A methadone clinic is a place where someone who is addicted to opioid-based drugs, such as heroin or prescription painkillers, can receive treatment that is based on medications. Patients are treated with methadone or the brand name version referred to as Dolophine which acts as an analgesic for opioids. The treatment for this condition is often referred to as replacement therapy. As per the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, methadone can be administered as a pill or wafer and liquid form. It’s used to slow the onset of opioid withdrawal and, by triggering the phenomenon of developing cross-tolerance through regular use, blocks the effects of opiate pain medications which include morphine, codeine, and oxycodone. It also blocks the effects of other semi-synthetic opioids. Although it must get the permission of a doctor and is not a cure for addiction problems. If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, you should consult an expert methadone doctor at Methadone Clinic in San Antonio rather than ignoring the problem or attempting to treat it yourself. However, it is considered to be effective during the treatment and rehabilitation process, as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
The two major types of clinics for addiction treatment are private and public. All methadone clinics in the US are strictly regulated by state and federal laws. The treatment that is offered in a clinic has several effects. Patients who have been to one may see the following benefits.
- Reduce or avoidance of withdrawal symptoms from opioids
- A decrease in the craving for opioids
- Blocking of the effects of illicit opioids
- The absence of a physical need for illicit or other abused opioids so that one can continue to function throughout the day
How does a methadone clinic work?
Methadone clinics were established for the purpose of dispensing medicines used in therapeutically assisted drug therapy. The majority of the time, what is known as a “methadone-related clinic” also offers other medicines such as Suboxone and Naltrexone.
Many people who are on methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) must take daily doses and be closely monitored throughout the first seven to 10 days. Following this initial time, many are able to visit their clinic daily for at minimum six months in order to receive their daily dose. After six months, provided that a person is in good standing with the expectations of the clinic and their personal treatment plan, they could be permitted to take home supplies for a few days or in some cases weeks.
It is essential to adhere to the prescribed amount of methadone continuously and adhere to the protocols established as the clinics that offer methadone work at being successful in helping people suffering from addiction problems to achieve long-lasting recovery. Research has shown that when someone stays on MMT for one at least one year, they will experience positive lifestyle changes including a reduction in criminal behaviors and transmission of disease.
When you or someone you care about suffers from an addiction to an opioid, alcohol, or another substance, it’s important to know there’s help. There are people who understand and have been through what you are, too. The first step to seeking treatment for addiction can be the most difficult one. At Pinnacle We promise to support you every step of the way, not just during your treatment but throughout with you on your road to recovery. Take the first step today.
Are Methadone-based Clinics appropriate for everyone?
When a patient first visits an addiction clinic at first, they’re screened and analyzed by the personnel of the clinic. Methadone can lead to addiction and depending on the patient’s prior history of drug use the clinic could decide to keep a close eye on the patient’s consumption. This type of treatment may be risky for patients with certain medical conditions, therefore it is important for physicians to find out everything about the history of each patient before starting this kind of treatment. Now a day, a big problem is finding a methadone doctor, especially if you don’t know where to look. If you’re looking for a Methadone Doctor in San Antonio, TX, you may feel overwhelmed and frustrated. It can be hard to know where to start or who to trust. MD Caller Experienced Methadone Doctors offer compassionate and professional outpatient treatment of opioid dependence. They provide confidential care in a supportive environment.
Certain conditions that can make methadone treatment risky include:
- Asthma and various medical conditions that affect the respiratory system
- Hypothyroidism
- Diabetes
- Certain prostate problems
- Hormonal issues
Most likely reasons to go to a Methadone Clinic
Methadone is legal in the US since 1947. It is known to suppress withdrawal symptoms from drugs for a day. Sometimes, it works for as long as 36 hours following it is administration, as per the NDIC’s Methadone Fast Facts.
There are many situations in which an individual could go to the clinic. One of the most popular is to seek relief from daily struggles with opiate addiction. People can go to their appointment to satisfy the needs of an ongoing treatment program. It’s also feasible for someone who has relapsed to a routine to try methadone to manage feelings of withdrawal and cravings.
Patients are asked about their medical history, may receive urine or blood tests, and are informed of the treatment program, its goals, and its guidelines. The history of drug use, co-occurring disorders, and the effects of addiction on the quality of life is assessed through a clinical evaluation, while a medical evaluation examines health history, current health medications, and overall health condition in relation to the use of methadone.
Furthermore, they may be able to visit a clinic and take part in sessions with a counselor. Counseling sessions can be focused on the prevention of relapse, ways to rebuild and repair friendships, either professional or personal, or managing stress. Family, group, and individual sessions can be provided. The format can vary according to the individual client’s needs because certain people attain stability more quickly than others, while some require a longer time.
Patients must also visit a methadone clinic in order to meet the guidelines for receiving doses. Local regulations may stipulate that patients have to be present regularly. Depending on the individual and the situation, one might be permitted to control doses from home and attend the clinic less often.
Family members, partners, and their friends have the option of accompanying the person to an appointment at any time. Medical professionals, like doctors and nurses as well as counselors, may regularly or periodically attend a methadone clinic. Receptionists, treatment advisors, and other people involved in the individual’s case might be in attendance as well.