How to Choose the Right Methadone Treatment Center

Methadone treatment centers are not limited to the methadone clinics where a person may have to travel miles daily to get their methadone dosage. Through a wide array of agencies, physicians, rehab centers, and affiliated hubs, opioid treatment programs (OTPs) are regulated and certified by the SAMHSA to dispense methadone for opioid addiction treatments.

Knowing how to choose the right methadone treatment center involves a few considerations that can help you get a head start in your recovery goals and needs. but, remember, adjustments can always be made as these issues will frequently change over the course of your methadone treatment.

Know What to Expect

Methadone treatment centers can offer mental health support and behavioral therapy.

OTP providers are monitored by the SAMHSA to ensure quality and efficacy in their treatment programs under the established system. Providing comprehensive services such as medical screening and treatment, mental health support, counseling, and a variety of behavioral therapies are just some of the recommended core services of an OTP. A list of theses providers can be found @ the SAMHSA OTP Locator website.

The SAMHSA also recommends providing psychosocial support for other unique needs to improve social functioning and the patient’s quality of life such as vocational, educational, housing, and family resource access or referrals for agency assistance. Anything short of these options in service may be considered insufficient in helping to reach long term goals and maintain abstinence.

Treatment Planning

How to choose the right methadone treatment center begins with treatment planning. You may wish to participate in a short-term or long-term methadone detox program, be switching to maintenance after detox, or be returning to treatment after a relapse.Some methadone treatment centers are limited in the types of methadone treatments they provide, so you will want to choose a center to support your goals. The best providers will make adjustments flexible enough to be changed over the course of your methadone treatment as your needs and goals change.

Location

Location is important when you consider the time and cost burdens of travel. Methadone is dispensed on a daily basis until the person has established a certain amount of time in treatment to obtain take home doses. Hardships cases may be waived for take-home doses for individuals who may be disabled or have legitimate conditions under state and federal laws and at the discretion of the provider to be eligible, but, it still takes time to get these benefits.

Costs

Making access to affordable and effective methadone treatments continues to be supported through the efforts of federal, state, and local initiatives as well as the medical and psychiatric communities. Costs can change dramatically by facility and accepted insurance or payment methods so, you would do well to explore the facilities and compare costs beforehand.

Many methadone treatment centers are funded through public and private grants or sponsors that can help to offset the costs or reduce the fees based on income. Some treatment services may be provided free of charge. Always contact the facility directly to see if their costs can benefit you.