Methadone has been proven to be an effective treatment medication for overcoming heroin and other opioid dependency when adequate dosages are used to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings, enabling more attention to be devoted to other concerns.
About Methadone Clinics
The methadone maintenance treatment programs were established in the 1970’s to treat heroin addictions and reduce the associated crime, disease, and IV use by combining the dispensing of methadone, daily, with counseling, education, and agency assistance for medical and psychological issues. These MMT programs were limited to certain urban geographical areas with the highest rates of addiction and controlled under strict federal guidelines.
Improved Access to MMT
Increased access to methadone maintenance treatment was authorized by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHSS) in July of 1999, and the clinics are now able to operate more freely giving more options to individuals seeking help. Under the new established quality assurance guidelines, clinics must be accredited by national and/or state organizations, but, they are available through private clinics that are more abundantly available than before.
Increased Options
Clinics have multiple service options included in their programs. Most MMT programs operate on an outpatient basis and some offer alternative medically assisted opioid treatments such as Suboxone. These clinics also vary in the psychotherapy services offered, group, individual, and family counseling, other compliance requirements, cost, and resource availabilities.
About Costs
According to a report from the National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services (N-SSATS),”Treatment providers recognize that paying for treatment can be a burden to their clients.” Costs are controlled by the provider although some clinics may be free or reduced for low income individuals because they are publicly funded by state or local agencies, Medicaid, or non-profit organizations. Other coverage is now available under insurance plans by the provisions put in place by the Affordable Care Act as of 2014.
Where to Find Methadone Clinics
Methadone can only be obtained through licensed clinics.
The following resources and websites may be most helpful in finding a methadone treatment in your area. These websites include valuable information regarding opioid dependency, methadone treatment, alternative options, costs, and other resource information.
- SAMHSA’s Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or http://findtreatment.samhsa.gov. For free or reduced cost services, select from the “Payment Assistance” options when designing your search.
- Methadone Centers at 800-442-6158 Who Answers? or http://www.methadonecenters.com/tag/methadone-maintenance-treatment/
