Methadone is an opioid addiction medication that can be started before or after detoxification as a medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder.
People with opioid dependence do not need to detox before starting methadone. Methadone can be given to people with opioid dependency through an opioid treatment program (OTP).
Learn more about taking methadone for maintenance therapy
Where You Can Get Methadone
Under federal law, methadone can only be dispensed through an opioid treatment program that is certified by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
What this might look like:
- a methadone clinic
- an addiction treatment facility
- other medication-assisted treatment (MAT) practitioner
Methadone can be started before a person has detoxed from their opioid of abuse and can be continued for as long as it benefits their addiction recovery.
How To Know If You’re Eligible For Methadone Treatment
Methadone is prescribed for pain relief and as a medication-assisted treatment for severe dependence on opioid drugs such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, heroin, and fentanyl.
Signs of opioid dependence include:
- continuing to take opioids despite negative health consequences
- going to multiple doctors to get opioid prescriptions
- experiencing withdrawal symptoms with a missed dose
- constantly thinking about taking or getting more opioids
- needing higher doses of opioids to feel the same effects
- giving up activities previously enjoyed using opioids
- being unable to stop taking opioids despite having a desire to
Finding Methadone Maintenance Treatment
Methadone is an effective treatment for opioid addiction. It is generally offered as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for drug addiction.
Methadone can effectively:
- reduce opioid cravings
- relieve opioid withdrawal symptoms
- help prevent relapse to opioid drug use
Call us today to learn more about methadone maintenance treatment, and to find a treatment center that offers methadone treatment options near you.
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These include peer-reviewed journals, government entities and academic institutions, and leaders in addiction healthcare and advocacy. Learn more about how we safeguard our content by viewing our editorial policy.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) — Methadone
https://www.samhsa.gov/medication-assisted-treatment/medications-counseling-related-conditions/methadone - U.S. National Institute on Drug Abuse — How do medications to treat opioid use disorder work?
https://www.drugabuse.gov/download/21349/medications-to-treat-opioid-use-disorder-research-report.pdf?v=99088f7584dac93ddcfa98648065bfbe - U.S. National Library of Medicine: NCBI Bookshelf — Methadone maintenance treatment - Clinical Guidelines for Withdrawal Management and Treatment of Drug Dependence
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK310658/#part6.s1
