Practicing Safe, At-Home Methadone Administration

At a certain point in your methadone maintenance treatment, you and your doctor may decide that it is time for you to begin taking your medication home. Because individuals in the program usually must take their medication at the facility for at least the first six months––and sometimes longer––this can be a serious change. Therefore, it is important to be able to practice safe, at-home administration of methadone when you make this switch.

Stay in Touch with Your Doctor

Though you are taking your medication at home now, you should still stay in touch with your methadone doctor and make sure they know where you are in your recovery. You will need to go to the clinic to continue to receive your medication, but it is important to still talk to your doctor and discuss how your recovery is going. Your doctor should always be informed of your state in treatment so they can give you the best medical care for your needs at that time.

Take Medication Exactly as Directed

Keep your doctor informed about how your treatment is going.

You likely already understand that you must not take more of the medication than you were prescribed, as this could lead to further methadone abuse, addiction, and other problems. In addition, you must never take your medication in a way other than prescribed, and you also must avoid taking it more often than prescribed.

In addition, the National Library of Medicine describes what must be done if you accidentally miss a dose. “If you are taking methadone to treat opioid addiction, skip the missed dose and take the next dose the next day as scheduled.” This is to avoid taking a double dose and experiencing the euphoric effects of the drug, which will not be caused when the drug is taken as prescribed.

Ask a Friend for Help

It can be tempting sometimes to abuse your methadone medication. In order to combat this temptation, ask a friend or family member to stay with you in the first few weeks when you are taking your methadone home. Ask them to make sure you do not take too much of the drug and to be present when you do take your medication. This will discourage you from abusing the drug and help you learn to trust yourself again.

Repeat Your Routine

Take your medication at the same time every day, and try not to vary from this use. When you take your methadone at the same time each day, you will likely avoid feeling any severe withdrawal symptoms and will not begin to crave opioids. You will also remember to take your medication and to do it as prescribed. Once you create a routine for yourself and stick to it, you will take your methadone administration seriously and be able to do it in the comfort of your own home.

Is it Time to Talk to My Doctor About Take Home Methadone?

So you’ve been taking methadone for some time now, you’re feeling much better and you’re properly maintaining your visits to …

Methadone Maintenance Works

Many individuals find help through methadone maintenance programs. Call 800-994-1867Who Answers? today to find a treatment center in your area or to learn more about the medication and how it can be helpful to you.