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Methadone Maintenance Program in Sacramento
The Methadone Maintenance Program involves administering an appropriate, adequate dose of a long-acting, synthetic opioid called methadone. Methadone acts to stabilize the brain in opioid-dependent individuals and helps reduce the physical instability caused by opioid dependence.
Once an adequate dosage level has been achieved, the patient can expect to experience very little, if any, craving, withdrawal, or other discomfort associated with abstinence from illicit opioid use. An adequate dose is defined as the dose level that relieves withdrawal symptoms and drug craving without producing sedation.
At a sufficient dose, methadone also acts as a blockade for euphoria if opioids, such as heroin or fentanyl, are taken. The dose may be adjusted up or down to help the patient reach a stable treatment state.
The stabilization process generally takes from 2 weeks to 3 months. During and after stabilization, the patient works with counseling and medical staff to eliminate illicit drug use and build a recovery-focused lifestyle.
Methadone maintenance is designed as a long-term treatment that includes individual and group counseling centered on helping the patient make the behavioral, emotional, and practical changes needed to achieve and maintain recovery.
In summary, methadone accomplishes 3 main goals for the patient:
- 1.Reduced withdrawal symptoms and cravings
- 2.Opioid blockade at an adequate dose
- 3.Structured long-term maintenance care
Stabilize your recovery with structured support.
Methadone maintenance treatment helps reduce withdrawal, control cravings, and support long-term recovery through medical care and counseling.
Other Benefits
Include:
- Reduced rate of relapse
- Reduced involvement in illegal activities
- Reduced hospitalizations/emergency room visits for opioid related problems, such as abscess treatment, cellulitis, overdose, etc.
- Reduced risk of contracting HIV and/or Hepatitis C and other communicable diseases
- Improved outcomes for pregnant/parenting women and their newborns or children
- Development of a strong support system for long-term recovery
- Increased ability to gain and maintain employment and/or engagement in school activities
- Improved family relationships
- Overall improved health and sense of well-being
The Methadone Maintenance Program includes, but is not limited to, the following services:
- 1.A detailed history and physical exam
- 2.Urine drug screen testing and analysis (random and at least monthly)
- 3.HIV and Hepatitis C testing
- 4.Syphilis testing
- 5.TB testing and screening
- 6.Individual and group counseling services provided on-site by a certified or registered AOD counselor
- 7.Narcan/naloxone
- 8.Limited medical services (abscess treatment, etc.)
- 9.Referrals for transportation, mental health, medical, and other appropriate referral services
- 10.Discharge planning
Buprenorphine Program
- A detailed history and physical exam
- Urine drug screen testing and analysis (random and at least monthly)
- HIV and Hepatitis C testing
Long-Term Detox Program
- Medication-supported treatment utilizing methadone or buprenorphine over a 6-month period
- A stabilization dose achieved in the first few weeks of treatment
- Approximately 3 months on the stabilization dose
