Methadone is a medication, that according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is “approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat opioid use disorder (OUD) as a medication-assisted treatment (MAT), as well as for pain management.”
Medication-assisted treatment is the use of medication in conjunction with various behavioral therapies to make up a treatment plan for substance abuse and/ or addiction. The United State Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies methadone as a Schedule II controlled substance, which are denoted as substances that have a high potential for abuse, “with use potentially leading to severe psychological or physical dependence.” The use of methadone as treatment for substance use disorder is only done under the direct supervision of a medical professional and is generally only available as a form of treatment in certified opioid treatment programs and methadone maintenance clinics.
Where To Start?
It is important to note that by law, methadone can only be dispensed through an opioid treatment program (OTP) certified by SAMHSA. While there are many options available, finding a methadone clinic can be challenging. Many methadone detox programs are directly associated with or are a component of a longer-term methadone treatment program. To help get you started, consider the following tips:
- Speak to your PCP (primary care provider): many PCPs will be able to provide a list of reputable methadone clinics and detox programs available.
- Search the Internet: many certified opioid treatment programs have an online presence, such as Methadone.us.
- Location, location, location: narrow down your options by excluding methadone detox centers that are geographically infeasible.
- Aftercare services and accessibility: the duration of one’s methadone treatment will vary from person to person. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse publication Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide – 2012, the length of methadone treatment should be a minimum of 12 months. In some situations, it is possible for the prescribing medical professional to allow his or her patient to take methadone doses between visits, but only after the physician deems the individual is stable with his or her methadone treatment.
Reputable methadone treatment programs provide its participants with full continuum of care, including customized treatment plans. Depending on one’s needs, these treatment plans may include methadone as well as various psychotherapeutic treatment modalities, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), psychodynamic psychotherapy, interpersonal therapy (IPT), mindfulness-based therapy, expressive arts therapies, and more. Methadone clinics are often sought after because in most cases integrating a combination of both psychotherapy and medication into one’s treatment plan for opioid use disorder yields the most successful long-term results.
For Information and Support
Contemplating detox can be a very challenging time. Before any individual can begin to work on the underlying issues contributing to their substance abuse problem, they must be separated from the substances in their systems. If you are concerned for yourself or a loved one regarding substance abuse, and/ or addiction we recommend reaching out for help as soon as possible. The earlier you seek support, the sooner you and your loved ones can return to leading happy, healthy, and fulfilling lives. Sherwood Detox offers a stand-alone detox program. For additional information on detox, please do not hesitate to contact us at: 818-626-9959 or feel free to email us anytime. One of our trusted counselors is available to talk and discuss how we can best support you on your journey.
