Methadone Reduction Therapy

Our treatment center at Addiction Treatment Montreal offers a structured and compassionate program designed to help clients reduce or discontinue methadone use safely. Methadone, a long‑acting opioid medication, is widely used as part of opioid agonist therapy (OAT) to relieve withdrawal symptoms and cravings in people recovering from opioid use disorder. While effective, it may also carry dependence risks and side effects if used long‑term NCBI+4CAMH+4Wikipedia+4.

Understanding Methadone and Its Role in Recovery

Methadone is typically administered orally once a day—often in liquid form—to maintain stable blood levels and prevent withdrawal symptoms for 24 hours or more Government of Canada. It works by suppressing cravings and blocking the euphoric effects of other opioids like heroin or fentanyl ResearchGate+13Government of Canada+13Wikipedia+13. While methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) is medically safe when monitored, some clients may wish to taper off due to side effects such as nausea, sleep disturbances, or QT‑interval prolongation (a cardiac rhythm issue) PMC.

Tapering off Methadone: Safe and Personalized

For motivated individuals, we offer medically supervised tapering protocols to gradually reduce methadone dosage in a controlled environment. Our approach supports clients experiencing mild to moderate detox symptoms—such as body aches, nausea, chills, sweating, insomnia, and anxiety—with continuous monitoring and comfort care. We follow best practices similar to guidelines developed by health authorities in Canada, emphasizing gradual dose reduction and individualized pacing to minimize risks META:PHI Provincial Network.

In the event of more severe symptoms—such as persistent vomiting, dehydration, or cardiovascular concerns like prolonged QTc—our team can assist with referral to an accredited detox facility. After medical stabilization, clients return to our center for ongoing therapeutic support.

Comprehensive Rehab Treatment Options

Our recovery program goes beyond detox and stabilization to include multidisciplinary therapeutic services:

• Individual therapy: We employ evidence‑based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing, trauma‑informed care, and relapse prevention planning.

• Group counselling & peer support: Group sessions foster mutual understanding, accountability, and peer reinforcement—vital for sustaining long‑term recovery.

• Psychoeducation: Clients receive education on the nature of opioid use disorder, mechanisms of addiction, relapse triggers, and strategies for healthy coping.

• Holistic & wellness supports: We incorporate mindfulness meditation, yoga, art therapy, and recreational activities to support emotional regulation and quality of life.

• Case management & aftercare planning: Comprehensive support includes vocational counselling, housing referrals, family therapy, and connection to community recovery resources such as Intervention Services and other local supports.

Our program is closely aligned with the Intervention Services model, integrating early detection, family involvement, and coordinated care transitions. You can explore more about our approach to engaging clients before crisis points on our Intervention Services page.

Methadone vs Alternative Medication Options

While methadone remains a core component of opioid use disorder treatment, alternative medications such as buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone) or slow‑release oral morphine may be appropriate in some cases. Buprenorphine/naloxone offers a superior safety profile, especially with regard to overdose risk and heart rhythm effects Wikipedia. Slow‑release morphine may be co‑prescribed for clients requiring pain control or facing methadone toxicity issues META:PHI Provincial Network.

Decisions about medication are made collaboratively, taking into account the individual’s tolerance, risk factors, co‑occurring psychiatric conditions, and treatment goals.

Harm and Methadone Reduction and Safety Measures

Throughout treatment, we emphasize risk reduction and safety:

• Take‑home naloxone kits are provided to all clients to prevent opioid overdose in case of relapse.

• We monitor for drug‑drug interactions, especially with benzodiazepines, which can increase overdose risk in methadone patients Wikipedia.

• ECG screening is considered for clients on higher methadone doses (> 150 mg) or with cardiac risk factors to monitor QTc intervals ResearchGate+8META:PHI Provincial Network+8Manitoba Physicians & Surgeons+8.

Why Choose Our Program?

1. Evidence‑based: Our design is grounded in Canadian and international best practices for OAT and behavioral therapy Government of CanadaWikipedia.

2. Individualized care: Every plan is tailored to your physical health, mental wellbeing, support network, and long‑term recovery objectives.

3. Seamless transition from detox to therapy: We bridge medical stabilization with intensive outpatient therapy—from safe methadone tapering through psycho‑social supports.

4. Integration with Intervention Services: Through early intervention and family involvement, we help clients address addiction before it escalates into crisis.

Learn More and Get Started on Methadone Reduction Therapy

If you’re interested in reducing or stopping methadone use, or seeking outpatient rehab services in Montréal, reach out today. Visit our Intervention Services page to learn how we can support you in preventing relapse and strengthening recovery.

For more on methadone treatment guidelines and best practices, consult Health Canada’s national standard (“Best Practices – Methadone Maintenance Treatment”) Government of Canada and the CAMH practitioner guide on prescribing methadone in Canada CAMH.