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Tri-State Treatment
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FAQ About Addiction and Methadone
Is "MOUD" the right option for me?
Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD)
Individuals with a history of continued substance abuse, who have been unsuccessful at quitting may benefit. Before admission, individuals are evaluated by clinical and medical staff to determine if MOUD is appropriate.
What is Addiction?
Drug addiction is a chronic disease characterized by a compulsive desire to seek and use drugs, even in the face of harmful consequences. Repeated drug use alters brain function, making it difficult to resist strong cravings. These changes can persist over time, which is why addiction is considered a "relapsing" disease; individuals may return to drug use even after prolonged periods of sobriety. While relapse is common, it does not indicate that treatment has failed. Like other chronic illnesses, addiction treatment must be ongoing and tailored to meet the individual’s needs.
What is Methadone?
Methadone is a medication used to treat Opioid Use Disorder (OUD). Methadone is a long-acting full opioid agonist, and a schedule II-controlled medication. Methadone used to treat those with a confirmed diagnosis of opioid use disorder (OUD) can only be dispensed through a SAMHSA certified OTP.
Methadone is a medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat OUD as well as for pain management. When taken as prescribed, methadone is safe and effective. Methadone helps individuals achieve and sustain recovery and to reclaim active and meaningful lives. Methadone is one component of a comprehensive treatment plan, which includes counseling and other behavioral health therapies to provide patients with a whole-person approach. Under federal law 42 CFR 8.12, patients receiving treatment in Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs) must be able to receive counseling through the OTP, along with medical, vocational, educational, and other assessment and treatment services. Methadone is a long-acting opioid medication that lasts 24-36 hours per dose. It is an effective and legal alternative to opiates such as Oxycontin, Hydrocodone, Opium, Percocet, Percodan, Morphine, Codeine, and other substances. Methadone has been used in treatment programs since the 1960’s. It helps to stabilize the lives of people who are dependent on prescription pain medications and reduce the harm related to drug use. It also helps them return to a stable social, economic and home.
The Methadone program is not a "quick fix". Methadone is part of a long-term and comprehensive maintenance program for opiate dependent clients. The immediate goal is to stabilize you on your methadone dose, promote a sense of well-being and prevent physical withdrawal symptoms. Methadone will significantly decrease your drug cravings, and help you eliminate drug use. Methadone maintenance treatment works best when combined with other services and interventions. As part of Tri Treatment, you will have unrestricted access to addiction, crisis intervention and management, along a variety of medical services.
Methadone works by its effect on opiate receptors in the body. To allow it to work properly, you are best advised to abstain from the use of all other opiates. In the case that you choose to use other opiates with methadone, the effect of methadone will diminish. You will also fail to obtain the effect which you have been accustomed to after taking opiates (e.g., less or no euphoria), and you may put yourself in higher risk for overdose. Remember, the goal of Methadone treatment is to stabilize your body physically so that you can make the desired changes in your life, and make the best of your new "drug-free" lifestyle.
