Methadone clinics can be an effective option for opioid-dependent patients, especially when other options have failed. However, there are concerns about the placement of methadone treatment centers. Some people believe that the clinics can attract crime to the area. One study from the University of Maryland School of Medicine showed that crime rates do not rise when methadone clinics open. GAO in 2004 found that the placement of clinics can lead to relapse and hinder recovery.
Counselling is an essential part of addiction treatment. Methadone clinics only serve those who have been addicted to opioids. Counseling groups are required as well as individual counseling contact. It is generally agreed that the greater the intensity of the counseling contact, the higher the program's success rate. Preventing HIV exposure and transmission is also an important aspect of counseling. The clinic should be able refer patients to services such as community resources, vocational rehabilitation or education. While there is no definitive guideline regarding the length of methadone therapy, it has been shown that longer treatment results are more common. Patients who are receiving methadone treatment should be assisted in moving to a community-based setting. Patients who choose to stop receiving methadone treatment should consult their provider.
While methadone is not currently required to be administered in the United States, it is encouraged that people try alternative methods of treatment before they enroll in methadone treatment programs. Methadone, which was first used in the 1960s, is still the preferred treatment method at clinics. However, it is often included in other protocols. The National Institute on Drug Abuse provides guidelines for how to treat addiction. These include medication assisted treatment (MAT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), or medical detox. Newer medications such as buprenorphine (and naltrexone) have been introduced to relieve drug cravings, prevent opioid withdrawal, and reduce physical dependence. CBT is a customized treatment plan that allows therapists explore patterns of drug abuse and helps to develop new behavior skills. Medical detox is safe and comfortable. It provides long-term monitoring to ensure that withdrawal symptoms are under control.