Is MMT Right for You? Consider These 8 Signs that You Need Methadone Treatment

Methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) is extremely effective for the treatment of opioid addiction in certain individuals. Consider the 8 signs below that you might be a suitable candidate for this treatment program, and call 800-994-1867Who Answers? now to find rehab facilities that will cater to your needs.

1. Long-term Opioid Abuse

MMT is often a suitable treatment option for individuals who have been abusing opioids for a long time. This is because a person can stay on methadone as long as they need to and as long as the drug is helping them, which can minimize their chances of relapse by prolonging their treatment regimen.

2. Severe Dependency

Buprenorphine is another opioid addiction treatment medication, and often, the drug is used similarly to methadone to minimize cravings and withdrawal symptoms while maintaining the patient during recovery. However, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, “Because buprenorphine is unlikely to be as effective as more optimal-dose methadone, it may not be the treatment of choice for patients with high levels of physical dependency.” In this case, methadone is often the more effective option.

3. Suitability for Outpatient Care

If you’ve experienced multiple relapses, you should consider methadone treatment.

While there are some MMT programs that provide inpatient care, most are outpatient-based. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “Such treatment… is more suitable for people with jobs or extensive social supports.” Therefore, if your situation is befitting of outpatient care, MMT can often be a helpful option. You will be able to visit the clinic once a day, receive your medication, and go back to your daily life, including your job and family. Harvard Medical School states that around 10,000 individuals are currently being maintained on methadone, and many of these are attending outpatient clinics daily.

4. Multiple Relapses

If you have struggled with recovery and relapse in the past, MMT could be a beneficial option to you as well. Methadone maintenance helps to minimize a person’s chances of relapse because they are not expected to completely stop using opioids, especially when they are not ready to do so. Unlike some individuals believe, this use of methadone is not the same as abuse because it is regulated and it does not cause euphoria. Instead, it helps individuals avoid the cravings and other issues that might cause them to be more likely to relapse.

5. A Need for Well-rounded Treatment

MMT is actually a complete rehab program that provides more to patients than just the medication itself. According to the National Institute of Justice, patients in methadone maintenance clinics also receive access to

• Group therapy
• Individual therapy
• Medical services
• HIV prevention and education
• Support group meetings
• Referrals to community based agencies that can provide
  • Vocational counseling
  • Educational counseling
  • Housing help
  • Financial assistance

Overcoming Stigma and Recognizing the Need for Methadone Maintenance

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6. Financial Issues

Most MMT clinics are affordable to patients and provide the essential treatment options rather than unnecessary frills that many, more expensive programs provide. As a result, methadone clinics are often less expensive forms of treatment with the main cost being that of the medication itself. In some instances, patients can also receive payment help via a sliding fee scale or partially free treatment.

7. Past or Current Heroin Use

Heroin users are often especially well suited for MMT because the drug causes such severe dependencies and because the consistent use of heroin itself often goes hand-in-hand with long-term substance abuse. Many heroin abusers turn to methadone because it is very effective at blocking the opioid receptors in the brain and allowing individuals to regain control of their lives without the severe effects of heroin abuse constantly reoccurring.

8. Determination to End Substance Abuse

When a person is truly determined to put an end to their opioid abuse, MMT is often a very helpful option, especially early on in recovery. It allows patients to become more stable and to live their lives without an opioid high and also without the severity of withdrawal and cravings. Knowing that you are resolute in your decision to recover will only intensify methadone’s positive effects.

Want to Learn More About MMT?

Call 800-994-1867Who Answers? now. We can answer your questions about this effective and long-standing treatment option and also help you find rehab programs that will suit your current situation.