How to Get Off and Quit Methadone

If you have utilized methadone as part of your opioid addiction treatment, you may wonder how to taper off and quit methadone. To answer that question, you’ll need to first consider some things to determine if it is in your best interest to stop the medication. 

Key Facts

• Your provider may recommend methadone to treat opioid use disorder.
• Signs of readiness to end methadone treatment include stable housing, income, mental health and support systems.
• You should not quit methadone suddenly, but instead you should stop by tapering off.
• You may experience unpleasant side effects when going through methadone withdrawal.

Understanding Methadone and Why People Consider Stopping

While methadone is an effective medication, some people decide to discontinue taking it based on personal reasons and circumstances.

What Methadone Does and Common Reasons to Get Off It

Methadone is a long acting opioid used in medication assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder and sometimes chronic pain. Some reasons people think about stopping methadone treatment include:

• Unpleasant side effects such as weight changes, sweating, sexual issues and fatigue
• Clinic rules
• Daily dosing
• Stigma
• Desire to be “medication free.”

Choosing whether to remain on methadone or to taper off is a personal decision, one that can only be made by you and your provider. 

Is It the Right Time to Get Off Methadone?

There are some things to consider if you’re wondering if it’s the right time to stop methadone treatment.

Readiness, Stability, and When Staying On Is Safer

Some of the signs that you may be ready to taper off of or quit methadone include having:

• Steady housing and income
• No illicit opioid use
• Stable mental health
• Supportive relationships
• Consistent attendance at the methadone clinic

In some situations, tapering off methadone may not be the right decision.

If you’ve had frequent relapses, are pregnant, have severe anxiety or depression or live in an unsafe environment, it is best to discuss your options with your provider and determine what is best for you. 

Why You Shouldn’t Quit Methadone Cold Turkey

Suddenly quitting methadone comes with risks and withdrawal symptoms.

Risks of Sudden Withdrawal, Overdose, and Home Detox

It is important to remember that methadone has a long half life. For this reason, those who abruptly quit methadone is likely to cause intense, prolonged withdrawal and powerful cravings.

Another thing to consider with quitting methadone is that if you return to using it after a break, your overdose risk is substantially higher because you have a decreased tolerance to its effects.

Unsupervised “home detox,” detox kits, or skipping large doses can be dangerous as well. It’s important to have medical supervision and naloxone available when tapering methadone.

Tapering Off Methadone Safely

Tapering off of methadone should always be done with caution.

Building a Gradual Taper Plan With Your Provider

There is no one size fits all methadone taper schedule, so it is best to talk with your doctor about low, stepwise dose reductions tailored to your current dose.

Your medical provider will need to consider your length of treatment, other medications you’re taking and your current physical and mental health to determine the safest taper plan. 

While tapering, your doctor will likely schedule regular check ins, drug screens, counseling and safety planning.

Switching From Methadone to Buprenorphine/Suboxone

Some people may find it easier to use buprenorphine or Suboxone. It is a partial opioid agonist that is often available through office based MAT, allowing for more flexibility, fewer clinic visits and different side effects.

This transition usually requires lowering methadone to a safer dose and waiting for mild withdrawal before starting buprenorphine to avoid precipitated withdrawal.

You should discuss these options with your care team before making a switch in your treatment plan.

Managing Methadone Withdrawal Symptoms

Methadone withdrawal symptoms vary and depend on several factors.

Typical Withdrawal Timeline and What to Expect

Methadone withdrawal has a later onset than short acting opioids. These withdrawal symptoms can last for days or weeks, depending on the dose, length of use, your overall health and whether or not other drugs were involved. 

Methadone withdrawal can make you feel like you have the flu.

Some common symptoms include:

• Upset stomach
• Muscle aches
• Insomnia
• Mood changes

You can help reduce the fear and frustration you may experience during withdrawal by making plans to have a lighter schedule than usual (work, school or family), have supportive people nearby and have realistic expectations about the process. 

Medications, Self Care, and Coping Skills That Help

Although the process may sound scary, there are things you can do to make it easier.

Your provider may recommend the use of non opioid medications under medical supervision during withdrawal, including:

• Blood pressure agents
• Anti-diarrheals
• Anti-nausea meds
• Non addictive sleep aids
• Pain relievers

Taking care of yourself and using healthy coping skills will also help you to manage methadone withdrawal.

Here are some tips to try:

• Stay hydrated
• Keep a balanced diet
• Regular exercise
• Hot showers or baths
• Good sleep hygiene
• Mindfulness
• Breathing exercises
• Have a written relapse response plan

Treatment Settings and Support While You Come Off Methadone

Regardless of where you choose to taper off of and quit methadone, you’ll need to plan for how you continue your long term treatment beyond withdrawal.

Home, Outpatient, and Inpatient Options for Tapering

Clinic or office based tapering with regular visits may be appropriate if you have a good support system at home and are in good mental and physical health. A benefit of outpatient care is a more flexible schedule and more independence.

Medical detox or residential treatment is a safer option if you are tapering off of a high dose, have polysubstance use or pre existing medical complications.

A benefit of inpatient care is 24/7 nursing and monitoring in detox, structured days, and therapy.

Counseling, Peer Support, and Relapse Prevention Planning

Tapering is easier with ongoing therapy, which may include individual counseling, group work, trauma informed care and family therapy. Peer support is also another tool to help you during the tapering process.

Examples of peer support resources include:

• Narcotics Anonymous
• SMART Recovery
• Online meetings
• Recovery coaching
• Support groups for partners and families

Your treatment team will help you create a relapse prevention plan.

These often include personal warning signs to watch for, healthy coping strategies to make you more comfortable, access to naloxone, an emergency contact list or a plan to quickly resume the medication, if needed.

Life After Methadone

Treatment doesn’t end after tapering off methadone. Ongoing support from individual or group counseling and aftercare programs helps you to remain on the path towards recovery.

Protecting Your Recovery and Rebuilding Daily Life

Once you’ve completed tapering off methadone, it’s time to focus on strengthening “recovery capital” such as:

• Stable housing
• Meaningful work or school
• Healthy routines
• Hobbies
• Supportive relationships

Do not be surprised if you have lingering post acute withdrawal symptoms like mood swings and sleep issues, as these are considered normal after discontinuing methadone.

Be sure to continue to follow up with your medical and behavioral health team and keep in mind that returning to methadone or another medication is not a failure. The goal is to stay alive and safe.

Find Treatment Near You

Use the Rehab.com directory to find a treatment center that is right for you. The directory allows you to filter by location, level of care, insurance, and special programs. 

Looking for immediate, one-on-one support? Call 800-985-8516 ( Sponsored Helpline ) today to talk to someone who can help you find the care you need.