Methadone Detox in Toronto

There’s no universal or set time limit for an effective methadone detox program to work. Every client’s circumstances and level of addiction are different. The length of the detox program depends largely on the extent and length of the client’s addiction. The whole point of the program is to remove all of the toxic substances from the client’s system gradually over an appropriate period of time and causing as little discomfort and pain as possible. That said, keep in mind that methadone is also an opioid and eventually your dosages will be gradually lessened over time, which means you’ll experience some withdrawal symptoms from that as well.

Enrolling in a methadone detoxification centre means that you’ll be under strict supervision. This is a much more prudent practice than attempting to administer methadone treatment yourself because you’ll be in a controlled environment and constantly surrounded by medical professionals whose sole intention is to help you overcome your substance abuse habit.

Enduring opiate withdrawal can be one of the most physically, emotionally, and psychologically trying experiences of your life. The physical symptoms usually subside within the first few weeks, whereas the emotional scars can last for years to come. Here are some of the symptoms you’re likely to experience during the initial withdrawal period: .Gastrointestinal problems such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. .Severe mood swings .Insomnia .Teary eyes and a runny nose .Fatigue .Muscular pains and discomfort .Cold sweats, hot sweats, goosebumps

As long as you go through the withdrawal in a safe, medically controlled environment surrounded by healthcare professionals such as a methadone detoxification centre, then you won’t die from withdrawal. However, attempting to detox on your own accord could lead to a series of health problems and even mishaps. It’s better to undergo methadone detoxification in a renowned and trusted clinical setting where you will be carefully monitored by healthcare professionals.

There are approximately four phases involved in methadone detox: Early Symptoms: Methadone takes a long time to metabolize within the human body so you most likely won’t experience any symptoms until about 8-30 hours after your final dosage. Initial symptoms include all of the abovementioned ones and this will typically last anywhere from two to three days. Peak Symptoms: After about three to four days, your symptoms will begin to change, and you may begin to experience gastrointestinal problems such as vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pains, aches and pains in your extremities, as well as cold and hot flashes. More than anything else, you’ll experience increased heart rate, difficulty breathing, and emotional problems such as anxiety, depression, and irritability. Gradually Decreasing Symptoms: At approximately the 10-day mark, you’ll begin to notice a decline in the intensity and frequency of the abovementioned symptoms, although you might still feel some grogginess, physical and emotional fatigue, anxiety, depression, and minimal cravings. Eventually, all of these side effects will decrease over time. Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS): This symptom typically only affects clients who’ve been addicted to methadone and imbibing in the drug for long periods of time. This intense additional phase of methadone withdrawal typically leads to heightened and almost unbearable mental and emotional issues such as severe anxiety, depression, and extreme panic attacks. It also increases the risk of an epileptic episode in some people depending on the nature of their addiction and whether they were also using other substances alongside methadone. PAWS can last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.

As with any other substance abuse detoxification programs, the cost of methadone detox varies from one case to another. It largely depends on whether you choose to enroll in an inpatient (highly recommended) or outpatient program. Inpatient programs provide far greater security and an increased chance of success versus outpatient programs in which you’re mostly left to your own devices. The cost of the treatment is affected by duration, degree of addiction, frequency of drug usage, and whether or not you were imbibing in a combination of substances simultaneously.

Whether or not your private insurance company will cover the cost of your treatment depends on the stipulations of your specific healthcare plan. Some insurance companies are more than willing to either partially or completely cover the cost of certain substance rehabilitation treatment programs, while others might have very strict limitations on what they’ll cover. This is something you need to work out directly with your insurance company. In some cases, the methadone detoxification centre might even be willing to offer you an affordable payment plan.

If you enroll in an outpatient program, then you can detox at home and in some cases, you might even be allowed to take home a small dosage of methadone to administer privately. However, this isn’t generally recommended by most healthcare professionals because it increases the risk of accidental overdose and it could create a toxic home environment for yourself or your loved ones.

Yes, pregnant women who have an opioid addiction can undergo methadone detoxification as long as it’s in a controlled medical environment with constant access to healthcare professionals. Some pregnant women may be under the false impression that it’s perfectly safe for themselves and the fetus if they just quit cold turkey, but this can actually cause severe birth defects and endanger their unborn child.