Have any questions?

Contact Us
Go BackStart Program Today

(Medication-Assisted Treatment)

Methadone Maintenance Program

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.

Methadone Maintenance Program

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. 1.Reduced withdrawal symptoms and cravings
  2. 2.Opioid blockade at an adequate dose
  3. 3.Structured long-term maintenance care
Methadone Maintenance Program

Stabilize your recovery with structured support.

Methadone maintenance treatment helps reduce withdrawal, control cravings, and support long-term recovery through medical care and counseling.

Start Program Today

Other Benefits
Include:

Start Program Today
  • 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. 1.A detailed history and physical exam
  2. 2.Urine drug screen testing and analysis (random and at least monthly)
  3. 3.HIV and Hepatitis C testing
  4. 4.Syphilis testing
  5. 5.TB testing and screening
  6. 6.Individual and group counseling services provided on-site by a certified or registered AOD counselor
  7. 7.Narcan/naloxone
  8. 8.Limited medical services (abscess treatment, etc.)
  9. 9.Referrals for transportation, mental health, medical, and other appropriate referral services
  10. 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
Learn More

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
Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions

Initially, an intake assessment and admission medical history and exam is completed by counseling and medical staff. Treatment options are discussed and a course of action taken. Medication recommendations are made and initated to balance safety and benefit as much as possible. It is very important to let counseling, dispensing and medical staff know how the medication is working or not so appropriate adjustments can be made.

At C.O.R.E., we strive to individualize treatment and maximize success. There is no time pressure. Some do well with short term treatment while others benefit from long term treatment. We know relapse is common and can have disasterous results. We work hard to treat each patient as long as is required to achieve long term success.

First we work closely with the individual to achieve a “normalizing’ dose of medication to alleviate withdrawal and craving while minimizing side effects. Working closely with medical, dispensing and counseling staff most often allows us to achieve this goal in the first few days to weeks.

Not necessarily. C.O.R.E. Medical Clinic serves patients in Sacramento, West Sacramento, and surrounding areas. People often choose a clinic based on accessibility, treatment needs, and location.

C.O.R.E. Medical Clinic accepts several health insurance plans, including Medi-Cal, MHN, Anthem, Medicare, Humana, Kaiser Permanente, Optum, Blue Shield of California, Magellan Health, and Western Health Advantage.

As most patients entering treatment know, opioid withdrawal is awful and inevitably leads to continued use. We are sensitive to how terrible the craving, restlessness, anxiety, bone aches, upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, sweating, etc. can be. If alcohol, benzodiazepines, stimulants, or other drugs are involved withdrawal can be medically dangerous and require residential or coordinated medical care. Opioid withdrawal can be greatly reduced or eliminated by the early doses provided but again frequent contact with treatment staff for medication adjustments is very important.

The great majority of patients seeking treatment for opioid addiction can continue their normal life, including work, while they are working to find their ’normalizing’ medication dose. If residential or coordinated medical care is required, some time off may be necessary but again this will be individualized. Clinic hours are designed to accommodate the vast majority of working patients.

We work hard to educate patients about the benefits and safety of MAT. Many myths circulate about MAT such as it causing liver problems, bone problems and being harder to get off than fentanyl or heroin. These are absolutely false and will be discussed in detail with your treatment staff. Patients who receive MAT are much healthier than patients not in treatment. Learning to manage common side effects like constipation and weight gain can make patients healthier than they have ever been. All opioids are hard to get off but MAT can set up a very careful and safe detox when a patient is ready. An abrupt short term detox is not advised and can be difficult but a gradual, medically safe detox minimizes withdrawal symptoms. Supplemental safe, non addicting medications can further reduce unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.

Don't see an answer to your question?

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us. We're here to help you.

Contact Us
Banner
NavigationHomeAboutServicesArticlesResourcesContact Us

You have right to verify a program’s license and/or certification status. You can do so at the following link:

Click here to verify
Logo

C.O.R.E Medical Clinic

© 2026 C.O.R.E. MEDICAL CLINIC.
All Rights Reserved.

HIPAA & Privacy Practices
Logo

Recovery With Respect

Improving the lives of individuals through comprehensive opioid replacement services

Contact Usor give us a call
Banner