How Long Does Methadone Last?

Updated January 14, 2025

Authored By:

Joe Gilmore

Edited By

Amy Leifeste

Medically Reviewed By

Javier Rodriguez-Winter

Authored By:

Joe Gilmore

Edited By

Amy Leifeste

Medically Reviewed By

Javier Rodriguez-Winter

Table of Contents

How Long Does Methadone Last?

Methadone is a medication that has helped many people break free from opioid addiction. It’s often used in treatment programs to ease withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings, making the recovery process more manageable. 

Knowing how long does methadone last can help people plan for treatment and stay safe throughout their recovery journey. This page highlights everything you need to know about methadone: how it works, what to expect when taking it, the signs of withdrawal, and how long does methadone last in your system. Also, you will learn how to get effective and compassionate treatment for opioid addiction.

What Does Methadone Treatment Do?

Methadone is a long-acting opioid medication that has been used to manage opioid addiction for almost 50 years [1]. Unlike some opioids that create powerful highs and lows, methadone works slowly, providing a steady effect that helps reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings. When used as part of a treatment program, methadone enables people to focus on rebuilding their lives without the constant struggle of intense cravings or painful withdrawal symptoms. 

Methadone binds to the same opioid receptors in the brain as drugs like heroin, fentanyl, or prescription painkillers [2]. That said, methadone doesn’t trigger the same euphoria, especially at the doses used in treatment. Instead, it reduces the body’s cravings for opioids by satisfying these mu-opioid receptors in a controlled, measured way. This approach makes methadone treatment highly effective in helping people regain control over their lives and avoid the risky cycles of misuse and relapse. 

In addition to easing withdrawal symptoms, methadone treatment can improve many areas of a person’s health. By stabilizing the brain and body, methadone can help people reduce harmful behaviors, avoid diseases associated with drug misuse, and improve their mental health. Many people who take methadone as prescribed and stay in a structured program find they can rebuild relationships, pursue education or career goals, and enjoy a greater sense of stability. 

For methadone to be safe and effective, it must be taken under medical supervision. Treatment centers or clinics set up specific dosages for each person, usually given once daily to maintain steady effects without causing a high. This steady dose allows the body to adjust without extreme highs and lows, making it easier for people to stay committed to the treatment plan.

How Do You Feel Taking Methadone?

How long does methadone last and how does it feel when you’re taking it? The experience of methadone is unlike that of other opioids and hinges on the dose, duration of use, and your body’s response. 

When starting methadone, some people feel slight drowsiness, mild nausea, or dizziness as their body adjusts. However, most side effects lessen after a few days as the body gets used to the medication. At an appropriate dose, methadone should help someone feel normal rather than high since the goal is to relieve withdrawal symptoms and cravings without creating euphoria. This balanced effect allows people to function in daily life, work, and relationships without the cloud of addiction. 

Methadone also brings a sense of stability, which can be a huge relief for those who have struggled with addiction long-term. With fewer cravings and a more balanced mood, people can focus on other areas, such as family, work, or school. This is one of the greatest benefits of methadone treatment—it gives people the chance to break free from the chaos of addiction and start rebuilding their lives. 

Keep in mind that methadone treatment requires commitment. Skipping doses or using other substances can disrupt the process made in recovery and may increase the risk of side effects or relapse. When methadone is taken as directed by a healthcare provider, the person should feel physically stable, which helps support mental and emotional stability as well. Although it is not a cure for opioid addiction, it’s a powerful tool that can give people the relief they need to work toward sustained recovery.

How Long Does Methadone Last?

Methadone’s effects can last longer than those of other opioids, which makes it beneficial for treating addiction. How long does methadone last can vary, though, depending on factors like: 

  • Dosage
  • Individual metabolism
  • Frequency of use 

For most people, a single dose of methadone can last 24 to 36 hours [3]. This long duration allows it to manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms with just one daily dose. 

When taken for pain relief, methadone may last only 4 to 8 hours because lower doses are used to prevent pain than to manage withdrawal from stronger opioids like heroin or fentanyl. 

The doses of methadone used in MAT (medication-assisted treatment) are higher, lasting 24 to 36 hours or more. This is ideal for addiction treatment, as it allows a single daily dose to help people avoid cravings and maintain stability throughout the day. 

How long does methadone last is impacted by its half-life. This expresses how long it takes for half of the dose to be eliminated from the body. Methadone has a longer half-life than many drugs, which is one of the reasons it’s so effective in addiction treatment. The half-life of methadone can range from 8 to 59 hours, depending on age, health, and metabolism [4]. Traces of methadone can stay in the body for up to 2 weeks after the last use. 

When considering how long does methadone last in the body for drug tests, this depends on the type of test used: 

  • Urine: Methadone can be detected in urine for 2 weeks after the last use. Urine tests are common because they’re reliable, non-invasive, and can detect methadone for an extended period.
  • Blood: Methadone can be found in blood for 24 to 55 hours. Blood tests show more recent use, as the drug exits the bloodstream relatively quickly.
  • Saliva: Methadone can be detected in saliva for 48 hours after the last use. These tests are less common and less accurate.
  • Hair: Methadone can be detected in hair for 90 days. Hair tests can provide information on long-term use, but they are used less frequently than urine or blood tests to detect methadone. 

