Although methadone use is not regulated in the United States currently, many people are encouraged to explore other methods of treatment before enrolling in methadone treatment programs. Methadone remains the preferred treatment choice at clinics. The National Institute on Drug Abuse offers a guideline for addiction treatment. This includes medication-assisted treatment, cognitive behavioral therapy and medical detox. Newer medication, including buprenorphine, naltrexone and naltrexone with fewer side effects have been created to alleviate drug cravings, reduce opioid effects and prevent physical dependence. CBT, a personalized treatment plan, allows therapists and clients to identify patterns of substance abuse to generate new behaviors. Medical detox offers safety and comfort, as it provides ongoing monitoring until withdrawal symptoms subside.
Methadone clinics offer methadone administration on-site. Other services offered by methadone clinics include supervision, monitoring, prescriptions, consultations, urine drug tests, naloxone delivery, mental health services, HIV/HCV services, and primary care.
Methadone clinics throughout the United States adhere to strict regulations set by federal and state laws. Patients must be provided with sufficient information before entering treatment. This information must include reasons for treatment, recommendations, side effects and risks, and rules to be followed in order to receive methadone therapy. The consent form must be signed by a physician to confirm that the patient has chosen to receive treatment. Treatment planning can then begin. To be eligible for treatment, the patient must prove that he/she is currently addicted to opioids using accepted medical criteria like those in DSM-5. Before treatment can be administered, a clinical assessment is needed. This will include questions about drug use, coexisting disorders, and the effects of substance use on your life. Also, information about the treatment goals. A medical evaluation also includes a urinalysis (a blood test), a review and analysis of past and ongoing health history, as well as a test to determine if certain conditions are prevalent in addicted populations. The prescription is made by a doctor and the medication is administered by nurses. New York State's requirements for admitting methadone patients to their clinics has changed since 2013. This is due to strict changes in the way prescription pain medications are received and the decrease in non-medical prescription usage.