Methadone, a medication often hailed as a cure for those battling opioid addiction, carries with it a complex history that holds the potential for both relief and risk. Originally developed in the 1930s and introduced to the market for pain relief, its use expanded over the decades to include treatment for heroin and other opioid addictions through maintenance programs. These programs aim to stabilize individuals and reduce harm from illicit drug use by providing a legal, prescription alternative. However, methadone’s potential for abuse and dependence has emerged as a poignant chapter in the broader story of addiction treatments. Its accessibility and opioid-like effects make it susceptible to misuse, leading many down a path they sought to avoid, stuck in a cycle of methadone abuse and addiction.
What Is Methadone?
Methadone is a synthetic opioid drug typically prescribed for treating severe pain. It is commonly also used as a solution to assist rehabilitation for opioid addicts – especially those using heroin. Methadone maintenance is most common amongst the “therapeutic” use of methadone, it allows opioid addicts to ween themselves off from use of any opioid substance— including methadone itself. Despite the “therapeutic” use of methadone, this substance can often become its own addiction, as users depend on methadone after discontinuing use of other opioids.
How Does Methadone Work?
Methadone, a long-acting opioid agonist, utilizes and attaches to the same receptors as morphine and heroin. This allows it to stabilize people and minimize the painful withdrawal symptoms they may be experiencing when they detox. It can be taken daily, it is available in liquid, powder, and tablet forms.
When taken as directed, methadone reduces opioid craving and withdrawal and blunts or blocks the effects of opioids. While this is a legal substance, it is understood that there is a very high likelihood of people becoming dependent or addicted to it. Illegal use of methadone can lead to extreme physical and mental disturbance.
Side Effects of Methadone
Following suit with other drugs that contribute to the opioid crisis, much of the abuse and misuse of methadone happens simply by receiving prescriptions.
Side effects of methadone include:
- Dry mouth
- Sweating
- Constipation
- Nausea and vomiting
- Impaired balance and coordination
- Slurred speech
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Difficulty breathing
While Methadone can be an effective form of medication-assisted treatment for opioid addiction, it is also highly addictive and has the potential for abuse. Many people who are prescribed Methadone for pain management or to aid in their recovery from heroin or prescription opioid addiction end up becoming dependent on the drug.
Dangers of Methadone Abuse
Compared to other painkillers, methadone has a very long half-life. It can stay in the body for upwards of 50 hours or more. However, the painkilling benefits end after about eight hours. As an addiction solution, this is beneficial because it will alleviate withdrawal longer without additional uses, but for pain relief it becomes challenging. Even slightly overusing methadone can lead to death.
Withdrawal
Methadone is traditionally prescribed to treat an opiate addiction, however, people can develop tolerance and dependence to the drug while receiving methadone maintenance program. With that being said, methadone’s withdrawal effects are less severe when compared to many other opiates. Many other opiates leave the body quickly, resulting in quicker onset of withdrawal and more acute symptoms. Methadone can last in the body for nearly three days straight – causing symptoms to onset slower. It was created to treat heroin addiction and other addictions, so it tends to have slightly fewer effects.
Methadone withdrawal can include symptoms such as:
- Muscle aches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sweating
- Shaking
- Anxiety
- Fever
Not everybody suffers all the symptoms or the most severe ones. The severity of symptoms usually depends on the length and frequency of methadone abuse. Age and overall health can also impact the severity of drug withdrawal.
Overdose
One of the major dangers of using Methadone is its potential to cause overdose. Due to its potency, it is much easier to overdose on methadone than on many other opioids. This risk increases when someone abuses the drug by taking more than prescribed or mixing it with other substances like alcohol or benzodiazepines.
Signs of a methadone overdose include:
- Convulsions
- Heart attack
- Being unable to stay awake
- Respiratory depression
- Blue-tinted skin and fingers
- Coma
- Death
If you are using this medication, it is imperative that you only use it as a doctor has prescribed. Even then, it is important to be very careful. If side effects begin to kick in, you should get medical attention immediately. Methadone builds up inside the body over time, so even taking one dose more than recommended can lead to an overdose.
Methadone Detox at Royal Life Centers
At Royal Life Detox, the journey toward healing is both comprehensive and compassionate, tailored to address the multifaceted nature of methadone abuse and addiction. Understanding that each individual’s path to addiction—and consequently to recovery—is unique, the center employs an array of evidence-based treatments designed to heal both body and mind. From medically supervised detoxification that ensures safety and minimizes discomfort during methadone withdrawal to therapy sessions aimed at uncovering and addressing the root causes of addiction, Royal Life Detox equips individuals with the tools they need for lasting sobriety. Through this holistic approach, those battling heroin abuse are empowered to construct a foundation for a substance-free future, surrounded by professionals who champion their success every step of the way.
Methadone Detox Meds
In our methadone detox program, various medications can offer relief during the five to ten days of withdrawal.
Or medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs can offer FDA-approved medications such as:
- Clonidine
- Buprenorphine (Subutex or “subs”)
- Buprenorphine with naloxone (Suboxone or “subs”)
These detox medications are designed to alleviate physical discomfort and promote rest during withdrawal. They also reduce cravings, minimizing the risk of relapse and leaving against medical advice (AMA) before completing detox.
Therapy and Holistic Care
Complementary practices such as warm baths, light exercise, balanced nutrition, and the compassionate care of recovery-focused physicians, nurses, and counselors further support the process. Of these, compassionate counseling is the most vital, as your drug counselor will guide you into the next critical phase of methadone withdrawal: recovery-focused therapy. At Royal Life Detox, we provide every guest with unwavering care and support, empowering them to begin their journey toward a successful, sober life.
What Happens After Methadone Detox?
At Royal Life Detox, we provide a comprehensive, holistic approach to addiction recovery, supporting the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of our guests. After completing medical detox for methadone abuse, individuals transition into a tailored substance abuse treatment program designed to promote long-term sobriety and personal growth. Beyond methadone detox, we offer a broad range of treatment options for various forms of drug addiction, ensuring that each guest receives the care that best suits their needs.
Our team of dedicated addiction specialists—including therapists, case managers, and facility staff—strives to deliver exceptional care and unwavering support. We incorporate evidence-based psychotherapy through individual and group sessions, paired with holistic therapies such as art, music, and animal-assisted activities. These methods help our guests express themselves, build communication skills, and foster emotional healing, which we believe is just as crucial as physical recovery. Additionally, our programs feature innovative activity, movement, and adventure therapies, creating a well-rounded treatment approach that nurtures the mind, body, and spirit.
Guests can begin their recovery journey in our residential inpatient program and seamlessly progress through our continuum of care, including PHP (Partial Hospitalization Program), IOP (Intensive Outpatient Program), OP (Outpatient Program), and sober living at our graduate housing residences. At every stage, the well-being of our guests remains our top priority. Our mission is to inspire lasting transformation, empowering individuals to lead healthy, fulfilling, and sober lives long after they leave our care.
At Royal Life Detox, recovery is not just a program—it’s a commitment to helping our guests reclaim their lives and embrace a brighter future.
Methadone Detox in Arizona
Methadone addiction is a complex issue and recovery will require ongoing support. At Royal Life Detox, we offer comprehensive opioid addiction treatment programs to ensure long-term success in maintaining sobriety. Our team will work with you to create an individualized plan that includes therapy, support groups, and other resources that can aid in your recovery journey.
If you or a loved one has a dependency or addiction to methadone, please reach out to us about your detox and treatment options. Royal Life Detox admissions staff is available 24/7 to answer your questions and address your concerns.
Because We Care.
