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The program is based on a medical model which treats opiate addiction as a brain disease,
and
includes the following:
• An initial intake interview
• Medical examination and laboratory tests
• Supervised
urine testing
• Assessment and treatment plan
• Addiction counseling
• Regular medical follow-up
• Daily
Methadone dose
• Post-Methadone treatment (i.e., relapse prevention, and aftercare)
How is the program staffed?
Galena Clinic utilizes a multidisciplinary treatment team approach including:
• Addiction Physicians
• Registered Nurses
• Addiction Counselors
• Other Allied Health Professionals
What is Methadone?
Methadone is a long-acting opioid medication (lasting 24-36 hours per dose). It's an effective
and
legal substitute for heroin or other narcotics (such as Oxycontin, opium, Percocet, Percodan, morphine,
codeine, etc.). Methadone has been used in treatment programs since the 1960’s.
It helps to stabilize
the lives of people who are dependent on opiates and reduce the harm
related to drug use.
It also helps them return to a stable social, economic and home environment.
M
MMTP is not a "quick fix". Methadone is part of a long-term and comprehensive
maintenance
program for opiate dependent clients. The immediate goal is to stabilize you on
your methadone dose, promote a sense of
well-being and prevent physical withdrawal symptoms.
Methadone will significantly decrease your drug cravings, and help
you eliminate drug use.
Methadone maintenance treatment works best when combined with other services and interventions. At Galena Clinic, you
will be able to freely access addiction counseling, crisis intervention and management, as well as various medical services.
Methadone
works by its effect on opiate receptors in the body. To allow it to work properly, you
are best advised to abstain from
the use of all other opiates. In the case that you choose to use other opiates with Methadone, the effect of the medication
will diminish. You will also fail to obtain the effect which you have been accustomed to after taking opiates (e.g., less
or no euphoria), and you may put yourself in higher risk for overdose. Remember, the goal of Methadone treatment is to
stabilize your body physically so that you can make the desired changes in your life, and make the best of your new "drug-free" lifestyle.
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How is Methadone taken?
Methadone is taken orally. We provide liquid and tablet form. When you first start the program,
you will be asked
to take your medication at the pharmacy daily. As you stabilize your dose,
and your treatment program, you may be
eligible for some "carries", or take home doses.
Carries should be refrigerated. It is your responsibility
to store them safely to make sure the
medication is not taken by anyone else, especially a child, or a non-opiate
dependent person,
for whom it may be lethal.
How long do I have to stay
on Methadone, and how do I taper
off Methadone?
There is no exact length of time that a person has to remain on Methadone. Rather, this is highly
variable for
each patient. However, some key factors seem to be helpful in predicting successful
Methadone tapering, and maintaining
a drug-free lifestyle. These include:
• Successful stabilization, opiate abstinence, and maintenance
on the Methadone program
for at least one to two years.
• Lifestyle modification/changes, such as a stable family life, steady employment, fewer financial
and legal difficulties,
and social support from non-drug using partner, family and friends.
Once these have been reached, the decision to taper off Methadone is made by the patient,
with support of the treating physician.
The Methadone dose is then typically tapered by approximately 10% of the daily dose, at weekly or biweekly intervals. This is
only a guide,
and many other tapering schedules are available and may be used upon mutual decision
with your treating physician.
It is important to understand that when methadone is taken as prescribed, and in conjunction with a comprehensive treatment program,
it is a safe and effective medication that patients can take for many years to both achieve and maintain a drug-free lifestyle.
Does Methadone have any
side effects?
Most people experience few, if any, side effects. Once your dose is stabilized, Methadone
is usually a very well-tolerated
medication. A few of the most common side effects and
solutions are:
• Constipation: you can try increasing fiber, fluid intake and regular exercise.
• Sweating: this can be due to a methadone dose that is too high or too low.
• Sleepiness or drowsiness: may be due
to too much Methadone, and should be assessed
by your doctor. If this is a problem, please do not drive until the symptoms are
resolved.
• Weight change: some people will put on weight, but this is usually because they are eating
properly and are
healthier.
How do I access the program?
Please contact the Galena Clinic at 815-777-1300 to get further information. Please call Monday
through Saturday
(7:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.) and identify yourself as a patient who is interested
in the Methadone Maintenance Treatment Program.
How much
does it cost?
Our fees are $100.00 due upon admission and every seven days thereafter. Money orders and
credit cards are acceptable.
Our treatment services may be covered in part, or in full, by your
workplace extended health benefits plan, or other
private insurance health care plans.
Why should I start the Methadone Maintenance Treatment Program?
If any of the following benefits are desirable to you, or are part of your future goals,
then you should give
this program your attention and consideration:
• A drug-free lifestyle
• A stable personal, social, family
and financial life
• No physical withdrawal symptoms
• Decreased or eliminated drug cravings
• Resolution
of legal concerns
• A chance to obtain or complete an education
• A chance at stable employment
• Improved
self-esteem, self-worth & independence
• Improved memory, concentration, attention & thinking
• Improved
health and the prevention of drug related health problems
(e.g., HIV, Hepatitis, Liver disease, etc.) • Improved
overall quality of life
• A chance to regain respect, trust and relationships with your spouse, children,
family
members, friends and associates.
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