydrocodone. As a result, if a person abruptly stops or attempts to reduce methadone use sharply, they may experience various withdrawal symptoms. Detox can do methadone detoxification at several facilities. These include a medical facility such as a hospital, a dedicated detox center, or even a treatment facility that provides detox services like We Level Up. However, attempting to self-detox at home can be dangerous and even life-threatening. It can also increase the likelihood of a relapse to opioid use.

You struggle with getting off methadone for a couple of reasons. First, you might be afraid of the symptoms that will come along with withdrawal. Second, they might have even attempted to detox at home, and the side effects were so harmful they decided to continue using the drug. But, if you have tried to get off methadone and have struggled, the best and safest way to withdraw from methadone is by detoxing under the care and supervision of trained addiction treatment medical professionals.

Methadone Statistics

Methadone, a synthetic opioid, is mainly used to treat opioid dependence and chronic pain. However, prolonged use and misuse can cause severe withdrawal symptoms. Methadone has a long half-life compared to other opioids, which means it stays in the body longer and can help prevent withdrawal symptoms. However, this also means it can build up in the body and cause potentially dangerous side effects if not used properly.

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What To Know About Rapid Methadone Detox?

Rapid methadone or ultra-rapid or anesthesia-assisted detox is a controversial and potentially risky procedure aiming to accelerate detoxification. In this procedure, the individual is placed under anesthesia and given high opioid antagonists, such as naloxone or naltrexone, to speed up the withdrawal process. Here are some rapid methadone detox key points to keep in mind if you’re considering this method:

Can You Die From Methadone Withdrawal?

While methadone withdrawal can be uncomfortable and potentially dangerous, it is generally not considered to be fatal on its own. However, in some cases, complications related to methadone withdrawal can lead to serious health issues that may be life-threatening. Here are some potential problems or difficulties that can arise while detoxing off methadone:

• Dehydration: Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are common symptoms of methadone withdrawal and can lead to dehydration if left untreated.
• Malnutrition: Loss of appetite and gastrointestinal problems during methadone withdrawal can lead to malnutrition and other health issues.
• Respiratory Depression: Methadone withdrawal can cause respiratory depression, which can be life-threatening if not addressed adequately.
• Heart Complications: Methadone withdrawal can cause heart rate and blood pressure changes, sometimes leading to heart complications.
• Suicidal Ideation: Methadone withdrawal can be emotionally challenging, and some individuals may experience suicidal ideation or behavior during the process.

How To Properly Use Methadone For Detox

Methadone for withdrawal is a potent opioid medication for treating opioid dependence and addiction. To properly use methadone, it is critical to follow these guidelines:

• Methadone should only be used under the guidance and supervision of a qualified healthcare provider experienced in managing opioid dependence and addiction.
• Methadone should be taken exactly as prescribed. Please do not take more or less methadone than your doctor has specified, and do not take it more often than prescribed.
• Methadone should be taken with food or milk to help prevent stomach upset.
• Do not drink alcohol or use other drugs while taking methadone. This can increase the risk of dangerous side effects.
• Do not stop taking methadone without first consulting with your healthcare provider. Methadone should be tapered slowly to prevent withdrawal symptoms.
• Methadone can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired thinking. Do not work with or operate heavy machinery or drive until you know how methadone affects you.
• Methadone can interact with other medications, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal supplements. Ensure your healthcare provider knows all the medicines and supplements you are taking.
• Keep methadone in a secure location and out of reach of children. Also, it is crucial for pregnant women who are taking methadone to receive appropriate prenatal care and to work closely with their healthcare provider to manage their methadone use during pregnancy. This can help to minimize the risk of methadone withdrawal in infants. If you suspect infant methadone withdrawal in your child, seek medical attention immediately to ensure safe and effective treatment.

By following these tips for methadone use, you can help ensure the safe and effective use of methadone to treat opioid dependence and addiction. Even if methadone is commonly used to treat other opioid addictions, such as heroin and fentanyl, this medication can also cause physical and mental dependency. Methadone withdrawal usually begins how soon after the last dose. Methadone withdrawal should be managed under medical supervision to ensure that potential complications are identified and treated promptly. If you or someone you’re concerned with is experiencing methadone withdrawal, seeking medical attention immediately is necessary.

