Methadone Withdrawal and Detox

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Do You Have an Addiction to Methadone?

Methadone’s widespread use has become a double-edged sword when it comes to its addictive abilities. The medical community connected to the treatment of opioid addictions considers Methadone as a lifesaver.

But what do you do when Methadone ends up being the drug needing its own lifesaver? Methadone withdrawal must be taken into consideration when it is prescribed to help an opioid withdrawal.

What is Methadone?

Methadone is a drug commonly used to help in detoxing/withdrawing from opioid addiction. It is also used to help treat severe pain. Whether you are on Methadone for pain or withdrawing from an opioid, you can easily become addicted to it.

Methadone is sold under the brand names of Westadone, Methadose, Dolophine, and Diskettes. Each brand name of Methadone comes with warnings about Methadone withdrawal. Methadone treatment centers dispense it to outpatients to reduce the illicit use of opioid drugs.

It is not given out freely but must be prescribed. Every patient is required to show up daily to get their dose. Some physicians also prescribe Methadone to their patients without requiring them to visit a Methadone treatment center.

The Abuse of Methadone

While taking Methadone, the high that opioids produce is blocked. The downside of this feature of Methadone is the sedative side effects. This side effect is sought after by those who abuse drugs as a way to chill and relax. Abuse of Methadone includes using higher doses of the drug by injecting it. Overdose and even death become a stark reality for many who inject this drug.

Methadone Statistics

• Methadone was responsible for 23% of prescription opioid fatalities.
• Methadone weighed in as 1% of prescribed opioids used for pain.
• One in four opioid-related deaths was caused by a Methadone overdose.

Side Effects and Long-Term Effects of Methadone

The effects of Methadone can occur around one hour after taking orally and last up to 7.5 hours. When taken in large doses, the side effects are intensified quickly, becoming dangerous and potentially deadly. Methadone withdrawal increasingly becomes more difficult the longer you are taking it.

Side effects

• Breathing difficulty that can lead to death
• An irregular heartbeat can lead to death
• Headache
• Weight gain
• Abdominal pain
• Dry mouth
• Tongue soreness
• Difficulty urinating
• Mood swings
• Vision problems
• Insomnia
• Seizure
• Itching
• Skin rash/hives
• Swelling of eyes, face, tongue, mouth, throat
• Hallucinations
• Fever
• Sweating
• Confusion
• Severe muscle twitching
• Impaired/lost coordination
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Erectile problems
• Irregular menses
• Low libido
• Methadone withdrawal
• Overdose

Overdose symptoms:

• Respiratory depression
• Cyanosis
• Extreme drowsiness leading to coma
• Dilated pupils
• Cold, clammy skin
• Bradycardia
• Apnea
• Circulatory Collapse
• Cardiac Arrest
• Death

Long-term side effects

• Change in brain function
• Respiratory problems
• Relapse
• Heart problems
• Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Addiction
• Overdose
• Death

Mental Illness and Methadone

Those with pre-existing mental disorders are more likely to abuse drugs. Certain mental disorders are directly associated with opioid addiction. Depression, anxiety, personality disorder, and mood disorders run side by side with such addiction. Because of this, the chances of relapse, addiction, overdose, and death are concerns.

Methadone may prove to be less effective because of our mental disorders requiring dosing to be increased. This puts us at a higher risk of side effects. We are less likely to volunteer with Methadone withdrawal when treatment ends.

This results in measures being taken on behalf of the Methadone treatment center or the physician, which may not be in our favor.

Treatment for a Methadone Addiction

First and foremost, we want you to know you do not have to go it alone! The first step towards treatment is making that call! Don’t put it off and have the mindset that you cannot do this because you can. We have confidence in your ability to do this.

We have people here at Resurgence waiting for your call. Guess what? The minute you hear our voice on the other end of the phone, you will begin to feel empowered. That sense of empowerment becomes stronger as you advance through each phase of treatment.

Our goal for each of our residents here at Resurgence is to encourage a warm and loving environment where you heal and get better. We tailor a treatment plan around you and your needs.

Inpatient residents enjoy the peaceful and healing atmosphere of the center as they undergo treatment. We have a wide range of treatments and accommodations. Residents have the option of executive or luxury accommodations during their stay.

Celebrities, VIPs, and those accustomed to a more upscale lifestyle do not have to compromise on what they are accustomed to getting, because it is all right here at Resurgence. We also offer faith-based treatment for residents who lean on their faith for everyday living and healing.

As an inpatient, you will learn about how to detox for Methadone withdrawal and then undergo detoxification. How long does it take to detox from Methadone? Withdrawal symptoms of Methadone appear 36-48 hours after discontinuing use of it. The symptoms slowly decrease over a stretch of three weeks or longer.

We want you to be as comfortable as possible during the process. Many residents choose medical detox as a shorter withdrawal alternative. Whether you choose medical or social detoxing, you will have someone monitoring you during the entire process around the clock. Once you have detoxed, you will advance to partial hospitalization to ease back into life.

Some treatment plans may include evidence-based approaches. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is talk therapy that helps you become aware of any negative thinking, triggers, or behaviors that contribute to your addiction.

You will learn about the skills and strategies to turn those things around while building your resiliency to gain control and heal. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing uses therapy, awareness, and eye movement to ground you in the here and now as you go back and explore your mental health surrounding an addiction.

This form of treatment is used for those who have gone through trauma. Addictive behaviors form around traumatic events in our lives. We use drugs to medicate and numb our emotions that are the result of trauma.

Once you graduate to outpatient status, your treatment continues during scheduled visits here at the center. We do not want your busy life to interfere with treatment, and we understand that things like your job, caring for children, or school may get in the way.

If so, you can continue treatment with intensive outpatient therapy. You will be equipped with the knowledge to understand how to get off Methadone and stay off of it to be a healthier version of yourself.

So, come on, let’s pick up that phone.

Our 24/7 phone line is always manned by a real person. You can also contact us online through our website.

Payment and Insurance

We want to make your experience with Resurgence a positive one. We have staff members who will contact your insurance to verify coverage, so you do not have to. A minute used to worry about contacting insurance can be a minute invested in getting better!

We accept most PPO insurances. If you do not see your insurance in our listing below, give us a call. Payment options include private pay and payment plans. Online payments are accepted through our secure online payment service.

• Assurant Health
• Vista Insurance Partners
• Humana
• Ameritas Group
• Health Net
• Cigna
• Horizon Blue Cross
• Premera Blue Cross
• Blue Cross Blue Shield

We are confident that you will find Resurgence a place of warmth, welcoming, and healing. We strive to foster the environment you need to get better. Methadone withdrawal and detox are done under our care will prepare you to get back out there and live life!

We are sensitive to your needs, and if there is anything we can do to make your stay better, please do not hesitate to let us know. Take that first step. We are waiting for your call.