What Methadone Treatment is Like

When you call 866.575.8187, your counselor will make an intake appointment for you at a clinic near your home.
The intake session will take about two to four hours.

Intake
At this session, you will go through a physical examination by a doctor. You will answer many questions about your health, drug history, and how you picture your future on methadone treatment. You may take tests for tuberculosis, pregnancy, AIDS, and other conditions.

At some centers, you will be assigned to a counselor who can help you set goals for your education and employment, and work with you as you go through the transition from drug use to stability.

Initial treatment
The doctor at your local methadone treatment center will have to determine how much methadone you need to take each day. Everyone is different – so the amount you need must be individualized according to your level of drug use as well as factors such as your age, weight, allergies, and how fast your body metabolizes the drug.

Your doctor will probably start you out with a low dose, and then gradually increase the level until you feel completely comfortable. Too much methadone can be deadly, but too little won’t relieve your symptoms and drug cravings.

Until your doctor finds the right dosage right for you, the first few days on methadone may be uncomfortable – but things will quickly get better.

Daily doses
Methadone comes in pills, powders, and liquids. At most treatment centers, patients drink methadone powder mixed into orange juice or Tang once a day – though some patients prefer methadone wafers.

Many people ask why they have to come to their clinics every day. The answer is that methadone is highly regulated by the government, and can only be dispensed through a licensed clinic on a daily basis. Also, methadone’s effects wear off after about 24 hours, so you need to take it every day to remain stable. If you miss a dose, you will experience withdrawal and cravings.

Maintenance & withdrawal
When you 866.575.8187, you can discuss with your counselor whether you want to be on a methadone maintenance program or a methadone withdrawal program.

• Methadone maintenance lasts indefinitely. You just keep coming to the clinic and taking your daily medications.
• Methadone withdrawal programs last between one and six months. You begin by switching from your usual drug to a daily dose of methadone. Your doctor gradually reduces the amount of methadone you take until you are drug-free. After that, you no longer have to go to the clinic every day.

You can choose to start out with methadone maintenance program, and then move into methadone withdrawal at a later time.
At some centers, patients meet regularly with their counselors, and may attend support group meetings in their local communities.
After taking their medications for several months, most clients begin to lead stable lives. Some eventually enter methadone withdrawal programs and go on to drug-free living.

To find out which option is best for you, call 866.575.8187 today.