Use and abuse of opioids—including illicit and legally prescribed drugs—causes changes to brain chemistry, making it very difficult to end addiction by willpower and/or psychotherapy alone. Methadone is a medication that can help participants address their chemical dependency for more successful addiction recovery outcomes. Duke City Recovery Toolbox provides methadone maintenance treatment for eligible participants.
How Methadone Works
Methadone is a synthetic opioid developed in Germany in 1937. In the US, methadone has been used for more than 40 years as a medical treatment for chronic pain and opioid dependency.
Methadone affects the same receptors in the brain as other opioids, including morphine and heroin. In low doses, methadone acts as an analgesic (pain reliever) with a long duration, and it can help mitigate withdrawal syndrome in patients weaning off of opioids. In higher doses, methadone can actually block the euphoric effects of morphine, heroin and similar drugs. When properly dosed and monitored, methadone can help individuals reduce or stop opioid use completely.
Why Consider Methadone Maintenance Treatment
Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT), also called opiate replacement therapy, is an essential part of many successful treatment plans. MMT allows people to improve their health and social productivity by:
- Reducing or eliminating (ab)use of illicit opioids
- Reducing or eliminating criminal behaviors associated with opiate use
- Reducing the risk of contracting or transmitting infectious diseases, like Hepatitis and HIV, associated with opioid injection
MMT is even considered safe for pregnant women, allowing expecting mothers to continue treatment and improve health outcomes for themselves and their babies.
How to Start Methadone Maintenance Treatment
Methadone treatment is highly regulated, in part to prevent fatal drug interactions. To receive treatment, you must have a substance abuse diagnosis and meet federal eligibility requirements for pharmacology therapy. Duke City Recovery Toolbox can determine if methadone treatment is right for you during an intake session. If you are eligible, you will receive medication the same day.
Intake appointments are scheduled starting at 5:00 am Monday through Thursday. Walk-ins are welcome from 6:00 am to 8:00 am Monday through Thursday. Contact us to schedule your intake appointment in advance. Services may be covered by Medicaid or Self-pay.
