Methadone, while commonly used for treating opioid addiction, can also be the cause of substance abuse issues for some people. If you or a loved one is struggling with methadone abuse, know that help is available for you. Getting through methadone detox can be a challenge, but it’s easier with the right help.
Seaglass Recovery understands the risk of methadone abuse and offers the tools you need to recover. We can help you understand your addiction and provide the necessary support to achieve long-term recovery. Anyone in Arizona who is taking methadone for opioid abuse can benefit from one of our treatment programs.
What Is Methadone?
Methadone is a medication commonly used to help treat opioid addiction. It is used as part of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and is a proven method for helping people reduce or quit their use of opioids.
While Methadone is an opioid itself, it works differently from other opioids, blocking the euphoric effects of these drugs rather than causing them. This allows it to reduce withdrawal symptoms in those who are recovering from opioid addiction. This helps people to focus on other aspects of their recovery, such as counseling and therapy.
What Is Methadone Used For?
When used exactly as prescribed, methadone is a safe and effective treatment for opioid use disorder. It is important to note that methadone can be addictive itself, so it is best to be monitored by a doctor while taking it.
How Do People Get Methadone?
Methadone is a tightly controlled substance due to its potential for addiction. You cannot get it through a regular doctor or pharmacy. Instead, it is only available through specifically licensed programs.
Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs) are clinics that specialize in methadone-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder. A methadone clinic can provide methadone medication, dosing supervision, and counseling in a safe and controlled environment.
How Does Methadone Affect the Brain?
Methadone works by attaching to opioid receptors in the brain. These receptors are found in areas that regulate pain, pleasure, and reward. When this interaction occurs, it produces a variety of effects, including:
- Reduced pain perception: This is the main reason methadone is used as a pain reliever.
- Decreased cravings for other opioids: Methadone helps to suppress the intense cravings that can be a major obstacle to recovery from opioid use disorder.
- Improved mood and well-being: Methadone can also help to improve mood. In particular, it can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
However, methadone can also have some negative effects on the brain. This risk increases with long-term use. These effects can include:
- Impaired cognitive function: Studies have shown that methadone can impair attention, memory, and executive function.
- Changes in brain structure: Some studies have shown that long-term methadone use can lead to changes in the structure of the brain.
- Addiction: Methadone itself is an opioid and can be addictive. People who take methadone for a long time may develop a dependence on the drug.
Is Methadone Dangerous?
While methadone has the potential to be helpful in the right circumstances, it can also be dangerous. Because methadone itself is an opioid, it can have the potential to be addictive. People who take it for a long time may develop a dependence.
This medication can also cause constipation, drowsiness, and cognitive impairment. Furthermore, methadone can be deadly if taken in high doses or misused with other drugs. This is why it is never recommended to use methadone without a doctor’s approval or supervision.
What Is Methadone Detox?
Methadone detox refers to the process of weaning your body off methadone. Methadone, while helpful for treating opioid use disorder, can cause dependence when stopped abruptly. Detox aims to manage withdrawal symptoms while gradually reducing your methadone dosage.
Methadone Withdrawal Symptoms
Methadone withdrawal symptoms occur when someone who has been taking methadone for a period of time stops taking it abruptly or reduces the dosage too quickly. Methadone is a long-acting opioid, so withdrawal symptoms can take days to appear and can last for weeks or even months.
The severity of withdrawal symptoms can vary from person to person. That said, some of the most common symptoms include:
- Muscle aches
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Insomnia
- Restlessness
- Fever
- Chills
- Sweating
- Runny nose
- Watery eyes
- Rapid heartbeat
- High blood pressure
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Difficulty concentrating
- Fatigue
- Cravings for methadone
Methadone Detox Timeline
Generally, methadone detox can take anywhere from several days to a week. Most people will experience the most severe symptoms in the first few days after stopping methadone. In most cases, these symptoms will gradually improve over time.
However, some people may experience post-acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS). These can last for months or even years after stopping methadone. PAWS can cause symptoms such as fatigue, trouble sleeping, anxiety, and depression.
Fortunately, there are medications that can help to relieve some of the symptoms of methadone withdrawal. Therapy can also help to alleviate issues like anxiety and depression, making the withdrawal process more manageable.
Preparing for Methadone Detox
Methadone detox can be a challenging experience but also incredibly rewarding. There are several steps you can take to prepare for it, including consulting your doctor or another healthcare professional. This is the most crucial step and should never be attempted without professional support.
