Methadone, also known as Dolophine, is a synthetic opiate primarily used in the detoxification and maintenance of patients who are dependent on opiates—particularly heroin.Methadone changes the way one’s brain and nervous system respond to pain, resulting in relief from withdrawal symptoms. Its effects are slower than those of other strong painkillers like codeine, heroin, hydrocodone, morphine, and oxycodone; and works to block the high from them.

Methadone was approved for use as an opioid addiction treatment in the 1970’s. It can help those suffering from an opiate addiction quit using heroin and narcotic pain pills and reclaim an active lifestyle. It is given to patients in a comprehensive treatment environment as a part of a Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) Program, which also includes individual counseling, participation in group programs, and participation in social support programs. At Recovery Concepts, we offer an outpatient methadone treatment program—sometimes informally referred to as a “methadone clinic”—so patients do not have to interrupt their daily lives to seek treatment.
The medical director of an MAT facility provides on-site supervision and medical consultation. Methadone medication when administered through an MAT program is specifically tailored for the individual patient (as doses are often adjusted and re-adjusted). During the initial visit, patient will be asked to participate in an intake admission for treatment. This can include history and physical of patient by nursing staff and the medical director, assessment and screening by a counselor, as well as a full orientation of program rules and requirements.Patients should share their complete health history with health providers to ensure the safe use of the medication.

While there is no set amount of time that one will take methadone to treat an addiction, experts say it should be at least a year, and maybe more. The prescribing physician will carefully track the patient’s body’s response and adjust treatment. When the patient is nearing completion of the MAT program, the doctor will slowly titrate dosing to prevent withdrawal symptoms.

If you or someone you know is looking for opiate addiction treatment, Recovery Concepts may be your answer. We offer an outpatient recovery center, or “methadone clinic,” in Jasper County, the closest medication-assisted treatment program to Hilton Head and Hardeeville. We even help many patients searching for “methadone clinics” or methadone programs in Savannah. Call us today at (843) 288-1914 for a free initial assessment. We look forward to taking your call.