Methadone is a long-acting opioid that has been used for opioid use disorder since the 1960’s. It is safe enough that we currently use it for women who are both pregnant and using opioids. There are generally 4 stages of treatment—the start, the stabilization phase, the maintenance phase and the recovery phase. Taking methadone prescribed by healthcare professionals is both safe and very effective in reducing the risk of death, disease, infections and criminal activity. It is part of a long-term maintenance program for opioid dependent people.
Methadone is taken daily in a liquid form and usually mixed with juice. Initially patients drink at the pharmacy daily. This provides much needed regular monitoring and structure.
The length of treatment with methadone is different in everyone. At the right time, the decision to taper down or off methadone can be made by the patient and assisted by the treating physician.
It is one of the medications used to eliminate withdrawal symptoms and relieve cravings by acting on opioid receptors in the brain. Despite occupying and activating these opioid receptors, treatment doses do not produce the same euphoria.
With our opioid agonist treatment, our physicians can dispense the appropriate dose of methadone to help manage these symptoms of addiction. Our physicians will closely monitor the effects of the prescription and adjust when necessary. With our services, we strive to help you take control of your life and be on the right track to recovery.
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