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Methadone Detox & Addiction Treatment
Begin Your Recovery with Compassionate, Medically Supervised Care
Methadone is a long-acting opioid medication commonly used to treat opioid use disorder (OUD) and manage chronic pain. It works by activating the same receptors in the brain as drugs like heroin, fentanyl, or oxycodone — but in a more controlled, extended-release manner. This helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing the intense high associated with other opioids.
While methadone can be effective for opioid maintenance treatment, it can also become habit-forming. Prolonged use may lead to physical dependence, and tapering off methadone can cause difficult withdrawal symptoms if not done under medical supervision.
At Orange County Detox Center, we offer safe, medically monitored detox programs to help individuals gradually and comfortably withdraw from methadone as they begin their recovery journey.
The methadone withdrawal timeline refers to the stages your body and mind go through when tapering off or discontinuing methadone use. Due to its long half-life, symptoms often begin within 24 to 36 hours of the last dose and can last several weeks or more, depending on dosage, duration of use, and individual factors.
Here’s a general breakdown of what to expect during methadone withdrawal:
The detox timeline refers to the full process of safely clearing methadone from the body under medical supervision. Methadone detox often requires a slow, controlled taper with ongoing monitoring, symptom relief, and emotional support.
Note: Because of methadone’s long-lasting effects, some clients experience prolonged withdrawal symptoms known as PAWS (Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome). Ongoing care and support are essential for long-term recovery success.
You’re not alone — and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself. Our team is here to listen, answer your questions, and help you understand what to expect. No pressure. Just support.
We accept most PPO insurance plans and can verify your coverage quickly, confidentially, and with no obligation to commit. Our team is here 24/7 to walk you through your benefits and help you understand what’s covered — so you can focus on getting better, not figuring out the paperwork.
Recovery starts with clarity — let’s take that first step together.
Methadone detox & rehab FAQs
Methadone is a prescription medication commonly used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to help individuals manage opioid use disorder. It reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms by acting on the same receptors in the brain as other opioids but with a longer-lasting and more stable effect.
Yes. While methadone is used to treat opioid addiction, it is still an opioid itself and can lead to physical dependence. Long-term use, especially outside of a supervised medical setting, can result in addiction and difficult withdrawal symptoms.
Methadone withdrawal typically begins 24–36 hours after the last dose and can last anywhere from 10 days to several weeks. Some clients may experience lingering psychological symptoms for even longer, especially without ongoing support.
Withdrawal symptoms can include:
Anxiety, irritability, and restlessness
Muscle aches, sweating, and chills
Nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps
Insomnia and intense drug cravings
Depression or mood swings
Symptoms often last longer than with other opioids due to methadone’s long half-life.
It’s not recommended. Methadone detox can be physically and emotionally intense. Because the symptoms can be prolonged and unpredictable, medically supervised detox is the safest and most effective way to manage the process and prevent relapse.
Detox is just the first step. After completing methadone detox at Orange County Detox Center, we help clients transition into residential treatment, outpatient care, or aftercare programs to support long-term sobriety and relapse prevention.
In most cases, yes. Many private and PPO insurance plans cover detox services, including methadone detox. Our team offers fast, confidential insurance verification to help you understand your benefits and treatment options.
Healing Happens Here
Orange County Detox Center is a private, residential detox located in the heart of South Coast Metro, just minutes from John Wayne Airport and the serene shores of Newport and Laguna Beach. Our mission is simple: to provide a safe, supportive, and peaceful space where individuals can begin their journey to recovery with presence, care, and compassion.
We believe healing begins with connection to ourselves, to nature, and to others. That’s why we’ve created an environment that blends clinical excellence with restorative experiences. Our team is dedicated to helping clients safely detox from drugs and alcohol while nurturing the mind, body, and spirit.
From our trauma-informed approach to the daily rhythm of mindfulness practices, nourishing meals, and group therapy, everything we do is rooted in the belief that recovery is possible when people are met with intention and respect.
At Orange County Detox Center, we don’t just treat symptoms, we create space for transformation.
Whether you’re seeking a fresh start or helping someone you love take their first step, we’re here. Recovery starts with one decision, and we’re honored to walk beside you every step of the way.
You have the power to choose recovery today. Support is here — and you don’t have to do this alone.
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