Methadone clinics may offer methadone on-site administration. Some methadone clinics also offer the following services: supervision of treatment, monitored dosing, consultations, urine drug testing, naloxone distribution and mental health services.
Methadone clinics in America are subject to strict regulation by both federal and state laws. A patient must have the information necessary to give informed consent before they can begin treatment. These information include the reasons for treatment and treatment recommendations, side effects and potential risks, as well as rules to follow in order to receive methadone treatment. Once a doctor has verified that the patient consents to receiving treatment, treatment planning can start. Treatment planning can begin if the patient has shown evidence of an opioid addiction at least one year prior to admission. A clinical evaluation must be completed before treatment can begin. This includes questions about past drug use, co-occurring conditions, and the impact of substance abuse on one's life. It also provides information about treatment goals and guidelines. Also, a medical evaluation includes a urinalysis, review of past and present health, and testing for certain conditions that are common in addict populations such as HIV, Hepatitis, or Tuberculosis. A physician prescribes the medication and nurses monitor it. New York State has changed the requirements for methadone clinic acceptance, mainly because of stricter guidelines regarding prescription pain medication and decreases in non-medical prescriptions.
There are about 1500 federally-certified opioid treatment programs in the United States. There are two types of methadone clinics: private and public. Public clinics are usually more affordable. Due to limited funding, there may be a waiting list. Private clinics can be more costly but have a shorter waiting list. There are very few methadone clinics in the United States. This presents problems for those who live far away from one. California, Maryland and New York have the highest concentrations of clinics. New Jersey is second. All methadone clinics must register with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration as an accredited opioid treatment program. They are required to renew their accreditation every three years or annually depending on the time period. Before methadone can be distributed, methadone clinics must also register with the Drug Enforcement Administration. This treatment is not only for adults, but it is not recommended for anyone under 18.
Everyone has felt sleepy or tired at some point or another. When the dose of methadone has been stabilised, patients won't feel any more sleepy or drowsy than they would otherwise. During the early stages of treatment, you are likely to feel sleepy. However, when the dose of methadone is increased and kept at that level, this side effect often gets better or goes away.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which may be offered at methadone clinics or suggested by them, may help patients who are having trouble with the mental parts of opioid addiction. After the first stage of physical withdrawal symptoms, the person may feel cravings, anxiety, irritability, and tension. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) helps patients by getting them ready for any problems they might face after the physical withdrawal stage. It also helps people stay clean and stops them from using again.
Doctors, nurses, and other clinical staff watch over patients around the clock while they go through the opioid detox process. This is done to keep them safe, comfortable, and healthy while they go through the hard withdrawal phase. The first set of physical withdrawal symptoms from opiates can last from a week to a month.