You may have heard of methadone clinics, but you might not know how they can help with recovery. For people struggling with addictions to opioids, medications like methadone can curb cravings and ease the pains of withdrawal. Medication-assisted treatment is an evidence-based approach to addiction treatment that can lead to lasting sobriety.
Those who are prescribed methadone receive their medication in a supervised setting, with dosage amounts managed by medical professionals. When distributed at a methadone clinic, methadone is one of the safest and most effective medications for recovery.
Medication is only one aspect of treatment a methadone clinic offers. Clients also have access to therapy, primary care, counseling, and community resources. The purpose of a methadone clinic is to set clients up for a successful lifetime of recovery after addiction.
What Is Methadone?
Methadone is a synthetic opioid, which means it mimics the way opioids work in the body. However, methadone is approved by the FDA and specifically designed to help people recover from opioid addiction.
People who take heroin, prescription painkillers, or other opioids are often seeking a euphoric or “high” feeling. Without regular doses of opioids, they’ll experience the physical pain of withdrawal since their body has been trained to crave the substance.
When clients take methadone instead, their opioid cravings are reduced. Methadone binds to the same receptors in the brain and nervous system that opioids do, so it can ease withdrawal symptoms and lessen physical pain. This allows clients to focus on recovery with a clearer mind and without discomfort.
Since methadone doesn’t create the euphoria or “high” of opioids, it can be used safely without the risk of addiction. And a methadone clinic is supervised by medical professionals, so clients take only as much as they need. Professionals are also equipped to deal with any side effects clients experience from methadone.
Methadone comes in liquid, pill, or tablet form, and it’s typically taken daily. Doctors will determine which form and dosage of methadone are best for you.
How Does Methadone Clinic Treatment Work?
You might go to a methadone clinic if you’re seeking help for opioid abuse for the first time, you’ve relapsed after a period of sobriety, or you’ve been in a treatment program for a while. The purpose of a methadone clinic is to help you achieve stability, whatever your circumstances are. Methadone treatment is offered on an inpatient or outpatient basis.
When you first visit the clinic, you’ll review your medical and substance use history with a staff member. This information is confidential, and providers won’t judge you, so it’s important, to be honest.
After you’ve taken your first dose of methadone, you should feel relief for about a day. Repeated doses will make your cravings recede even further. Withdrawal symptoms may last anywhere from a week up to a month but should lessen with regular methadone use.
Since methadone consumption is supervised, medical professionals will be on hand if you’re experiencing acute withdrawal discomfort.
Methadone is safe to take for several weeks, months, or even a lifetime if necessary. Your doctor will create a personalized treatment plan depending on your needs, and the methadone clinic team will monitor you to make sure your dosage amount is just what you need.
On its own, methadone isn’t considered a cure for opioid addiction. Instead, methadone is one aspect of a comprehensive, long-term recovery plan.
Therapy and Counseling at Methadone Clinics
Our methadone clinic treatment plan considers the whole individual, including body and mind. Medication is only one tool for recovery; therapy is also essential to practice strong, substance-free coping skills.
While you’re undergoing methadone treatment, you’ll participate in individual or group therapy that addresses your specific needs. This may include:
- Family therapy
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Trauma therapy
- 12-step meetings
Counseling can help you improve personal relationships, develop social skills, and get to the root cause of stresses that can lead to substance abuse.
What Are the Benefits of a Methadone Clinic?
Methadone clinics provide an accessible, effective form of opioid addiction treatment. These clinics have a number of proven positive effects, including:
- A lower cost than many other forms of treatment
- The ability to increase or decrease dosages as necessary
- A decrease in cravings, allowing clients to function normally without opioids
- A reduced risk of overdose, relapse, and infectious disease transmission
- An increased life expectancy
- An easier transition into a sober lifestyle
Contact Lotus Recovery Centers to Learn More
Our Delaware methadone clinic has helped many patients achieve sobriety and enjoy the benefits of recovery. If you think a methadone clinic may be helpful for you or a loved one, call 833.922.1615 for more details.
