Simonds Recovery Centers
Methadone Addiction Treatment and Rehab
Joint Commission Accredited · Licensed by California DHCS (#191267AP) · LegitScript Certified
Methadone addiction treatment at Simonds Recovery Centers is medically supervised opioid care for adults dependent on methadone. Because methadone is a long-acting opioid, coming off it safely calls for a gradual, supervised taper followed by therapy, never an abrupt stop. We work with most major insurance and verify your benefits before you start.
Talk to a consultant:
+1 (833) 781-8338
What is Methadone Addiction?
Methadone is a long-acting opioid used to treat opioid addiction and to manage severe pain. As a medication-assisted treatment, methadone helps many people stay stable and away from heroin or other opioids, and for them it is a valuable, evidence-based tool. This page is for a different situation: when someone has become dependent on methadone beyond its intended role, is misusing it, or is ready to come off it.
Because methadone is an opioid, the body builds tolerance and physical dependence over time, and stopping suddenly brings withdrawal. Some people reach a point where they want to step down off methadone entirely, and others have begun using it in ways their prescriber did not intend. In both cases, the safe path is a medically supervised taper rather than quitting on your own.
Talk to a consultant:
+1 (833) 781-8338
Is methadone treatment right for you?
Methadone treatment at Simonds is for adults who want to safely stop using methadone or who have developed a problem with it. That includes people who have been on methadone maintenance and feel ready, with their care team, to taper off, and people who are taking more than prescribed, using methadone that was not prescribed to them, or combining it with other substances.
If methadone is working for you as prescribed and you are stable on it, staying on it can be the right choice, and that is a decision to make with your prescriber. If you want to come off it, or your use has slipped beyond what was prescribed, we can help you do that safely.
Talk to a consultant:
+1 (833) 781-8338
Methadone withdrawal and detox
Methadone withdrawal is rarely directly life-threatening, but it is intense and unusually prolonged, which is why a supervised taper matters. Because methadone is long-acting, withdrawal tends to start later than with shorter-acting opioids, often a day or two after the last dose, and can last for several weeks. Symptoms include muscle aches, sweating, chills, nausea, anxiety, insomnia, and strong cravings.
The safest way off methadone is a gradual dose reduction managed by a medical team, not an abrupt stop, which can trigger severe, drawn-out withdrawal and a high risk of relapse. Going through this stage with medical support keeps you more comfortable and lowers the relapse-overdose risk that comes with lost tolerance. Our medical detox program supports this stage before you move into therapy and ongoing care.
Talk to a consultant:
+1 (833) 781-8338
How long does methadone withdrawal last?
Methadone withdrawal usually begins one to two days after the last dose, peaks within the first week or so, and can continue for several weeks, with low mood and cravings sometimes lingering longer. The exact length depends on the dose, how long methadone was used, and how the taper is managed. A slower, supervised taper is designed to keep symptoms manageable and reduce how hard this stage feels.
Levels of care for methadone addiction
Methadone treatment works through levels of care that step down in intensity as you stabilize. Many people begin with a supervised taper and detox support, then move through inpatient or structured outpatient care depending on their needs and home support. The table below shows how the levels compare.
Methadone treatment levels of care
Level of care | Intensity | Living situation |
Medical detox | Highest, 24-hour medical care | Onsite |
Inpatient / residential | High, 24-hour structured care | Onsite |
Partial hospitalization (PHP) | Intensive daily treatment | Home at night |
Intensive outpatient (IOP) | Moderate, part-time | Home |
Outpatient | Ongoing maintenance | Home |
The right level is set by clinical assessment. Because methadone withdrawal is prolonged, the taper and stabilization stage often takes longer than with shorter-acting opioids.
How methadone addiction is treated
Methadone addiction is treated with a combination of a supervised taper and therapy that addresses the reasons for use. The taper gradually lowers the dose so the body adjusts with as little withdrawal as possible, and where appropriate the medical team may transition care using other medication-assisted treatment options. Whether and how to use medication is a clinical decision made with our team.
Once the taper is underway, therapy does the long-term work. We use evidence-based approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), in individual and group settings, and we treat any co-occurring conditions such as chronic pain, anxiety, or depression as part of the plan. Our medication-assisted treatment and therapy work together rather than separately.
Insurance and cost
Most major insurance plans cover methadone addiction treatment, including detox and outpatient care. We work with carriers including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Optum, and Humana, among others, and our admissions team verifies exactly what your plan covers before you start.
What you pay out of pocket depends on your plan and the level of care you need. Verifying your benefits takes a few minutes and carries no obligation. Submit the insurance verification form or call +1 (833) 781-8338.
Talk to a consultant:
+1 (833) 781-8338
Medically reviewed by
Chris Small, M.D. Addiction Psychiatrist. Dr. Small is board certified in Psychiatry, Addiction Medicine, and Family Medicine. He earned his medical degree at the University of Hawaii and completed his residency in Psychiatry and Family Medicine at UCSD.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to come off methadone?
The safest way to come off methadone is a gradual, medically supervised taper, never an abrupt stop. Because methadone is long-acting, the dose is lowered slowly so the body adjusts with as little withdrawal as possible. Therapy alongside the taper addresses the reasons for use and supports lasting recovery.
Is Simonds a methadone clinic?
No. We are an addiction treatment center, not a methadone maintenance clinic. We help people who want to safely taper off methadone or who have developed a problem with it, using supervised detox and therapy. If you are stable on methadone as prescribed, staying on it is a decision to make with your prescriber.
Is methadone withdrawal dangerous?
Methadone withdrawal is rarely directly life-threatening, but it is intense and unusually prolonged, and it carries a real relapse-overdose risk. A supervised taper keeps you more comfortable and safer than stopping on your own. Medical support during this stage is strongly recommended.
How long does methadone withdrawal last?
Methadone withdrawal usually starts one to two days after the last dose, peaks in the first week, and can continue for several weeks, longer than withdrawal from shorter-acting opioids like heroin. A slower, supervised taper is designed to keep symptoms manageable throughout.
Methadone or Suboxone: which is better for coming off opioids?
Both methadone and Suboxone are FDA-approved medications for opioid use disorder, and the right choice depends on the person, their history, and their care team. Some people transition from methadone to Suboxone as part of coming off opioids. We can talk through the options as part of your assessment.
Does insurance cover methadone rehab?
Most major insurance plans cover methadone addiction treatment, including detox and outpatient care. We work with carriers including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Optum, and Humana. Our admissions team verifies your specific benefits with no obligation.
Where can I find methadone detox near me in Los Angeles?
Our methadone treatment is at Simonds Recovery Centers in Granada Hills, in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles, at 17810 Simonds St. The program serves adults across the greater Los Angeles area. Call +1 (833) 781-8338 or verify your insurance to get started.
Start methadone addiction treatment today
Talk to our admissions team about a safe, supervised path off methadone for you or your loved one. Call +1 (833) 781-8338 or verify your insurance now.
Talk to a consultant:
+1 (833) 781-8338
