An estimated 6.1 million people in the United States struggle with opioid abuse and addiction. People who become dependent on opioids typically require intensive treatment and ongoing support to detox from these addictive drugs safely.
People with opioid use disorder may participate in medically assisted treatment (MAT) programs. These programs use medications and other therapies to help people maintain abstinence from addictive, dangerous opioids.
Methadone therapy is one form of medically assisted treatment for opioid addiction. Methadone is a drug that can help reduce the cravings and other withdrawal symptoms associated with opioid withdrawal.
However, people may abuse methadone and develop a dependence on it. When people with methadone dependence suddenly stop taking it, they go through withdrawal. Methadone withdrawal can be very challenging.
This article will explore methadone withdrawal. You will learn:
- How methadone abuse and addiction occur
- The symptoms of methadone withdrawal
- The methadone withdrawal timeline
- What to expect during a methadone detox program
- Where to find medical detox and treatment programs
If you or someone you love requires support during methadone detox, you are not alone. Effective, compassionate treatment is available at Archstone Behavioral Health. Contact our intake team to learn more about treating opioid dependency or to schedule an intake into one of our comprehensive rehab programs.
What is Methadone?
Methadone is a synthetic opioid medication. Doctors may prescribe it to help patients manage moderate to severe pain or to treat opiate addiction. People have been using methadone treatment to address opioid use disorder for over 40 years.
Methadone is an opioid agonist. This means that it binds to opioid receptors in the brain. Methadone affects the same receptors as other opioids, including oxycodone, morphine, and heroin. However, methadone does not create the same euphoric or pleasurable effects as other opioids.
Methadone can reduce the risk of overdose death and other life-threatening complications for those with opioid addiction. People may participate in a methadone maintenance program that provides a daily dose of methadone.
While methadone is an essential tool that can help people sustain abstinence from addictive opioids, it is an opioid. People may develop methadone addiction and experience withdrawal symptoms if they stop taking it “cold turkey.”
Understanding Methadone Misuse and Addiction
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies methadone as a Schedule II drug. This means that it has an accepted medical use but also has a high risk for abuse and addiction.
People in a methadone maintenance program may visit a clinic to receive their daily dose of the medication. This can cut down on the risk of misuse.
However, people still abuse methadone. While the drug does not produce the same intense high as heroin or other opioids, it can still produce some pleasurable effects. Some people experience euphoria while taking methadone. The euphoric effects of methadone can be so significant that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration advises methadone users should not drive while taking it.
Other possible side effects of methadone include:
- Sedation
- Decreased reaction time
- Decreased attention span
- Lower body temperature
- Decreased blood pressure
- Muscle weakness
- Dry mouth
- Droopy eyelids
Research shows that methadone is involved in about a third of overdose deaths involving opiate painkillers.
Many medical experts agree that methadone is an effective tool that can be used to help those with opioid use disorder. However, people may develop tolerance and physical dependence on methadone, just like other opioids.
Symptoms of Methadone Withdrawal
Methadone is a long-acting opioid. A dose of methadone may last 24 to 36 hours, although the exact time varies from person to person.
When a person discontinues methadone, they may develop withdrawal symptoms similar to those experienced during the opioid withdrawal process. Methadone withdrawal symptoms may include:
- Dilated pupils
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Watery eyes
- Runny nose
- Chills
- Muscle aches
- Joint pain
- Back pain
- Irritability
- Excessive sweating
- Loss of appetite
- Yawning
- Elevated blood pressure
- Fast heart rate
- Rapid breathing
Because methadone is a long-acting drug, people may not experience symptoms for 36-48 hours after their last dose.
Methadone Withdrawal Timeline
Methadone withdrawal symptoms typically occur on a standard timeline. However, factors like age, general health, length of time you used methadone, and others can affect your withdrawal timeline and symptoms.
Here is an overview of the methadone withdrawal timeline.
36-48 hours
Acute withdrawal symptoms may develop within 36-48 hours of a person’s last dose of methadone. Acute symptoms may include:
- Anxiety
- Sweating
- Stomach cramping
- Dilated pupils
- Watery eyes
- Muscle aches
- Headache
- Appetite loss
These and other symptoms can make people miserable. Medical and emotional support are critical during this period.
3-4 days
Withdrawal symptoms may peak around this time. People require medical and emotional support to avoid relapse and manage their symptoms.
Two weeks
After symptoms peak around the third or fourth day, many people notice a considerable improvement in how they feel. Symptoms continue to improve over the next two weeks.
Beyond two weeks
Some people develop a condition called post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). People with PAWS experience lingering withdrawal symptoms for weeks, months, or longer. Most PAWS symptoms are psychological and may include:
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
- Persistent cravings
People who develop PAWS typically require ongoing treatment and support to avoid relapse.
Medical detox programs can benefit people with methadone withdrawal. Medical and mental health professionals can monitor people’s symptoms and provide treatment, which may include:
- Medications to keep people safe and comfortable during detox
- Tapering methadone slowly to reduce withdrawal symptoms
- Mental health support and treatment
- Emotional support, including individual and group counseling
- A secure environment
- Round-the-clock access to medical and mental health treatment
- Holistic therapies that support healing, including yoga, nutrition support, mindfulness, and more
Getting treatment can help people manage their withdrawal symptoms and work toward a healthier future without addictive substances.
Find Treatment Now
If you or someone you love requires support during methadone withdrawal, you can find treatment and support at Archstone Behavioral Health. Contact our intake team to learn about our treatment programs or to schedule an intake appointment.
References:
- U.S. Food & Drug Administration: Information about Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD)
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Methadone maintenance treatment
- UAMS: What Is Methadone?
- National Insitute of Health (NIH): Opioid Withdrawal
