Methadone Clinic - Use of Methadone Clinics

Use of Methadone Clinics

Although not required by regulation at this time in the United States, people are usually encouraged to attempt other types of treatment methods prior to entering methadone treatment programs. Most treatment programs will only accept someone to treatment after failure at less intense treatment methods. While not restricted to adults, this treatment method is generally not considered for people under the age of 18.

An important part of treatment for addiction is counseling. Methadone clinics are only for recovering addicts from opiates. Clinics require attendance at counseling groups as well as individual counseling contacts. It is generally accepted that the more intensive the counseling contacts the individual is willing to submit to, the higher the success rate of the program.

Methadone clinics operate as any other addiction medical facility. The staff usually consist of a physician to monitor the medications and treatments and nurses to administer the medication and ensure effective delivery (i.e. the person will actually consume the product). Additionally, drug counselors will be available for individual and group counseling, and there will be administrative staff to run the administrative functions. The clinical operations of the clinic are often housed in a hospital setting, although this is not required by U.S. law.