Methadone clinic

A methadone clinic is a clinic which has been established for the dispensing of methadone (Dolophine), a schedule II opioid analgesic, to those who abuse heroin and other opioids. The focus of these clinics is the elimination or reduction of opioid usage by putting the patient on methadone. Some clinics also offer short- or long-term detoxification services to their patients using methadone. A common term for the type of treatment at a methadone clinic is "replacement therapy". While generally considered successful as a treatment method, the use of this maintenance treatment is often viewed as controversial.

In the United States, there are generally two types of methadone clinics, public and private. The public clinics are generally cheaper to attend. However, there is usually a waiting list due to limited funding. The private clinics are more expensive to attend but usually have either a short or no waiting list. In many parts of the United States, methadone clinics are few and far between, which presents problems for addicts seeking methadone treatment who live far from a clinic. The greatest concentrations of clinics are in California, Maryland, New York, and New Jersey.

Methadone clinics in the United States operate under close federal observation and regulation. The medication is monitored by nursing staff and is prescribed by a physician. Regulations require that to enter this form of treatment, the person must show current addiction to an opioid. This is generally established by a simple urine sample. A medical examination is given prior to administration of the methadone, and new patients are often tested for certain conditions which are known to be prevalent in addict populations, such as HIV, hepatitis, and tuberculosis.

Although not required by regulation at this time in the United States, people are usually encouraged to attempt other types of treatment methods prior to entering methadone treatment programs. While not restricted to adults, this treatment method is generally not considered for people under the age of 18. As of 2013 due to the strict changes in receiving prescription pain medication as well as decreases in prescription abuse the requirements to be accepted into methadone clinics have changed in areas such as New York State. Requirements for individuals to be accepted into a methadone clinic include abusing opiates for a minimum of one year and using 135 mg of Oxycodone, 90 mg of oxymorphone, 6 bags of 25% pure heroin and 200 mg of hydrocodone.

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