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Methadone Clinics Near Me

Why Would a Patient Take Methadone?

Methadone—a prescription opioid used in the treatment of opioid dependence—is primarily used for detoxification and maintenance treatment by people struggling to overcome opioid addiction.1 It helps to stabilize individuals by reducing withdrawal symptoms and blocking the high from other opioids, thereby also often helping them to better engage in addiction treatment.1

Available in pill, liquid, and wafer forms, methadone changes how the brain and nervous system react to pain and is also prescribed for pain relief.Like other opioid medications, methadone carries some risk of unwanted side effects, but these are less likely when the medication is not misused, and it can be a highly effective treatment method for opioid dependency.1, 2

What Is a Methadone Clinic?

Methadone must be given in an opioid treatment program (OTP) certified by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) under the supervision of an authorized medical provider. It is a mainstay of treatment for many opioid-dependent individuals avoiding relapse.

How Methadone Treatment Works

When methadone is used in the treatment of opioid-dependent individuals, it is often referred to as methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) or medication-assisted treatment (MAT).1

Medications for opioid addiction and/or dependence is a treatment approach that:1, 3

  • Includes the use of an approved medication for detoxification from opioids, for maintenance treatment, and/or for the treatment of opioid addiction.
  • Can be provided in various treatment settings.
  • Can be implemented with methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone, all of which are FDA-approved for the management of opioid dependence or addiction (depending on the drug).
  • Involves different stages of treatment, including:
    • Induction stage—focused on obtaining steady blood levels.
    • Stabilization stage—focused on ending drug-seeking behavior, other opioid use, and cravings.
    • Maintenance stage—focused on keeping a patient abstinent from substance misuse and away from people, things, and places connected to their addiction, as well as helping them maintain a productive lifestyle (without regular adjustments to the dose).

For the best results, people should integrate behavioral therapy and social support into treatment, which can help address the underlying causes of drug use and establish healthy patterns and skills for long-term recovery.

Like heroin and many prescription pain medications, methadone is an opioid medication.1 The difference is that methadone has a more gradual onset and causes more stable drug levels in the brain.4 At the same time, methadone will help to alleviate the desire to use other, more destructive opioid drugs.4

Benefits of Methadone Treatment

Methadone works as a form of addiction treatment by providing two beneficial effects:1

  • Minimizing the painful symptoms of opioid withdrawal.
  • Blocking euphoric feelings produced by other opioid substances like heroin and painkillers, reducing cravings, and discouraging abuse.

While there is some controversy among certain recovery groups about using medication in addiction recovery, methadone can be a safe and effective tool when it is used appropriately.

People who misuse opioids may find themselves in a dangerous cycle of seeking an intense rush, feeling the crash after the short-lived high, and experiencing strong cravings for more of the drugs.4 Methadone eliminates this rush, crash, and craving pattern to help break the cycle of addiction.4 With a notably decreased compulsion to seek out and use opioids, the individual can commit more of their time and energy to activities that contribute to their mental, physical, and social health.

Is Methadone the Right Treatment for Me?

Methadone is a good treatment option for many people. It has a long record of success in opioid treatment and is one of the medications most frequently used for opioid addiction treatment.1, 3 It is recommended that individuals stay on methadone for at least 12 months, but some people may need it for years.1 Other treatment options may be a better choice than methadone for some people, which is why they must work with a medical provider to find the best option for them.

Methadone may be the right treatment for you because:1, 4, 5, 6, 7

  • It’s a full opioid agonist. Methadone helps to prevent or alleviate opioid withdrawal symptoms and staves off or reduces cravings by powerfully binding to opioid receptors in the brain (displacing other opioids) and producing a stable level of the drug.
  • It is generally safe. When used as directed under supervision, methadone has few risks with chronic use and is safer than using illicit opioids.
  • Pregnant and breastfeeding women can take it. It is recommended that pregnant women dependent on opioids take methadone rather than go through withdrawal, and it is recommended that mothers on methadone still breastfeed their babies. However, these are general recommendations, and pregnant or breastfeeding women should discuss their treatment plans with their medical providers.

Common Side Effects and Potential Risks of Methadone Use

Side Effects and Potential Risks of MethadoneLike other medications, methadone has potential side effects that range from mild to serious. A person experiencing side effects from methadone use should consult with their prescriber or, if it is an emergency, call 911. Side effects of methadone use may include:1, 6

  • Headaches.
  • Changes in mood.
  • Stomach pains.
  • Chest pains.
  • Fast or pounding heartbeat.
  • Trouble breathing or swallowing.
  • Feeling sleepy or very drowsy.
  • Confusion.
  • Hallucinations.
  • Dry mouth.
  • Tongue soreness.
  • Urination problems.
  • Impaired vision.
  • Difficulty sleeping.
  • Hoarse or scratchy voice.
  • Lightheadedness.
  • Sexual dysfunction.
  • Menstrual changes.
  • Weight gain.
  • Gastrointestinal issues (nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite).

Additional risks of methadone use include:1

  • Potential for misuse. As an opioid, it is possible for a person to use methadone in ways other than as prescribed, including in attempt to experience euphoric effects. This can result in the individual becoming addicted to methadone.
  • Impact on infants. Although methadone is safe for pregnant mothers, the substance imparts a risk to babies after birth. Babies may experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms that typically begin a few days after birth, but could start two to four weeks after birth.

