Methadone Detox
Methadone Detox Program in Orange County, CA
Methadone is a drug that is often prescribed to help people who are addicted to opioid drugs like heroin break their addictions. It’s a medication that is designed to help addicts turn the corner and make it into recovery. Unfortunately, while it may help an opioid addict to stop using their drug of choice, methadone itself is addictive and can easily become a replacement for the drug the individual tried so hard to stop using. Methadone can be habit-forming when it is used differently than prescribed. This is a dangerous situation for someone who has knowingly abused other drugs to be in. Let’s take a look at what methadone is and how it works. At True Life Recovery, we have a professional caring staff to help you detox from methadone safely and as comfortably as possible.
Methadone is a prescription medication that is used to help opioid drug addicts. It is commonly used during the detoxification period of an individual’s recovery, but it is sometimes used for much longer. It is available in the form of a pill, oral solution, or injectable liquid.
The following are some of the brand names associated with methadone:
- Diskets
- Dolophine Hydrochloride
- Methadose
- Dolophine
- Methadone
- Hydrochloride Intensol
- Westadone
Methadone is mainly used:
- As a pain reliever
- As a treatment for opioid dependence
In the brain, methadone works by blocking receptors that are affected by opioid drugs. It blocks the pleasurable and sedative effects of stronger opioid drugs, while relieving opioid withdrawal symptoms and cravings. However, methadone may still provide patients with a feeling of euphoria and produce a high – even though it is not as intense as other opioid drugs.
Key Facts
New Cases per Year
3,000
People at Risk
2.9 Million
Most Common
80 - 90%
Median Age
18-25
01. What Is Methadone Detox?
What Is Methadone Abuse and Detoxification?
Methadone is a prescription medication that is used to help opioid drug addicts. It is commonly used during the detoxification period of an individual’s recovery, but it is sometimes used for much longer. It is available in the form of a pill, oral solution, or injectable liquid.
02. Effects of Using Methadone Long-term
The Effects of Methadone Abuse on The Body
Methadone isn’t usually prescribed for long-term use. However, some people abuse the medication and continue to use it for an extended period of time. The longer and more frequently you use methadone, the higher the risk is of suffering negative ling-term effects. Some of the potential side effects of long-term methadone abuse include:
Nerve damage
Organ damage, including the brain and the liver
Nausea and vomiting
Respiratory issues
Heart problems
Difficulty focusing and reduced attention span
Mood swings
Changes in sexual function
Irregular or stopped menstruation for women
Increased chances of participating in risky behaviors
03. Side Effects of Detox
What Are the Symptoms of Methadone Detox?
Even though methadone withdrawal is rarely life-threatening, the symptoms can be very unpleasant. The more discomfort and pain that it causes, the higher your risk of relapse is. As a result, it is always best to detox in a medically supervised detox center where doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals can monitor your condition and help manage the symptoms.
Here is the breakdown of the detox timeline for methadone:
First 24 Hours of Methadone Withdrawal
The onset of methadone withdrawal symptoms may vary from person to person.
When they do start, you can expect the following:
- Flu-like symptoms
- Fever, chills
- Increased heart rate
- Muscle and body aches
Early Methadone Withdrawal – Days 2-10
During early withdrawal, very strong cravings for methadone will start. In addition to still feeling flu-like symptoms, you’ll likely experience some of the following:
- Hallucinations
- Paranoia
- Anxiety, panic attacks
- Irritability
- Trouble sleeping or staying asleep
- Cravings
Late Methadone Withdrawal – Days 11-21
By this timeframe, most of the physical withdrawal symptoms of methadone will have subsided. However, you’re likely to feel:
- Depression, sometimes severe
- Lack of motivation, no feelings of pleasure
- Strong methadone cravings
Post-Acute Methadone Withdrawal – Days 22+
Even long after you have stopped using methadone, some symptoms may still persist. You may have mild physical symptoms as well as intermittent depression. Cravings and other psychological symptoms may go on for several months.
04. How Long Does Detox Take to Finish
How Long Will It Take to Detox from Methadone?
Because drug withdrawal is different from one person to the next, it’s hard to say exactly how onlg methadone detox will take. The symptoms and length of the withdrawal process of methadone depend on many factors, two of the biggest being:
How long you’ve been using and dependent on methadone
What dose your body is used to having
The detox symptoms from methadone withdrawal are similar to other opiates, however, with methadone, the symptoms typically last much longer. In fact, methadone withdrawal can last from a few weeks to several months.
How to Recognize if Methadone Detox May Be Right for You
There are three major signs of addiction that apply to all substances, including methadone. They are tolerance, withdrawal, and cravings.
