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How to Get on a Methadone Program

by General Marketing

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) with methadone helps patients manage withdrawal symptoms and learn recovery skills. If you need help with opioid addiction recovery, a MAT clinic can support you. Discover the steps to take to start a methadone program below.

Signs That You Could Benefit From Methadone Treatment

Opioid addiction comes with distinct signs that can seem obvious to others but not to yourself. Everyone has a different experience with opioid use disorder, but many of the symptoms of addiction overlap. You could need help from a methadone program if you notice behaviors such as:

  • Needing to take more opioids to feel the same effects as before
  • Having uncontrollable cravings to use opioids
  • Dedicating a large amount of time and effort to opioid-related activities
  • Feeling unable to stop using opioids even if you want to

Step One: Understand Your Coverage Options

Like other types of treatment, methadone maintenance has varying insurance coverage. While the law requires insurance to cover addiction treatment, every company and plan has individual policies. You can begin your search by checking your insurance plan’s provider network. Once you find a potential clinic, call your insurance company and the treatment center for details. Your insurance may require you to meet certain criteria before they cover your treatment.

Step Two: Find a Close and Reputable Clinic

The process of finding a methadone clinic has close involvement with figuring out coverage. As you look for a treatment center, pay attention to each provider’s location and credentials. During the first stages of methadone treatment, you’ll need to visit your clinic every day, making a closer location ideal. You may also want to check the provider’s certifications and accreditations to understand their qualifications.

Step Three: Schedule and Attend Your First Appointment

Once you choose a clinic, you can contact them to schedule an intake appointment. The staff will let you know what you need to bring with you during your first visit. Most programs include the following steps in their intake process:

  • Performing a physical evaluation and drug screening
  • Asking about your medical history and history of opioid use
  • Completing paperwork about your health and experiences
  • Consulting an intake counselor to better understand your needs
  • Taking your first methadone treatment if your physician approves

What to Expect From a Methadone Maintenance Program

During a methadone MAT program, you’ll attend your clinic every day at first. These visits will involve taking your methadone for the day and participating in treatment activities like individual and group therapy. As you meet specific benchmarks under the law, you can earn the right to take your medicine at home. Experts recommend staying in a MAT program for at least a year to get the best results.

More Information on How to Start a Methadone Maintenance Program

At Health Care Resource Centers, we educate patients and the public about opioid use disorder. If you want to learn more about opioid addiction and related topics, we recommend visiting our blog.

If you want to begin opioid addiction treatment with methadone, you can also contact our staff online. We can provide care in New England or refer you to one of our nationwide partners.

Medically Reviewed By:

Health Care Resource Centers Clinical Team

Health Care Resource Centers Clinical Team

Health Care Resource Centers Clinical Team

The Clinical Team at Health Care Resource Centers is our team of physicians and medical directors within the organization. HCRC is a CARF accredited organization and has been providing addiction treatment services for over 32 years in the New England area.

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