Am I Ready to Begin Taking Methadone Home?

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “In the United States, methadone is typically provided in highly regulated clinics that patients initially have to visit each day to receive their dose; only after several months of adherence to the clinic’s regulations are patients allowed to take home a supply of methadone.” It can be difficult sometimes to know whether or not you are ready to begin taking your methadone supply home.

Talk to Your Doctor

The first step you should take when you believe you may be ready to begin taking your medication home is to speak with your physician. You will not be able to begin taking a supply to your house and administering it there if your doctor does not recommend it. Any use of methadone in a way other than prescribed by a doctor is abusive in nature and dangerous for recovering addicts.

If your doctor feels that it is a good time for you to begin taking your medication home, you may want to try it for a certain amount of time. If anything begins to feel odd, like side effects you didn’t experience before or that do not go away, you should let your doctor know immediately, as adjustments may need to be made to your prescription.

Take Stock of Your Recovery

If you haven’t relapsed, and are not at risk of doing so, it may be time to take methadone home.

It is also important to consider where you are in your recovery and if it is reasonable to begin thinking of taking your medication home. If you have not relapsed, or come close to relapsing, in a long time, it may be a beneficial move, but if you are constantly feeling that your cravings for opioids are being triggered, this likely isn’t the best time to begin taking the medication home.

Answer the questions below honestly in order to determine whether or not this may be helpful to you.

• Have you been taking methadone successfully for a few months or more?
• Do you feel that your cravings have become more minimal and/or that you experience fewer triggers than you did at the beginning of your treatment?
• Do you have a stable home life and live with someone who can help ensure that your medication is taken safely?
• Will you continue to attend other treatment options to create a well-rounded program even while you have methadone at home?
• Do you know someone who can take your medication and keep it in a safe place in case you become tempted?

If you answered yes to these questions, it may be a good time for you to start taking methadone home. Remember, though, that this move isn’t necessary, and although it can be more convenient, it isn’t worth a little convenience if everything you worked for might be put into jeopardy. Down the line, you can always change your mind and talk to your doctor when you feel stronger about the possibility of taking your medication home.

Call 800-994-1867Who Answers? if you would like to discuss methadone treatment or ask any questions about the process. We can help you continue on the best path to your recovery so you can begin to live the life you want.