Methadone is a prescription drug which similar to morphine or heroin is a full opioid agonist, which means that the same neurotransmitter receptors in the brain are triggered when someone uses methadone. But unlike heroin, methadone is regulated and used in programs to help opiate dependent clients so that they don't feel they need to become involved in illicit drug use activities, won't experience intense cravings, and won't feel the symptoms of opiate withdrawal. So instead of quitting cold turkey, clinics which treat methadone clients only are authorized to administer methadone to these individuals on a daily basis. This type of treatment is called methadone maintenance.
Facilities which treat methadone clients only are not typically designed to offer a broad spectrum of comprehensive treatment services beyond daily dosing, although some may deliver individual and group therapy and counseling. Methadone use does have side effects, potentials for overdose and serious drug interactions due to the fact that it is a full opioid agonist similar to heroin. Consequently, it is also a drug that is abused by opioid dependent individuals. Seeking further recovery services in Van is suggested, such as counseling, therapy and cognitive behavioral therapies that are successful at long term rehabilitation and relapse prevention.