Methadone is a regulated drug which like morphine or heroin is a full opioid agonist, meaning the same neural receptors are activated when a person uses methadone. But unlike heroin, methadone is used in programs to help opiate dependent people so that they don't feel they need to become involved in illicit drug use activities, won't crave illicit opiates, and won't undergo the symptoms of opiate withdrawal. So rather than quitting cold turkey, programs which treat methadone clients only are authorized to dispense methadone to these clients on a daily basis. This method of treatment is called methadone maintenance therapy.
Clinics which treat methadone clients only are not typically designed to offer a broad array of extensive rehabilitation services other than daily dosing, although some might deliver individual and group therapy and counseling. Methadone use is associated with side effects, potentials for overdose and serious drug interactions because it is a full opioid agonist similar to heroin. Consequently, it is also a drug which is abused and misused by opiate addicts. Seeking supplemental recovery services in Washington is highly recommended, such as counseling, therapy and cognitive behavioral therapies that are successful at long term recovery and relapse prevention.
For All Alcohol and Drug Treatment Facilities In Washington, Click Here.