Methadone is a synthetic opioid most commonly known for being prescribed to help treat opioid addiction. Since it is derived from a lab, it is not classified as a true opioid. Its effects can be compared to morphine but its price is much more affordable than most pain relieving drugs. Under certain circumstances and supervision, methadone is a safe option for medicated assistance while recovering from an addiction, but it too can be addictive and require recovery.
How long can methadone last in your system? On average, methadone can stay in the body for up to two weeks. There are many factors that play into how long methadone can be in your system, and how long it can be detected for. But, regardless of how long this drug remains in a person’s system, it’s important to seek professional help if methadone abuse or dependence develops. Treatment for methadone abuse will begin with a successful detox, followed by an extended rehabilitation program.
How Long Can Methadone Be Detected in the Body?
There are many discussions around how long methadone can be detected within the body. While there has been no conclusive answer, the general assumption is that methadone will remain in the body anywhere from 2-14 days.
While this drug may remain in the body for up to fourteen days, it is known that methadone only stays active in the system for up to 60 hours after the time of ingestion. This essentially means that that methadone is detectible in the body far longer than its effects are felt. So while an individual may no longer feel the drug and its pain relieving effects, if they were to be drug tested, the result would indicate they were still using.
The half life of methadone depends on the individual’s existing health and tolerance to drugs. People who have been using opiods and have built up a tolerance to them will have a shorter half life for methadone. On the contrary, those who use methadone only for pain relief and not to help treat addiction will likely experience a longer half life.
On average, opioid users using methadone will experience a half life of around 24 hours. However, the half life for individuals who do not have prior drug use or tolerance to opioids would be closer to 55-60 hours.
What Methods are Used to Detect Methadone?
Various types of drug tests can be used to detect the presence of methadone in the body. The most commonly used method is the urine test. Urine tests have proved to be the least invasive while also providing the most accuracy results. Each test has its own method and benefit. The best methods for testing methadone are:
Urine: Urine tests can be administered as quickly as one hour after ingesting and will detect methadone in the body for up to two weeks.
Blood Tests: Blood tests will detect methadone in as little as 30 min after use. Unlike urine tests, blood tests only show methadone up to four days after the last dose.
Saliva Tests: Methadone can show up in saliva for 3-5 days after the last use. Saliva is the least common test used to detect methadone.
Hair: Detecting Methadone in the body using the hair method is unique in the fact that Methadone can be detected in hair follicles several months after an individual’s last use. Hair is usually only used to detect long term and extended use, as it is unlikely to detect the single or infrequent use of the drug.
Although each test differs in the length of time it is able to detect methadone, it is known that methadone can stay in the body for up to 14 days even when it goes undetected.
Factors That Influence How Long Methadone Stays in the Body
Recognizing the many different influences there are on how long methadone stays in the body helps to explain why different people experience different timelines.
The biggest influence to how long methadone will stay in the body is how long the individual has been using methadone or other opioids. Methadone builds up in the body, so if someone has been ingesting it for an extended period of time it is likely they will be able to detect it for longer periods of time after they stop using it. On the same note, if someone has hardly used it, they will likely be on the shorter end of the detectible timeline.
Other significant factors include age, underlying health, and metabolism. Part of what makes methadone detectable is the fact that it has not been through the full process of digestion, metabolization, and excretion.
For younger and healthier individuals, they are likely to have faster and stronger digestive systems and more quickly able to flush out toxins such as methadone. Older individuals, those who are overweight, or individuals with compromised immune systems due to heavy drug use will likely process methadone at a much slower rate. A few other factors that play a role in how long methadone remains detectable include:
- Dose taken
- Pregnancy status
- Pre existing conditions
- Liver and kidney function
- Interactions with medications
All of these factors come into play when understanding how long methadone stays in the system. In general, the length of time methadone has been taken as well as the amount taken per dose are the most relevant factors to consider.
Signs of Methadone Abuse
As mentioned before, when used as directed methadone can be a helpful medication to alleviate the symptoms of opioid withdrawal. This does not mean that it doesn’t pose its own health concerns, however. When taken recreationally or more than prescribed, methadone can lead to a full blown addiction that will need professional treatment to overcome. Some signs and symptoms of Methadone abuse or addiction include:
- Irritability
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Mood swings
- Extreme fatigue
- Decreased heart rate
- Clammy skin, especially hands
- Insomnia or irregular sleep patterns
Methadone abuse also poses risks to overdose, which can be serious or even fatal in some cases. In event of a suspected overdose, immediate emergency assistance should be called.
Detox for Methadone Abuse
In order to recover from methadone abuse, an individual should first seek out a professional detox treatment program. Detoxification is the initial period of time where someone stops using in order to flush the addictive substance out of their system. Coastal Detox in Florida offers specialized care for those struggling with an addiction to methadone looking to get sober.
Detox is the foundation of an individual’s entire recovery process. It’s crucial that it is successful, and that the right mental and physical approaches to recovery are learned during this time. Detoxing in a professional setting allows for medical supervision that can both alleviate withdrawal stressors and intervene in the event of a medical emergency or relapse trigger.
Detox programs typically last around 7 days, but can be extended if needed. During this time, you will be staying in the detox facility and be supervised with 24/7 care. Staff will be monitoring your progress and encouraging you to take part in different activities to help you with skills for sobriety.
A detox program works best when it’s designed based on the individual’s personal history. For some, it will be beneficial to approach detox with a taper-off method. This is where you slowly decrease the dosage of methadone until you completely stop. Others will quit cold turkey and spend the duration of detox completely off of the substance. Detox gives you a safe way to get off of drugs and a direct connection to the tools, people, and skills you need to build a successful foundation to recovery.
Side Effects of Methadone Withdrawal
When you stop using methadone after an extended period of time, you will begin to experience withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms typically begin anywhere from 12-24 hours after your last dose. Some of the symptoms of withdrawal include:
- Insomnia
- Paranoia
- Fatigue
- Body aches
- Anxiety/depression
- Excessive sweating
- Gastrointestinal discomfort
- Circulatory issues
- Mood swings
- Headaches
Withdrawal symptoms tend to peak 3 days into detox, and should alleviate by the 6th or 7th day. Professional detox centers have both the staff and resources that can help shorten the duration of withdrawals and offer coping methods.
What Happens After Detox?
Detox is a crucial step in the recovery process, but it’s not the last stop. Once your detox process is complete, you should seek a long term recovery rehab to ensure you are fully recovered and ready to reintegrate back into your normal life.
Treatment options typically include inpatient and outpatient programs. Whatever will work best with your lifestyle, trust that there is an option for you. Some things you should be sure your recovery program offers includes are:
- Therapy
- Life Skills Classes
- Nutritional therapy
- Medicated assistance
- A warm and welcoming environment
- One on one therapy with licensed professionals
- Holistic Treatment (yoga, meditation, acupuncture)
Receiving Help for Methadone Abuse at Coastal Detox
Coastal Detox specializes in the detoxification process of addictive substances. Our facility is licensed and accredited with medically trained staff ready to help you through the process of recovery. We provide safe and effective medically supervised detoxes for anyone struggling to overcome an addiction to methadone.
We know no two addictions are the same, and that is why we never treat any two recoveries the same. We take a personal and individualized approach to your detox, ensuring your specific needs are met. If you or a loved one is struggling with methadone addiction, our facility, located on Florida’s beautiful treasure coast is excited to help you find and keep sobriety. For more information, please contact us today.
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