Methadone Detox

Methadone Detox

The Coleman Method offers a more comfortable, quicker, safer option to detox – and commit to your recovery.

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Outpatient Methadone Detox Treatment

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).

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How Does the Coleman Method For Methadone Detox Work?

The Coleman Institute understands the unique circumstances that methadone patients face, which is why we carefully adapted our Accelerated Opioid Detox program to meet your specific needs. We start by using a carefully selected combination of medications and sedatives to completely remove the opiates attached to your brain receptors. Many patients and their support person ask us how long it takes to detox off of methadone. Because methadone stays in your body for so much longer than other drugs, we extend our outpatient treatment to as little as 8 days rather than shorter periods used for other opioids.

Because this outpatient treatment takes days instead of weeks or months, there is very little disruption to your life. Patients who live near one of our offices are able to spend nights at home in the comfort of their own bed. In select locations, our team works with you to treat any longer-term withdrawal symptoms after detox to ensure that you’re on the best path to complete healing. From there, you’re on the road to long-term recovery as quickly as possible.

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Substance Use Disorder and Methadone

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)

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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.

What Are The Symptoms Of Methadone Withdrawal?

When someone is dependent on methadone, the chemical structure of the brain has changed, and the person can experience withdrawal symptoms if they stop using. The withdrawal experience can be exhausting and painful, which is why many of those suffering with an opioid dependence choose methadone maintenance therapy; to avoid withdrawal.

Methadone withdrawal symptoms themselves can vary in terms of severity. Some signs of methadone withdrawal symptoms are mild whereas others can be more intense such as pain, vomiting, anxiety, and insomnia. Additionally, these symptoms can vary depending on the quantity and frequency of methadone use. Common symptoms or side effects of methadone withdrawal can include:

  • Sweating and cold Sweats
  • Insomnia
  • Intense aches and pains
  • Heightened levels of anxiety and depression
  • Nausea and Vomiting
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Intense cravings for methadone and other opioids
  • Shaking
  • Increased sensitivity to pain

Facts About Methadone Use and Dependence

Although methadone is commonly used to treat dependence on other opioids, such as heroin, it is still difficult to stop or even taper off of. Research shows that many individuals that attempt to slowly reduce usage with the goal of stopping entirely do not succeed.

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Find An Outpatient Detox Near You

 

The Coleman Institute offers a variety of outpatient detox treatment options at locations nationwide. Our ground-breaking Coleman Method has helped thousands of patients recover from the effects of addiction. Whether you want to detox from opiates or alcohol, we can help.

 

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See What Other Patients are Saying about Coleman Institute…

 

Ronnie – Methadone
“I feel good. I feel clean. I am going to stay that way.”

 

Ben – Methadone
“There was no possible way to get off drugs on my own.”

Ready to Reclaim Your Life?

Get back to being yourself with our safe and effective method for outpatient detox off of methadone.

Call Us Now at 877-773-3869

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