Is Methadone Maintenance Treatment Right for Me?

Methadone maintenance treatment isn’t the best choice for every individual, but many people have found help within the program. It is important to find out whether or not MMT is the best choice for you before deciding to attend a maintenance program, and answering a few simple questions and learning the benefits of the program can help you do so.

Who Benefits from MMT?

According to Harvard Medical School, more than 100,000 Americans are currently receiving treatment for opioid addiction in an MMT program. Many of these individuals may have chosen the program itself because it allows patients to receive one of the best long-term treatments for opioid addiction. Patients can be maintained for months, years, or even indefinitely on methadone, which is why the program is extremely beneficial for those who need long-term treatment.

Others who benefit from MMT are those who need a treatment that allows them to function and live their lives while still receiving help for their addictions. MMT is also a well-rounded program that includes group and individual therapy, HIV education and testing, and other treatment options, allowing it to benefit many different patients who have individual needs when it comes to their treatment.

Those who are likely to benefit from the program are people in need of long-term care as well as guidance from doctors, nurses, and therapists during their recovery. If you believe you might be a good candidate for MMT, consider your needs and whether or not the program can meet them.

Is MMT Right for Me?

MMT can help you stop abusing heroin.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “Effective treatment attends to multiple needs of the individual,” and MMT is no exception. Ask yourself the questions below in order to find out if MMT might be the right treatment program for you. It is important to answer honestly and to consider all the aspects of your life and recovery, not just those associated with your drug abuse.

• Have you tried multiple times to stop abusing opioids?
• Have you tried other types of recovery programs that used detox or other faster-paced treatment options with no success?
• Do you experience severe cravings or extreme withdrawal symptoms when you stop abusing opioids?
• Are you currently abusing heroin or have you abused heroin in the past?
• Is your tolerance for opioid abuse extremely high?
• Do you have a high level of physical dependency on opioids that has prevented you from being able to use buprenorphine effectively (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)?
• Are you looking for a well-rounded treatment program that provides many options, not just methadone or another type of medication?
• Is it important to you to find a program that is heavily monitored by the government in order to ensure patient safety?
• Do you want a treatment option that is considerably low-cost?
• Do you want a treatment option that can either be continued indefinitely or gradually tapered over a period of time?

If you answered yes to many of the questions above, MMT will likely be a beneficial option for your opioid addiction treatment.

Want to Learn More About MMT?

Call 800-994-1867Who Answers?, and we will answer any questions you may have about methadone or MMT. We can also help you find treatment programs in your area where you can begin your methadone maintenance.