Methadone impacts the central nervous system by blocking receptors that produce euphoric feelings and a state of feeling wonderful. A synthetic, long-acting opioid, methadone is similar to morphine in that sense. Methadone works by preventing opiate withdrawal symptoms, blocking euphoric effects of opiates and minimizing cravings. Learn more about the process of detox for individuals who are ready to quit methadone.
Path to Detox
Detoxification is the process by which the drug is removed from the system and the drug leaves the body. During detox, methadone leaves the system and triggers a set of withdrawal symptoms. The safest way to detox is in a specialized clinic supervised by medical staff. Detox can also occur at home with medical approval. Some popular methods include:
- Cold turkey
- Medically supervised
- Self-guided
- Tapered methadone
The rate of relapse is higher in cases of cold turkey detox. Tapered methadone detox (slowly cutting down doses) can manifest in less severe symptoms and result in more successful outcomes. The tapered methadone detox does not cause a shock to the body and may, in fact, minimize methadone withdrawal symptoms. An individualized plan for staging dose reduction over time may be necessary.
Detox Protocol
Methadone detox is a set of interventions designed to manage and support withdrawal symptoms and intoxication. The core purpose of all detoxes is to intoxicate the body from drugs and ease symptoms. Detox is only the first step in treating possible addiction. Generally, three steps are involved in detox from methadone:
Evaluation Process
This process consists of assessment, diagnosis and complete monitoring a person’s psychological and physical state in order to manage addiction treatment. Methadone users go through different urinalysis and blood tests for establishing levels of methadone in the body to assess dependence.
Stabilization Process
This process involves many psychological, pharmacological and medical therapies for helping address withdrawal symptoms. Typically, stabilization process includes use of medications including buprenorphine, short acting benzodiazepines or antidepressants. To avoid substituting one drug dependence for another, slowly lowering daily doses and use of over-the-counter medications is preferred to pharmaceutical treatments.
Long-Term Recovery
The last process of detox prepares people for entry into addiction treatment. Main treatments address the psychological state of the person by underlining the importance of completing standardized treatment and referral of people to local resources.
The last process of methadone detox prepares methadone abusers for entry into addiction treatment, when necessary. The main treatments address the psychological state of the person by underlining the importance of completing standardized treatment and referring patients to local resources.
Some people may desire to try medically supervised detox clinics while others look to methadone detox at home. Cold turkey detox is also an option but it is generally not recommended due to the high risk of relapse. Cold turkey detox may be suggested for long term or chronic abuse but depends on the individual situation.
The Villa provides support and resources for individuals seeking help for methadone detox and recovery. Call us to find out how we can help you move from addiction to freedom.
