10 Treatments You Can Find at Methadone Maintenance Centers Besides Methadone

Methadone maintenance centers don’t just provide the drug itself; in fact, many of these programs are considered to be well-rounded recovery options where patients can receive a number of different treatments. Call 800-994-1867Who Answers? now to learn more about MMT and to find the best clinics for your particular needs.

1. Cognitive-behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is one of the most often used therapeutic approaches for addiction treatment. In fact, it can be used to treat many different types of substance abuse, including opioid addiction. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “A central element of CBT is anticipating likely problems and enhancing patients’ self-control by helping them developing effective coping strategies.” Patients learn to avoid triggers, cope with cravings and stress, and practice better life skills.

2. Support Groups

Support group meetings are available at many MMT centers.

Many MMT programs provide space for meetings of different support groups such as Narcotics Anonymous and SMART Recovery. These programs can be essential to long-term recovery and to helping patients strengthen their social support systems.

3. Medical Services

The National Institute of Justice states that MMT programs are expected to provide at least some level of medical services to patients who require them. While some individuals may have more extensive needs than a low-cost clinic can meet, most programs of this type offer referrals to other agencies and clinics that can provide additional services, including those for medical issues caused by opioid abuse.

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4. Contingency Management (CM)

CM is another type of behavioral therapy that is often used in outpatient care. Patients take a drug test when visiting the facility, and for every negative test they provide, they receive vouchers or prizes as rewards. This program often helps to reroute the reward pathway in the brain so patients are not only interested in the “rewards” of drug abuse.

5. HIV Intervention

The prevention and treatment of HIV and other transmittable disease is very important to MMT, as heroin users especially are at high risk of contracting these (Center for Substance Abuse Research). Again, if patients require a treatment option that the program itself cannot afford to provide, referrals to other agencies are often given.

6. Pregnancy Help

A high number of opioid abusers are also dealing with high-risk pregnancies, and many MMT programs offer specific options to these individuals. Pregnant patients should expect to receive prenatal care, either at the facility or through a referral, and help with infant withdrawal, breastfeeding, etc.

7. Vocational Help

Most MMT programs will provide some sort of vocational counseling, either through the clinic itself or another agency. Many individuals lose their jobs to substance abuse, and part of the program is meant to help restore an individual’s standing in their community. This can start by helping them find suitable work.

8. Drug Education

Understanding why drugs like opioids are addictive as well as how relapse can happen is extremely necessary to recovery. Many people who seek MMT do not know the specific science behind their substance abuse, and drug education can help patients understand why they started abusing drugs in the first place as well as why––and how––their use went from voluntary to compulsive.

9. Family Therapy

Family therapy is often an important part of methadone maintenance, as many individuals need help rebuilding relationships and trust among their loved ones. In addition, family therapy can help to uncover and stop enabling behaviors as well as heal hurt feelings caused by continuous substance abuse.

10. Other Medications

In certain instances, patients may require other types of drugs in order to safely navigate their recovery. For example, opioid abuse often leads to depression, and some patients may need to be treated with antidepressants in order to avoid the severe consequences of this issue. Depending on the specific patient and their needs, other medications besides methadone may be prescribed and distributed in a MMT clinic.

Seek Help for Your Recovery Today

Methadone maintenance centers offer a tried-and-true method of addiction rehab that provides a well-rounded treatment program to those who need it most. Do you want to learn more about the program and find rehab clinics that will be suitable for your situation? Call 800-994-1867Who Answers? today.

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