Methadone is a prescription medication used in the treatment of opioid addiction. People may take methadone to reduce the risk of overdose and abstain from dangerous opioid drugs like oxycodone, heroin, and morphine.
Methadone is a critical tool in the fight against opioid addiction. However, it is an opioid that can cause physical dependence. While people may not experience the same euphoric high they get from other opioids, some may abuse it and become addicted to it.
This article will explore how long methadone remains in the body when you stop taking it. You will learn:
- How methadone works
- How people become addicted to methadone
- What happens during methadone withdrawal
- How long drug tests may detect methadone
- Where to find substance abuse treatment
If you or someone you love struggle with methadone abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Find effective, compassionate addiction treatment at Archstone Behavioral Health. Contact our intake team to learn about our programs or to schedule an intake appointment.
What is Methadone?
Methadone is a prescription drug that belongs to a class of medications called opioid agonists. Opioid agonists bind to opioid receptors in the brain. These are the same receptors that other opioids, such as heroin and oxycodone, bind to.
Methadone binds to opioid receptors but does not produce the euphoric “high” that other opioids do. This can help people with opioid addiction manage cravings, reduce the risk of overdose, and prevent relapse.
However, methadone is an opioid with the potential for abuse and physical dependence. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies it as a Schedule II drug, meaning it has the risk of abuse.
While people typically receive a daily dose of methadone from a clinic, some people abuse it. Abusing methadone can produce some side effects, including:
- Decreased reaction time
- Dry mouth
- Sedation or drowsiness
- Decreased attention span
Muscle relaxation or weakness - Droopy eyelids
- Reduced body temperature
- Decreased blood pressure
The euphoric effects of methadone are weaker than other opioids of abuse. However, they are significant enough that the National Highway Safety Administration advises methadone users not to drive while taking it.
People who abuse methadone may become addicted to it. People who develop methadone addiction typically require medical supervision and treatment to manage detox safely.
Understanding Methadone Withdrawal
Methadone works by binding to the same brain receptors that other synthetic opioids do. Doctors sometimes prescribe methadone therapy as a long-term treatment option.
People who use methadone to treat opioid use disorder and those who abuse it may become dependent on it. If someone with methadone dependence stops using it, they will go through opioid withdrawal.
Withdrawal symptoms may start within 36 hours of the last dose of methadone. Symptoms include:
- Runny nose
- Dilated pupils
- Diarrhea
- Muscle aches
- Appetite loss
- Elevated heart rate
- Rapid breathing
- Joint pain
- Excessive sweating
- Watery eyes
- Chills and goosebumps
- Excessive yawning
- Nausea and vomiting
- Anxiety
- Irritability
Substance use disorder (SUD) treatment programs can provide the supervision and therapies people need to overcome addiction and move forward.
Treatment during detox includes medications, education, mental health support, and more.
How Long Does Methadone Stay in Your Body?
The body begins to metabolize methadone as soon as someone ingests it. Methadone’s half-life (the time it takes the body to eliminate half of the drug) is up to 59 hours. It takes about four to five half-lives to completely eliminate a drug. This means methadone remains in the body for a long time after someone takes it.
Tests for methadone show the drug’s presence in various parts of the body. Positive results indicate that a test has detected methadone or its metabolites.
Here is an overview of how long methadone testing may detect the drug or its metabolites.
Urine drug test
Urinalysis tests are the most common way to screen for drugs because they are inexpensive and non-invasive. This type of testing may detect methadone in urine for up to 14 days after the last dose.
Saliva test
Saliva testing has a shorter detection window than other types of tests, and many experts believe they are unreliable. This type of testing may detect methadone for up to two days after the last dose.
Blood test
Blood testing may detect methadone for up to 55 hours after the last dose.
Hair test
Hair testing is uncommon but generally has the longest detection window. This form of testing may detect methadone for up to 90 days after the final dose.
If you are concerned about passing a drug test, it may be a sign you need addiction treatment or support. Seek treatment as soon as you recognize the signs of addiction.
Find Treatment Now
If you or someone you love struggles with methadone abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Find compassionate, holistic addiction treatment and support at Archstone Behavioral Health. Contact our intake team to learn about our programs or schedule an intake appointment.
References:
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Methadone
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Methadone
- Science Direct: Urine testing in methadone maintenance treatment: applications and limitations
- Journal of Analytical Toxicology: Methadone and Metabolite Urine Concentrations in Patients Maintained on Methadone