A treatment specialist can assess your situation, discuss the detox process, and develop a safe and personalized tapering plan to minimize withdrawal symptoms. It is also important to educate yourself about what this process entails. Understanding what to expect can help you be prepared ahead of time.
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Who Can Help With Methadone Detox?
Treatment centers like Seaglass Recovery can help you navigate the methadone detox process safely and successfully. Our medical detox program offers the structure you need to understand and overcome your substance abuse.
Various therapies, nutritional counseling, and medication management are just a few of the services you can expect to participate in at our treatment center. Our priority is your successful recovery.
What Are the Benefits of a Methadone Detox Center?
A methadone detox center offers several benefits compared to attempting detox on your own or with minimal support. For starters, detox centers like ours are staffed by medical professionals. They will monitor your withdrawal symptoms and provide immediate medical attention if needed.
This significantly reduces the risk of complications during detox. Our doctors will create and oversee a personalized methadone tapering plan to minimize withdrawal symptoms as much as possible.
Our detox center also provides a structured and supportive environment. This helps significantly reduce your risk of relapse during the early stages of recovery. Being surrounded by others at this time can offer encouragement and prevent isolation.
Additionally, we offer individual and group therapy sessions. These can help you address the underlying issues that may have led to addiction and develop healthy coping mechanisms. Our staff will help hold you accountable for your sobriety, which can be crucial during this challenging time.
Helping a Loved One Through Methadone Detox
Supporting a loved one going through methadone detox can be challenging but incredibly rewarding. There are many ways you can be there for them. The most important thing you can do is be understanding and supportive. This might involve:
- Educating Yourself: Learn about methadone detox, withdrawal symptoms, and the challenges they will face. This will help you manage expectations and provide better support.
- Practicing Empathy: Addiction is a disease, not a moral failing. Focus on offering encouragement and understanding without judgment.
- Listening Without Judgement: Create a safe space for your loved ones to express their feelings and frustrations. It is important for them to be able to speak without fear of criticism.
- Offering Practical Help: This might look like providing transportation, helping with errands and chores, or providing them with healthy meals and snacks.
Other Tips for Recovering from Methadone
Recovery takes time and effort. It is important not to get discouraged by setbacks. Celebrating even small milestones and rewarding yourself for positive steps in your recovery journey can help maintain motivation.
It also helps to be open and honest with your doctor about your progress, challenges, and any cravings you experience. This allows them to adjust your treatment plan as needed. Avoiding triggers can also be crucial for successful recovery.
It is important to learn to identify and avoid people, places, or situations that might trigger cravings. This can help you take preventative measures to avoid these situations, and develop healthy coping mechanisms should you run into them.
Recovery Support Groups
Connecting with others in recovery can provide encouragement and a sense of belonging as you navigate this journey. Exploring options like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) or SMART Recovery can help you find individuals who understand what you are going through.
Holistic Lifestyle Changes
There are several holistic lifestyle changes that you can make to support your recovery. While these may seem like small adjustments, they can make a world of difference in your day-to-day comfort and well-being:
- Diet and Exercise: Maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise routine during recovery is important. This can improve your physical and mental well-being, making it easier to stay on track.
- Stress Management: You can learn healthy ways to manage stress. This might include activities such as yoga, meditation, or spending time in nature. These can help reduce cravings and prevent relapse.
- Proper Sleep Habits: Prioritizing good sleep habits is crucial during this time, as proper rest can improve mood and energy levels.
- Building a New Life: Focus on building a fulfilling life. Pursue hobbies, interests, and activities you enjoy. Consider reconnecting with positive social circles or volunteering.
Family Resources
Addiction can be devastating for both the struggling individual and their family. Fortunately, many resources are available to help families cope and support their loved ones as they navigate the road to recovery.
Seaglass Recovery understands that addiction is a family disease. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, we are here to help. Reach out to us to learn more about the support that is available to you. We can answer all your treatment questions and get started on the path to a happier, healthier life.
- Methadone – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf (nih.gov)
- How do medications to treat opioid use disorder work? | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) (nih.gov)
- Drug Fact Sheet: Methadone (dea.gov)
- Introduction and Background – Methadone
- Chapter 3B: Methadone – Medications for Opioid Use Disorder – NCBI Bookshelf (nih.gov) Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder – NCBI Bookshelf (nih.gov)