1. Tolerance – You may be able to recognize methadone addiction when you see that the individual has to take more and more of the drug to reach the same level of effects (that used to be reached with a lower amount).
2. Withdrawal – Another indicator of addiction is when a person stops using a drug, or significantly lowers the dose, and they suffer from withdrawal symptoms. This typically indicates a physical dependence to the drug, and it can happen even when the drug is taken as prescribed.
3. Cravings – A person who is addicted to a drug will obsess over their supply of the drug and how to obtain more. They will crave the drug when they do not have it, and these cravings can be very intense and all-consuming. Even potential negative consequence cannot stop them from using.
Tolerance and withdrawal can be present with any drug that is taken over a period of time. They indicate physical dependence. If you begin to have cravings and are obsessing about obtaining and using methadone, you may have an addiction to the drug and should speak with a medical professional for guidance.
05. Detox by Drug Type
What Are the Different Types of Detox?
At True Life Recovery, our dedicated and caring staff will help you through the detox process. You will be monitored regularly, to ensure your safety and comfort during detox. In addition to methadone detox, we offer help detoxing from the following:
We offer detox for drugs and alcohol including:
06. Getting Help
Getting Help and Methadone Detox
Detox is only the first step toward recovery. Once you’ve completed detoxing from methadone, it will likely be recommended that you attend an inpatient drug treatment program. Inpatient treatment will give you the best chances of having long-term sobriety. There you’ll learn about addiction, receive therapy, be introduced to 12-step programs, and learn coping skills and relapse prevention, all of which are essential to know before you return to your daily life.
You’ll find that there are various options for inpatient treatment programs. It’s important to look for a rehab center that meets your individual needs and that provides you with a sense of comfort. That may mean doing some research and asking questions, but the time you put into it will be well worth it when your feet are planted firmly in recovery.
True Life Recovery is an inpatient detox center in Orange County with qualified and compassionate staff members who will guide you through the detox process. Our center is safe, quiet, and comfortable, the perfect setting for getting clean and beginning your new life in recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Addiction is a complicated, irrational and multi-faceted disease. Addiction is a chronic disease of the brain that is persisting, recurring and difficult to stop. Addiction is not a moral failing or a lack of will power. Nobody chooses to be an addict. Experimenting with drugs and alcohol may lead to addiction in certain people. People basically use drugs or alcohol to relax, escape or reward themselves. A potential addiction occurs and is more likely in people who have an addictive personality caused by biology, environment or socially or are predisposed through heredity. These people don’t just feel good after using they feel so good they chase the feeling and the substance.
Signs of Addiction:
- Increased Tolerance & Intense Urges
- Physical or Emotional Withdrawal Symptoms
- Negative Consequences
- Unsuccessful Attempts to Stop
- Too Much Time Spent Seeking Next High
- Addiction without the proper professional help can be terminal.
If you cannot control or stop using alcohol or drugs and your use is affecting your life adversely regarding health, self-esteem, family, employment, friends even law enforcement it’s probably time to consider a recovery program for yourself.
The first step after deciding to take control of your life back is to detox. Detoxing from an addiction is the first step in changing your life.
A “cold turkey” approach is not recommended because of the physical problems that may arise. In our experience people who try going cold turkey usually disappoint themselves and relapse. Detox should never be attempted at home or without medical supervision at a licensed detox treatment facility.
At True Life Recovery, we medically manage your detox stay and provide you with as pain-free and safe experience as possible. We manage the physical effects of withdrawal, give you a safe comfortable supportive environment with proper food and emotional support.
When an individual determines to live life clean and sober the first step is detox.
The next phase is adjusting to abstinence. Lasting recovery means behavioral changes that support your journey. Talking it out in a private or public support system will assist in recovery.
Active involvement in support groups such as AA or NA are recommended.
There are many drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers also available to assist individuals to learn new coping skills and focus on their recovery. As well, your religious organization may be of great support.
Addiction is a chronic disease, therefore the goal is a long-term successful management of the disease.
Detoxification from drugs or alcohol varies depending on the type, the level of abuse, and the individual client’s health.
In general, detox will take 3 to 10 days.
When you speak with one of our True Life Recovery representatives they will begin to assess your dependency and will give you a good idea of what timeline to expect to stay.
Costs include 24-hour supervision and monitoring, room and board in a private or shared room, intake evaluation, counseling and therapy sessions as well as nutritious food freshly prepared daily.
For anyone worried that the wrong person will find out that you are going through a detox program – don’t be. Deciding to become clean and sober is a very personal issue and we highly respect individual rights. We do not give out personal information, have and maintain a very strict confidentiality policy.
