5 Important Considerations about Methadone Maintenance Treatment

The choice to enter a methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) program is influenced by many individual characteristics, what a person likes or doesn’t like, their willingness to change, and the goals they set for short or long term periods.

About Methadone Maintenance Treatment

Methadone maintenance with counseling is the primary treatment option for opiate addictions because retention in treatment is an important factor of outcome. Methadone is a safe medication to use in appropriate dosages for a prolonged period of time to reduce the overwhelming cravings and withdrawals common with opioid dependency.

Under the careful supervision of professionals who can monitor the patient and provide supportive services and recommendations, studies by the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment have shown that the longer a person remains in MMT they were more likely to; abuse substances less, engage in constructive activities, avoid criminal involvement, and benefit from treatment for physical, psychological, social, and other environmental factors.

Important Considerations Regarding MMT

Location

Participating in a local MMT program is beneficial because the methadone is disbursed in regimen doses daily. This can make travel costly both in time and finances. Being able to attend counseling and having more local access to support services allows the person more flexibility in their everyday life. Having the closeness of a support system and being able to involve family and others in recovery efforts increases the chances of success for the person.

Cost

The cost of MMT is may be covered by major insurance companies, Medicaid, or other state funded grants. Many centers will offset the fees through other funding projects or allow for fee reductions based on income. Every center sets its own fees and the costs may vary, but, considering the benefits of MMT, it is much cheaper than continuing the addiction.

Inpatient or Outpatient

When considering methadone, you may want to be sure there is a clinic near you.

Most methadone treatment is provided on an outpatient basis allowing patients to receive their daily doses and go on with their life. Some people need more supervision or the intensified and specialized services of an inpatient methadone treatment due to heavy use, co-occurring disorders, or because they are unable to follow the recommended recovery plans on their own.

Duration

Duration of MMT will vary by the individual although treatments are more beneficial with long term durations of a year or more. The decision lies with the patient and the clinician based on the recovery progress and the potential for relapse.

Benefits

MMT improves the person’s overall health by providing access to medical treatment services especially to those suffering from HIV, AID’s, Hepatitis B or C, and other issues related to opiate abuse. The counseling and resources assist in many areas to improve the quality of the person’s life and the lives of their families with a primary goal of helping them to be able to live independently from drugs and productive in society.