Methadone Addiction Treatment (Rehab and Detox)

Written by:

Last Updated:

May 7th, 2024

Methadone addiction can be a dangerous and incredibly frustrating condition, particularly if you originally began using methadone to overcome a different opioid addiction. You may feel like recovery is impossible and that you are destined to swap one dependency for another for the rest of your life. However, recovery is infinitely possible, and Sanctuary Lodge is committed to guiding you through the process with a compassionate, comprehensive approach. Our methadone addiction treatment programme integrates the critical phases – detox, rehab and relapse prevention – to provide a pathway to healing and a renewed life.

Phase one: Methadone detox

Methadone detox is the essential initial phase of methadone addiction treatment. Even when used during opioid replacement therapy, methadone’s long-acting nature can lead to a unique form of physical dependence. This creates a situation where you begin to depend heavily on methadone to feel normal, with the drug replacing the previous opioids you were addicted to.

When this dependency develops, giving up methadone can prompt significant withdrawal symptoms, causing you to relapse and begin taking methadone or other opioids again. Medically supervised detox at Sanctuary Lodge can help you break physical dependency and keep you safe, motivated and comfortable during the process. Some key features of our opioid detox programme include:

An expert medical team providing targeted care
Medication to ease methadone withdrawal symptoms and keep you stable
Ongoing monitoring to swiftly address any arising complications
Psychological support to bolster your resilience
A customised methadone detox plan to cater to your specific needs

Methadone withdrawal symptoms

Methadone withdrawal symptoms can be similar to those of other opioids but may last longer and be more intense. Understanding what to expect during methadone withdrawal can prepare you for this challenging but critical process:

Prolonged physical symptoms: Unlike shorter-acting opioids, methadone withdrawal can cause enduring physical symptoms, including body aches, fatigue and flu-like symptoms such as fever and chills. These reflect your body’s process of expelling the drug and restoring balance and often require long-term medical support.
Emotional distress: Feelings of anxiety, irritability, and depression are common as your brain adjusts to the lack of methadone. This emotional turbulence can make methadone withdrawal extremely distressing, with professional support needed to prevent relapse or complications.
Disrupted sleep patterns: Methadone affects the brain’s sleep mechanisms, and withdrawal often disrupts these, leading to sleep difficulties.
Gastrointestinal issues: Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea are frequent during methadone detox as your digestive system adjusts to functioning without the medication.

How long does it take to detox from methadone?

The complexity of methadone detox often lies in its prolonged withdrawal timeline compared to other opioids. Carefully managed methadone detox provides support and supervision through every stage of the process even when symptoms begin to abate. While everyone’s methadone withdrawal experience may be slightly different, here is a general timeline of what to expect:

Initial 24-48 hours: You may not feel the first stirrings of methadone withdrawal until a day or two after your last dose due to methadone’s long-lasting nature. However, early signs, like anxiety and restlessness, will gradually creep up, quietly marking the beginning of withdrawal.
Days 3-8: This is the period when the most severe methadone withdrawal symptoms will usually appear. These may include deep muscle aches, unsettling waves of nausea and powerful cravings. It can be an extremely challenging period, but it is also when healing truly begins.
Weeks 2-4: As the days pass, the sharper edges of physical discomfort tend to soften but may still experience emotional struggles. Methadone cravings, mood swings and feelings of depression can linger, signalling the need for continued support and understanding.
Beyond one month: For some, a shadow of symptoms persists beyond the initial weeks, known as PAWS (post-acute withdrawal syndrome), with ongoing mood fluctuations and cravings. It is a slower phase of recovery, requiring patience and persistent care.

Phase two: Methadone rehab

Methadone rehab is the next phase after detox, focusing on the mental and emotional aspects of methadone addiction. It is designed to help you confront the reasons behind your methadone use, offering therapeutic interventions to address these issues head-on.

Sanctuary Lodge’s methadone rehab programme aims to equip you with the knowledge and skills to avoid relapse, manage stress and build a positive, drug-free life. This stage is essential because it tackles the complexities of recovery beyond breaking physical dependence, focusing on healing the mind and spirit.