Methadone Detox Centers

Inpatient methadone detox is a treatment program that involves staying in a residential facility while undergoing detoxification from methadone. This type of treatment can be particularly beneficial for individuals who have been using methadone for a long time or who have been unable to stop using methadone on their own successfully.

What Happens During Methadone Detox?

Detoxing from methadone is never easy, but treatment at one of We Level Up’s methadone detox centers can make the process simpler, more comfortable, and more achievable. To detox methadone, the process takes place across distinct stages, each of which helps people overcome various aspects of methadone addiction.

Step 1. Assessment

The first step of methadone detox is a detailed and thorough assessment performed by our team of addiction and mental health professionals. Your initial assessment will answer several important questions, including:

• How frequently you’ve been taking methadone?
• Your typical methadone dose.
• How long you’ve been taking methadone?
• Whether you’ve been using drugs or alcohol in addition to methadone.
• Whether you have any pre-existing medical conditions.
• Whether you’re taking any prescription medications.

Answering these questions during the assessment stage helps our team create a personalized treatment plan to minimize your withdrawal from methadone and help you achieve sobriety.

The assessment stage typically occurs on your first day in our methadone detox centers. After acquiring the information needed to create a treatment plan, you’ll receive a prescription for any supportive medications used during detox and begin the next phase of treatment.

Step 2. Stabilization

The stabilization phase of treatment takes up the bulk of your stay at our methadone detox center. During this phase, clients are under 24/7 medical observation and monitoring, and they receive targeted treatments and medications to help them with any uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms they may be experiencing.

You can start experiencing withdrawal symptoms several days after you last used methadone. Unfortunately, methadone withdrawal can last much longer than typical opioid withdrawal symptoms. For this reason, the stabilization stage of methadone detox can last significantly longer than other substance use detox programs.

Our team will administer prescription medications explicitly designed to alleviate severe withdrawal symptoms during treatment. This includes treating psychological symptoms like drug cravings, anxiety, depression, and trouble sleeping.

Step 3. Transition

While medical detox is an essential first step in overcoming methadone dependency, many people will require addiction treatment to achieve long-term recovery. Moreover, people addicted to methadone may continue experiencing post-acute withdrawal symptoms after detox, which can often trigger a relapse if not treated with evidence-based treatment.

Accordingly, the last stage of your methadone detox focuses on transitioning to the next level of care. At We Level Up, this process is as streamlined as possible. Our treatment network covers the entire continuum of care, allowing clients who attend methadone detox to seamlessly transition into inpatient or residential treatment programs after finishing the methadone withdrawal timing and process.

What Happens After Methadone Detox?

Following detox for methadone addiction, most people will enter a formal addiction treatment program to learn the skills and coping mechanisms required for a lifetime in recovery.

If you’re searching for a “detox from methadone near me?” We Level Up offers several levels of care to support this process and can be there to help you along every step in your recovery journey. We can help you navigate treatment options and centers near you.

Benefits Of Undergoing A Medical Detox

Searching for “methadone rehabs near me?” 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.

Contact one of our treatment specialists. Our specialists know what you are going through and will answer any of your questions. If you’re looking for a “methadone detox center near me?” We can help you explore treatment options and detox centers.

Methadone Detox Near Me

We Level Up has several detox centers in different states and cities for you to choose from accordingly to your location and specific needs. From “methadone detox Florida” to detox centers in California, New Jersey, Washington, Texas, and other states. The We Level Up treatment center offers top-notch care and has on-call doctors ready around the clock to assist you. As a cohesive team, we offer support during the methadone detox process and other parts of treatment. Take advantage of your chance to recover your life. Stop searching for a detox from methadone near you, and call now.

Top 5 Methadone Withdrawal Help FAQs

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

Get FREE addiction treatment insurance check – https://welevelup.com/rehab-insurance/. If you or a loved one is struggling with methadone addiction or other substance use disorder(s), call a FREE consultation 24/7 at (561) 678-0917