If you’re reading this, odds are you’ve already made a decision to come off of Methadone.
Having kicked Methadone I would like to share how I detoxed myself at home and would like to share my experience and some tips…that worked for me.
The process is difficult. It takes endurance. It takes work. It takes committment. It takes willingness. And that being said, once you've made that decision and follow through on it, I can tell you that what lies on the other side...being clean & knowing that after you made it through the hardest and most toughest time that you seem you wasn't gonna make it you overcome it and it is well worth any fight you might undergo.
Each individual will experience the following to varying degrees dependent upon your time on Methadone, dosage, age, other pre-existing physical and emotional issues. Not everyone will experience each of these side effects. The WD symptoms & PAWS are a waiting game and you have to play it out to end.
THEY ARE HOWEVER, A NORMAL PART OF THE PROCESS…JUST NOT PLEASANT
WITHDRAWAL & POST ACUTE WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS
Anxiety
Increase in blood pressure
Feeling that you're jumping out of your skin
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Sweating
Goosebumps
Leg & back/shoulder pain
Sleep deprivation
Dehyrdration
Depression
Lethargy
Rapid-fire sneezing
Runny eyes/nose
Unrelenting coughing
NON-ADDICTING COMFORT MEDICATIONS
Clonodine: BP med (you'll need an RX). It both lowers your heightened BP as well as lowering anxiety. VERY effective
Antihistamine: For sneezing/runny nose/runny eyes
Kaoptectate: For diarrhea
Quinine: for leg spasms
Advil/Motrin for same & back aches
Valerinan Root/Melatonin: for sleep
HELPFUL HINTS
Drink LOTS of water and/or Gatorade to replace lost electrolytes
Eat bananas to replace potassium...helps with muscle spasms
Eat small amounts frequently (non spicey)
Stay AWAY from caffine (including sodas with caffeine)
Take LOTS of hot showers/baths...until you're like a prune. It's emotionally soothing and helps with spasms in back/legs
Heating pad on lower back & on calves can help
The sleep deprivation is probably the longest lasting effects of Methadone WD. It's frustrating, it's anxiety producing and depressing...but you won't die from it.
Exercise...lightly in the beginning. You can start by walking. Build up your endorphin/serotonin levels. This will greatly aid with sleep, depression and energy.
Keep your goals VERY small to start. Just getting up and showering may tax your energy level. Make sure to eat and drink water.
And most importantly,. DON'T QUIT BEFORE THE MIRACLE! Allow GOD to help you see you through and remember THIS TOO SHALL PASS.
[email protected] if you have questions