Methadone Detox Program in Port St. Lucie, FL
Methadone is frequently used to mitigate severe opiate and opioid withdrawal symptoms as part of a medication-assisted treatment program. It is a synthetic drug that mimics the effects of morphine, but with longer-lasting results. This powerful opiate is effective for easing people off heroin, oxycodone, fentanyl, and morphine, but can be very addictive itself. If abused, methadone can place recovering addicts right back at square one.
At Agape Detox Center, we believe in providing safe and sensible solutions for methadone detox. We offer access to a variety of non-habit-forming medical interventions and take an individualized, whole-health approach to wellness, helping our patients establish a solid foundation for successful, long-term recovery. Our clients have access to multiple options in behavioral therapy, stress management training, and many other tools for achieving and maintaining both physical and mental wellness.
We also offer targeted nutritional support, self-care training, and numerous healthful, pain management solutions.
When you take part in our detox programs in Port St. Lucie, FL, you’ll have the benefit of a safe and comfortable environment, and access to our talented team of professionals every step of the way.
What Is Methadone?
Methadone is one of several medications used to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). It is frequently prescribed to help avoid severe physical and psychological discomfort as clients’ systems rebound from drug addiction and abuse. As a long-acting opioid agonist, methadone effectively blocks the brain’s pain receptors so that people can maintain a lasting sense of calmness and ease.
Methadone may be prescribed in hospital settings for patients experiencing severe pain who do not have alternative medical options. This medication is available in pill form, as a film or diskette, and as a liquid. Generally, methadone is taken orally once each day.
Methadone Addiction and Abuse
Methadone has been a legal option for opioid detox and pain management since 1947. However, similar to other opioid drugs like heroin and morphine, prolonged use of methadone can result in increased tolerance levels and physical dependence. In severe cases, fatal overdose may occur.
As people develop tolerance to methadone, they may feel the need to up their dosage to achieve the same euphoric feelings they once felt. Many will increasing methadone doses by:
- Lying to get more methadone
- Stealing methadone
- Purchasing methadone illegally
- Combining methadone with other substances (including other opioid drugs)
- Doctor shopping
These behaviors indicate a fast-growing addiction and also increase a person’s risk of overdosing. Taking too much methadone suppresses respiratory functioning and impairs multiple cognitive processes.
When people overdose on methadone, they may become confused and disoriented, have a hard time breathing, and eventually lose consciousness. Approximately 5,000 people die from methadone overdose each year.
If you or a loved one is struggling with methadone addiction, seek professional help immediately. Our inpatient treatment program can help you find freedom from substance abuse and addiction.
Effects of Methadone Abuse
Becoming overly reliant on methadone, given its similar effects to morphine, can prevent individuals from experiencing the true benefits of addiction recovery. Failure to follow structured weaning programs can lead to trading one addiction for another.
As a result, the average length of methadone treatment is just 12 months. Throughout this time, the treatment team in charge of methadone therapy will gradually step a patient’s dose down. This causes the body a safe and comfortable weaning process from opioids.
Much like excessive heroin or morphine use, prolonged methadone use can result in:
- Restlessness
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Sexual dysfunction
- Sweating
- Excessive itchiness
- Sleep troubles
- Vision impairment
- Drowsiness
When people abuse methadone that has been prescribed as part of a medically assisted opioid detox therapy, the resulting symptoms closely mimic those of morphine or heroin abuse. Even though they’re no longer using their drug of choice, they’ll likely feel much the same.
Signs and Symptoms of Methadone Withdrawal
Withdrawal from methadone without medical assistance can be hazardous. The body may send out widespread distress signals that often intensify without medical interventions. Symptoms of withdrawal can differ from person to person. Some of the most common methadone withdrawal symptoms are:
- Stomach cramps
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Rapid heartbeat
- Auditory and visual hallucinations
- Sweating
- Paranoia
- Anxiety
- Depression
Taking steps to alleviate symptoms of methadone withdrawal in the early stages not only reduces their severity but can also prevent the development of more severe issues. For example, if digestive problems persist, many individuals may become dehydrated and experience high sodium levels. This can lead to a condition called hypernatremia and if left untreated, can result in heart failure.
