Information on methadone detox in Canada

Print

Methadone is a synthetic opiate that is used to help treat people with an opiate dependency.  Chemically this drug is not like heroin or morphine, but it does act on the opiate receptors of the brain causing similar effects to that of other opiates.  The most common way of using methadone is at a methadone clinic, and it is typically taken orally or in liquid or pill form.  Methadone can also be purchased illegally on the street, and it has a potential to become very addictive and can cause some severe withdrawal symptoms and make it difficult to detox from.

There are many adverse side effects from taking methadone, and can include some of the following:

  • constipation
  • chronic fatigue
  • low blood pressure
  • headache
  • vomiting
  • cardiac arrhythmia
  • insomnia
  • seizures
  • weight gain
  • dry mouth
  • euphoria

According to the National Center for Health Services, in 2004 methadone contributed to close to 4000 deaths, and approximately 82% of those deaths were listed as accidental.  The majority were because of mixing methadone with other drugs or medications. This is why people on methadone need to go to a methadone detox.

Methadone Tolerance and Withdrawal Symptoms

As like other opiates, a tolerance and dependence to methadone will develop with repeated use of the drug.  The physiological effects vary, but a tolerance can be built to methadone within a two week period.  When a person is attempting to detox off of methadone, they will experience some of the following withdrawal symptoms:
Physical symptoms can include:

  • lightheadedness
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • diarrhea
  • fever
  • chills
  • tremors
  • aches and pains

Psychological symptoms can include:

Methadone withdrawal can last for quite a long period of time, even for several weeks.  This is what makes the detox process so difficult for people wanting to get off of methadone.  In most cases the individual will have to attend a medical detox to assist in withdrawing from methadone.

Counselor ready to help you

If you or a loved one have a problem with methadone detox
We can help!
Call one of our counsellors today!
1-877-254-3348

Works Cited