Methadone Detox
Methadone Detox in Port St. Lucie
Commonly used to treat opioid addictions, methadone is also highly addictive substance. In 2009, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that methadone made up nearly one in every three prescription painkiller deaths.
At NP Addiction Clinic, we provide treatment and detox for those using high doses of methadone up to 225mg. We additionally offer complete mental health support and medical assistance throughout each step of recovery, detox, and treatment.
What Is Methadone?
Methadone is a strong opioid painkiller, often used to replace opiates in addiction recovery. It is longer-lasting than other substances from the same family, such as heroin and fentanyl, so it only needs to be dosed once per day.
Although it’s a useful medication, methadone is extremely addictive and unmedicated detox can be very uncomfortable.
Unprescribed methadone use can be especially dangerous as it remains within the body for between two to thirteen days. As such, this makes the risk of overdose extremely high.
Symptoms of a methadone overdose include:
Slow breathing
Reduced heart rate
Cold skin
Changes in pupil size
Inability to wake up
Muscle weakness
Fatigue
If you think you or your loved one has experienced a methadone overdose, call emergency services immediately. Treatments such as naloxone can be administered to reverse an overdose if caught in time..
How Is Methadone Used?
When a client wants to stop using highly addictive opioids, methadone is often prescribed. This is known as medically-assisted treatment or MAT. Methadone bonds to the opioid receptors and reduces the symptoms of opioid withdrawal and alleviates cravings, offering a better chance of recovery from opioid addiction. It also keeps tolerance at a stable level, which reduces the risk of accidental overdose.
Occasionally, methadone is also used in pain management. Even if you have no history of substance use, using methadone long-term will result in physical addiction. It doesn’t matter to us where you get your supply from – if you need help we can provide it.
Methadone Detox At NP Addiction Clinic
At NP Addiction Clinic, we can prescribe methadone to our clients during detox. We gradually taper down the dose to prevent the body from going into acute withdrawals. This slow and steady approach means our clients are as comfortable as possible during their time with us.
Methadone is highly regulated, and only a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) approved treatment program can prescribe it to treat opioid addictions. Despite its addictive properties, it is safe and effective when taken as directed. Our treatment is tailored to each person to ensure the correct dosage is given, and when taken at the correct time, the chance of overdose minimizes.
Side Effects of Methadone
When methadone is used long-term, it can have some mild to moderate side effects.
These include:
Nausea
Vomiting
Sweating
Sexual problems
Constipation
People can also experience serious methadone side effects, such as:
Chest pain
Hives or rash
Difficulty breathing
Shallow breathing
Confusion
Hallucinations
A rapid heartbeat
If individuals encounter any of these side effects upon taking methadone, they should immediately contact emergency services. If they are in treatment for opiate addiction, other medications are available to help safely detox them, including naltrexone and buprenorphine.
How a Methadone Detox Works
The detox process works differently depending on the amount of methadone a person uses. If they are using a higher dose, we will use a tapering process. This means decreasing the dosage of methadone a person receives, which helps reduce severe withdrawal symptoms.
This detox process can take weeks to complete, but it is the safest option. By slowly reducing methadone use, recovery rates are much more significant. For lower doses, we may switch clients over to buprenorphine and follow a tapering process.
At NP Addiction Clinic, we treat clients who have become dependent on high levels of methadone up to 225mg. Our medical detox process is supervised closely to limit health risks and treat severe side effects of withdrawal.
Understanding that substance abuse can stem from underlying mental health conditions, we are dedicated to identifying the root cause to reduce the risk of relapse. We also recognize how important mental health is during the detox process. As a result, we provide access to support groups and therapy in our state-of-the-art treatment facility.
Symptoms of Methadone Dependence
The signs of methadone dependence can be similar to those of opioid addictions.
These include:
Drowsiness
Fatigue
Impaired memory
Losing interest or motivation in activities and hobbies
Missing school or work
Isolation from friends and family
Indications of substance abuse look different from person to person. Recognizing this, we offer customized medical detox programs to suit each person. Our inpatient care provides care and support for those going through the detox process and helps to improve the chances of a successful recovery.
Symptoms of Methadone Withdrawal
When progressing through a methadone detox, many people will experience flu-like symptoms.
These can include:
Fever
Chills
Muscle aches
Anxiety
Irritability
Stomach cramps
Diarrhea
Treatment programs and detox centers, such as our own, can treat these symptoms easily with standard medication.
Some people attempt to quit methadone by going ‘cold turkey’ without any medical assistance or help. However, as there is a high chance of relapse without supervision or medical assistance, doing so is not safe.
During detox, the risk of complications from withdrawal, such as severe dehydration or lung infections from aspiration, also increases. NP Addiction Clinic offers around-the-clock medical care and support to help reduce these risks and offer the highest chances of a successful recovery.
Timeline of Methadone Withdrawal
Symptoms of methadone withdrawal will arise at different times for everyone, but generally, they appear as follows:
Stage One – Twenty-four to thirty-six hours after withdrawal, the first symptoms emerge. These include anxiety, fatigue, trouble sleeping, and restlessness. Flu-like symptoms such as muscle aches and chills can also be expected..
Stage Two – Three days after withdrawal begins, symptoms peak. Here, symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and feelings of depression are present. Lasting for approximately one week, methadone cravings are additionally strong at this stage.
Stage Three – One week after methadone withdrawal begins, symptoms begin to alleviate. However, symptoms such as anxiety and irritability may persist, and cravings will likely still be present. Feelings of depression can also be intense during this time.
Medicated methadone withdrawal at NP Addiction Clinic is the safest way to detox, as each client is fully supported with medical aid and therapy as needed. The withdrawal process can be scary to go through alone, yet choosing a detox program at NP Addiction Clinic enables a safe and supervised detox.
Our Methadone Detox
Take control of your life and methadone use with a bespoke detox program from the NP Addiction Clinic. Unlike many other treatment centers, we provide comprehensive and complete care and support for each client.
Completing a detailed assessment process, NP Addiction Clinic considers each individual’s needs to create the most effective program to maximize recovery success.
Though methadone detox can seem intimidating, completing a treatment program at our center will see you well supported in taking the steps to a healthier and happier lifestyle.
Why Choose NP Addiction Clinic?
Why our St. Lucie County rehab and mental health center is right for you and your loved ones.
24-Hour Support
We are dedicated to helping people heal, recover and live better lives, 24-hours a day, 7-days a week. Count on us to be there when you need us most.
On-Site Detox
Mental Health Treatment Pros
Aftercare and Alumni Support
Our aftercare, alumni support and MAT programs are second to none. We’re invested in your recovery and wellness for the long haul.
Let’s Talk Today
The Neuro Psychiatric Addiction Clinic is committed to delivering the best mental health and addiction treatment available. We can help you or the one you love too, but you need to make the first move. Call us now at (888) 574-3506 or send us a message using this form.
