What to Expect When Starting Methadone Treatment

08/25/20

Methadone treatment is a common method used to treat moderate and severe forms of pain as well as narcotic drug addiction, such as opiate addiction. There are several different types of methadone treatment. When used to treat patients with opiate addiction, methadone maintenance and methadone detoxification are two of the most common. If you or a loved one is considering such treatment options, here is what to expect when starting methadone treatment.

Effects of Methadone Treatment

Provides relief from cravings associated with opioid addiction
Reduces withdrawal symptoms associated with opioid addiction
Generally counteracts the effects of opioids used during treatment

How Long Does It Take to Experience the Effects of Methadone Treatment?

When starting methadone treatment, you can expect a dose of methadone to start taking effect around 30 to 40 minutes later. Two to four hours after taking a dose, the patient will typically experience the largest effect of the treatment.

How Methadone Treatment Works

Methadone treatment starts by issuing small doses of methadone until a doctor can determine a safe and effective dosage. The methadone dosage reduces physical withdrawal symptoms and cravings and eliminates the euphoric and sedating effects of the opiates while the drug makes its way through the patient’s system. The synthetic agent of methadone accomplishes this task by fully attaching to the opioid receptors in the brain.

Because the first dose of methadone will be small, the effects likely won’t last a full 24 hours, and withdrawal symptoms may occur. As a patient’s dose gradually increases to an appropriate level, such symptoms and cravings should desist for the full 24 hours between doses. By controlling cravings and withdrawal symptoms, methadone treatment helps prevent relapse, which commonly occurs in the early stages of recovery.

The Sundance Methadone Treatment Center is committed to helping those impacted by opiate addiction to recover and regain control of their lives. To provide you with the information you need to take the first steps towards recovery, we have staff on duty 24/7 to answer any questions that you may have regarding our effective methadone treatment options in Chicago. If you or a loved one could benefit from methadone treatment, call us to schedule a consultation at the Sundance Methadone Treatment Center.