Methadone is a prescription drug which similar to heroin is a full opioid agonist, meaning the same neural receptors in the brain are triggered when someone uses methadone. But unlike heroin, methadone is regulated and used in facilities to treat opiate dependent clients so that they don't feel the need to become involved in illicit drug use activities, won't crave illicit opiates, and won't undergo the effects of opiate withdrawal. So alternatively to quitting cold turkey, programs that treat methadone clients only are licensed to prescribe methadone to these individuals on a daily basis. This method of treatment is called methadone maintenance therapy.
Clinics which treat methadone clients only are not usually set up to offer a broad spectrum of comprehensive recovery services beyond daily dosing, although some might deliver group and individual therapy and counseling. Methadone use does have side effects, potentials for overdose and serious drug interactions because it is a full opioid agonist. Consequently, it is also a drug which is abused by opioid dependent individuals. Seeking further rehabilitation services in Cuba is highly recommended, including counseling, therapy and cognitive behavioral therapies which are effective in long term recovery and relapse prevention.