While methadone is generally safe when it is used appropriately, misusing it may lead to an overdose. Even if the person is no longer feeling the effects of the last dose, the medication can still be in the body, leading to overdose if they take more.1 Overdosing on methadone can be fatal. Symptoms of methadone overdose may include:6

  • Markedly constricted pupils (pinpoint or pinprick pupils).
  • Sedation/intermittent loss of consciousness.
  • Cold, damp, and/or blue skin.
  • Limp/flaccid muscles.
  • Slowed, shallow, or stopped breathing.
  • Coma.

Taking more methadone than prescribed, using it too frequently, or combining it with other substances can result in overdose.1, 6 People should use methadone as directed.

Viewpoints on Methadone

It is important to remember that there is no one set path to recovery. Support groups, including those that are organized and led by peers—such as 12-step programs—can help members stay abstinent and augment therapy.2, 3 However, some groups do not support the use of medications in recovery.3 Individuals or groups, even within the same organization, may have different policies or attitudes. Don’t hesitate to ask your local organizations for their viewpoints on medications for addiction treatment.

You shouldn’t choose a program that doesn’t feel right to you. If you and your medical provider have decided that medications are in your best interest, find a group that supports your choice to obtain treatment in this manner. Because people have different needs, it is important to remember that there is no one set path to recovery.2 Whatever treatment method safely helps you to overcome your addiction is the right method.

Find a Methadone Clinic Near Me

A methadone clinic is a SAMHSA-certified opioid treatment program (OTP) that specializes in MAT with methadone. When used to treat opioid addiction, methadone may only be prescribed and dispensed at a certified OTP or, if the patient is in the hospital for another condition, at that hospital.1, 5 There are many ways to find methadone clinics, such as by:

  • Calling your health insurance company.
  • Researching available options online.
  • Contacting a local mental health or substance use clinic or treatment facility.
  • Using the Opioid Treatment Program Directory on SAMHSA’s website.

If you are taking methadone at an inpatient or residential facility but still need methadone when you discharge, either because methadone detoxification is not complete or because you need methadone maintenance, the program should refer you to an appropriate outpatient OTP to continue treatment.3

When looking for a clinic, read reviews about the methadone clinic and ask plenty of questions, like:

  • How often do I have to come to the center?
  • When is the clinic open? Are there times that are generally more or less busy?
  • What is the average duration of appointments and treatment overall?
  • What other services and programs are offered at the clinic?
  • What if I am sick or must miss a day?
  • What if I am traveling?
  • Is my health insurance accepted?
  • Is there a sliding scale payment option for self-pay?

Remember that one person’s experience with a methadone clinic may not be shared by all patients. Explore different options to find one that seems to meet your own unique needs.

Professional treatment can start anyone battling substance misuse on the path to a happier and healthier life. If you are seeking treatment for addiction, don’t wait. Methadone can be used as part of your treatment plan. Rehab facilities are located throughout the U.S., and many offer specialized treatment that can cater to individual needs. You can use SAMHSA’s Behavioral Services Locator to search for treatment centers. Many state government websites will also provide local drug and alcohol resources to those in need. To find your state government’s website, do a web search for your state name and ‘.gov.’ Once your state website is located, substance use resources shouldn’t be hard to find, and they should provide further phone contacts for your assistance.

American Addiction Centers (AAC) is a leading provider of addiction treatment programs and has trusted rehab facilities across the country. AAC is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help answer any questions you may have and verify your insurance coverage. Call us free at to locate a rehab center near you.

What Does Addiction Treatment Cost?

The cost of rehab will vary depending not only on personal factors like insurance benefits, but also on:

  • The location of the clinic.
  • The duration of the treatment.
  • Amenities, programs, and services.
  • Staff expertise and availability.

When you contact the center or receive your referral, ask specifically about the cost of treatment, insurance coverage, and ways to reduce expenses. Clinics might offer sliding scales or separate programs to lower costs for people in need.

Drugabuse.com is a subsidiary of American Addiction Centers (AAC), a nationwide provider of addiction treatment. To see how your insurance benefits cover treatment within the AAC network, use the free, instant form below.

What to Expect When at a Methadone Clinic

Each methadone clinic will be different, but there will be some similarities regarding staff and routines. Reputable methadone clinics will have:6

  • Medical providers to conduct assessments, prescribe substances if appropriate, and participate in treatment planning.
  • Nurses to dispense and observe the consumption of methadone. The medication may be given as a liquid, pill, or wafer.1
  • Counselors to provide additional support, such as by offering motivational interviewing to help reduce illegal drug use and counseling on other issues.

After you are given a dose of methadone from a nurse, you should be observed in a post-dosing supervision room for about 20 minutes to ensure that you don’t leave with any unconsumed methadone.6

Methadone detoxification or methadone maintenance treatment will not be the best choice for every person dependent on opioids, but it can be a lifesaving treatment for some. Anyone who thinks they may have an opioid use disorder or other substance use disorder should see a treatment provider to be evaluated and discuss treatment options if needed, which may include medications for addiction treatment.

For advice on substance abuse and help locating treatment programs, please contact a caring admissions navigator with AAC free at .

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