What to Know About Methadone Clinics

Finding the ideal treatment to aid recovery from an opioid addiction can be daunting. With the use of opioid drugs reaching epidemic proportions in the U.S., Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT) with drugs like Methadone have also increased in usage. And while Methadone was once the go-to form of therapy, there are now better and safer alternatives to treat the dangerous and potentially deadly problem of opioid addiction.

Before enrolling in a Methadone clinic, you owe it to yourself and your loved ones to educate yourself on MAT before making a final decision. Here are some key things to know about Methadone and other alternative treatments.

If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, call WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab today at 877.969.1993 to learn how we can help.

What Is Methadone?

For many years Methadone was the recognized form of treatment for what we now know as opioid use disorder. This treatment was used to get people off of heroin for decades, and at the time, there were few alternatives available to those struggling to get clean.

Over time, however, the use of Methadone has become problematic. Like heroin and other drugs, Methadone is addictive.  Many who used it to get off other substances found themselves unable to quit. Methadone can also have some unpleasant side effects like respiratory issues, which caused many recovering addicts to abandon their recoveries.

What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment?

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is one of the most widely recognized approaches to beating drug addiction. The process uses medications like Suboxone to effectively wean patients off the physical dependency on opioids. While this treatment can help patients sustain recovery, the quality of the MAT center you choose matters more than you might think.

What Is Suboxone?

The field of addiction science has created some intriguing alternatives to Methadone. Scientists have been looking for pharmaceutical medications that provide the effectiveness of Methadone without the unpleasant side effects of addictive potential. One of the best of those treatments involves a compound drug known as Suboxone, and it is one of the most effective ways to break the chains of opioid addiction.

Suboxone is a combination of Buprenorphine and Naloxone, and it works differently than Methadone. By binding with the same brain receptors that opioids usually adhere to, Suboxone can stop the intoxicating effects of heroin and other drugs, making it easier for addicts to quit. Drug treatment clinics often use Suboxone as part of a medication-assisted treatment protocol.

Essential Features of a Good MAT Clinic

A professional MAT clinic relies on the latest science to fine-tune its efforts to ensure it can keep its patients safe while their bodies heal.

If you have never sought treatment for an opioid addiction before, the process can seem overwhelming, but there are a few key things to look for in a good MAT clinic. If you want to improve the chances of success for yourself or your loved one, you should make sure the MAT clinic you are considering uses:

• Scientifically proven methods – The field of addiction science is always shifting and evolving as new information comes to life. The best methadone clinics respond to the latest research, adjusting their methods to make their drug treatment even more effective.

• A full staff of medical experts – Methadone is a powerful prescription medication, and it can be dangerous in the wrong hands. That is why it is essential for anyone suffering from opioid use disorder to have full medical support throughout the detox process. Having an entire staff of doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals on-hand is the best way to ensure the patient’s safety, so they can heal their bodies and prepare for the next step on their rehab journey.

• Comprehensive follow-up care – For those suffering from opioid use disorder, detox through the use of MAT is not the end of the road – it is only the beginning. That is why it is vital to choose a MAT clinic that offers a full slate of follow-up care options. This aftercare can take many forms, from traditional 12-step meetings and peer counseling sessions to alternative treatment forms like acupuncture, yoga, and massage.

• Help with coping skills – Relapse is an ever-present danger for those suffering from opioid use disorder, and even the best MAT clinic cannot succeed with detox efforts alone. The best MAT clinics work hard to help their patients identify their personal triggers and develop the coping skills they will need to resist them.

The dangerous reality of opioid use disorder has permeated every part of American society, reaching into the inner cities, the wealthy suburbs, and rural parts of the country. No matter who you are or where you live, chances are you know someone who has struggled with these dangerous drugs.

If you are searching for help, for yourself or a loved one, we urge you to take the next step and call WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab. We operate a network of MAT clinics throughout Florida, which feature Suboxone treatment on-site. So pick up the phone today and give WhiteSands a call. Our caring counselors will discuss your unique situation, provide the information you need, and help you find the best MAT clinic for your needs.

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.