The duration of methadone’s effects can vary greatly from one person to another. Several factors influence how long methadone stays active in the body and how long it can be detected. These include: 

  • Dosage and frequency: Higher doses and more frequent use of methadone can lead to a buildup of the drug in the body, making it last longer. People taking methadone daily in treatment will generally have more lasting effects than those taking it for pain relief.
  • Metabolism: Each person’s body processes methadone at a different rate. People with faster metabolisms will break down and eliminate methadone quicker, while those with slower metabolisms may feel its effects for longer.
  • Body mass and composition: Body weight and fat percentage can affect how long methadone stays in the system. Methadone is stored in fat tissues, so people with higher body fat may retain the drug longer [5].
  • Liver function: The liver plays a major role in processing methadone, so liver health can impact how long it stays in the body. Those with liver issues may find that methadone lingers in the system longer.
  • Medications: Some medications can interact with methadone and either speed up or slow down how the body processes it. Heartburn medications, for instance, may slow methadone’s breakdown, extending its duration in the body. 

Methadone’s lasting effects make it an effective option for opioid addiction treatment, but sticking to the prescribed schedule and working with healthcare providers is paramount to safe and effective use.

How Do You Know You’re in Methadone Withdrawal?

Methadone withdrawal can happen if someone stops taking the medication suddenly or misses doses. Withdrawal symptoms appear because the body has become used to methadone—it takes time to adjust without it. Identifying the signs of withdrawal can help a person know when to seek medical support to manage these symptoms safely. 

The physical symptoms of methadone withdrawal can feel similar to flu symptoms and may include: 

  • Muscle aches and pains
  • Sweating and chills
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Runny nose and watery eyes
  • Restlessness 

Mental and emotional symptoms associated with methadone withdrawal include: 

  • Irritability
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Sleeping problems 

Methadone withdrawal doesn’t usually start right away because the drug stays in the body for a long time. Symptoms begin within 24 to 36 hours after the last use. Withdrawal symptoms are strongest in the first 7 to 10 days but can linger for weeks. How long does methadone withdrawal last is impacted by how long a person has been using the medication—withdrawal can last for weeks with extended use. 

Most people benefit from medical support while withdrawing from methadone. Doctors can help by gradually reducing or tapering the methadone dose to minimize withdrawal symptoms. Medications may help ease symptoms. Counseling or support groups can streamline the mental side of withdrawal.

How Effective is Methadone Maintenance Treatment?

Methadone maintenance treatment is one of the most studied and effective methods for helping people overcome opioid addiction [6]. This approach works by using methadone as a long-term support to prevent cravings and manage withdrawal symptoms. With methadone, people can recalibrate their lives, focus on recovery, and reduce their risk of relapse. Methadone maintenance treatment is considered highly effective—it’s been used since the 1950s—especially when combined with counseling, therapy, and community support groups. 

The long-lasting effects of methadone can significantly reduce the risk of relapse. Relapse is common in opioid recovery due to the powerful cravings and withdrawal symptoms that occur during withdrawal. Studies have shown that people in methadone maintenance treatment are much less likely to relapse than those who try to quit opioids without medication and support.

Methadone maintenance treatment improves overall health and safety and reduces cravings. People on methadone are less likely to misuse opioids, which reduces the risk of overdose, infections, and other health complications. Since methadone is taken under medical supervision, individuals can safely use it without the risky behaviors linked to street drug use, like sharing needles or using unknown substances. This treatment enables people to establish routines and focus on healthy lifestyle changes. 

When someone in recovery from opioid addiction is not constantly dealing with cravings or withdrawal, they often feel more stable and confident in their daily lives. They may return to work or school, rebuild relationships with family, and engage in enjoyable activities. The stability afforded by methadone also gives them a firmer foundation to work on their mental health through therapy or counseling. 

Methadone maintenance treatment is considered safe for as long as the person needs it. The most effective programs combine methadone with counseling, behavioral therapies, and peer support groups. With the right guidance, people using methadone maintenance treatment can reclaim their lives and thrive rather than survive in long-term recovery.

Get Methadone Treatment for Opioid Addiction at a Premier California Rehab

Methadone is a valuable tool for addiction treatment. If you need help with opioid addiction or methadone misuse, reach out to California Detox in Laguna Beach, CA, for judgment-free assistance.  

We incorporate methadone treatment into MAT programs at our luxury beachside rehab. The medication can help you through withdrawal by reducing cravings. At our rehab, you will also receive 24/7 clinical care as you taper off opioids and address physical dependence. After a week of detoxification, you can transition to ongoing treatment at our facility. 

The immersive nature of inpatient treatment at California Detox allows you to focus on recovery without triggers or distractions from daily life. You will tackle the psychological side of opioid addiction and learn coping skills for ongoing recovery.

The unique aspect of all addictions means California Detox treatment plans are personalized to suit you. Therapies might include: 

  • MAT
  • Talk therapy
  • Counseling
  • Motivational therapy
  • Family therapy
  • Holistic treatments
  • Group therapy
  • Aftercare 

Begin methadone treatment for opioid addiction right away by calling 888-995-4208. 

Sources

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK310658/

[2] https://www.painphysicianjournal.com/current/pdf?article=OTg3&journal=42

 [3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK574918/

[4] https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Methadone

[5] https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/methadone

[6] https://www.asam.org/docs/default-source/advocacy/patf-message-box-4-14e3fb099472bc604ca5b7ff000030b21a.pdf?sfvrsn=0

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