Methadone is a (synthetic opiate) narcotic that when administered once a day, orally, in adequate doses, can usually suppress a heroin addict’s craving and withdrawal for 24 hours. Patients are as physically dependent on methadone as they were to heroin or other opiates, such as OxyContin or Vicodin. Ironically, methadone used to control narcotic addiction is frequently encountered on the illicit market and has been associated with a number of overdose deaths. Tolerance and addiction to methadone is a dangerous threat, as Methadone withdrawal results from the cessation of use. Many former heroin users have claimed that the horrors of heroin addiction withdrawal were far less painful and difficult than Methadone detox.
Many people go from being addicted to heroin to being addicted to methadone, and continue with this “treatment” for years, fearing the withdrawal that will occur when they stop. Methadone does not have to be the way of life for former heroin addicts. A detox program and drug-free program of rehabilitation may be the answer for many sufferers.
Methadone detox symptoms include but are not limited to:
- Severe anxiety, insomnia, profuse sweating, muscle spasms, chills, shivering, tremors, restlessness, yawning, gooseflesh, restless sleep, irritability, weakness, twitching and spasms of muscles, kicking movements, severe backache, abdominal and leg pains, abdominal and muscle cramps, hot and cold flashes, nausea, anorexia, vomiting, intestinal spasm, diarrhea, repetitive sneezing, and increase in body temperature, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and heart rate
After several days of stabilizing a patient with methadone, the amount can be gradually decreased. The rate at which it is decreased is dependent on the reaction of the individual.
During your detox from Methadone, the Physician will usually prescribe detox medication to counter the detox withdrawal symptoms. Our highly trained staff will assist you in making your detox as comfortable and safe as possible. Methadone detox usually last 7 to 21 days.