Is Methadone Maintenance More Than Just Medication?

Methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) is a recovery program that is absolutely more than just the medication regimen it provides. MMT is a well-rounded treatment option for opioid addiction recovery that allows patients to make many lasting changes in their lives and create a better, long-term recovery for themselves.

Call 800-994-1867Who Answers? now to learn more about the program as well as to find rehab centers that will cater to your needs.

What Do MMT Programs Offer?

MMT programs offer so much more than medication. As they are one of the most highly regulated medical programs in the world, they must offer a number of options to patients other than just methadone itself because taking the drug will not actually create true change without a well-rounded treatment program.

According to the National Institute of Justice, the “comprehensive rehabilitation services” associated with MMT programs include:

• Individualized behavioral therapy
• Group therapy
• Medical services for those in need
• HIV prevention and intervention services
• Drug education
• Vocational counseling
• Nutritional classes
  

  Some MMT programs offer holistic options such as nature walks.

• Financial help
• Legal assistance
• Educational guidance
• Housing and aftercare help
• Holistic options, such as:
  • Yoga
  • Meditation
  • Massage therapy
  • Pet/animal therapy
  • Tai Chi
  • Nature walks

These are just some of the options a particular treatment center may offer. However, some MMT programs cannot offer every option on this list, which is why many of them provide referrals to other facilities that do offer these services. As long as you find out what a particular program offers to patients before choosing to attend it, you should be able to find a facility that caters to your needs and provides the exact treatments you require.

MMT: More Than Medication

It is unsafe for a rehab program to provide only medication as a treatment option, and this can be seen in what most MMT facilities offer. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, medications are at their strongest and most beneficial for addiction treatment “when combined with behavioral therapies.”

This is because all aspects of the individual’s situation must be addressed and treated, not just the physical symptoms they experience. Methadone can minimize a person’s cravings and withdrawal symptoms during recovery, but therapy really allows patients to make true change to their behaviors.

Therefore, MMT must be more than medication at all times and offer patients all the options they require for a safe and beneficial recovery. If you begin treatment in a MMT facility, it is important to expect more than just to receive medication because the most beneficial programs offer a well-rounded and individualized plan of action to each patient that allows for a more successful treatment period.

Want to Find Rehab Facilities that Offer Methadone Treatment?

Call 800-994-1867Who Answers? now to find rehab centers that can offer the well-rounded MMT program you require as well as any accommodations you may need. We can help you find the exact facility for your safe recovery and answer any questions you may have about methadone or addiction treatment.

Will I Need to Take Other Medications During Methadone Maintenance Treatment?

Usually, other medications are not necessary during methadone maintenance treatment. However, every patient’s situation is different, and while certain medications …