Proper Methadone Detox Methods

In detoxification situations, methadone works by winnowing the patient off of the addictive qualities of heroin and similar opiates. It blocks the use of glutamate--a neurotransmitter responsible for learning and memory retention in the brain. With the glutamate inhibited, the psychological craving for illegal drugs is reduced, as is the sense of euphoria and happiness which often accompany use of the drug. That can be extremely helpful when the patient is getting the drug out of his system--not only reducing the need for it but mitigating the side effects of detoxification as well.

Methadone detox works best when it is used under controlled circumstances with a careful eye on its long-term effects. It is often administered orally as a liquid, though it can also be administered by injection or taken as a pill or a tablet placed under the tongue. Exact dosage varies according to the patient's needs, but usually ranges from 80 to 120 mg a day. In a formal setting such as a hospital or a rehab clinic, they will begin with a lower dosage and gradually work their way up--monitoring the patient for possible side effects along the way. In the past, a ceiling of 100 mg a day was enforced by most responsible clinics. Recent changes in the laws have made it possible to receive higher doses for patients who need it, however.

Methadone treatment will last as long as is required, though responsible methadone clinics will begin tapering off the treatment once they feel it has helped the patient through the worst of withdrawal. During this time, the patient may participate in counseling designed to overcome the psychological impact of addiction. Methadone detox programs can be undertaken at home as well, which has the advantage of surrounding the patient with family and friends while freeing up space at the clinic for more needy patients. It is important to continue to monitor the patient in a home environment, however, and to keep methadone levels consistent with the doctor's advice. Many methadone clinics require the patient to visit daily in order to receive the dosage which he requires.

Side effects of methadone can include nausea, swelling of the extremities, loss of sleep, weight gain, weight loss, constipation, blurred vision and even seizures in the worst cases. Withdrawal symptoms can be just as bad, with depression, hallucinations and fever-like symptoms prevailing. You can avoid them by carefully monitoring your intake of the drug and maintaining a time frame for coming off of it as dictated by a trained physician. You can also reduce the side effects by increasing the amount of fiber in your diet: particularly by consuming high fiber vegetables, cereals with a lot of grain in them, or fiber supplements such as pills or liquid mixtures.

Methadone detox is usually only recommended after the patient has tried other methods of quitting and failed. It is usually preferable to going cold turkey, but the risks involved mean that the patient should always be extremely aware of his intake and how it is affecting his body. He should always follow his doctor's instructions and not deviate from them even if he feels he needs to. Methadone works best in conjunction with other forms or treatment and should not be viewed as cure-all to drug addiction. Compounding these factors is the fact that individual methadone clinics all have their own specific practices. Check carefully with yours to make sure it has the right policies in place to assist you.