While methadone is not currently required to be administered in the United States, it is encouraged that people try alternative methods of treatment before they enroll in methadone treatment programs. Methadone, which was first used in the 1960s, is still the preferred treatment method at clinics. However, it is often included in other protocols. The National Institute on Drug Abuse provides guidelines for how to treat addiction. These include medication assisted treatment (MAT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), or medical detox. Newer medications such as buprenorphine (and naltrexone) have been introduced to relieve drug cravings, prevent opioid withdrawal, and reduce physical dependence. CBT is a customized treatment plan that allows therapists explore patterns of drug abuse and helps to develop new behavior skills. Medical detox is safe and comfortable. It provides long-term monitoring to ensure that withdrawal symptoms are under control.
Methadone clinics are able to provide methadone for on site administration. A few methadone clinics offer additional services such as monitoring of treatment, observation, dosing and consultation, urine drug test, distribution, mental and primary care, HIV and HCV services, and services for HIV and HCV.
Methadone clinics across the United States are subject to strict federal and state regulations. Patients must be informed about the treatment options and given all information before consenting to it. This information should include treatment reasons and recommendations, side effects, risks and the rules for methadone treatment. Treatment planning can begin once a physician has confirmed that the patient is willing to undergo treatment by signing a consent form. A patient must demonstrate current opioid addiction using accepted medical criteria, such as the DSM-5. They also need to have evidence that they were addicted at least one year prior. A clinical evaluation is necessary before the patient can be admitted for treatment. It will ask about drug history, co-occurring disorder, and the effect of substance use on their lives. The report also includes information about the treatment goals, guidelines, and any other pertinent information. An additional medical evaluation may be performed in the form a urinalysis and review of past and current health. It will also include a test for certain conditions known to be common in addicts, such as HIV/hepatitis and tuberculosis. The physician prescribes the medication. Nursing staff monitors the patient and gives them their medications. New York State changed its requirements to accept methadone clinics as a result of changes in prescription pain medication use and decreased non-medical prescriptions.
For those who are looking to stop using opioids, methadone clinics might be an option. Methadone treatment as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation program has been proven to be beneficial for many people. Patients who are not ready to undergo methadone treatment may find alternative options.
Your risk of suffering serious, potentially fatal side effects from methadone use is increased if you drink, take prescription and nonprescription alcohol-containing medications, or use street drugs. Avoid drinking alcohol, using prescription or unprescription medications that contain alcohol, as well as street drug use during your treatment.
The risk of serious side effects, such as breathing problems or sedation, may rise if you use certain medications along with methadone. You should inform your doctor if you take or plan to take antipsychotics such aripiprazole and tranquilizers. Your doctor may need you to adjust your medications or monitor you carefully. If you are taking methadone together with any other medication and have any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. If you're unable to seek treatment yourself, let your family or caregiver know.
