Topeka is the county seat of Shawnee County and the capital of the U.S. state of Kansas. As of 2018, it had a population estimated at 125,904 which means it could be home to a number of people who are suffering from opioid addiction. Kansas has a total area of 159.2 km². There are a number of clinics in Kansas, some of which are methadone clinics. Residents of the city or nearby ones who need assistance to overcome opioid dependency may visit any methadone clinic Topeka Kansas for medication-assisted treatment. Although methadone clinics specialize in the dispensing of drugs for medically treated opioid dependence, some methadone clinics in Kansas provide additional services. Methadone is one of the three approved drugs for the treatment of opiate dependence. It is an agonist that does not only blunt the effects of opioids but minimizes cravings. Methadone is long-lasting. A dose could last up to 36 hours but the medication-assisted treatment practitioner may not wait till then before providing another. The doses are tailored after considering the full health history of the patient and the level of addiction. The program is optional. Patients are to be informed about the possible side effects after which they may make their decision to undergo methadone maintenance.