Methadone Detox

Why Choose Methadone Detox?

Many people have successfully used methadone in order to stop using heroin, fentanyl, or other dangerous opioids and have begun to recover their normal lives. One complication is that methadone is also a mood-altering opioid that is incredibly difficult to detox from. Detoxing off of methadone can even be harder than heroin and many prescription opiates.

Fortunately, you don’t have to choose between suffering through a long, painful detox and using methadone for the rest of your life. We have developed a unique process to help people who want to transition from methadone over to Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) using the non-addictive opioid blocker, Naltrexone. The Coleman Institute is here to help you safely and comfortably detox off of methadone without disrupting the life that you’ve worked so hard to rebuild.

The Coleman Method offers a powerful, efficient, and comprehensive approach to recovery for those looking to get off of methadone, detoxing patients from methadone doses as high as 300 mg (most other providers only provide support for up to 30 mg dosages).

SCHEDULE A CALLBACK

How Does Methadone Use Become A Dependence?

For decades, Methadone has been useful in helping those struggling with opioid dependency by transitioning them from heroin or other dangerous opioids to this legal (when prescribed) alternative.

Methadone maintenance therapy under the supervision of a practitioner is both safe and effective, but it can leave you with the challenge of detoxing off of methadone itself. Since methadone is an opioid itself, it results in withdrawal symptoms when an individual stops taking it, just like with other opioids. In fact, most patients find detoxing off of methadone more difficult than withdrawing off of short-acting opioids. Methadone is a long-acting opioid agonist, so it stays active on the brain for a longer period of time than many other opioids. 

Although methadone does not give the same “high” as other opioids, the methadone withdrawal symptoms are the same when quitting. Much like other opioids, the brain will reduce its own production of natural endorphins over time, leaving a person increasingly reliant on methadone to stave off withdrawal.

What Are the Signs of Methadone Dependence?

Although methadone is commonly used to treat dependence on other opioids, it still has the potential for abuse, along with the withdrawal symptoms that come with detoxing off methadone. Even after using methadone for a short period of time, sometimes less than two weeks, dependency can occur. Although the methadone dependency will vary among individuals based on genetic makeup, amount used, or amount of time using methadone, there are many common signs to look out for:

• Not following methadone prescription usage appropriately
• Obtaining methadone illegally outside of professional care
• Lying about or hiding the use of methadone
• Anxiety and depression
• Apathy and lack of motivation
• Irritability
• The inability to stop using methadone (including attempts at tapering use)

GET THE FREE GUIDE

What To Expect When Detoxing Off Of Methadone?

Methadone’s long half life means that a comfortable detox can take longer than detoxing off of other opioids. At the Coleman Institute, we will ask patients to stop taking their methadone 48 hours before their first scheduled appointment, based on guidance from our physician.

Day 1 of Detoxing Off Of Methadone
On day 1, patients may be in mild withdrawal because they stopped taking methadone 2 days earlier. They will receive comfort medications throughout the day and a micro-dose of Naltrexone to speed up the healing process and make it more manageable.

Intermediate Day(s) of Detoxing Off Of Methadone
The number of intermediate days in a methadone detox is based on the patient individual’s situation such as medical history, usage history, frequency of usage, and specific symptoms that may occur. The intermediate days of the outpatient methadone detox are similar to the first day in that the patient continues to receive comfort medications along with a micro-dose of Naltrexone. Because methadone stays in your body for so much longer than other drugs, the process of getting off of methadone can be challenging, and it really helps to have a team of experienced professionals using a proven methodology to get you through it.

Final Day of Detoxing Off Of Methadone
By the final day of the methadone detox, patients have made significant progress. The remaining opioids are gently removed from the brain over 6 to 8 hours. At this point the outpatient methadone detox is complete, we administer long-acting Naltrexone, and the patient can return home knowing that all of the opioids have been removed from their brain. Following the methadone detox, many patients choose Naltrexone implants for additional support as they start a new life, free from addiction.