How do methadone clinics work

A methadone clinic is a treatment facility for a person addicted to opioid drugs, like heroin or prescription painkillers. Patients receive treatment medication, such as methadone , to stabilize the body from unbearable withdrawal symptoms in order for the patient to receive meaningful and lasting recovery therapy. Methadone is an opioid analgesic that offers patients a tolerable method for withdrawing from illegal opioids and promotes the continued resistance to returning to illicit drugs.

Methadone must be administered and monitored by medical professionals. Medication-assisted treatment is paired with counseling services in order to provide the patient a comprehensive approach to long-term recovery. Individuals who are prescribed methadone for opioid addiction experience neither the cravings for the illicit opioid nor the euphoric rush typically associated with use of the illegal drug.

Methadone, a legal treatment medication in the U. In addition to methadone therapy, patients attend counseling sessions. Counseling prevents drug relapse, and helps patients deal with stress, repair personal relationships and rebuild professional goals. Group, family and one-on-one counseling sessions are offered for the comprehensive treatment and recovery of the patient. Some patients respond to treatment almost immediately, while others take more time to reach stability.

Patients who were addicted to heroin or prescription painkillers experience the following benefits when treated with methadone therapy in conjunction with professional counseling services:. The National Institute on Drug Abuse set forth the of Drug Addiction Treatment that says methadone is the preferred method of treatment for opioid dependency when combined with other protocols:.

On the first day, patients discuss their overall health and drug use history with a healthcare provider at their local treatment center. Individuals will be given a blood and urinalysis tests. They also lead to the problem of getting off methadone or Suboxone, after treatment. If you want to overcome your addiction to opioids, there is a safe way. Instead of becoming hooked on another opioid for a long period of time, use a taper schedule. Slowly wean off the drug. This will reduce the severity of your withdrawal symptoms, along with the chances that you will develop an addiction to another opioid.

It takes work and time, but eventually, you will be able to be free from drugs altogether, a much safer and preferable option for the vast majority of people struggling with opioid addictions. Family First Intervention has expert interventionists who will travel to you and help your family approach a loved one struggling with addiction. Our strategy ensures safety for all and focuses on helping the whole family recover along with the person trying to overcome their addiction.

We have a series of steps in our program that help guide your family and the one struggling through the recovery process. Our experts offer case management services to counsel your family throughout recovery. From intervention to aftercare, Family First Intervention will take care of your family. If you have a loved one struggling with an opioid addiction, the first step is getting a family assessment. Call Family First Intervention to set up an assessment and create a long-term opioid addiction treatment plan.

Skip to main content. Search this website. June 07, What Is Medication Assisted Treatment? Methadone Methadone is a synthetic opioid that has been used to treat addiction for decades. Suboxone Suboxone is a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone. This quality makes it less likely to be abused than methadone while going through treatment.

Methadone and Suboxone Clinics There are hundreds of methadone and Suboxone clinics across the country. Dangers of Methadone and Suboxone Clinics There are many reasons why people are skeptical of methadone and Suboxone clinics. Arguments I Support of Methadone and Suboxone Clinics There are people who believe that methadone and Suboxone clinics are the ideal option for treatment. The Best Way to Overcome Addiction If you want to overcome your addiction to opioids, there is a safe way.

Many methadone clinics also require individuals to participate in other forms of treatment like therapy. Only people who meet certain requirements are able to participate in a methadone clinic treatment program.

Individuals who can receive treatment must be physically addicted to opioids and must have struggled with opioid addiction for at least a year prior to seeking treatment. Individuals under the age of 18 are typically not accepted into methadone clinic treatment programs unless there is proof of previous treatment attempts or written consent from a guardian or parent.

Additionally, women who are pregnant or individuals who have recently gotten out of prison are eligible for methadone treatment without meeting the one-year requirement. People who have received treatment a methadone clinic previously may also be able to bypass the one-year requirement of opioid addiction. Many methadone programs operate in a similar manner but may vary slightly in the treatment methods offered.

However, patients must earn this privilege over several months. If you or a loved one is struggling with opioid addiction, a treatment program at a methadone clinic may be an option to consider.

There are several methadone clinics throughout the nation that can help you overcome an opioid use disorder and reclaim your life in sobriety. If you would like to learn more about what to expect at a methadone clinic or to discuss your treatment options, contact an Vertava Health treatment specialist today.

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