Methadone Detox | Methadone Addiction Treatment
How Methadone Works
Methadone is a synthetic, long-acting medication that is usually taken orally. Originally, the drug was used for the treatment of chronic pain after World War II. Since the 1960’s it has been used as a treatment for heroin addiction, although it continues to be used as a painkiller as well. The drug, however, does accumulate within the body. Chronic use of methadone impacts the entire body. It is not a drug that can be stopped “cold turkey.” Because the half-life of methadone is so long the withdrawal tends to be prolonged and severe.
Methadone Detox
Addiction occurs rapidly with the use of methadone. When used on a regular basis, tolerance levels for methadone continue to rise, requiring constant and incremental increases in the dosage. If you are using methadone to avoid using heroin, for example, and you decide to detox from methadone on your own, it is likely that the heroin use will resume.
Type of Drug |
Withdrawal Symptoms |
Average Length of Detox |
Methadone |
Muscle and bone pain
Sweat and cold flashes
Diarrhea
Fatigue
Flu-like symptoms
Vomiting |
10 days |
Unfortunately, withdrawal symptoms from methadone detox last longer than those of heroin detoxification -- one of several reasons to participate in a carefully monitored methadone detoxification program.
Detox from Methadone | Programs
Often, methadone users are co-addicted to other drugs such as alcohol or cocaine and, according to the Center for Disease Control, another forty percent of that population also suffer from a variety of mental disorders. Because of these cross-addictions, a host of physical and emotional issues accompany the methadone detox. For the well-being of the methadone user, it is recommended that methadone detoxification be managed in a licensed detoxification facility.
Lakeview Health Systems provides patients with a safe, secure detox center staffed by medical professionals who are trained addiction nurses and doctors. A full evaluation of your physical and emotional status will determine the appropriate methadone detoxification treatment plan.
Beyond Methadone Detox Programs and Treatment
Substituting one drug for another is a dead-end solution. At Lakeview Health Systems, we are dedicated to helping you break the cycle of addiction. Our methadone treatment programs are customized so that you can address all the issues relating to your specific physical and emotional needs.
“Putting down” the drug is the first step in recovery. A close examination of all the underlying reasons for use, including physical pain, must be done to create a solid foundation for long-term recovery. Our methadone treatment plans use medically based models, including individual and group therapies. 12-step workshops, recreational activities, spiritual workshops (optional), are all part of our philosophy to approach recovery from a whole person perspective. You will learn about everyday living skills, triggers, anger management, and more.
We provide you with the tools to overcome your addiction and begin your life again. Aftercare plans, specifically designed for your needs, allow you to strengthen the knowledge gained at Lakeview Health Systems and build a stronger recovery.
Other Detoxification Programs that Lakeview Offers:
You can take back your life and begin methadone detox now. Pick up the phone and call 1-800-884-1727. You can also reach our Helpline by using Live Chat or through our Contact Us form.