Simple steps like regularly checking for signs of dehydration and making sure that patients get enough fluids help ensure that detox is both safe and comfortable. Measures like these can even play a hand in shortening the duration of detox by supporting the body in its efforts to heal.
Ready to get started?
Give us a call today. Our admissions coordinators will answer any questions you may have about our program and walk you through the admissions process.
When to Seek Methadone Detox
It is vital to adhere to the dosing schedule prescribed by your doctor when initiating methadone therapy. It may be time to seek addiction treatment if you have been using other opioid substances, combining methadone with alcohol, or acquiring methadone from unapproved sources. While methadone is designed to facilitate opioid detox, it does not address the root causes of addiction.
Many people use methadone to alleviate the pain of undiagnosed and untreated mental health disorders. Without proper identification and management of co-occurring disorders, the risk of relapse and methadone abuse is greatly increased.
At Agape Detox Center, we can help you establish a more needs-specific plan for dealing with opioid use disorder. With our dual diagnosis treatment and methadone detox, you’ll find it much easier to move away from uncontrolled drug use.
Methadone Detox Program at Agape Detox Center
Our methadone detox is individualized to suit the needs of each patient. We craft each person’s detox plan based upon careful assessments. Medical exams and psychological evaluations are performed at the time of check-in.
Agape Detox Center will always consider factors such as personal goals, addiction histories, and substances abused. This allows us to prepare medical interventions, significantly decreasing the likelihood of new addictions. Our team will closely monitor the progress of our clients and refine plans as needed.
What to Expect During Methadone Detox
Before starting treatment, people may have questions like, “How long is detox?” and “What should I bring?”. Our staff will provide you with all the information needed before you begin.
To provide adequate detox support for methadone addiction, our team starts assisting patients from the moment they arrive at our facility. We will inquire about your pain levels and any symptoms you are experiencing. After that, a comprehensive medical exam and psychological assessment will be performed to ensure we tailor our support to your individual needs.
You’ll then be taken on a brief tour of our facility and shown to your room. Clients will have the chance to meet our team members and may even introduce themselves to other clients if desired.
You’ll receive regular visits from on-site medical staff to track your vital signs, assess your discomfort. When ready, we encourage the participation of group and individual therapy along with other inpatient rehab activities.
Upon completion of detox, you can move seamlessly into our inpatient program. This allows you to explore the underlying causes of your opioid addiction, build better coping skills, and plan for a life of sobriety.
Why Choose Agape for Methadone Detox?
At Agape Detox Center, we know that recovery goes well beyond the detox process. The nature of detox can have a significant impact on a person’s motivation levels, emotional well-being, and determination over the long term. Our compassionate team works hard to make sure that every one of our clients has the right skills and tools for success.
At our Port St. Lucie facility, we provide a serene and peaceful environment for your detox journey. Clients can unwind in a beautiful resort-like setting, engage in various recreational activities and explore different therapy options.
Our facility is the ideal place to start anew and overcome opioid addiction without the risk of developing new forms of drug dependence. The whole-health approach at Agape Detox Center emphasizes safe and sustainable ways for our clients to achieve overall well-being.
Learn how to help someone who is detoxing by talking to a staff member. We can provide support for you and your loved one through the recovery process.
Find Freedom From Addiction at our Methadone Detox Center
At Agape Detox Center in Port St. Lucie, FL, we have admissions counselors who can provide you with all the information you need about the insurances we accept. They can also assist you in arranging transportation and setting up a payment plan for any costs that are not covered.
The Agape team is committed to making it easy for you to get the help you need from the moment you first reach out to us. Don’t hesitate to contact us today to start your journey towards recovery.
- November 25, 2022
- Updated Date: December 13, 2023
Detox Programs
Have any questions?
Stephanie Catalano is an accomplished Clinical Director at Agape Behavioral Healthcare. With a Master of Social Work degree, LCSW license, and extensive training in Rapid Resolution Therapy under her belt, she brings a wealth of expertise to her role. Her unique combination of education and experience allows her to provide exceptional care to clients and lead her team with confidence. Stephanie’s joy comes from witnessing the moments when her patients creatively connect the dots and bravely move toward reclaiming their power. Her purpose is to help individuals understand their past so they can create a future full of hope, growth, and success. Stephanie attributes a large portion of her success to the supportive culture and strong sense of community fostered by the Agape team.
