When an individual who has abused methadone goes cold turkey, they experience withdrawal symptoms from the drug. These symptoms can range from mildly uncomfortable to life-threatening, often leading to a relapse. That is why one of the safest ways of curing methadone addiction is to be under the care of methadone clinics in Florida. These professionals help addicts wane off the drugs by gradually lowering their dosage in a controlled manner, leading to milder withdrawal symptoms and a significantly lower chance of a relapse. Getting enlisted in a methadone rehab in Florida offers the best chance of a successful long-term recovery among patients.
What is Methadone?
Methadone is an opioid medication that is itself an opioid and can be addictive. However, it is helpful to help people get rid of addiction to other opioids like heroin.
Although it is a part of a medication-assisted treatment program, methadone can be addictive by itself. Since it helps reduce the symptoms of opioid withdrawal, it decreases any opioid cravings and induces tolerance to other opioids, which helps block the euphoric effects of drugs like heroin, oxycodone, and hydrocodone. It is also used for pain relief. However, once an individual’s body becomes accustomed to methadone and starts to rely on it, it develops a certain level of dependence. This dependence is why when an individual stops taking methadone; they experience withdrawal symptoms.
Timeline of Methadone Withdrawal
The first symptoms of methadone withdrawal can start appearing approximately 24 to 36 hours after the last consumption of the drug. The drug detox can take between 2 to 3 weeks or even up to 6 (six) months, depending on specific cases. The most common methadone withdrawal symptoms are:
- Increased anxiety, restlessness, and agitation.
- Severe depression.
- Insomnia.
- Teary or watery eyes.
- Runny nose.
- Cold sweats.
- Shivering and goosebumps.
- Muscle and joint pain.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Abdominal cramps and diarrhea.
Although the withdrawal symptoms can fade over the course of 10 days, the timeline depends if you quit cold turkey or are tapering the consumption of methadone gradually.
Despite the advice of professionals, some people attempt to deal with methadone withdrawal on their own. Most withdrawal symptoms do not pose a threat to life but can make you highly uncomfortable. This discomfort, paired with cravings, is why most people relapse, especially when they quit cold turkey.
The general symptoms can lead to additional health complications which may require immediate medical attention:
- Aspiration is a result of breathing stomach contents into the lungs, leading to severe lung infection.
- Dehydration or electrolyte deficiency due to vomiting and diarrhea.
These complications can be extremely uncomfortable to the user, which is why the recommended method of quitting is to reduce the dosage over time in a controlled manner slowly. This gradual tapering significantly lowers the severity of the withdrawal symptoms and can also eliminate any risks of developing any subsequent medical issues.
Weaning or tapering should only be practiced under the express supervision of professionals in methadone clinics in Florida.
Help Needed While Going Through Methadone Withdrawal
Like withdrawal from any opioid, methadone withdrawal can be complicated. That is why we recommend having professional medical personnel help you during the process, as withdrawal symptoms can lead to severe medical issues.
A doctor can provide treatments to help ease the withdrawal process, and it can significantly raise the chances of a full long-term recovery. They can also prescribe you medication that helps reduce any symptoms like:
- Clonidine – This helps treat certain symptoms like high blood pressure, nausea, cramps, and erratic heart rates.
- Pain Medication – Over-the-counter pain medications like Tylenol and ibuprofen help manage any headaches and muscle and bone pains.
- Bismuth Subsalicylate – Also known as Pepto Bismol, this is an effective medication for diarrhea.
- Benadryl or Trazodone – This helps people who have difficulty falling asleep and suffer from insomnia.
Due to the high chances of methadone misuse or an overdose, methadone therapy is only available to certain people who are found eligible in a government-approved treatment program. During this, a doctor carefully monitors your methadone intake and response in order to make sure that the withdrawal process is safe. The doctor keeps repeating this until your body no longer requires methadone.
One of the most overlooked factors during a methadone withdrawal is the need for emotional support. Having a support system during the withdrawal phase can be vital for a successful long-term recovery. In most cases, support from a family can be absent. This is why recovering users need to find a support group that understands the process and helps each other towards a better tomorrow.
Final Words
The misuse of opioids can be life-threatening. However, trying to go through a methadone withdrawal without seeking help from a methadone rehab in Florida can be equally dangerous. The ideal way to improve your chances of long-term recovery is to get professional help and taper your methadone intake gradually in order to deal with any withdrawal symptoms efficiently.
