Methadone withdrawal

[mustremember]

Hi, im glad I found a place like this. Im helping my husband with a at home methadone detox before he goes into a year long christian  rehab program. He has been on Methadone for 8-9 months. He was on 60mg and started detox on short notice. He went down 40, 20 then 10 all in one week. He stopped taking methadone Sunday (its Tuesday). He tried a facility for detox but they had some funny business going on so he is at home now. He has me and 4 other people watching him constantly. The past two days he has of course been going through really bad withdrawals (chills,fever, bone pain, restlessness,  vomiting) im not sure what to expect next. He is doing well during the day about dealing with pain but at night i dont know what to do to help him. He gets really bad at night... idk why. He really wants this... no one forced him into detox he wants his life back. Is there anything I can do (besides giving him encouragement) to gelp him? Any advice? I have given him something to help him sleep (harldy helps), ibuprofen, hot baths for bone pain, messages, idk what else would help.i know its kinda something he has to get through on his own but I wish I could make him more comfortable.

[gnarly_1]

HI well your doing it the hard way but we have had members come off 120mg C/T its not pritty but it is doable the physical detox will last 10 to 14 days coming off it the way he did a hot soak goes a long way ....try a shot glass of water or gatoraid every 15 minutes it is important not to get dehydrated as for tharapy a hot soak goes a long way from what I have read you believe in God and prayer really helped me my wife prayed over me often when the symptoms where bad and prayer works I wish you all the best your husband will have his life back after the rehab good luck and God bless......Gnarly

[mustremember]

Thank you all :) the posts gave him some encouragement. Though the rehab he is going to is somewhat medically equipped it is more of a spiritual life changing program and is very far from any hospital so they perfer him to be off any drugs to reduce risk of siezure or any other medical emergency due to detox. I will definitely try all of the advice above! Im just so.motivated to do whatever it takes to help my husband... not just for him or myself but for ours kiddos. I really appreciate all of the advice

[Jenelle2020]

Hi there, just wanted to add my two cents in here. I am currenetly on methadone myself, and have been tapering for 2 1/2 years , now going down 1mg/week.I am currently at 15mgs and doing okay. Your husband dropped his methadone really fast which makes for a tough detox, but it can be done and has been done by others at even higher doses. As mentioned above, using the vitamins, immodium etc and your continued support, he should do okay. It's going to be hard for awhile but sounds like he is very determined, and he has got this far so just keep on doing what you are doing. He is lucky to have such a loving supportive wife such as yourself. Good luck and take care!

[HappyDays2Come]

Good for him for taking his life back and you sound like an amazing and supportive wife (exactly what he'll need during this time). I'm so sorry that he's in so much pain right now but he can do it and it will get better. It's so great that he's decided to do this on his own and is taking his life back! The next month will be difficult and with your continued support it will make it easier. Continue to support and definitely get the vitamins from the Thomas Recipe (they work wonders). Please keep us posted on his progress and tell him we're cheering for him!

[weaver71]

Methadone is a longer detox than most other opiates. He may be feeling it pretty strong for about 3 weeks and then a slow recovery. He hasn't been on it for an extreme amount of time and was a relatively low dose, that will help, though that's a fast drop to 0. I am also surprised he is detoxing before rehab. How long before he goes in? If he is healthy otherwise, there is no danger in detox of opiates, so don't feel anxious. The more supportive and strong you can be, the more encouraged he will feel. Keep telling him how happy you are about his decision, leave no room for doubts that he is doing what's right. Definitely get the nutrients advised above. Immodium works wonders on the tummy. If he can walk around, even in the house, it helps. Epsom salt baths as hot as he can handle it will give some relief and healing. I describe methadone detox as having no skin and half a brain. The wind blowing hurts, but hugs feel awesome. I'm glad he has so much support, just be patient with him and time will heal him. Keep posting for support and have him read the forum if he's having doubts if he can do it.

[YesLife4Me]

That's interesting that they want him to detox (mostly) before he comes in?  Most rehab facilities will tell you NOT to quit using until they admit you to avoid any potential problems.  Then they give meds to help bring you down in a controlled atmosphere.   Is that not the case here?   But good for him for wanting to do this on his own. There is life after addiction.  Keep searching around on here for others stories on w/d from methadone, perhaps you will find a nugget or two in them that will help.  

[mustremember]

Thanks for your advice! Will definitely try. He was on H for 1 year before starting methadone. Unfortunately he is on a timed detox from rehab he is going to in 2-3weeks. He doesnt have to be completely detoxed but they want him off methadone for 2 weeks before going. Im grateful for any advice I can get. Of course have never been through this before so still learning.

[YesLife4Me]

Hi and Welcome!    Sounds like he has a great support system in you and your friends.   Right now all the positive encouragement he can get makes all the difference while going through the physical w/d.    The worst part is the first few days and then each day gets better from there.   So happy he made this decision.   I'm assuming he was on methadone for coming off another opiate?    So many horror stories of people being switched to methadone to get off the opiates but getting off the methadone is much much worse.   Is there any way he can taper down more slowly??  

On the bottom of this community page is the Thomas Recipe for going through w/d's.  Perhaps something on there you haven't tried yet?  

Someone also mentioned laying a damp cloth across your tummy when resting to help with the sweats.  

Weaver has the best advice for dealing with methadone w/d.  I'm sure he will be around soon.  He is a regular on here.   I've messed around with it and know it's no fun to come off of, so I can't offer much advice other than encouragement for you both.