Methadone can stay in the system for anywhere between 3 to 12 days, depending on factors such as dosage, frequency of use, and individual metabolism. The drug’s elimination half-life can range from 15 to 55 hours, meaning it can take anywhere from 3 to 12 days for methadone to be mostly cleared from the body. The exact time varies from person to person, with factors like liver and kidney function, as well as overall health, influencing how quickly the drug is eliminated.
Methadone has a relatively long half-life compared to many other opioids. The long half-life of methadone contributes to its effectiveness in managing opioid dependence, as it helps prevent withdrawal symptoms and cravings over an extended period.
Drug Half-Life
What does drug half-life mean? The half-life of a drug refers to the time it takes for the amount of drug in the body to decrease by half. This is a measure of how quickly the body metabolizes and eliminates the drug.
Longer Half-Life: Drugs with a longer half-life - such as cocaine and heroin - take more time to be eliminated from the body, and thus their effects can last longer. This means that they may remain detectable in drug tests for a more extended period.
Shorter Half-Life: Drugs with a shorter half-life - such as alcohol and marijuana - are eliminated from the body more rapidly. This means that their effects wear off relatively quickly as well. They are generally detectable for a shorter duration in drug tests.
Factors that Affect How Long Methadone Stays in the System
Several factors can influence how long methadone lasts in an individual's system. These factors can vary from person to person and may include the following:
- Metabolism: The rate at which the body metabolizes methadone can affect how long it stays in the system. Individuals with faster metabolism may eliminate methadone more quickly than those with slower metabolism.
- Liver function: Methadone is primarily metabolized in the liver. Any impairment in liver function can affect the metabolism and elimination of methadone from the body. Individuals with liver disease may process methadone more slowly, leading to a longer duration of its presence in the system.
- Dosage and frequency of use: Higher doses and more frequent use of Methadone can lead to its accumulation in the body, extending the time it takes for the drug to be eliminated.
- Age: Younger individuals, in general, tend to metabolize drugs more quickly than older individuals. However, individual variations exist, and age is just one factor among many.
- Body mass and composition: Body fat percentage and overall body composition can influence the distribution and storage of drugs in the body. Methadone is lipophilic, meaning it can accumulate in fat tissues.
- Hydration level: Adequate hydration can help the body eliminate substances more efficiently through urine. Dehydration may slow down the excretion of methadone.
- Genetics: Genetic factors can contribute to individual differences in drug metabolism. Some people may have genetic variations that affect how their bodies process and eliminate methadone.
- Simultaneous usage of other medications: Some medications can interact with methadone and affect its metabolism. It's essential to inform healthcare providers of all medications being taken to assess potential drug interactions.
- Duration of use: Individuals who have been using methadone for an extended period may experience a longer elimination time due to the drug's cumulative effects.
- Overall health: The general health of an individual, including factors such as kidney function and overall organ health, can impact the elimination of methadone.
How Long Does it Take for Methadone to Work?
When methadone is used for chronic pain management, its pain-relieving effects may kick in within 30 minutes to an hour after ingestion. However, the full pain-relieving effect may take longer to develop.
When methadone is used in Medication-Assisted Treatment programs for opioid dependence, it is typically administered in a controlled setting. The effects of Methadone in reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms can be felt within a few hours of the first dose.
Methadone is classified as an opioid agonist, meaning it activates the same receptors in the brain that natural opioids (like endorphins) and man-made opioids (such as morphine or heroin) target. However, methadone has a long duration of action and is administered in controlled doses to help those with opioid use disorder manage their dependence.
Detection Times for Methadone
Does methadone show up on a drug test? Yes, however, detection times for methadone do vary and there are a number of different drug tests used to test how long methadone stays in the body.
Below are the average times for how long methadone stays in urine, blood, saliva and hair.
- Urine: Methadone can typically be detected in urine for 2-14 days, but in some cases, it can be detectable for longer periods, especially with chronic use.
- Blood: Methadone can be detected in blood for 24-36 hours after the last dose.
- Saliva: In saliva, methadone can be detected for 1-10 days after use.
- Hair: Methadone can be detected in hair follicles for a longer period, usually up to 90 days.
Treatment for Methadone Addiction
The treatment for methadone addiction, like the treatment for addiction to other opioids, typically involves a comprehensive approach that addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction.
Initially, those struggling with methadone addiction will typically undergo a medically supervised withdrawal known as detoxification. Medical supervision helps manage withdrawal symptoms and ensures safety during the detox phase.
After this, they will begin Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT). MAT involves the use of medications to help individuals reduce or quit their use of opioids. In the context of methadone addiction, a MAT involves stabilizing individuals on an appropriate dose of methadone or Suboxone. The goal is to find a dose that helps reduce or eliminate opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing sedation or euphoria. This process is typically conducted under close medical supervision. Once stabilized, individuals may enter the maintenance phase, where they continue to receive a steady and controlled dose of methadone. This helps prevent relapse, reduces the desire for illicit opioids, and allows individuals to focus on other aspects of their recovery, such as counseling and therapy.
Another element of treatment for methadone addiction is behavioral therapies in either an inpatient or outpatient setting. Among other things, behavioral therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), help individuals explore and address the underlying issues contributing to their addiction. This may include identifying and understanding the root causes of substance use, such as trauma, stress, or co-occurring mental health disorders.
Avenues Recovery Can Help You Get Methadone Out Of Your System For Good
If you are struggling with methadone addiction or know someone who is, Avenues Recovery is here to help. Our team of experts will work with you to enable you to turn over a new page in your life and live free of addiction. Our highly trained addiction counselors have a wealth of experience treating substance abuse, and they will stop at nothing to help you recover. Our staff use a potent combination of evidence based therapy, a holistic approach, and mega doses of support, care and guidance to make your recovery process as smooth, pleasant and successful as possible. Contact us today to take your first step towards a happier, healthier and sober future.