Methadone Detox Center Near Miami, Florida
Methadone can be an effective treatment medication for opioid use disorder, but some people may, at some point, want to discontinue use for a variety of reasons involving personal preferences, use restrictions, and more.
In Miami, Florida, there are specialized methadone detox and treatment programs that can help you stop methadone use for the treatment of an opioid use disorder. Here’s what you need to know about methadone and the programs designed to help you safely quit using it.
Methadone Addiction, Withdrawal, and Detox
Methadone belongs to the opioid class of medications but is approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat opioid use disorder (OUD).1 As a long-acting full opioid agonist, methadone acts on opioid receptors in the brain to manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings for other opioids (e.g., heroin, oxycodone, fentanyl, morphine, etc.).1,2
Although methadone binds to and activates opioid receptors, it is more long acting and has effects that are felt more slowly over time than many other opioids. For those dependent on opioids, methadone treatment doses don’t produce euphoria.2 Additionally, if other opioids are taken with it, methadone can blunt their effects, thus discouraging misuse.1
When prescribed to treat OUD, methadone is often given for a minimum of 12 months, but this treatment could last longer depending on a person’s needs. Taken as prescribed, methadone is safe and can help someone with OUD regain their life after addiction.1
That said, as a Schedule II controlled substance, methadone prescriptions are highly controlled, and the medication is dispensed only through opioid treatment programs (OTPs) certified by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).1
Additionally, as an opioid, methadone can interact with other drugs and alcohol, potentially leading to profound sedation and respiratory depression, and as such, patients must adhere to strict distribution and administration rules. Methadone side effects—e.g., restlessness, slowed breathing, itchy skin, nausea/vomiting, heavy sweating, constipation, and sexual problems—can also be troubling for some individuals.1
After prolonged use, withdrawal symptoms are likely if a person stops taking methadone, quickly reduces the dose, or takes a partial agonist (such as buprenorphine) while taking methadone.3 Symptoms of methadone withdrawal can include:3
- Increased irritability or anxiety.
- Sleep difficulties.
- Restlessness.
- Aching back, muscle, or joint pain.
- Increased blood pressure, heart rate, or breathing rate.
- Loss of appetite.
- Stomach cramps.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Diarrhea.
- Tearing of the eyes.
- Runny nose.
- Yawning.
- Sweating.
- Chills.
Despite the fact that methadone is an effective treatment option for many people and it has been used successfully for more than 40 years, some people may want to stop taking methadone for various reasons—including use restrictions, side effects, and more.2 Help in the form of methadone detox and a methadone-free treatment program is a viable option for these individuals.
American Addiction Center’s Methadone Detox Center Near Miami, Florida
Drug detox and treatment centers such as Recovery First Treatment Center, an accredited, evidence-based rehab near Miami, can provide professional help during methadone withdrawal. Recovery First’s methadone detox program is a special track that uses substances other than methadone to assist with withdrawal symptoms as needed. Under professional guidance and supervision, patients can more easily withdraw from methadone while remaining as safe and as comfortable as possible.
So what does methadone detox and treatment look like at Recovery First Treatment Center?
Staff first conducts a thorough evaluation of the patient’s physical and mental health as well as their current life situation. Experienced, accredited, and compassionate staff members then tailor treatment plans to each person’s needs.
The first step is likely a methadone-free detox that employs other comfort and prescription medications as needed paired with psychological support. Alongside detox, treatment includes specialized group sessions dealing with the science of addiction and teaching skills to cope with the withdrawal process.
Going through methadone detox at Recovery First can help patients to cease methadone use smoothly and efficiently, allowing them to quickly engage in the recovery process—including both inpatient and outpatient treatment—likely with less discomfort and a clearer mind.
How Long Does Methadone Detox Last, and What Medications Are Used in Methadone Detox?
No two people are identical, so the time required to detox from methadone varies dramatically. However, factors that can affect detox duration include the amount of methadone that was previously being taken and the duration of use.4
During detox from methadone, other medications can be used to minimize symptoms and keep people comfortable. Buprenorphine (a partial opioid agonist) may be used in some cases.4 At Recovery First Treatment Center, professionals often opt for the use of a symptom-relief medication known as Lucemyra (lofexidine).
What Happens After Detoxing From Methadone?
Detoxing from methadone is generally only the first step in a more comprehensive treatment plan that may involve one or more levels of care. Addiction treatment, as recommended within the standard clinical program may include:
Residential care. Providing live-in care following detox, residential treatment generally involves structured therapeutic sessions, including individual and group counseling, behavioral therapy, psychoeducation, and more.
Outpatient care. Outpatient treatment, provided in different levels of intensity, looks similar to inpatient or residential care except that individuals return home or to a sober living environment after treatment sessions each day.
Outpatient Care Following Methadone Detox
For some, outpatient care may follow immediately after methadone detox. For others, outpatient care may be a step down after an individual completes methadone detox and a more intensive form of treatment, such as residential care. In the Miami area, outpatient programs include:
Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs). The most intensive form of outpatient care, PHPs, also sometimes called day treatment programs, typically provide treatment during sessions that involve group and individual therapy, skills training, and more that take place most days each week for several hours at a time.
Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs). IOPs generally require less time in treatment. Therapy and skills training sessions often take place in 3, 3-hour sessions each week and may be delivered during the day or evening to allow individuals to continue to fulfill responsibilities at home, work, or school while in treatment.
Aftercare planning. Also referred to as ongoing treatment, ensures that support exists outside of treatment. Aftercare may include 12-Step meeting attendance, continuing therapy and/or counseling; participation in alumni events, and more.
Recovery First Outpatient Treatment Center, in Hollywood, Florida, in between Ft. Lauderdale and Miami, offers a PHP, IOP, and aftercare planning. Clinicians assess each individual to determine the right level of care to meet their specific needs.
Does Insurance Cover Methadone Detox?
Yes, if you have health insurance, methadone detox may be covered completely or at least in part, depending on your plan. Recovery First is an in-network provider with several major insurance companies, including United Healthcare, Aetna, Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Humana, Ambetter, TRICARE, and more.
Can I Get Methadone Detox Without Insurance?
Yes. While using insurance can help ease the financial burden, there are plenty of other ways to pay for methadone detox and treatment without insurance, including:
- Financing. Based on your situation and the facility, you may be eligible for financing or other flexible payment option, so you can make monthly payments as opposed to paying for detox and treatment all at once up front.
- Using credit or debit cards. Many rehab facilities accept credit or debit cards to help you cover the cost of care.
- Loans. You may consider asking a family member or friend for a loan, or taking out a loan from bank to cover the costs.
- Scholarships. Some treatment centers offer scholarships or financial aid to eligible individuals. You can inquire about eligibility requirements.
- Using Medicare or Medicaid. Some facilities accept Medicare, Medicaid, or other state- or government-financed insurance.
- Sliding-fee scale. Your cost for treatment may be adjusted based on your income.
Why Choose American Addiction Centers for Methadone Detox?
If you or a loved one is looking for a methadone detox and treatment facility near Miami, Florida, Recovery First Treatment Center may be a viable option. Call to connect with one of the knowledgeable and compassionate admissions navigators, who is available 24/7 to confidentially discuss your needs and available treatment options for free. Additionally, the admissions navigator can verify your insurance—or you can verify your benefits online—and discuss alternative payment options. Contact us today to take your first step toward lasting recovery.