Some of the key features of our methadone rehab programme include:

Inpatient treatment with no access to methadone
A sanctuary from stresses and external challenges
Recovery peers going through similar challenges
Experienced rehab experts guiding your recovery
A wide-ranging programme of therapy
Ongoing aftercare and relapse prevention

This multi-faceted approach is specially designed to help you overcome dependency in the first place and navigate the complexities of life post-rehab.

Methadone rehab therapy at Sanctuary Lodge

Sanctuary Lodge provides various therapeutic approaches as part of our methadone rehab programme. The combination of these therapies offers a comprehensive framework for tackling the emotional and psychological aspects of dependency and building a strong foundation for a healthy future. Key opioid rehab therapies include:

Individual counselling

Tailored counselling sessions allow for deep personal reflection and healing. During individual counselling, you will tackle the underlying issues that have led to your methadone use, guided by a therapist dedicated to your recovery.

Group therapy

Allowing you to find strength in shared experiences, group sessions provide a platform to learn from others and offer your own insights. This can help you create a network of support to help you get through rehab and keep you motivated and accountable after you leave.

Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT)

DBT is particularly effective in helping you manage intense emotions and reduce conflict in relationships. It focuses on building skills in four key areas: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation and interpersonal effectiveness. These skills are crucial for maintaining sobriety and handling the emotional ups and downs of methadone recovery.

Holistic therapies

Holistic therapies play a crucial role in overall healing, offering methods to enhance emotional well-being and reduce stress. These include strategies such as mindfulness practices and sound and art therapy, all of which can positively impact well-being.

Family therapy

Rebuilding family relationships is key to repairing the damage done by methadone use and creating a supportive home environment. Through family therapy, you and your loved ones will work towards understanding, communication, and reconciliation, and the renewed connections will provide invaluable support.

Stage three: Methadone relapse prevention

Transitioning into relapse prevention is a vital stage of recovery, as leaving the structure and safety of rehab can be an enormous challenge. It is about putting into practice all the insights and skills you have acquired at Sanctuary Lodge, ensuring you are equipped to maintain a life of sobriety. Some of the key relapse prevention strategies we will help you implement include:

Uncovering and managing your triggers

First, we will delve deep to identify what specifically triggers your cravings for methadone. This understanding is crucial as it will help you spot early warning signs and implement a bespoke set of coping strategies.

Creating a network of support

At Sanctuary Lodge, you are part of a recovery community. We will help you build a network of peers and supporters who rally around you, offering strength and encouragement when you need it the most.

Fostering a holistic lifestyle

True well-being touches on every aspect of your life. We encourage practices that nourish your body, enrich your mind and uplift your spirit, laying the foundation for a balanced and healthy life post-rehab. These include regular exercise, productive hobbies, healthy sleep routines and lots of self-care.

Participating in aftercare

As you step out into the world, our support doesn’t waver. With ongoing group therapy through our aftercare programme, we are here to offer guidance, listen to your experiences and celebrate your victories, big and small.

Relapse prevention in methadone recovery is more than just the third phase of our treatment – it is a lifelong approach to living your best life. Sanctuary Lodge will help you move forward with confidence and security, knowing you have the tools, support, and inner strength to navigate whatever comes your way.

Begin methadone addiction treatment today

At Sanctuary Lodge, we understand the intricacies of recovery and provide methadone addiction treatment that leaves no stone unturned. Our approach combines medical detox with intensive therapy and a focus on relapse prevention, providing a holistic path to healing.

Today is the day to take the first step towards a new beginning. Reach out to Sanctuary Lodge today and let us guide you towards a brighter, methadone-free future.

FAQs

How long does methadone addiction treatment take?

The ideal length of methadone addiction treatment varies from person to person. It depends on things like how long you have been using methadone, previous opioid addictions and your personal health situation. Sanctuary Lodge offers treatment programmes from two weeks to three months, with aftercare free for one year for all clients. Choosing the right programme is all about finding what works for you and giving yourself the time you need to heal.