Methadone is a regulated drug utilized for the treatment of opiate addiction. An Individual who wants to quit taking heroin or prescription pain killers can get enrolled into a methadone clinic in or near Ray where they take it daily to stop withdrawal symptoms, avoid cravings and in essence replace their addiction with a legal medication. Many individuals who start methadone treatment remain on it for many years, due to the fact that coming off it can produce withdrawal symptoms much greater than even heroin withdrawal. Methadone is a full opioid agonist, just like heroin. However, it's effects last much longer which is why detoxing from it can be so harsh and last for weeks. Additionally, considering methadone can stay in the body for so long, users may not even begin experiencing withdrawal for a day or two if they stop taking it cold turkey. Methadone withdrawal is similar to that of other opiates, and feels similar to a severe flu which can include chills, fever, nausea and vomiting, profuse sweating stomach cramping, muscle and bone aches and pain, acute insomnia, etc.
Methadone withdrawal can be made more comfortable and manageable in a detox facility which allow methadone clients. Some centers offer a medication assisted detoxification while others help the client get off the drug cold turkey without any medications.