Methadone is an opioid pain reliever that is a commonly prescribed medication to help those struggling with addiction recover from other opioids such as heroin and morphine. While it is a helpful treatment option, it can lead to drug dependence and withdrawal symptoms when discontinued. The best way to overcome methadone addiction is through detox and a comprehensive treatment program.

Trying to self-detox without medical supervision can be very dangerous and increase the risk of relapse. Luckily, many facilities offer methadone detox and can create a customized treatment plan for each patient. During the detox process, individuals are carefully monitored by trained medical professionals to ensure that they remain safe and comfortable. The team will work with each person to determine the best method of tapering off methadone and can provide non-addictive medications to ease the discomfort of withdrawal symptoms like diarrhea, irritability and trouble sleeping.

The length of the detox process will vary from person to person. Several factors can affect the intensity of withdrawal symptoms and how long they last, including biological and environmental factors. During detox, it is important to drink lots of water and eat healthy foods to avoid dehydration and malnutrition. A person who is undergoing detox should also have a support person nearby to monitor them for severe withdrawal symptoms like seizures and hallucinations.

While it is rare to die from the effects of Methadone detox, it is essential that it be done under a doctors care. Withdrawal from any opioid can be incredibly uncomfortable, and some people may need to undergo multiple rounds of detox before the drugs are completely out of their system. Methadone detox is typically a safe and effective procedure, especially when the dosage is gradually reduced over a few weeks or months.

What Is the Methadone Detox Path?

The most effective and safest way to detox from methadone is through a residential treatment program. Inpatient methadone detox programs are usually located in treatment facilities and provide around-the-clock care from a medical staff that is specially trained to handle opioid withdrawal and addiction. Residential detox is the first step in a comprehensive addiction treatment program that can help an individual with their recovery and achieve long-term sobriety.

Outpatient methadone detox is an option for those with a milder addiction and who can attend treatment sessions during the day. While it does not provide the same level of supervision as inpatient detox, it can still be an excellent option for those who are unable or unwilling to commit to living at a treatment facility. The outpatient detox process is often accompanied by group and individual therapy sessions to provide the foundation for long-term recovery.