What are the Benefits of Outpatient Methadone Treatment?

Most methadone maintenance programs are outpatient-based. This is because the program generally lends itself to this type of treatment, and it is often helpful to a greater number of patients in this form. But what are the benefits of outpatient methadone treatment?

Methadone Maintenance and Outpatient Treatment

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, a recent survey states “among residential treatment settings, including halfway houses and therapeutic communities, only 3.6 percent used methadone in their opioid-treatment programs.” While this clearly shows that there should be more inpatient or residential methadone maintenance programs (or programs that at least utilize the drug as a part of their treatment options) in the United States to minimize this gap, it also emphasizes that methadone maintenance and outpatient treatment work well together. Patients who require this type of treatment often benefit in a number of ways from attending outpatient instead of inpatient care.

Benefits of Outpatient Methadone Treatment

Outpatient methadone programs often provide individualized and group therapy.

The advantages to individuals who decide to attend outpatient methadone care are numerous and, if the patient is right for the program, it can often be very helpful in establishing a solid foundation for their recovery.

As stated previously, many more methadone maintenance programs exist in outpatient settings. Therefore, it is much easier to find one of these programs and to begin treatment in one.
You can live your life easily while on methadone maintenance because the drug does not cause euphoria or an intense high when taken in the doses prescribed by a methadone doctor. You can perform all your daily tasks like going to work and school, driving, and spending time with your family.
Many outpatient methadone programs offer referrals to other programs that can help patients. In addition to educational, employment, and housing help, many of these referrals send patients to facilities where they can receive drug tests, HIV prevention and education, physical and psychological medical services, group and individualized therapy, and others. These programs are usually also less expensive than others, either by allowing patients to pay on a sliding-fee scale or being partially or all free.
Patients can continue to attend treatment at these programs, in most cases, as long as they like, even years later. If the treatment is still helping them, they can continue to live their lives while receiving treatment on a daily basis.
Outpatient methadone treatment centers, like most outpatient-based facilities when compared to inpatient programs, are usually much less expensive.

Benefits of Having a Methadone Clinic Close to Home

Many opioid addicts choose to attend treatment at a methadone clinic that is as close to home as possible. This …

The multiple benefits of outpatient methadone clinics are why there to be so many of them in the United States, and many individuals prefer these programs over inpatient centers. However, it may not necessarily be the right choice for you, depending on your needs and whether or not you require a more intensified treatment option, such as inpatient care.

There are many perks associated with this outpatient methadone maintenance, and if you believe the option is right for you, you can begin looking for a center right away. Call 800-994-1867Who Answers? today to find out about facilities in your area and to ask any questions about outpatient care or methadone maintenance.