Methadone treatment is a medical treatment for opioid use disorder. It can ease withdrawal, reduce cravings, and support a more stable routine. At Health Care Resource Centers, you receive methadone addiction treatment as part of a structured medication-assisted treatment plan.
Methadone was first used as a pain medicine and is now approved to treat opioid use disorder. At Health Care Resource Centers (HCRC), methadone treatment is one part of medication-assisted treatment, not a stand-alone service. You receive methadone, counselling, and support through a methadone program that focuses on safety and progress.
Methadone is a long-acting opioid medicine. It attaches to the same brain receptors as heroin and fentanyl but works more slowly and steadily. Within an opioid treatment program, methadone eases withdrawal, reduces cravings, and keeps a steady level of medication in your body.
In methadone treatment, you usually receive one dose each day at an in-person facility. Your treatment plan typically includes:
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This steady routine is how methadone works in opioid recovery and helps you focus on daily life. Never change your dose on your own.
Methadone treatment is usually for adults with opioid use disorder, including people who use heroin, fentanyl, or prescription pain medicines. You may be a good fit if you want to cut down or stop, and have strong cravings or withdrawal when you try.
Opioid withdrawal can cause muscle aches, anxiety, poor sleep, stomach cramps, nausea, and diarrhoea. Methadone acts on the same brain receptors as other opioids and can reduce these symptoms, so early recovery is safer and more manageable.
When used correctly, methadone can offer important benefits:
Methadone is an opioid, so it can be addictive. It is prescribed in a controlled program at a methadone clinic, where supervised doses are safer than street opioids and can reduce risks linked to injecting drugs.
Many people prefer outpatient methadone maintenance programs because they let you live at home, care for family, and keep working or studying while you receive treatment and support. Trained professionals monitor your dose, side effects, and progress, and help you decide the length of your treatment plan.
Our opioid use disorder treatment facilities provide structured methadone programs in an outpatient setting that focus on safety, respect, and steady progress.
In your first visit, you’ll meet a clinician or counsellor who reviews your health and opioid use, orders any needed tests, and explains what to expect in methadone treatment so you feel prepared.
At the start of care, you usually visit the clinic daily or several times a week for supervised dosing and support. As you become more stable, you may qualify for some take-home doses.
Alongside MAT, you receive counseling for recovery support to explore habits linked to substance use, build skills to manage stress and cravings, and address mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, or trauma.
Methadone is effective, but it has possible side effects and risks.
Common side effects can include:
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Serious risks can occur if you:
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To use methadone safely:
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There is no single timeline for methadone treatment. Some people may stay on a maintenance plan for many years, while others slowly taper off when they are stable and have strong support.
Contact HCRC to schedule an assessment, ask questions about methadone treatment and costs, and learn what to expect. Together, you and your care team can build a clear, practical plan that fits your needs and goals.
All HCRC centers are federally certified, state licensed, and accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). This recognition reflects our commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
Methadone treatment uses a regular, supervised dose to treat opioid use disorder. It usually includes counselling and other support to help you stay on track.
Methadone is a long-acting opioid that reduces withdrawal and cravings so you can focus on recovery. It steadies your body, which makes daily life more manageable.
Methadone treatment can ease symptoms, support a steadier routine, and lower overdose risk when used as prescribed. Many people also find it easier to work, study, and attend counselling.
Methadone treatment is safe when it is part of a supervised methadone program at a licensed methadone clinic. Your team checks your dose, side effects, and other medicines.
You can stay on methadone maintenance treatment for as long as you and your clinician decide it is helpful. Together, you will review your progress and adjust over time.
The best way to get started is to contact HCRC. Our team will review your history, answer your questions, and help you decide if methadone is right for you.
