Methadone clinic
A methadone clinic is a clinic which has been established for the distribution of methadone (dolophine), a schedule II narcotic analgesic, to those who abuse heroin and other opiates. The focus of these clinics is the elimination or reduction of opiate usage by maintaining 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 considered controversial.
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 opiate. 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 and tuberculosis.
In the United States, there are generally two types of Methadone Clinics, public and private. The public clinics generally are 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, New York, and New Jersey.
An important part of treatment for addiction is counseling. All Methadone clinics will offer counseling by regulation. However, the emphasis on counseling will vary widely. At some clinics, counseling is considered complete after 10 minutes with a counselor. Other clinics require attendance at counseling groups as well as individual counseling contacts. It is generally accepted that the more intensive the counseling contacts the individual is willing to submit to, the higher the success rate of the program.
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. Most treatment programs will only accept someone to treatment after failure at less intense treatment methods. While not restricted to adults, this treatment method is generally not considered for people under the age of 18.
Clinics operate as any other addiction medical facility. The staff usually consist of a physician to monitor the medications and treatments and nurses to administer the medication and ensure effective delivery (i.e.. the person will actually consume the product). Additionally, drug counselors will be available for individual and group counseling, and there will be administrative staff to run the administrative functions. Frequently, the clinical operations of the clinic will be housed in a hospital setting although this is not required by US law. Methodone is a legal substance control treatment therapy.